Travel Guide: New Mexico

Posted by: Coral & Tusk

Summer is around the corner which means so is vacation season! Today we’re sharing a travel guide for the Santa Fe area! Stephanie was lucky to recently spend a few weeks in the Land of Enchantment and today we share her favorites along with places that good friends recommended during her stay.

Georgia O'Keeffe’s home and studio.

DO

Inspired by Japanese onsen retreats, when entering Ten Thousand Waves you may forget that you’re in the American Southwest. The spa and hotel has both public and private hot tubs, massage treatments and an amazing restaurant, Izanami.

Georgia O’Keeffe Home and Studio Tour

Located about an hour north of Santa Fe is Georgia O'Keeffe's home and studio. Take in the incredible landscape and home that fueled the painter’s work. Plan ahead, as tickets for the tours sell out fast.

Dale Ball Trail System

A 25-mile trail network for hikers and bicyclists alike in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This incredible trail system is accessible from downtown Santa Fe and is the fastest way to get from the sidewalks of the town into the mountains! Via Dale Ball Trails you can access Pichaco Peak and Atalaya Mountain.

The view from Pichaco Peak

SEE

Museum Hill

Home to four museums including The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, The International Folk Art Museum, The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. In July Museum Hill is also home to the International Folk Art Market, we’d love to come back during this time to visit this amazing event. Also, there’s a great spot for lunch here, Museum Cafe!

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

After visiting O’Keeffe’s home you can now view her paintings and learn even more about her life and work. If you visit on the weekend be sure to have lunch at Santarepa Cafe right next door!

Santa Fe Plaza

The historic, walkable city center is a great place to begin your exploration. Make sure to walk on the perimeter streets too, there are even more shops and galleries!

Saturday Farmers’ Market

In the Railyard on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm you’ll find a sprawling market with fresh veggies, fruits and nursery plants grown in New Mexico. Shop for chilies, apothecary and more!

Array Home display of Coral and Tusk embroidered pillows.

Coral & Tusk pillows at Array Home

SHOP

Array Home

Located in the Railyard & Guadalupe corridor, Array Home carries Coral & Tusk along with other artisanal treasures including candles, soaps, ceramics and more.

Elyse Allen Textiles

Check out Elyse Allen’s exquisite knitwear collection! Her studio is located in a community of artists and designers.

Shiprock

A gallery located on the Plaza that has an incredible collection of both historic and contemporary Navajo rugs and blankets, Native American jewelry and Pueblo pottery.

Goler

A must if you're in the market for a pair of beautiful shoes.

La Boheme

A boutique that carries ethically sourced and handmade clothing and jewelry. On Canyon Road where you can find more little stores to shop.

La Reina at El Rey Court

EAT

Dolina

Santa Fe has no shortage of delicious food! Go to Dolina for breakfast and pastries.

Tune Up

A casual spot for all meals. Stephanie recommends the El Salvador Combo Plate.

La Reina at El Rey Court

A beautifully designed hotel bar and restaurant with live music and wood fired pizza.

Geronimo

The best, quintessential Santa Fe restaurant in town!

Los Poblanos

If you fly into Albuquerque, be sure to stop at Los Poblanos on the way to Santa Fe. The historic inn and organic farm is home to Campo where they serve brunch and dinner. You can also swing by the Farm Shop.

STAY

There are many beautiful Airbnb rentals in the area but if we went back we would book a room at Houses of the Moon at Ten Thousand Waves or El Rey Court!

Tsankawi, Land of Pueblos and Tigue people

DAY TRIPS

Santa Fe is a great homebase for day trips! From hiking to hot springs here are a few of our favorites.

Tsankawi at Bandelier National Park

Located on the Land of Pueblos and Tigue people, Bandelier National park has cave dwellings and petroglyphs. Spend a day hiking here and immersing yourself in history and nature.

Valles Caldera

An incredible crate that measures 13 miles across in the Jemez Mountains. A beautiful spot to hike.

Taos

Visit hot springs and the Rio Grande gorge in Taos. Manzanita Market is a great place for lunch. If you decide to stay overnight in Taos, check out an Earthship! These are homes that are constructed with repurposed materials or materials naturally found in the area where the Earthship is built. They also use renewable resources like solar and wind energy, and collect rainwater.

High Road to Taos

Take the highway to Taos and then come back down the "high road" to Santa Fe. This route will take your through the valley and the landscape is gorgeous. Stop at the little towns on your way including Penasco and eat at Sugar Nymphs.

Truchas is another great stop on the High Road where you can shop at Eight Million Gods where you will find a slew of treasures including Surprise Balls by @koreanlemons

Last, do not miss the little church at Chimayo! Rancho De Chimayo is an incredible lunch spot.