If you're looking for something to do that's a little off the beaten tourist path, you might consider taking a class.
You can master the flavors of Santa Fe with an entertaining 3-hour demonstration cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking and Market, on the upper level of the Plaza Mercado, 116 W. San Francisco St. (tel. 505/983-4511; fax 505/983-7540; www.santafeschoolofcooking.com). The class teaches about the flavors and history of traditional New Mexican and contemporary Southwestern cuisines. "Cooking Light" classes are available as well. Prices range from $40 to $88 and include a meal; call for a class schedule. The adjoining market offers a variety of regional foods and cookbooks, with gift baskets available.
If Southwestern art has you hooked, you can take a drawing and painting class led by Santa Fe artist Jane Shoenfeld. Students sketch such outdoor subjects as the Santa Fe landscape and adobe architecture. In case of inclement weather, classes are held in the studio. Each class lasts for 3 hours, and art materials are included in the fee, which ranges from $85 to $90. Private lessons can also be arranged. All levels of experience are welcome. Children's classes can be arranged. You can create your own personal art adventure with one of Shoenfeld's 1-day classes at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, or a 5-day intensive class (also held at Ghost Ranch). Contact Jane at Sketching Santa Fe, P.O. Box 5912, Santa Fe, NM 87502 (tel. 505/986-1108; fax 505/986-3845; www.skyfields.net).
Some of the world's most outstanding photographers convene in Santa Fe at various times during the year for the Santa Fe Photography & Digital Workshops, P.O. Box 9916, Santa Fe, NM 87504, at a delightful campus in the hills on the east side of town (tel. 505/983-1400; www.santafeworkshops.com). Most courses are full-time, lasting a week. Food and lodging packages are available.
Wine Tastings -- If you enjoy sampling regional wines, consider visiting the wineries within easy driving distance of Santa Fe: Balagna Winery/Il Santo Cellars, 223 Rio Bravo Dr., in Los Alamos (White Rock) (tel. 505/672-3678), north on US 84/285 and then west on NM 502; Santa Fe Vineyards, with a retail outlet at 235 Don Gaspar Ave., in Santa Fe (tel. 505/982-3474), or the vineyard itself about 20 miles north of Santa Fe on US 84/285 (tel. 505/753-8100); Madison Vineyards & Winery, in Ribera (tel. 505/421-8028), about 45 miles east of Santa Fe on I-25 North; and the Black Mesa Winery, 1502 Hwy. 68, in Velarde (tel. 800/852-6372), north on US 84/285 to NM 68. Be sure to call in advance to find out when the wineries are open for tastings and to get specific directions.
