La Fonda on the Plaza sits at the corner of the Old Santa Fe Trail and East San Francisco Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The location is one of the oldest hotel corners in the United States hosting an inn or fonda for more than 400 years. In the past cowboys came to water their horses in the fountain, Russian spies supposedly lurked the grounds during the days of the Manhattan Project bomb development, and guests have always mingled with locals at La Fonda’s bar. The hotel’s signature restaurant, La Plazuela, is “the gathering place” in Santa Fe and I decided to make a visit.
Chef Estevan’s Garcia prepares what he refers to as monastic food. He ought to know; he’s a former member of the Franciscan Order. But Garcia no longer cooks in the monastery, he rules as the Executive Chef at the elegant St. Francis Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Both the hotel and their restaurants feature beautifully simple but refined taste.
A fall trip to London would be smashing. Europe’s largest city has enough to keep tourists busy for months. But, what if you only have time to visit one site? Which would it be? Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the House of Parliament, the British Museum or the Tower of London? I’d pick the Tower of London and in fact, highly recommend returning on every trip. Sounds trite but the UNESCO World Heritage site truly offers something of significance for most everyone.
Want history and architecture? William the Conqueror began work on the Tower shortly after he won his crown in 1066 . That’s nearly a thousand years ago. He wanted to protect his important London base. Over the centuries, the stronghold evolved into a symbol of English royalty.
Today, visitors find a complex of castles, fortifications, courtyards and buildings including the famous White Tower started back in 1078. The legendary Bloody Tower held two imprisoned princes, sons of Edward IV, who were likely murdered by Richard III. Stroll around to the former scaffold grounds where notorious beheadings took place, including those of Queen Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas Moore.
Scaffold Site
Bird lovers enjoy the ravens who are guaranteed to be on the Tower Green. Legend says the kingdom will fall if they desert the property. Shh, the ravens wings are clipped.
The fortress acted not just as a royal residence and prison, but as a treasury and armory. Now a fantastic assemblage of medieval weapons and royal armor are exhibited. Those interested in religion are drawn to the simple Chapel of St. John, the oldest church in London, and a fine example of Norman architecture.
The Crown Jewels are securely stored in the Jewel House underground. They attract a line of visitors waiting to ogle over the vast collection of priceless gems and royal regalia.
Photographers shoot the view of Tower Bridge, seen from the edge of The Water Gate, better known as Traitor’s Gate. Queens Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth 1, entered it as prisoners. And no visit to London is complete without a snapshot of the flamboyantly costumed Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders. They guard the Castle grounds and give lively tours.
The Tower is London is, in my opinion, the city’s best landmark and its location is ideal for anyone looking for hotels in London city centre. The subway offers easy access via the Tower Hill stop. Even if time is short, don’t miss this historic and enthralling site.
