Darley Newman, a five-time Emmy-nominated host of PBS’s “Travels with Darley” and “Equitrekking,” has explored some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, from the rugged coastlines of Ireland to the vast salt pans of Botswana. But when asked about her favorite domestic “slow travel” recommendation by train, she enthusiastically pointed to a whimsical high-desert adventure: the Sky Railway in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The origin story of the Sky Railway is as fascinating as the journey itself. In 2020, “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin joined locals to rescue the historic Santa Fe Southern Railway from decommissioning. The train, with its murals of wolves and dragons painted on the cars, offers an immersive storytelling experience guided by Martin’s creative touch.
The Sky Railway isn’t about getting from point A to point B; it’s about embracing the meditation of the journey. As the train chugs through the 18-mile trip from Santa Fe Depot to Lamy, passengers can take in the stunning landscapes at a leisurely pace, savoring the sights and scents of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Themed adventures on the Rails offer a variety of experiences for every type of traveler. From the Margarita Rail featuring local spirits and sunset views to the Stargazer experience where professional astronomers point out constellations in the crystal-clear New Mexico sky, there’s something for everyone aboard the Sky Railway.
The trip begins at the Santa Fe Depot, a cultural hub blending rail history with modern creativity, where passengers can explore George R.R. Martin’s bookstore, Beastly Books, and catch a movie at Jean Cocteau Cinema. At the turnaround point in Lamy, passengers can enjoy a drink at the Legal Tender, a saloon reminiscent of a classic Western set.
To complete the Santa Fe experience, Newman recommends staying at Hotel Santa Fe, the city’s only Native American-owned hotel, or the Drury Plaza Hotel for great mountain views. For a culinary treat, she suggests visiting Sazón and meeting Chef Fernando Olea to try the New Mexican Mole, a dish that captures the essence of New Mexican home cooking.
Whether you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones” or simply looking to disconnect from the digital world, Darley Newman’s Sky Railway recommendation showcases the beauty of slow travel at 15 miles per hour.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.