We recommend two great Santa Fe hotels that support live music.

INN AT SANTA FE (888-871-7138, innatsantafe.com): A nice, moderately priced hotel that is closest to both the Thirsty Ear Festival and the Santa Fe Brewing Company. Be sure to ask for the SW Roots Music rate starting at $59 Sept-May, and $79 June-August.

HOTEL SANTA FE (800) 825-9876, hotelsantafe.com): A luxury downtown hotel convenient to the downtown music & cultural scene.

CAMPING AT SYNERGIA RANCH: Camping with showers and bathrooms is located exactly one mile from the festival site in a gorgeous orchard overlooking the Ortiz Mountains. Please be aware that the distance is short, and there are no shuttles to and from the festival. There is plenty of room for everyone. Just show up at the campground anytime Friday, Saturday or Sunday and check in at the office.

COST & RESERVATIONS: A 3-day camping pass, or any portion thereof, costs $30 per adult. Kids under 12 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. NO RESERVATIONS OR PREPAYMENT REQUIRED. Any questions should be directed to Synergia Ranch, 505-471-2573.

DIRECTIONS TO THE FESTIVAL: FROM SANTA FE: Head south on I-25 & take exit 278A. Follow signs to Hwy 14 South toward Madrid. FROM ALBUQUERQUE: Take exit 276A & take immediate right onto Hwy 599. Proceed 1/2-mile to Hwy 14 intersection & turn right onto Hwy 14 heading south toward Madrid. Once you're on Hwy 14, proceed 6.6 miles & take right onto Cnty Rd. 45. Go 1.1 miles & turn left on Rancho Alegre Rd. Go 1/2 mile to festival parking.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMPING AT SYNERGIA RANCH: Follow above directions. After you turn onto Cnty. Rd. 45, continue 1.3 miles on straight stretch past festival turnoff until road comes to a 90 degree turn. Instead of turning, go straight onto a dirt road (Silver Hills Rd.). Take first left into Synergia Ranch. Set your tent in the orchard to left of parking lot.

CAMPING RULES:
*DO NOT DRIVE INTO ORCHARD. You'll hit irrigation lines. Please walk into orchard.
*NO CAMPFIRES PERMITTED! NM in August is quite comfortable. And it's a fire hazard.
* NO PETS. We love 'em too, but it's too hot. No exceptions.
* BE COURTEOUS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS, most of whom are trying to sleep.
* DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED!

© 2001 - 2010 Thirsty Ear Magazine. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.