It is hard not to notice this pink palace in Santa Fe, N.M. Wikipedia says the building is of a…read more"Moorish Revival style structure based loosely on one of the gatehouses to the Court of the Lions at the Alhambra in Spain." The architects who designed it were famous for their work in the Spanish California Mission style, but decided instead to "base their design on a connection between the Spanish building tradition of New Mexico and that of the Moors in southern Spain." Whatever the architectural designation, it is a beautiful building. Noteworthy is the pink colored stucco that this Masonic Lodge has as it's outer covering. Because Santa Fe is such a vibrant city and the bold colors of the desert Southwest are everywhere, the pink stucco does not seem as garish as it conceivably could. Still it caught my eye when I was on the Santa Fe City Tour and I was very taken with the unique design elements of this Lodge. Originally chartered on May 8, 1851 under the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Montezuma Lodge, from its beginning, assumed a leadership role and did everything in its power to pave the way for Masonry, in the entire territory. At this time, the New Mexican frontier was a dangerous place. The Lodge's first official Junior Warden was killed by Apache Indians just 4 months into his job. Anglo Americans in Santa Fe were rare and there was almost no women among them. Except for saloons and gambling halls, there were no social center to be founds. There were no Protestant churches; not even a cemetery for the burial of their dead. It really was the wild, wild west! But the Masonic Lodge became a civilizing factor in town. Soon the members had founded a cemetery to host funerals of their members. The Lodge brought men of like minds together, furnished them a social life and mutual protection amid the dangerous frontier. For nine years it was the only lodge in the territory. This building is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It certainly contains a host of artifacts from the mid 1800's when most of the furniture of the original lodge was transported by wagon train over the old Santa Fe Trail from Missouri. Some of that furniture is still in use today! Though a little suspicious of Masons because of the Dan Brown books (Da Vinci Code, etc.) and Nicolas Cage "National Treasure" movies, I will give them the benefit of the doubt here and 5 YELP STARS for their fabulous Santa Fe Masonic Lodge.

This is the local Freemason's Blue Lodge for Cerrillos County, which incidentially shares it's…read morebuilding space with Montezuma Lodge #1. It's open on the weekdays and houses Kit Carson's rifle, lots of antiques, a meeting space, kitchen, and some amazing historic photos. It's usually open to the public during the day and aspiring Freemasons are welcome to come by and inquire about membership from what I understand.

Very well kept. Open dawn to dark…read more There are restrooms in the visitors center Be careful exiting, cross traffic moves quickly

Beautiful and sad. Proud and humbled. What more can you really say about a monument to brave…read moreservice people buried beneath it?

We were extremely fortunate and appreciative to have Amber Pope help us cope with the sudden and…read moreunexpected loss of our loved one. Her natural compassion and warmth, combined with a high level of knowledge and professionalism, were comforting. She suggested and guided us through a brief and intimate ceremony that provided an opportunity for an early small gathering of family and friends. Our sincere gratitude to her and the entire team at Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations. -- Marty, Dudley, and Scott

As we all know, we are lost when it comes to a loved one passing away. My mother had chosen another…read moreplace to do her funeral arrangements and because of issue's they gave us, I am very grateful I went with another funeral place and spoke with Marc Gonzalez Funeral Director at Rivera Funeral Home who help make my mother's burial wishes transition smoothly. From helping me with her casket, death certificate, planning out her obituary message, flowers for her service, my mom's wishes to drive around the mall one last time before being buried, mariachi music, church arrangements, security, limo, releasing of the doves & meaning & family involved with it. Plus, all family throwing rose petals in the air & stating one thing they remembered about her before she was buried meant a lot. It was meaningful, and I couldn't ask for better service than what he provided. Thank you, Rivera Funeral Home, for all you did for me and my family during vulnerable moments of my loss of my mother.

After reading Craig F's review about repairs I stopped by while in Santa Fe. My experience could…read morenot have been better. I have a silver bracelet with a broken clasp. I was directed to Ricardo, who repaired it while I waited. I was thrilled that it could be done so quickly as I had driven from Taos. He did a great job, it was affordable, and it looks like it will last for years. The young lady at the register was so friendly too. I would highly recommend Bella Fine Jewelry. And their jewelry is GORGEOUS! Maybe next time...

Looking for someone to repair your jewelry? Look no further…read more My wife had a broken turquoise cuff bracelet that we took to Ricardo at Bella Fine Jewelry hoping to have it repaired. The bracelet was beyond repair, but Ricardo suggested using the separate pieces to create two pendants. And what a fine job he did! Creative and professional, he is worth the visit.

A great family-owned business! Great quality, great prices, great people! Highly recommend.read more

We had a great experience with Tees & Skis! We were next door at the burrito place getting lunch…read moreand immediately clocked the ristras hanging outside of this store. After we ate we came back over and bought a large one. They let you pick which one you want and get it off for you. As she was packing it into the paper bag, she told us how to properly keep it and transport it home since we were on a road trip. We got it home successfully and it looks amazing hanging in our kitchen! We went back the next day because my husband (a lover of all things spicy) decided he wanted a small one to hang from his rear view mirror in his car. A different lady helped me this time and she was very kind! I will say that she put the small one in a plastic bag and didn't explain how to keep it, but that may have been because I told her we had been in the day before getting a larger one. I thought we paid a decent price for what we got and the service from both ladies was stellar!

I discovered this shop about four years ago and owners, Loreen and her husband are the nicest folk…read moreon earth. The costume jewelry pops and the price range is truly affordable. They have a number of pieces in display cases that are standouts made by local artists. They have bottle caps bracelets and handbags made in Brazil by a women's co-op that was featured in "O" magazine, which I purchased. As you know settings and grade of stones determine price, so know that this is "costume jewelery" which is extremely well made and fun to wear. One of her local artists makes the most whimsical pieces, one that I could not resist! Go check it out since it is just off the Plaza.

Have only donated items here but never shopped. Staff has always been very friendly and…read moreaccommodating in assisting with unloading items. Parking can be a little challenging and tight.

Friendly staff and great store but right next door is a homeless camp and the parking lot is full…read morepeople sitting in cars, walking around in pajamas and doing god knows what behind bushes. It appears to be an active hub for illicit dealings. Cars pulling up, exchanging something for something and leaving. Super sketch.

Clean, we'll attended, have soap machines, and provide quarters. Can not say enough about how they…read morerun a good business.

Great laundromat! clean, convenient and, most of all, WORKING MACHINES!!!…read moreWe live in Taos and have very poor choices for laundromats. The biggest one has over half non- working machines so often has no available washers. On a whim, we brought out laundry to Espanola when we had to come for another reason. We we so pleasantly surprised at the quality here.