Best Small City In America: Santa Fe New Mexico!

Why am I not surprised! I had the privilege of living in Santa Fe for over two years. There was always a world class festival, art show or event happening.

Santa Fe, New Mexico has been named the Best Small City in America by Condé Nast Traveler’s 26^th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, a ranking of the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and resorts in the world. Condé Nast Traveler had 79,268 readers participate in the 2013 survey, resulting in 1.3 million votes.   

The publication credits the destination’s cultural scene as one of its best assets, noting, “no other place in the country so beautifully reflects the art, architecture, food, and crafts of centuries of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influence.” Also included was a recommendation to visit the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) on Museum Hill. 

The complete ranking of the Best Small Cities in America includes: 

1.       Santa Fe, NM

2.       Carmel-by-the-sea, CA

3.       Napa, CA

4.       Telluride, CO

5.       Newport, RI

6.       Santa Barbara, CA

7.       Jackson Hole, WY

8.       Aspen, CO

9.       Sedona, AZ

10.     Key West, FL

The Condé Nast Traveler ranking is one of several important accolades Santa Fe has garnered thus far in 2014. Earlier this year, Santa Fe’s winding streets and abundance of world-class cafes and spas earned Santa Fe the No. 3 ranking as the country’s coziest city by The Huffington Post. The website 10best.com recognized Santa Fe in myriad categories, including the nation’s top destination for a girlfriend getaway, a top 10 historic destination, and the fourth most romantic getaway in North America. 

Its clean air and mountain perch make it a top destination for outdoor adventure. In March, Outside crowned Santa Fe as the nation’s Best Trail Running City. The League of American Bicyclists awarded Santa Fe a Silver Level designation for its welcoming bike culture. 

Through a variety of special events, visitors to Santa Fe this summer can experience first-hand the cultural and culinary scene that earned the Condé Nast Traveler ranking, including: 

Santa Fe Indian Market , August 18 - 24, 2014

This spectacular festival is celebrating its 93rd year as more than 1,000 gifted Native American artists from across the United States travel to Santa Fe to showcase their skills at the largest Native American art show and sale in the world.  www.swaia.org/. 

Burning of Zozobra , Aug. 29, 2014

The annual torching of 50-foot-tall Old Man Gloom, a puppet stuffed with thousands of scraps of paper bearing the citizenry's sad thoughts, has been a fall highlight for 90 years. 

Santa Fe Fiesta, Sept. 5-7, 2014

The oldest continuously celebrated community event in the country fills the historic Plaza with food and music, dancing and parades. Fiesta is the city’s most enduring tradition and one of the summer’s most anticipated weekends. More information is available at www.santafefiesta.org  

Santa Fe Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown, Sept. 12, 2014

After a successful inaugural run, this culinary competition is back for a second year as chefs from local restaurants compete to determine which restaurant’s green chile cheeseburger is the best in town. Judged by a panel of notable food experts, this event takes place at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market. Tickets are available now at ticketssantafe.org. 

For the complete list of Readers’ Choice Awards and the methodology, visit http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards. Click here to see the full list of “The 10 Best Small Cities in America.”