Palace of the Governors at New Mexico History Museum

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"A historic Santa Fe landmark museum where visitors can wander exhibits showcasing the region’s history and cultural artifacts in the downtown plaza area." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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"Founded in 1909, this single-story adobe is situated on the north side of the Plaza and is known as the oldest public building in the United States. Displayed on blankets under a portal, you’ll find pottery and jewelry from 23 federally recognized Native American tribes and nations in New Mexico (a rotating lottery ensures different artisans visit daily). While the neighboring museum-like shops, including the beloved Shiprock Gallery, hawk high-valued, high-curated art pieces alongside cherished Navajo rugs, the portal’s local creatives and native artists, 1,500 in total, are immensely talented in their own right. You’ll find a highly-giftable spread of silver earrings, turquoise bracelets, belts and small pottery pieces. It’s also a great way to interact with the stories and customs behind the wares. For instance, a recent stroll showcased a Zuni craftperson’s gemstone bracelets alongside a Navajo maker's silver necklaces." - Kate Donnelly

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"The Native American Artisans Portal Program is a wonderful way to meet locals. People sell their work under the covered entrance to the Palace of the Governors, and you can talk to them about the stories and customs behind each piece. One Zuni Pueblo craftsperson specializes in inlaid gemstone bracelets, while a Navajo jeweler makes silver necklaces with traditional squash-blossom symbols." - Ashley M. Biggers

"The entire north side of Santa Fe's downtown plaza is taken up by the 1610 Palace of the Governors, the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. Its front adobe facade is completely shaded, and in this "portal," the Native American Vendors Program has been operating for over six decades. A daily lottery ensures a rotating selection of artisans from the various pueblos throughout New Mexico. Yes, there might be some "finer" pieces available in the chic boutiques elsewhere in Santa Fe, but here, in the shade of a four-century-old adobe building, you can meet the artists and even haggle a bit. Be respectful, though—these are not cheap trinkets made in a sweatshop abroad: The crafts and the jewelry are usually made by the person with whom you'll be conversing. (An interesting side note: The Palace was taken over in 1680 and occupied by Native Americans during the Pueblo Revolt until 1692, when the Spaniards returned. This is the only government seat in the U.S. to have ever been taken over by Native Americans. It then served as the residence of the governor during the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territorial regimes, until 1907. In 1912, New Mexico became a U.S. state. Today, the Palaceserves asamuseum.)"

"The entire north side of Santa Fe's downtown plaza is taken up by the 1610 Palace of the Governors, the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. Its front adobe facade is completely shaded, and in this "portal," the Native American Vendors Program has been operating for over six decades. A daily lottery ensures a rotating selection of artisans from the various pueblos throughout New Mexico. Yes, there might be some "finer" pieces available in the chic boutiques elsewhere in Santa Fe, but here, in the shade of a four-century-old adobe building, you can meet the artists and even haggle a bit. Be respectful, though—these are not cheap trinkets made in a sweatshop abroad: The crafts and the jewelry are usually made by the person with whom you'll be conversing. (An interesting side note: The Palace was taken over in 1680 and occupied by Native Americans during the Pueblo Revolt until 1692, when the Spaniards returned. This is the only government seat in the U.S. to have ever been taken over by Native Americans. It then served as the residence of the governor during the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. territorial regimes, until 1907. In 1912, New Mexico became a U.S. state. Today, the Palaceserves asamuseum.)"