Santa Fe is one of my favorite towns to visit. My sister lives there so I get to make the trek at least once a year. Every time I plan a visit I wrestle with the same overwhelming anxiety… how can I possibly eat everything I can from the time my plane lands until it takes off?! Seriously, it keeps me up at night! So, if you have the chance to visit, I suggest you develop an eating, drinking and playing approach in advance.
A few things you should know before we begin:
1. If someone asks you if you want your food christmas they mean smothered with half green chile and half red chile.
2. The production and eating of green chile is like religion. Study up before you go.
3. Margaritas should always be on the rocks and tequila should be sipped not shot.
4. Santa Fe is located at 7,0o0 feet above sea level. Take it easy on the drinks for the first few days.
5. This is a laid back town. Sit back and relax. Chances are things will be moving a bit slower than your East Coast standards (I still have trouble coping with this one)
Eat
While locals start to crave something other than New Mexican, I am a woman on a mission. I normally try to eat as many burritos, migas and enchiladas I can get my hands on. Here are a few of my favorites and a few places I haven’t yet explored but I hear are awesome.
The Cowgirl: This little restaurant right in town has an outdoor patio that hosts a gospel brunch each Sunday. Make reservations if you want a seat outside near the band. Order the breakfast burrito Christmas style (red and green chile sauce). Gospel brunch is a must on every visit to Santa Fe.
Tune-Up Cafe: This year’s trip was my first trip to this adorable café/coffee house/restaurant. I’ve only been for their breakfast but I’m sure lunch is great too. They make a great breakfast burrito and chile relleno (yes, you can get one for breakfast!) I ended up going twice in four days including on the way to the airport. I meant it when I said it… as many burritos as possible!
Los Mayos: This local joint cooks up New Mexican and old school straight Mexican and claim their family recipes are three generations old. They are known for their Pollo en Mole and they did not disappoint. It was sweet and smoky and the meat was really tender. Their margaritas were seriously lacking so turn your attention to the pitchers of sangria.
The Shed: I haven’t been but people rave about it. Unfortunately they are closed on Sundays so I missed out. Next time darn it!
Pasquals: This famous and rather pricey joint cooks up beautiful and delicate New Mexican fare. It’s worth the visit if you don’t mind spending some extra cash. It is truly a classic.
Sleep:
So I almost always stay with my sister BUT renting a casita is a great idea when you need a place to stay. They are ofter in town and offer more amenities and privacy than a hotel (often times at a better price). This site allows you to search multiple venues. I recommend staying downtown so you can ditch the car and walk to all the main sites.
Play:
Canyon Road Art Walk: Each Friday the galleries on the famous Canyon road open up to the public with drinks, appetizers and in some cases live music. Start at the bottom and stroll to the top. Enjoy a drink and tapas (figs and pork are AWESOME) at El Farol located at the top of the road. Insert minor family plug here: My sister in-law has her art featured at The William and Joseph Gallery on Canyon Road conveniently located across from El Farol. You can also check out her work online at www.andreacermanski.com.
The Plaza: Make sure to head over to the town’s historic square. Local jewler vendors line the entire square selling all types of local wares. Be warned, chances are you aren’t buying “real turquois.” You can still pick up some great pieces to take home with you.
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market: This place is GREAT. There is so much delicious food here. My personal favorite are the breakfast burritos. You have to get there early to get your pick. Once they are out tough luck. My favorite is the one with eggs, potatoes, sausage and of course, green chile.
Santa Cooking School: They offer a wide range of classes and restaurant walking tours. They also sell great cookbooks.
Ten Thousand Waves: This famous Japanese spa is nestled in the hills above town. Rent a private soaking tub or visit the communal tubs. Be prepared for a little nudity in the women’s tub. The spa treatments and massages are world class. Don’t forget to sip some of the delicious cucumber water and try out their refreshing Hanoki lotion before you head out.
Tent Rocks: My favorite outdoor activity is hiking around tent rocks simply for the fact that you just don’t see rock formations like this anywhere else.
Chimayo: This beautiful church and pilgramige destination is located about 30 minutes North of Santa Fe. Chimayó is believed by many to be the site of a miracle which occurred about 200 years ago.
Miraculous healings are believed to have occurred at the site where a wooden crucifix was unearthed. Because of this a chapel was built in 1816 called el Santuario de Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas. This chapel, now commonly called el Santuario de Chimayó, is the destination of thousands of pilgrims and travellers each year who come for various reasons; some hoping to be healed, some simply for curiousity, and some hoping to be restored spiritually by the tranquility and hospitality of the surroundings.
There are hundreds of other restaurants, parks and side trips but these are the ones I know and love. If you ever have any questions about Santa Fe travel just drop me a comment. Happy travels!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
From my neighbor who is a UNM grad, the Bethesda Giant (Westbard) and 4 or 5 others in DC are roasting real hatch green chilis trucked in from Hatch, New Mexico. I think the schedule is the next 3 thursdays but you can call and find out for sure. Rumor is they’re hot but not burning and really yummy. Roasted bags 1lb each are $3.99 – an amazing deal. If you like chili this is a real addition to the usual veggies/beans.