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Scenic USA - New Mexico Santa Fe Railyard |
| Photos by Betsy Kellenberger Betsy Kellenberger Photography |
Located between the Jemez Mountains and the Sangre De Cristo Range, 19th century Santa Fe lay out of reach from a main rail line, and travelers still relied on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Finally in 1881, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway added a spur through the rugged mountain region into Santa Fe. Excited to be witnessing the Old World charm of Santa Fe, visitors streamed into the Santa Fe Depot by the carloads. The Railyard soon developed into a social center and played host for a large influx of worldwide tourists.
Hoping to regain this 19th century era of city bustle, art, culture and local cuisine, the Santa Fe development board put their master plan to the test.
Spread out over 50 acres along South Guadalupe Street, the Railyard now houses museums, shops, restaurants, art and craft outlets, a farmer's market and, of course, the Santa Fe Depot.
Maintaining the character of the Railyard, the new is blended with the old. The Sante Fe Farmers Market began in 1960 with a handful of farmers. Today the market hosts over 100 vendors, offering fresh vegetables, flowers, cheeses, chilies and herbs. Changing seasonally, the market remains open all year. A large park on the southern side features a walking path and the outdoor Performance Green, all surrounded in native gardens.
The RailRunner Express, a commuter service, ran seven days a week between Belen, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Railway also offered an excursion train, tracing the 130 year old spur from Lamy to Santa Fe. Boarding vintage coaches from the Old Santa Fe Depot added an Old West feel to this run through the High Desert. But to date, the excursion trains have been cancelled while the railway is looking for additional funding.
Railyard Map
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Additional Points of Interest |
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