Peaceful Santa Fe

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One of our favorite destinations is Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our original plan was to drive from Napa, California east through Nevada and Utah to Creede, Colorado. However, we really wanted to spend a few days in Santa Fe before hitting Colorado. Our new route took us south from Napa, back through the San Joaquin Valley, then east to Barstow, where we picked up I-40 and headed to northern Arizona, then into New Mexico. We were glad we changed routes for two reasons: the Santa Fe detour, and the easier drive into the Colorado mountains from the south.

We both love Santa Fe as a destination. The chile rellenos with 3 mushroom quinoa and chipotle cream at SantaCafe were worth the drive. Having a perfectly-made martini on the terrace at Bishop’s Lodge at sunset was also worth it. And, the freshly roasted green chilies from the produce market (now in our freezer) were also worth it.

Santa Fe has changed some since we were there last. There is a lot of new development south of town, with the ubiquitous malls and chain stores popping up like weeds, along with new housing developments.

However, the charm of downtown and the plaza remain. The galleries, restaurants, museums and shops are first-rate; and every store has some treasured item you just want to buy. We didn’t, but wanted to. The blue skies, relaxed Southwestern architecture, bright colors, purple mountains, and the smell of pinon wood fireplaces evoke a peaceful, soulful feeling that keeps calling us back for another fix!

Next destination: Creede, Colorado

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Photos

Santa Fe Museum of Art
Lovely Southwestern architecture typifies Santa Fe

Art Gallery
Huge elk scupture out front

Colorful shop signs
Northwest of Santa Fe's Plaza - The Shed was great for lunch one day

Palace of the Governors
Native Americans sell jewelry on the sidewalk

Plaza Mercado
Window shopping galore in Santa Fe

La Fonda Hotel
A Santa Fe landmark northeast of the Plaza

The Cathedral
With mountains in the background, looking north from the Plaza