Hi Friends – I am back from vacation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We had such a great time and it was hard to leave our little Casita and head back home. I’m so thankful for my cousin who was able to spend time with my mom so that my husband and I could have a getaway. It was also great to spend a bit of time with her as well before she headed back home.
I was so tired when we arrived in Santa Fe that our first day mainly consisted of driving from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, getting some basics from the nearby grocery store and relaxing. We drove to Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail so we got to see some cute villages and actually stopped in Madrid for a delicious lunch.
Santa Fe holds a special place in my heart as it’s the first place I traveled to by myself for vacation when I was in my early 20s. Then my husband and I went to Santa Fe and Taos for our honeymoon. Still it’s been so long since we’ve been there that it all felt like a new experience. Some of our trip highlights include:
- Visiting the Farmer’s Market in The Railyard. It was such a great place to people watch, enjoy coffee and of course buy some treats. There was also an artist’s market so we saw original works in photography, jewelry, paintings and other arts and crafts.
- Check out the Gorge Bridge. We were able to be there early in the morning and back again at sunset so that meant getting some great shots of the bridge and surroundings in different light.
- A day in Taos and the Ski Valley area. We loved the Ski Valley area so much that we decided to return the next day to spend the night.
- Hiking the Italianos Trail. I had to make a quick stop at the REI in Santa Fe to buy trail shoes and thank goodness because this trail was not for the faint of heart. We didn’t do the whole trail but got in about a mile and crossed about 8-9 creek crossings. Talk about a balancing act!
- Going to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Wheelwright Museum. So much inspiration.
- Discovering Wild Leaven Bakery which had the most mouth-watering chocolate croissants and bread.
You’re probably wondering no bookshops? Oh there were! I visited seven bookstores but want to do a separate post on them so stay tuned. I bought a couple of books and would have easily bought more but we were traveling with only one suitcase so I couldn’t indulge too much.
All in all, a wonderful time. We walked a lot, had great food and just enjoyed being away from daily demands and deadlines. Travel is such a good thing for the soul isn’t it?
Let me know what you’ve been up to and if you’ve been to Santa Fe/Taos before.
How wonderful that you were able to get away, and that you have a cousin who is willing to help out with your mom’s care. You have had a lot going on these past few years and it must have felt wonderful to have time alone with your husband. We visited Santa Fe in 2013 and drove the Turquoise Trail, too. We enjoyed The Railyard, the Gorge Bridge, and a beautiful drive to Taos and the surrounding area. We never did make it to the O’Keefe museum in Abiquiu, and the gallery in town was either closed or had a limit viewing due to something that I don’t remember. I don’t remember if I visited any bookstores, but I was still working at B&N and, silly me, felt I had enough books that I didn’t need to shop for more. 😉 That bakery sounds wonderful! We love to visit bakeries on our road trips.
I hope you can make time for another trip next year. It is so good for the soul!
Sounds like a very lovely vacation! I’d love to explore both Santa Fe and Taos someday. I’ve been to New Mexico once, but only to visit the Anasazi ruins near Farmington and to see Chaco Canyon. Can’t wait to read your bookshop post. 😀
Welcome back… so glad you had a great vacation! We love Santa Fe. My BIL and his family live there, so we’ve been several times over the years, though not since the pandemic. We’ve been to most of the spots you listed… will keep an eye out for the bookshop post!
Lesley – I’m so grateful for my cousin! She has her plate full with caring for her parents as well so this was truly appreciated! Isn’t Santa Fe and Taos great? I can definitely see myself going back and this time I would like to see some of the national parks, Ghost Ranch, etc. Of course next time I hope to be back when the weather isn’t as hot! I’m amazed at how many indie bookstores I found on my trip. And yes, I love going to bakeries too! They are my weakness.
Lark – Oh I bet that was interesting to see! I can definitely see why the call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment. There is so much natural beauty and so many different things to explore! I hope you get to visit more one day.
Joann @ Gulfside Musing – Thank you! Isn’t Santa Fe great? I kept marveling at how even though I’d been there twice before it all felt new to me. I definitely want to go back!