Earlier this summer we went to Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit friends for a few days. There are lots of fun things to do in Santa Fe, but our short trip only allowed us to sample a few. Here’s a travelogue of things we did and enjoyed!
We flew straight from Dallas (DFW) to Santa Fe, New Mexico. For me, this is the best travel option because you don’t have to rent a car and drive to and from Albuquerque. Check your city of departure for direct flights as few airlines fly into the small Santa Fe airport.
Lunch that day was outdoors on the terrace at a friend’s home, and the cool dry air was a welcome respite from the hot and humid Dallas heat.
That evening, there was a brief shower followed by the most beautiful rainbow with the Sangre di Cristo Mountains in the background.
Later in the evening, we saw a beautiful sunset from Arroyo Vino, a charming little neighborhood restaurant in Las Campanas, located behind a liquor store.
One of the really fun things to do in Santa Fe is to hike up the aptly named Rio en Medio Trail outside Santa Fe. We tackled the hike the next morning and were rewarded with a lovely waterfall.
In the evening, we were guests for an Asian dinner at a friend’s home.
The Santa Fe Farmer’s Market is on any visitor’s list of fun things to do in Santa Fe. The local produce is always beautiful and amazing.
After a trip to the market, we stopped for lunch at a charming little vegetarian restaurant, The Kitchen at Plants of the Southwest, located in a small structure in the middle of a landscape nursery on Aqua Fria Street. It is only open for lunch, and it has a set menu. Our lunch that day were individual casseroles of beans and kale with tomatoes and cheese. Also, the desserts are fabulous!
Of all the fun things to do in Santa Fe, the galleries would be at the top of most people’s list. The art galleries are extensive and it would take several days to visit them all. A walk up Canyon Road where many of the galleries are located is a real must.
That evening was the Civic Music Gala. There was a concert followed by a gala dinner in a tent at La Posada.
With so many fun things to do in Santa Fe, a much longer trip is needed, but a few days of fun and a change of scenery (and temperature) can be restorative!