ah! yes santa fe is quite busy! i prefer the outlying towns as well. we lived in taos for a year, as i think i mentioned, and it's such a special place. outlying towns hold such gems of art, culture, connection, etc, when you're well enough to explore!!! <3 especially the trip to taos from santa fe or even "the high road" from santa fe which goes through some truly cool small towns, are very neat. happy exploring! i hope to visit this area of the world again before too long <3