Christmas at The Palace – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

This first week of December is an exciting time for most Santa Fean’s.  Farolitos are in place along the rooftops, the shops are “dressed in holiday style”, we’ve had a gentle dusting of snow and I’m rehearsing the tunes from my CD, “A Tender Santa Fe Christmas”.  The first time our son, Nick, sat on Santa’s knee was in the courtyard of the Palace of The Governors in downtown Santa Fe.  It is the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. December 11^th is the 25^th annual  Christmas at the Palace. On the 13^th is Las Posadas which re-enacts the travels of Mary and Joseph. Every day and night, somewhere in Santa Fe, are musical performances ranging from exquisite choral arrangements at the St. Francis Cathedral, and Chamber music at The Inn at Loretto . If you like great jazz don’t miss Pat Malone.  Give me a call and I’ll let you know where he’s performing. Come and join the tradition! 

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael’s Minute of Real Estate

If you need to sell your house soon, now is the time to appeal to buyers.  Make decisions, reduce your price and get ready to close the sale.  If you’re moving on to another home purchase, act fast to take advantage of low prices and mortgage interest rates.  The bargain you are likely to get with the purchase of your next home has the potential to far exceed any price reductions you may make on the sale of your current home.

My Business-To-Business Referral

The St. Francis Hotel is bringing back Afternoon Tea!  My wife, Tonia, is the Hospitality Consultant and is an expert on exotic teas of the world and is also an accomplished in Japanese Tea Ceremony.  You can come to the hotel on Don Gaspar and Water Streets and have teas, desserts, cheeses and Sherry. Tea service will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00pm.  Much more on this in next week’s post.

I’ll see you in the neighborhood.

Michael

Canyon Road – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico – Michael’s Blog

Rich in art and history, Canyon Road is the cultural center of Santa Fe.  Located in the heart of the Historic Eastside, the art galleries found on the ¾ mile lane are what help make Santa Fe not only a world-class travel destination but also the 2^nd largest art market in the country.  My family takes its daily walk on Canyon Road from our home in the South Capitol District.  One of our favorite destinations is The Teahouse, on the corner of Palace Avenue and Canyon Road, where we stop for one of their exotic teas and a decadent pastry. The adobe walls and gardens are a spectacular sight this time of year and it’s a delight when we can discover who and what lives behind them. Santa Fe was once known as the Lilac Capitol of the world.  The word “Gringo” was given to us during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), when U.S. Cavalry troops, riding through Mexico, would sing “Green Grow the Lilacs”.   You’ll also find Nathalie’s clothing and furniture shop, fine dining at Geronimo’s, live music and Spanish tapas served at El Farol.  If you hear my Christmas music album, “A Tender Santa Fe Christmas“, you’ll get the feel for what awaits you on Christmas Eve, when thousands of people from all over the world gather here to walk Canyon Road in a light snow, to view the decorations, sing carols around blazing luminarios and to share in the spirit that is Santa Fe. 

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

Just as Americans did in the days of and Pearl Harbor and World War II, I believe we need to rally behind our leader. The President’s Stimulus Plan will help to stabilize the housing market and aid the unemployed.  The Stability Plan is helping the owners of 3-5 million homes in jeopardy of foreclosure by giving them the means to refinance. The current market has given me an exciting opportunity to be the ultimate coach to my buyers and sellers and to instill confidence in them. Still, all real estate is local. 

My Business to Business Referral

 Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  Dr. Gabriel Roybal is our family dentist and has been for 16 years.  His office is one of the most elegant and was designed by local architect David Naylor. Dr. Roybal has achieved national recognition for excellence for cosmetic dentistry by his peers.  It is estimated Dr. Roybal has placed more than 30,000 porcelain veneers, crowns and crown restorations during the course of his career.  Gabriel is a person I can put my name to.  He can be reached at 505.989.8749 and on the Web at www.gabrielroybal.com  Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you.  If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. 

With best wishes,

Michael Umphrey