We talk to Steve and Linda Blamer about Indian Market and their Santa Fe-area destination home, Blame Her Ranch.
"One hundred years of Indian Market is an incredible accomplishment, a great milestone, and the market is not be missed,” says former advertising exec Steve Blamer, owner of Blamer Her Ranch, a destination venue outside of Santa Fe and an easy drive to all the happenings at Indian Market. We talked to him and his wife, Linda, about staying at the ranch and going to Santa Fe for market.
Cowboys & Indians: What are some of your favorite things about Indian Market?
Steve and Linda Blamer: We think it is not the “same old, same old.” Every year we find something that surprises us, whether it’s artwork, jewelry, or sculptures. You never know what you are going to see or buy when you go to Indian Market.
C&I: What’s your advice for how best to experience Indian Market?
Blamers: Take your time. Go early. And talk to the artists directly if you are lucky enough to find them in their booths.
C&I: Any great memories from the first time you went?
Blamers: Yes. There was this amazing Native American woman— Sioux, I believe — who made a beaded purse by hand that was so intricate and amazing. When she told me how many hours it had taken and the history behind the horse on the purse, there was no hesitation to buy it from her. It was such a nice connection and a memory i will never forget.
C&I: Recommendations for specific things not to miss seeing, doing, eating, etc.?
Blamers: Don’t shortchange the process. If you don’t walk and see every booth, you might not even see something you might have needed.
C&I: What are some things people might not realize about Indian Market?
Blamers: People come from all over the world and are fascinating to talk to.
C&I: Around town, what should people seek out?
Blamers: Obviously, the great restaurants Santa Fe has to offer and of course the galleries!
C&I: Tell us a little about Blame Her Ranch.
Blamers: If a group books a stay at the 1,650-acre ranch property, what will they experience? Blamer Her Ranch is the home of Steve and Linda Blamer. When people stay with us, there are both traditional and glamping overnight stays, but the ranch provides a private and exclusive destination that you do not have to share with others outside your group. The ranch features a cauldron, hot tub, pool, sauna, home theater, cowboy-chic barn, 18,000-square-foot lawn. Sleeping accommodations for up to 44 with day guests up to 250 for all events.
C&I: Any practical considerations, speaking from experience, for a trip to Santa Fe during market?
Blamers: Many people make special arrangements for tour buses, to easily get them to Indian Market and back without the hassles of parking or driving yourself. It is an easy and beautiful 45-minute drive through the mountains from Blame Her Ranch.
C&I: A good place to stay for out-of-towners who are smart and book way ahead?
Blamers: Yes, but folks need to book early as Blame Her Ranch is booked 18 months in advance. It’s great for groups, companies, or families who take an active role in Indian Market.
C&I: Any special off-the-beaten path ideas for visitors?
Blamers: The ranch offers all types of unique activities such as mountain biking, UTVs, skeet shooting, horseback riding, mountain adventure tours, cattle herding. And there’s also nearby fly-fishing in the Pecos.
Read more Indian Market insider info:
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Wolf Schneider
Shanan Campbell
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Blamer Her Ranch: HC 72 Box 521, 354 County Road B31A, Ribera, New Mexico 87560, 575.421.0128, blameherranch.com.
