Jenny's View

Celebrate Fred Harvey!

Dear Friends,

This year, we are thrilled to have Stephen Fried, the ultimate “Fred Head” and acclaimed author, once again, lead the Fred Harvey weekend festivities. Stephen also graciously wrote the forward to our popular history book, La Fonda Then and Now, available in our gift shop. Dive into Harvey’s rich history and learn about his pioneering work that shaped hospitality and dining along the Santa Fe Railway. Join us for presentations, delicious Fred Harvey-inspired meals, and take a deeper look into the man who revolutionized American travel. Whether you're a seasoned Fred Head or new to his legacy, this weekend promises to offer fresh insights to both La Fonda and Southwest history.

While the weekend is filled with enriching talks and excursions, my favorite part is the Fred Harvey Foodie Dinner held in the Lumpkins Ballroom at La Fonda (Oct 26); buy tickets here. I absolutely love reuniting with folks from near and far to raise money for the New Mexico History Museum’s projects related to Harvey Hotels, the Santa Fe Railway, Native American Art and the economic history of the Southwest – all while enjoying the cuisine by the region’s top chefs! Our very own, Chef Lane Warner and Chef de Cuisine, Rafael Zamora join the talented Dakota Weiss (of Capital Coal Neighborhood Eatery), Murphy O' Brien (Cafe Fina) & Gabe Calhoun (Legal Tender); and the talented Chef Jerry Dakan & culinary students from Santa Fe Community College. Talk about a fantastic mix of personality and flare – and all led by MC Johnny “Vee” Vollertsen of Las Cosas Kitchen. Plus, each diner will receive a special piece of Mimbreño china, designed by Mary Colter for the Fred Harvey Company and The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and recreated for the dinner by our partners at HF Coors (explore the many wares available in our gift shop here).

This month in New Mexico is also synonymous with hot air, and not the kind that fools you! The world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is taking flight (Oct 5-13), just an hour's drive from Santa Fe. The Duke City sky becomes a surreal collage of special shapes (one of this year's shapes is Santa Fe's Zozobra) and dynamic patterns for an entire week of mesmerizing displays. Catch a popular evening glow or the mass ascension predawn event to fully experience this one-of-a-kind festival. The City of Santa Fe offers a shuttle service to and from the event to make the journey seamless.

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Just blocks away from La Fonda, Santa Fe is quietly preparing for the new Georgia O'Keeffe Campus & Museum space. Set at the site of the old Safeway building, this expansion is an exciting development for art lovers and culture enthusiasts. As one of the country’s most notable artists, the works of O’Keeffe deserve a space that honors her honest and modern aesthetic, her life and her art. I can't wait to explore the new space, slated to open in early 2027.

The principal architect for the project, Devendra Contractor has drawn inspiration for the new building from surrounding structures, including the First Presbyterian Church and the New Mexico Museum of Art – both stunning contributions to Santa Fe’s architecture scene. I can’t wait to see the new building take shape. Check out the progress next time you’re in town. The new location is just a stroll across the plaza, along Sheridan Street and Grant Avenue.

See you soon,
Jenny

Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza