Explore Refresh

April 2022 by Kate Gray

I don’t know where to start, because it’s hard to describe the feelings I have for it here. It hits me on a soul level. I love the rugged landscape, natural beauty, colors, architecture, history, art and the food. This was my fourth time to visit, and where we were married, but the first time traveling here with kids! So, it was cool to go back and show them a place that has significance for us on a personal level, but also to show them what a magical place it is. Or magical places, because Santa Fe and Taos are two different cities about 1 1/2 to 2 hours a part in the high desert of New Mexico.

Flying into the Santa Fe airport, we rented a car upon arrival. We decided to start our journey by driving to Taos for a couple days and then making our way back to stay in Santa Fe for a couple days. The drive is beautiful with mountainous views, and small historical villages with old churches. It’s just gorgeous. We were staying in a Vrbo in a cute casita on a couple’s sheep farm. It was at the feet of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. We could walk on their property, down the country road, and sit on the front porch enjoying the landscape. The lovely couple let the kids feed the sheep, and their sweet dogs would come around every so often to say hi.

The owner offered to take us in his truck up a bumpy mountain road to a nearby waterfall. There was still snow on the ground up there and the air was cold with the mist from the rushing waterfall. It was an unexpected and delightful experience. That’s one of the things I love about traveling and exploring, is being open to going with the flow, taking suggestions from people, and saying yes to the moment.

What we did have on the agenda was a drive to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and walked on it for the incredible views. We thought the kids would get a kick out of being up so high. It’s not for the faint of heart, however, because it’s a long way down. So, I was feeling a little uneasy, because I’m not really a fan of heights, but it’s a cool experience regardless. After that we mostly poked around the historic downtown Taos area and Arroyo Seco. Both have fun shops, galleries and restaurants.

Last time when we were here, when we were married, we visited Ojo Caliente, a hot springs spa and resort. It was absolutely divine, but kids aren’t allowed, so we looked for a kid friendly alternative this time. We did find a natural hot springs that was all ages and free. It was about a 30 minute hike that was fairly easy, rocky, slightly hilly, with cacti and sage brush along the side of the trail. The small pool was right on the edge of the trail with a cold river along side of it. There were people already there soaking and it was clothing optional. We wore bathing suits. The temperature was warm, like a hot bath and it might have been pleasant if it wasn’t for this one man who wouldn’t stop talking, and so loudly! It was really quite unbelievable, and made it hard to relax. So, we didn’t soak for very long, but we felt good afterwards on the hike back to the car.

There is a common courtesy in such places, to keep one’s voice low, and we have taught our kids to listen to nature, to observe and to not use harsh and loud voices, so as not to impose on others who may also be enjoying the shared environment. We do this in libraries, museums, on hikes, at restaurants, etc., but it’s interesting how many people didn’t seem to get the memo.

One of my favorite memories was simply hanging out by the Rio Grande. We sat there watching the river roll by, feeling the sun on our faces and the cool spring air, and looking at rocks. The kids kicked off their shoes and put their toes in the freezing water, and skipped rocks. I just gazed at the layers of soft colors in the landscape and could see in my mind’s eye the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe. No wonder she loved living here.

In Santa Fe we had good food, walked around the galleries and shops, and bought a few gifts from the local artists in the historical plaza. I’m enamored with the adobe buildings and Spanish style homes. The big highlight for us was Bandelier National Monument which protects over 30,000 acres of land, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. We walked the trails, climbed the ladders into the cave like homes that had been carved by the Ancestral Pueblo people. We were there for hours exploring and imagining what it must’ve been like to live there. The Visitors Center was educational too.

All of this exploring made us hungry. I love the flavors of southwest cooking so much, and perhaps it’s because we ate a lot of it when we lived in Arizona when I was a child. My mom made delicious tacos when I was growing up. Yay, taco night! Our most memorable restaurants from our more recent visits here were Casa Chimayo Restaurante- Santa Fe. We sat in the courtyard-like patio in a booth with throw pillows, and the feeling was comfortable and welcoming. The food was delicious and we all enjoyed it very much. Kakawa Chocolate House- Santa Fe. Incredible house-made chocolate, cake with pine nuts, and sipping chocolate. There are various combinations of chocolate elixirs mixed with spices that were made from historical recipes. The Shed- Santa Fe. Cute patio in the heart of the historical downtown that was packed inside the restaurant and out. Fun, upbeat atmosphere and delicious food. Sazon- Santa Fe. We stumbled upon this restaurant when we were newlyweds. At first we thought we were in an art gallery, well, because it looks like a small, charming and inviting museum on the inside. The food was artistically presented and thoughtfully prepared. We felt like we had really lucked out on randomly finding this wonderful place. I see that in 2022 the chef won a James Beard award. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza- Santa Fe. On the outskirts of the downtown square. It seemed like local residents were eating there with families with kids, rather than tourists. Delicious and satisfying. Taos Cow- Arroyo Seco. Breakfast, lunch and ice cream. Walk up to the outdoor window and place your order. There are tables out back by the creek in a beautiful natural setting. The kids played by the creek and scrambled around the trees while we waited for our food. We’ve eaten here many times and always come back. Chokola- Taos. Small chocolate shop in the historical downtown square. Artisanal individual chocolates and chocolate bars. We sat at a little table and savored them and took some to go.

What can I say, I love this place. There are so many opportunities to explore the history, culture and nature here. So many opportunities to relax and refresh, as well. Now that we only live a four hour drive away, I’m feeling a road trip coming on sooner than later!