The hubs and I had an amazing long weekend in Taos and Santa Fe last month to celebrate our anniversary. Neither of us had ever been before so we really went with an open mind. My parents have been going there for years and absolutely love it, so we figured it would be the perfect place for a little drive-able getaway. It’s about a 5 1/2 hour trip from Denver (a bit more because we made a pit stop at the Great Sand Dunes National Park) which makes it an easy weekend trip if you live in Colorado. There is sooo much to see and do in that area we quickly discovered that we would just have to come back for another trip to explore everything we didn’t get to see on this first trip. We spent one night in Taos (at the Hotel La Fonda, right on the plaza) and two nights in Santa Fe (at the Hotel St Francis, also near the plaza in Santa Fe). Sev was partial to the ski-town, hippy vibe of Taos, while I enjoyed the larger art, dining and shopping areas Santa Fe had to offer. Here are a few of our favorites from the trip.
Stay
We spent one night in Taos (at the Hotel La Fonda, right on the plaza) and two nights in Santa Fe (at the Hotel St Francis, also near the plaza). Sev was partial to the ski-town, hippy vibe of Taos, while I enjoyed the larger art, dining and shopping areas Santa Fe had to offer. I love staying at the St Francis. The hotel itself is very beautiful with a big open foyer illuminated by candles at night. The rooms are small but cozy are styled to the nines in neutral tones with antique decor. The lobby bar is also great with an amazing smoked sage margarita. There is also a Gruet sparkling wine tasting room in the lobby of the hotel as well. Sev and I shared a pre-dinner tasting flight one evening on the patio and it was lovely.
Eat
Sev and I ate pretty damn well on this trip. Lots of green chile and margaritas were consumed each day. Sazon was easily the best meal we had on the trip (maybe the best meal I’ve ever had, actually…). The mole sauces they are known for are amazing, as are the cocktails. We sampled several appetizers and then enjoyed a phyllo wrapped salmon for the main dish. We also loved the gallery-worthy artwork of Frida Khalo that decorates the main dining room
Cafe Pasquals is another place to hit up for lunch or dinner. It came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. It was very close to our hotel in Santa Fe and we enjoyed a late night there
Don’t miss sunset at the Bell Tower Bar on the rooftop of the. More margaritas (I think I drank my weight in them on this trip) and killer views of Santa Fe and the mountain range to the west.
Shop
The art galleries on Canyon Road are a brief walk from the Plaza area, but are a must see if you are in the market (0r just want to enjoy) fine art. Beautiful sculptures and modern and traditional southwestern art can be viewed. We loved walking through all of the sculpture gardens one afternoon.
Common Thread Textile Shop in Taos was a fun stop. They have amazing pillows, blankets and rugs, along with fabric available by the yardage. Great spot to pick up gifts or keepsakes to take home.
The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe is a great place to buy traditional pottery and turquoise jewelry. We found some lovely pieces in stores around the plaza too (including a bull skull covered in mosaic turquoise).
Do
We stopped at several churches throughout the trip in both Taos and Santa Fe, many of them are hundreds of years old. We recommend Church of San Francisco d Assisi (Taos), El Santuario de Chinmayo, and Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Chapel (both in Santa Fe).
I’m saving the best for last here with Meow Wolf. I’d be lying if I didn’t say this was one of the main reasons for our trip. For those unaware, Meow Wolf is a crazy new art installation in an old bowling alley. It’s a bit of a drive from the Plaza, but well worth it. When they say it’s interactive, they mean it. You truly use all your senses. Open everything (including the washing machine and refrigerator), touch everything and explore the whole place. We were there for about 3 hours! It is unlike anything you have ever experienced.
