Apres-Ski / Nightlife (Area Code 505)

Aside from dining out, Santa Fe's nightlife is dismal. This town is more about art, history and culture. For elegant apres-ski (you can go in ski clothes), head for the bars at Inn of the Anasazi or La Posada (right), both close to the Plaza. A wonderful place to mix dinner with entertainment is at La Cantina (988-9232) in the historic Sena Plaza, a stately adobe built as a family home in the 1860s. The restaurant features New Mexican specialties and singing waiters and waitresses. For about $20, you can eat, drink and hear an exceptional dinner theater show, belted out between courses. Children are welcome, reservations a must. Los Mayas (986-9930) often has Flamenco dinner shows.

The Cowgirl, El Farol and Willee's Blues Bar have music and lively scenes.

The Catamount Bar & Grill (125 E. Water St.; 988-7222) is a sports bar teeming with locals and tourists featuring big-screen TV, pool tables and specials like “Jägermeister Night.”