It's August. Do you know where your vacation is? 3 instant getaways: Whistler, B.C., San Diego, Santa Fe

Sunset, August, 2005 by David Zaitz, Abigail Peterson, Ken McAlpine

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GOING AT THE LAST MINUTE

* Rooms are scarce during the popular Santa Fe Indian Market (Aug 20-21).

* Stay within walking distance of the Plaza and Canyon Road.

* Explore the Web for tips: Try www.collectorsguide.com and www.santafe.com

Tour Santa Fe

Getting around

Santa Fe lies 60 miles north of Albuquerque, which is served by most major airlines. The Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.santafe.org) offers hotel information and an interactive map that pinpoints lodging options and their distance from attractions like Cross of the Martyrs and San Miguel Mission, the nation's oldest church.

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Dress like a local

Pack good walking shoes and casual clothes--this is a laid-back town. At night, dress up jeans and a linen shirt with a turquoise-studded belt or brooch.

Where to stay

Don Gaspar Inn. Situated in a historic neighborhood, the B & B feels like a private escape. 10 rooms and suites from $155. 623 Don Gaspar Ave.; www.dongaspar.com or 888/986-8664.

The Inn of the Five Graces. Far East and Old West mingle in the B & B's vibrant silks, dark wood, and vintage tiles. 22 suites from $360. 150 E. De Vargas St.; www.fivegraces.com or 505/992-0957.

Where to eat

The Compound Restaurant. Splurge on dinner, or make a meal out of the delish appetizers. $$$$; 653 Canyon Rd.; 505/982-4353.

La Plazuela. Gourmet twists on New Mexican standards. $$$. In La Fonda hotel, 100 E. San Francisco St.; 505/982-5511.

Arts & culture

For exhibits, openings, and other events, check Pasatiempo, the arts and culture magazine in Friday's New Mexican newspaper.

The Awakening Museum. Carved-and-painted figures leap off the walls and ceiling of this one-room museum. 10-5; $3 donation requested. 125 N. Guadalupe St.; www.theawakeningmuseum.org or 505/954-4025.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The museum's permanent collection ranges from the artist's abstract flowers to her beloved local landscapes. 10-5 daily through Nov 1 (until 8 Fri); $8, free 5-8 Fri. 217 Johnson St.; www.okeeffemuseum.org or 505/946-1000.

Jane Sauer Thirteen Moons Gallery. High-end crafts and textiles. 12-5:30 Mon-Sat, 12-5 Sun. 652 Canyon Rd.; 505/995-8513.

Nedra Matteucci Galleries. An impressive Native American collection; 1-acre sculpture garden out back. 8:30-5 Mon-Sat. 1075 Paseo de Peralta; 505/982-4631.

Seret & Sons. A magic carpet ride of an import store. 9-5:30 daily. 224 Galisteo St.; 505/988-9151.

Nightlife

El Farol. Music nightly; $7 Fri-Sat, free Sun-Thu. 808 Canyon; 505/983-9912.

Swig. Lounge on a mod chair or dance in one of the chic club's four rooms. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tue-Sat; $7 after 9 p.m. Fri-Sat. 135 W. Palace Ave., Level Three; 505/955-0400.

BY ERIKA EHMSEN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID ZAITZ