Get outside while the getting's good.
Jane Austen once said, "To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment." In Santa Fe, the fall season means prolific sunflowers, cool breezes and numerous opportunities to soak up some nature. There are hikes with the Sierra Club and Farmer's Market events. The Santa Fe Striders organization offers group runs and there are bicycle rides galore sponsored by New Mexico Cycling. That means there's no excuse to get outdoors and appreciate nature. Jane Austen may have written some awfully romantic prose, but perhaps she is right-the most perfect refreshment can be found outside.
Sunday, September 3
TAKE A HIKE
If you're looking for a way to get outdoors, encounter new scenery and meet people, the Sierra Club offers an adventure along the Winsor Trail. Leaving at 9 am, this easy/moderate hike is 4.5 miles roundtrip. The group walks the Ski Basin to Nambe Creek. Reservations are required, so call Victor Atyas, 438-9434.
Saturday, September 16
NAME THAT BIRD
The Sierra Club joins the Audubon Society for an easy bird-watch walk. Bring your binoculars! Call Ron Duffy, 982-2890.
FALL HARVEST
The Farmer's Market Annual Harvest Festival is its largest festival of the year, when farmers bring their crops to accompany various contests. You'll be sure to find plenty of fresh food, music and chile-it's also the biggest roasting day of the year.
Saturday, September 30
TAKE A TREK
Here is a great chance to explore Tesuque, Santa Fe's great backyard. The Sierra Club will lead a moderate-paced hike along the Tesuque Creek, up to the ridgeline and Tesuque Peak. It's the perfect time to check out the Aspens. Feel free to bring your dog along for the adventure. Call Norma McCallan to reserve a spot for you and your four-legged friend, 471-0005.
DOWN BY THE RIVER
If hiking doesn't strike your fancy on this day, put your limbs to use in other areas. Help the Sierra Club in a River Cleanup Day and prepare the Santa Fe River for a clean winter. Call John Buchser, 820-0201.
BEYOND BULBS
The Farmer's Market offers a Fall Planting Clinic for those with or without green thumbs. Sponsored by the Santa Fe Master Gardner's Organization, the clinic will provide plenty of information, answer questions and help aspiring growers understand why Santa Fe fall planting is the best.
Saturday, October 7
VIVA FALL FESTIVAL
It's time for the Farmer's Market Annual Fall Festival. This event wraps up the season with colorful produce, games, pumpkin carving and a few small sporting events. Be sure to take advantage of one of the last few Farmer's Markets before the season ends.
JUST FOR KICKS
At 9 am, brave souls will meet for the Big Tesuque 12-Mile Trail Run. The event will follow the Forest Service road through aspens and pines to the radio towers at the top of the ski area. It'll be a challenging change in altitude from 10,000 to 12,000 feet, so be prepared. Registration costs are $22 if received before the big day, and $28 the day of. Call Kris at 667-8027 or register online at
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Saturday, October 14
THE GREAT PUMPKIN EVENT
The Farmer's Market brings a Pumpkin Festival to carving fanatics. A previous El Farol chef, Kit Baum will design and demonstrate some of the most imaginative and wonderful pumpkin carving around. In fact, Kit's designs have been called the best in town. Head over and improve your pumpkin styling.
ALL FALL LONG
At 6 pm on Wednesdays, the Santa Fe Striders meet across from the Plaza's clock for a 5-8 mile run. Although these have dwindled, they can quickly be revitalized if enough participants are interested.
At 6 pm on Thursdays, meet at the Running Hub (333 Montezuma #6) for a Santa Fe Strider group run. The distance and difficulty is varied.
Every Saturday and Sunday, the New Mexico Cycling organization meets at Bike-n-Sport (524 Cordova Road) for a group ride. Times vary according to the seasons.
At 10 am Sundays, meet at the Solana Center for another New Mexico Cycling ride. Call Stephen Newhall at 505-984-8048 if interested.
For more info on these events and groups check out:
