Where the Adults Are

A honeymoon should be about romance, good food, and relaxation -- for couples getting hitched in California, nearby Santa Fe, N.M., fits the bill.

By Neal Broverman

As gay couples rush to the altar in California ahead of the November election that could snatch their marriage rights away, many are planning hasty honeymoons to Vegas and Palm Springs. Ho-hum. May we suggest another destination not far from the Golden State?

Santa Fe, N.M.. is the grown-up place to toast your love. Art, restaurants, adorable adobe architecture, gorgeous scenery -- it’s all there. Do you really want to go to a circuit party or a clothing-optional resort after you just promised your life to another?

Temptation of the wandering-eye variety is hard to come by in Santa Fe -- the only gay bar is in an LGBT retirement home 20 minutes from downtown (we kid you not). The real temptation is the plethora of restaurants right at your fork tines. The New Mexican capital has only about 70,000 residents but hundreds of top-notch eating establishments, many of which are sophisticated, romantic, and friendly. Santa Fe, of course, specializes in authentic Southwest cuisine: everything from tamales to Frito pie. Standouts include Fuego (330 E. Palace Ave.; 505-986-0000) and Geronimo (724 Canyon Rd.; 505-982-1500).

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Broverman is the associate editor of The Advocate.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Tom
Date posted: 9/5/2008 5:35:00 PM
Hometown: SF Bay Area

Comment:
Santa Fe is a perfect place for a honeymoon. My partner and I love this destination. But I must take issue with the headline writers knowledge of geography. The last time I checked, "nearby" Santa Fe was 1,200 miles from my California home.
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Name: dennis
Date posted: 9/5/2008 4:47:00 PM
Hometown: LA

Comment:
If New Mexico is so welcoming of same-sex couples, why hasn't same-sex marriage been recognized there? Seems to me that same-sex couples should put their money into the state which officially recognizes their marriages.
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Name: Kevin
Date posted: 9/5/2008 1:03:00 PM
Hometown: Albuquerque

Comment:
Santa Fe is a wonderful place to visit. Another great place to stay is the gay owned Inn of the Turquoise Bear bed and breakfast. It is within walking distance of the plaza and many restaurants. There are a lot of hiking trails in the area and a beautiful spa called 10,000 Waves that should be checked out.
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Name: Luiz W Cordeiro
Date posted: 9/5/2008 10:49:00 AM
Hometown: Connecticut

Comment:
My partner and I just celebrated our second anniversary in Santa Fe. Not only the food is fantastic but we always stay at El Paradero B&B - the staff is wonderful and welcome all with open arms. It was our fourth visit to Santa Fe and we could not be happier - another restaurant to visit - The Compound - you will not be disapointed!
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Name: Michael
Date posted: 9/5/2008 12:39:00 AM
Hometown: Albuquerque

Comment:
As a New Mexico native, I could not agree more with this article. One thing it didn't mention though also was that Santa Fe (as well as New Mexico as a whole) is very welcoming and accepting of LGBT couples. My husband and I of six years have never had a major issue of discrimination. Santa Fe is a beautiful city as is near-by Taos and Albuquerque.

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