Jim Fatzinger

The so-called “Echo Square” (a small section of Rousakis Plaza) at 305 E. River Street is easily missed. Look for 4 short, curved planters around a circular plaza resembling a compass opposite the shops Bob’s Your Uncle and Fannie’s Your Aunt. Supposedly, if you stand in the center and speak, you’ll hear your voice echoing back to you but no one standing outside the square will be able to hear what you say. We found the auditory phenomenon underwhelming, perhaps due to the ambient noise from the crowds on River Street.

The Railyard, Santa Fe’s eclectic public space, is a unique opportunity to witness urban evolution in progress. The nonprofit organization that manages this 50-acre site (more than 25% of which is open space for public gathering) insulates implementation of the master plan from changing political whims, ensuring fidelity to the founding vision of “…build(ing) a vibrant, beautiful, popular and safe community gathering place representing the history, values and aspirations of the people of Santa Fe.” Tip #1: On-street parking is free on Sundays; on other days, the best parking option is probably the underground garage near REI. Tip #2: Cross Paseo de Peralta and there are plenty of picnic areas (with restrooms). Here are just some of the recurring/ongoing events and activities at The Railyard:
• One of the top Farmers Markets in the U.S. with 120 outside stalls and another 40 inside the Market Hall: Saturdays, 8am-1pm (Free)
• Railyard Artisan Market featuring only local artists and creative small businesses: Sundays, 10am-3pm (Free)
• Summer music concerts (with food trucks): Fridays, 7-10pm (Free)
• Summer movie series (BYO food and drinks): Every other Saturday, 7-9pm (Free)
• El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe Mercado (Arts & Culture Market) featuring Native American jewelry, art, textiles, clothing, furniture, and collectibles: Saturdays, 9am-4pm and Sundays, 10am-4pm (Free)
• Fanciful journeys (e.g., Sunset Burlesque” and “Margarita Rail”) in painstakingly refurbished train cars on Sky Railway board here. The creative force behind this project is none other than George R. R. Martin, creator of Game of Thrones, who describes Sky Railway as “transporting (riders) to another time and reality” on “one-of-a-kind immersive experiences.”
• SITE Santa Fe, a contemporary art museum: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am-5pm; Fridays, 10-7pm (Free)
• “Bluegrass and Bagels,” jam session with bagels and coffee: Every 2nd Sunday, 9am-Noon (Free, donations encouraged).
• 2 theaters: Jean Cocteau Cinema (another George R. R. Martin project) and Violet Crown (offers 4-hour parking validation with ticket purchase)
• 2-hour Historic Railyard Walking Tour: Tuesdays, 10-11:30am ($33).