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.

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.

Irvine Fine Arts Center Holiday Faire features more than 150 vendors displaying arts and crafts, hand-blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, folk crafts, porcelain dolls, clothing, holiday decorations and more. Typically held in early November.

The low-lying Fort Marlborough was built by the British in the 18th century, and as a cover operation, its entrance was hidden in a deep tunnel. Take a tour through the fort's gloomy tunnels for a unique experience.