Living and Loving in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Where Couples Go to Love and Play in Santa Fe

After numerous requests by friends for recommendations for things to do and places to stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico; where I have a second home, I decided it was time to let other couples in on the wonders of this beautiful town.

I fell in love with Santa Fe in April 2013 when I first traveled there to meet my now husband Dickon.

We dated while Dickon and/or I traveled to Seattle, Santa Fe, or other towns to see each other. We discovered the expensive places to go, but mostly the more thrifty choices that are more reasonable for day to day dating. I also include here some places that are good for bringing your little friends like our 10 pound pomapoo Dolce. Dolce has a 5 paw rating system for hotels and restaurants.

Here is my recommendation list:

Airport:

Recommendation: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

While Santa Fe, NM does have an airport, most people fly in and out of Albuquerque due to lower ticket costs and more flights available. Albuquerque is approximately an hour south of Santa Fe, so you need to rent a car from there or take the convenient Sandia Express Shuttle, Express Rail Runner, or an Uber which also operates in Santa Fe.

Sandia Shuttle Express: Sandia Express Shuttle Reservations: (888)775–5696 or online at sandiashuttle.com. Location: Sandia has multiple pickup and drop off locations in and around Santa Fe. Currently the shuttle rates are $28 one way or $48 round trip which is much more economical than $150-$200 for Uber or a cab.

Rail Runner Express: The Rail Runner Express is a commuter train system that runs between the metropolitan areas of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and runs year round. You can catch a free shuttle from the airport to the Rail Runner Express, just look for the signs. Rail Runner Express, riometro.org, (866)795-RAIL (7245), Location: there are many station addresses, so check the website.

Getting Around Town:

Santa Fe is a small town so depending on the location of your hotel, you have many options available to get around. My hotel recommendations are all located in the downtown area near the Plaza for maximum enjoyment. All around town there are newspaper boxes where you can pick up the local weekly free newsmagazine The Reporter; you NEED one. The Reporter has a listing of what’s going on in town and other local information you may find useful.

Renting a car before leaving the airport gives you free reign to get around whenever and wherever you wish. When we travel we use Thrifty, because the blue chip program is fast and efficient and the prices are competitive.

Thrifty: thrifty.com, 1–800-THRIFTY (1(800)847–4389). Location: Thrifty Albuquerque 3400 University Blvd. SE Suite T, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Uber is available in Sante Fe, so if you have the app on your phone, you can catch a safe and economical way around Santa Fe.

Walk! Santa Fe is small, so if you are staying downtown, you can walk to many destinations. In town it’s fairly flat so bring your walking shoes. Alert! There are many streets and sidewalks paved in cobblestones, gravel, or bricks so I really do recommend flat comfortable shoes. Suede shoes should be avoided, because this is the desert and things get dusty, especially shoes!

Electric bikes are a fun, easy way to get around town. There are bike lanes all around town and tons of trails, so bikes are a great Santa Fe option. My recommendation for bike rental is Eco Motive, which rent for $40-$60 daily depending on the style of bike you choose.

Eco Motive: My recommendation for bike rental is Eco Motive, $40-$60 daily depending on the style of bike you choose. Visit their website at ecomotivebikes.com; (505)795–3782. Location: Eco Motive 410 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe

Hotels:

The Hotel St. Francis: This is the first hotel where I stayed when I came to Santa Fe. The rooms are charming, and I can’t say enough about the beautiful linen duvet that was on my very comfortable bed. This hotel is listed on the national historic register, and has a romantic atmosphere where the lobby is alight with candles every evening. The Hotel St. Francis is located just 2 blocks from The Plaza so walking around town is a breeze. The St. Francis welcomes pets for a $25 a day fee. Parking for hotel guests is available, and the Sandia Express Shuttle drops off right in front of the hotel. Dolce gives The St. Francis 5 paws. Location: 210 Don Gaspar Ave. (505)983–5700

La Posada: La Posada de Santa Fe is over a century old, and boasts a spa, and a haunted bar and restaurant named Julia after the ghost of Julia Staab who founded the historic estate. You do have to pay a daily resort fee if this is your destination. If you’re bringing a pet, there is a $75 non-refundable cleaning fee. Dolce says, “4 paws.” Location: 330 East Palace Ave. (505)986–0000

Inn on the Alameda: The Inn on the Alemeda is a smaller boutique hotel with a yummy breakfast buffet. Pets under 100 pounds are welcome for a $50 plus tax nightly pet fee for 1–2 pets. If you are traveling with 3 pets the cost goes up to $75 per night plus tax. Dolce gives the Inn 4 paws. Location: 303 Alameda (888)984–2121

Inn of the Governors: Free parking, a year-round heated pool, and a complimentary full buffet breakfast are draws to this authentic boutique southwest style hotel. Please call for pet their policy. Location: 101 West Alameda St. (800)234–4534 (505)982–4333

Attractions/Activities:

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf: Meow Wolf is hard to describe. This is a multimedia, immersive art experience that is not to be missed! Over 100 local artists have come together to create this unique space. This is a serious feast for the eyes. There are also DJ’s and bands that play here for which you can buy tickets to as well.

Canyon Road: Canyon Road is lined with galleries (some I listed below) of all sorts, great restaurants, and traditional historic adobe homes. Plan to spend a few hours strolling the road with your honey.

The Loretto Chapel: The Loretto Chapel is famous for it’s “miraculous” spiral staircase.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: The museum is a small, wonderful slice of Georgia. There is a handwritten letter of Georgia’s that is art itself!

The Palace of the Governors: Built in 1610, it is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the US. This building hosts an interesting museum with a fantastic historical mural.

The Plaza: The Plaza is nearly 400 years old is the heart and soul of town. Shopping, food, and music nightly in the summer evenings.

Museum Hill: This mecca of museums hosts 4 museums! All 4 are worth a look for art, history, and Southwest culture, the Spanish colonial past, and folk art and traditions from around the world.

Traditional Spanish Market: Hosted each July by the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. There are over 250 Spanish Colonial Artists from the Southwest with a plethora of arts and crafts taking over downtown Santa Fe. Trace the traditions of over 400 years of tinwork, straw applique, pottery, painting, woodcrafts, rugs, etc. while dazzling the eyes as you walk the streets.

International Folk Art Market: Located on Museum Hill in July brings in artists from all over the globe. This is a must do if you are in town. The quality of the workmanship and the international venders; some of whom don traditional garb to sell, is exquisite. This year there were over 160 master artists from over 53 countries. Honestly, if I had the cash I could have easily dropped $20,000 this year. We settled however for a beautiful piece of pottery from a South African woman for $25, plus a donation of $5 to keep the Market Foundation alive.

The Indian Market: The market takes over Santa Fe yearly in mid August. Established in 1922, with over 900 artists from 200+ tribes, this is the largest juried Native arts show in the world.

Freebies!:

• Santa Fe Bandstand: Live music at the Plaza. Some people even dance.
• First Free Sundays at Local Museums: If you’re a New Mexico resident, many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, check websites for details.
• Friday Night Art Openings: All over town!
• Check The Reporter’s (the local freebie weekly newspaper) weekly culture listings and calendar to see who, what, where.
• Art at the Roundhouse
• The State Capitol Building which houses some wonderful art.
• Santa Fe Farmers Market: Year-round from 8am-1pm Saturdays at The Railyard.
• Shidoni: This sculpture garden located in Tesuque is lovely year-round.
• Bird Walks at the Randall Davey Audubon Center: Local experts lead free bird walks every Saturday at 8:30am.
• Diablo Canyon: Santa Fe is a hikers paradise. This 6 mile round trip walk to the Rio Grande is mostly flat, but stunningly beautiful. Don’t stop at Diablo Canyon though, Santa Fe has dozens of trails long and short both in and just outside of town. q

Food:

Tacos from Paloma

The Burrito Company: Breakfast, and lunch. Lots of gluten free options, inexpensive and just a 1/2 block off the plaza. I love their pupusas and their agua fresca is quite tasty. There is outdoor seating, and Dolce gives this place 4 ½ paws. Location: 111 Washington Ave. (505)982–4453

Geronimo: This has long been considered the best restaurant in town. A little more fancy than your typical Santa Fe haunt, but yummy and charming. The deck seating on Canyon Road is nice, or sitting by the fire inside the cozy bar during the cooler months. I don’t recommend for children, this is more of an adult atmosphere. Location: 724 Canyon Road (505)982–1500

The Compound: Located in an old adobe home, this is another Canyon Road staple of upscale tasty bites with regional influences. Location: 653 Canyon Road (505)982–4353

The Boxcar: Down in the Rail Yard district is this sports bar where the food and drinks are good and they have 13 screens to catch your favorite teams. Happy hour is from 4–6:30 Monday-Friday and they have a great selection of beers on tap. They serve food until 1:30am, and we’ve even had a celebrity sighting or 2 here. Brunch is available on weekends and the steak and eggs are recommended.If you’re up for a hint of spice order the shrimp and smoky, cheesy grits for a little taste of New Orleans in Santa Fe; the happy hour $4 margaritas don’t disappoint either! Location: 530 South Guadalupe Street (505)988–7222

El Farol: El Farol was recently purchased by the owner of The Tea House just across the way on Canyon Road, and has undergone an extensive remodel. We love the deck seating here, and the food is excellent! They feature flamenco dancers some evenings while you dine. Dolce gives El Farol 4 ½ paws. Location: 808 Canyon Road (505)983–9912

Whoo’s Donuts: Not your regular flavors here!!! Whoo’s makes their donuts in house daily from scratch and delivers out to locals as far as Albuquerque. They feature delectable flavors such as blue corn blueberry cake, chai, rosemary almond, and toasted coconut. Whoo’s also carries my favorite line of teas by Harney & Son’s (Paris flavor is so good no cream or sweetener needed!). So sorry there is no outdoor seating. Location: 851 B Cerrillos Road (505)629–1678

Santa Fe Bite: These are truly awesome burgers!!! The meat quality here can’t be matched so just order the burgers. Dolce gives this place 4 ½ paws. Location: 311 Old Santa Fe Trail (505)982–0544

The Teahouse: Admittedly, we come here often. I like the proprietor here, and he does it right. The Teahouse bakes all their own stuff, and they even have a lot of gluten free options available across all meals. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can’t go wrong with the food here. The staff here are friendly and accommodating. Peruse the extensive beverage menu for a plethora of hot and cold beverages made with coffee and teas. Sit out on one of the best patios in Santa Fe in good weather, or inside with great photographs on the walls. Dolce gives The Teahouse 5 paws! Location: 821 Canyon Road (505)992–0972

5 Star Burgers: We recommend the wonderful happy hour which is daily 4–6, $3 tap beers, $1.50-$3 sliders, $1 ice cream cones in chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, $3 fried green beans, etc. We had 4 sliders (2 $3 lobster ones, 2 $1.65 chicken ones), 1 order of fried green beans, 2 beers, 2 ice cream cones for $22 including tax! It doesn’t look like much but the food was worth it! Location: 604 N. Guadalupe St. suite. A, (505)983–8977

Clafoutis: This place is known for their great baked goods, and lovely French food. Locals love this joint. Location: 333 W. Cordova Road (505)988–1809

Tomasita’s: This people pleaser serves up the best sopaipillas in town! If you don’t know what a sopaipilla is, you need to get in here (ask to have them at the end of the meal). Traditional New Mexican chow, plenty of parking. Location: 500 S. Guadalupe St (505)983–5721

Counter Culture Cafe: CASH ONLY! Sooo good. The pancakes are yummers, and they have great salads and a tasty frittata, but they make the best egg, cheese, and bacon breakfast sandwich ever! We eat here all the time, and sit out on the patio with Dolce who gives Counter Culture 5 paws. Location: 930 Baca Street (505)995–1105

Cafe Pasqual’s: Pasqual’s has really good and I love the charm of this small place. Named after the patron saint of cooking, this place delivers. I eat here a lot. This place is always busy so if you don’t want to wait for a private table, don’t be shy and agree to sit a the communal table with the locals. The corned beef hash is KILLER! Location: 121 Don Gaspar (505)983–9340

The Pantry: A solid popular local joint. People swear by the breakfast burritos and the enchiladas. Location: 1820 Cerrillos Road (505)986–0022

La Boca: This very popular restaurant always seems to be a feature destination for film crews and photo ops. If you love tapas, this is the place to go! Location: 72 W. Marcy Street (505)982–3433

The Tesuque Village Market: This is just north of Santa Fe in the more rural area of Tesuque. The Village market has a variety of foods for all palates, and is reasonably priced. Been here many times and we love it. 5 Paws on the big patio from Dolce. Location: 138 Tesuque Village Road, Tesuque (505)988–8848

Paloma: This place is new, hip, romantic, and reasonably priced. The two proprietors serve up some good grub, and sling out some amazing drinks! I recommend ordering the Diablo cocktail, but if you’re not a drinker, try the fresh ginger soda made in house; strong and heavenly. Location: 401 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe (505)982–9170

Andiamo!: Andiamo! has been serving up a healthy variety of Italian dishes for over 20 years. Lots of loyal regulars eat here. Small patio, but they welcome doggies, 4 paws. Location: 322 Garfield St., Santa Fe (505)995–9595

Shopping:

Double Take: Secondhand stuff, but super cool! I’ve found a million things I cherish here. Best find was 2 traditional New Mexican pots that should have been $300 each for $85 for both! Found some lovely jewelry. Look through the whole shop, especially their vintage cowboy boots. Location: 320 Aztec St (505)989–8886

Doodlet’s: Love this place! I shop here all the time for fun knick knick stuff. Location: 120 Don Gaspar Ave (505) 983–3771

Santa Fe Honey Salon & Farm Shop: Because I LOVE honey! Location: 554 Juanita St. (505)780–8797

Golden Eye: Truly the most wonderful jewelry on the planet!!! Location: 115 Don Gaspar Ave. (505)984–0040

Sena Plaza: Small shops in a hidden plaza. Location: 125 E. Palace Ave. (505)988–5792

Street Feet: Shoes for all. Location: 100 E. San Francisco St. (505)984–2828

Savory Spice Shop: If you’re into this sort of thing; I am so… Location: 225 Galisteo St. (505)819–5659

Bodhi Bazaar: This women’s shop is located in the DeVargas Center where nothing else is worth your time. Location: DeVargas Center, 564 N. Guadalupe St (505)982–3880

House of Ancestors Antiques: Uh oh…nice stuff ahead. Location: 1219 Cerrillos Road (505)490–2653

Galleries/Art:

• Walk Canyon Road!!!
• Mill Contemporary: Location: 702 1/2 Canyon Road (505)983–6668
• Nedra Matteucci Galleries: Located in an old adobe house with lush gardens. Lots of western and Southwest art. Location: 1075 Paseo De Peralta (505)982–4631
• Adobe Art Gallery: There are great pots in here! Location: 221 Canyon Road (505)955–0550
• Chiaroscuro Contemporary Art: Location: 558 Canyon Road (505)992–0711
• Turner Carroll Gallery: The curator here buys some truly exceptional paintings. Location: Location: 725 Canyon Road (505)986–9800
• Andrew Smith Gallery: Photography from 19th, 20th and 21st century of many well known artists. Location: 122 Grant Ave. (505)984–1234
• Monroe Gallery of Photography: If you like photography this is the place to go for consistently really great photos! Location: 122 Don Gaspar Ave (505)992–0800

Molly Fulghum Kent is a relationship coach who wants you to experience more love in your life. Read more about her work here at theRelationship.coach