Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe.
WHERE TO DRINK
Launched on Cinco de Mayo in 2016, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail started out with 31 stops and now includes 57 places. It makes total sense that Santa Fe would be the perfect city for this. Spanish colonists may have been supplying Santa Fe with the clear spirit since 1598. All the margaritas along the trail are made with 100% agave tequila. The trail touts itself as the only margarita trail in the entire world.
Santa Fe Margarita Trail. Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe.
Established in 1987, the Coyote Café is one of Santa Fe’s most iconic restaurants and a stop along the trail. Don’t miss the vibrant wolf mural on the outdoor wall. Head upstairs to this spot’s rooftop bar to take in views of the bustling streets below. Coyote Café’s signature margarita is the Salty Senorita that’s topped with salted lime foam. Meow Wolf is another spot on the trail. Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience that started in Santa Fe back in 2016. Expect to be dazzled by the interactive art displayed everywhere. One exhibit features a seemingly normal house with doors that open up to otherworldly spaces. Meow Wolf has a small food and drink menu. One of its signature drink offerings is the Meowgarita, a drink featuring tequila, Cointreau, lime, agave, butterfly pea and colorful, whimsical cotton candy that’s just perfect for its artistic setting.
WHERE TO EAT
Don’t leave Santa Fe without trying some chiles, a type of pepper grown in New Mexico. Family- owned and operated since 1953, The Shed is a James Beard award-winning restaurant that is renowned for its chiles. Specifically, the red chile enchiladas. Feeling adventurous? Consider asking for a dish Christmas style, with both red and green chiles. Tia Sophia’s is another spot that’s well known for its breakfast and chiles. One morning, we devoured some Breakfast Enchiladas filled with scrambled eggs and bacon wrapped in a corn tortilla, smothered in chile and cheese, that was a hearty, spicy way to kick off the day.
WHAT TO SEE
Santa Fe Plaza. Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe.
THE PLAZA
If you’re looking for a place to start your Santa Fe journey, consider beginning at the Plaza. This town square is where plenty of restaurants and shops reside. Santa Fe feels like a European city with walking paths galore and plenty of shops. Admire the red chiles hanging from buildings along with turquoise everywhere. Those two items let you know you’re in New Mexico.
Ten Thousand Waves. Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe.
TEN THOUSAND WAVES
About 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, Ten Thousand Waves is inspired by Japanese hot springs. Expect pagoda style buildings throughout, the sound of running water and lush, green trees throughout. The setting is soothing and intended to fully relax you. We enjoyed soaking in the waters under the canopy of trees here. Later on, we enjoyed a heavenly massage in an outdoor pagoda. The entire experience was unforgettable.
Loretto Chapel. Photo courtesy of Tourism Santa Fe.
LORETTO CHAPEL
Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel is renowned for its Miraculous Staircase, a spiral, wood staircase that has no visible support. The history of the staircase is fascinating. The carpenter is unknown, and it’s not certain how it’s able to stand on its own. The staircase is gorgeous to behold in real life.
GEORGIA O’KEEFFE MUSEUM
Iconic American artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived in New Mexico for decades and spent her final years in Santa Fe. The city has an art museum that bears her name and is filled with her artwork. Check out her vibrant, colorful paintings, and see some of her photographs too. The museum claims to be the largest home of her artwork and personal effects.
CANYON ROAD ARTS DISTRICT
Strolling along Canyon Road is a great way to soak up Santa Fe’s vibrant art gallery scene. Checking out the artwork and chatting with gallery employees was one of our favorite experiences in Santa Fe. In just one-half mile, you can find over 100 galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Housed in an adobe home, Canyon Road Contemporary Art is a dynamic art gallery. We’re partial to the colorful Southwestern skulls by Ali Rouse.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
WHERE TO STAY
Located on 57 acres, the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The hotel features a total of 65 casita guest rooms and suites. The decor here is contemporary and Southwestern. Suites feature plush white beds, real wood doors, and best of all, outdoor patios featuring sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Executive Chef Gregory Joseph has designed a menu intended to reflect the property’s location in Northern New Mexico. Look forward to dishes like the Pepita Crumble Seared Scallops and Prime Flatiron Steak Frites with green chile jam. The Roasted Poblano entrée – featuring calabacitas, piñon and avocado – is another great example of the Southwestern flair found throughout the menu. Wrap up a meal here with an inventive pastry by Pastry Chef Michael Betancourt. Enjoy a blend of savory and sweet flavors in the Earl Grey Napoleon, a caramelized puff pastry, Earl Grey diplomate and apricot. The Churros are a classic dessert. Churros are accompanied by warm chocolate sauce and dulce de leche Anglaise, for dipping.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
The Four Seasons includes top amenities. Guests can enjoy daily complimentary yoga and guided hikes. They also can indulge in treatments at the full-service spa. One choice option is the Southwestern inspired Cacao Ritual Body Wrap. One unique hotel feature? The Art Concierge Program. Guests are given a personalized itinerary that’s catered to their own style, budget, preferred artwork and length of stay so they can experience Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene. The art concierge can coordinate artist meet and greets, private showings and afterhours experiences at galleries around town.
