If you have the opportunity to rent a car, the scenic 1 1/2 hour drive from Santa Fe to the Municipality of Taos, north of Santa Fe, should be on your list. Surrounded by incredible landscapes, the town offers endless recreational activities.

The 11th century church of San Severo (Cappella di San Severo) was built on the site of a pagan temple. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it is noteworthy for the fresco in its 14th century chapel: the upper part is by the great Renaissance painter Raphael, the lower part by Perugino.

Used a backdrop for weddings, the Loretto Chapel is one of Santa Fe's oldest and most dear attractions. Formerly a Roman Catholic church, it now serves as a museum and wedding venue. Perhaps beyond its grand beauty and elegance, Loretto Chapel's continued allure lies in its mysterious spiral staircase. Both the identity of its builder and the stunning physics of its construction - there were no supports holding it as it spirals into the choir loft - remain a mystery. Legend says that St. Joseph himself made it, as the man who did build the staircase disappeared before the nuns were able to pay him, and the wood used was not native to the area. It is a stunning salute to the science of physics and the hearts of believers.

The Museum of International Folk Art has a history of preserving the arts spanning six decades. In the time since their opening in 1953, the museum has gained national and international acclaim as an accredited art gallery. With a collection of more than 135,000 artifacts, they are home to the world’s largest collection of folk art. Explore the exhibitions covering four wings: Bartlett, Girard, Hispanic Heritage, and Neutrogena.