Santa Fe

Courtesy Seth Roffman

Mixed in with the authentic, the venerable and the uniquely Santa Fe are cheap knockoff boutiques that hawk endless displays of folk art, turquoise jewelry and faux suede. Don’t despair: you can find a lot of quality in the mix. The Rainbow Man carries incredible work by Edward S. Curtis, the famous photographer of the American West and Native Americans; Keshi sells handmade fetishes by artisans of the Zuni Pueblo; Doodlet’s is a fun-filled shop for kids and adults; and the artisanal chocolates made and sold at Todos Santos can hold their own with the best in the world. For silver and turquoise-embellished jewelry, peruse the artisans selling their wares at the Palace of the Governors. Everyone seems to have their favorite vendor – you’ll receive tips like “Don’t miss the really tall Mexican guy with the chunky rings” – and every blanket and cart has its own style and sensibility. You can bargain, as you’re buying directly from the artists as opposed to paying marked-up boutique prices.