Santa Fe – COOL HUNTING®

Santa Fe, generally known as Oga Po’geh (that means white shell water place) to the Tewa individuals, has an extended historical past that imbues every part there. Situated within the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it’s a spot that was—and stays—residence to Indigenous individuals for hundreds of years, earlier than being declared a area of New Spain, then a territory of unbiased Mexico, earlier than being “gained” by the US as a part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The third highest metropolis within the nation, it sits at 7,198 toes above sea degree and is a real treasure throughout the huge, picturesque desert. Everyone has their must-see listing—lots of which can embrace The Matador (a basic dive bar with a 67-person capability) to The Shed (famed for its crimson chile), the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Meow Wolf—and whereas we actually can attest to these being worthwhile spots to go to, listed below are our favourite experiences and locations in Santa Fe.

Passport to Pueblo Nation

There are acres and acres of Indigenous-owned land in New Mexico and lots of the pueblos within the state (and Native communities throughout) stay strictly closed to guests, as tribal communities have been hit significantly arduous by the pandemic. These which might be open, like San Ildefonso Pueblo—Pʼohwhogeh Ówîngeh in Tewa (that means “the place the water cuts by way of”)—have strict masks mandates and anyone trying to go to must be ready to respect all customs and guidelines, pandemic-related or not. Passport to Pueblo Country, helmed by Deborah and Elmer Torres (who’s a frontrunner at Pʼohwhogeh Ówîngeh) supply pueblo tours and guided hikes, offering guests with invaluable perception, historical past and tales. There are day journeys to the pueblo (which is a 30-minute drive from Santa Fe) the place guests can tour the plaza, eat conventional feast day dishes and see pottery demonstrations. The hike by way of Tsankawi (now a piece of Bandelier Nationwide Monument) is basically a stroll by way of ancestral houses of the Tewa individuals. Guides won’t solely level out petroglyphs, caves, ruins and artifacts but in addition clarify them intimately—from smoke-stained ceilings to damaged earthenware. Visitors will be taught numerous Tewa phrases and names for mountains and flora, discover out about kiva ceremonies, and perceive why land is far more than simply property.

Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi

Wealthy with colours, textures and artwork, Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi (which underwent some renovations throughout the pandemic) is a 58-room lodge simply meters from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. With all its Southwestern design parts, enormous handcrafted doorways (some bearing the artisan’s title carved into the timber), conventional picket viga ceilings and wealthy textiles, this quiet property doesn’t really feel gimmicky; as an alternative it’s intimate and heat. Shiny however cozy, each visitor room options handcrafted furnishing and a gaslight kiva-style hearth. Downstairs there are two giant lounge areas (which may also be booked for particular events) that present house for lounging with a espresso, studying or assembly up with different friends. A spacious eating room results in a shiny bar that, in flip, opens onto the lodge’s sun-drenched patio—the proper spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. For tequila fanatics, there are tasting experiences accessible, with six choice choices together with one that includes spirits from completely different municipalities in Mexico’s tequila-producing area, completely different getting older processes, bar managers’ favorites and extra.

Dolina Bakery & Cafe

Since opening in 2017 by Slovakian-born Annamaria O’Brien, Dolina Bakery & Cafe has garnered a well-deserved fame because the spot to have breakfast or brunch in Santa Fe. The menu consists of conventional American classics like waffles and buttermilk fried hen subsequent to Japanese European dishes like strudel and Orechovník (a poppy seed and nut roll) French toast, schnitzel, lángos (fried flatbread) and extra. In case you can’t determine, the natural hen sandwich actually delivers. You’ll want to arrive prepared to attend for a desk inside, as queues start forming as quickly because the doorways open, however out of doors seating is a seat-yourself state of affairs.

SITE Santa Fe

Since opening in 1995, SITE Santa Fe has been greater than an artwork museum; it supply lectures, workshops and performances in addition to training and outreach for native faculties and organizations. It’s free to enter, and the huge, ethereal house options a number of galleries, a restaurant and a store. On now till 11 September, Jeffrey Gibson: The Body Electric is a kaleidoscopic, multi-media journey for guests. The super-talented Choctaw and Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson has created a present that’s daring, colourful, salient, playful and potent—with parts drawn from Native American traditions, rave tradition and extra. It manifests in numerous methods from sculpture to beaded works, video and beyond.

La Boca

An informal up to date Spanish restaurant and wine bar, La Boca opened again in 2006 helmed by a James Beard Award nominee, chef James Campbell Caruso. With out of doors patio (street-side) seating and a energetic indoor ambiance, the venue additionally boasts the yard Taberna, the place there’s usually stay music. The employees’s enthusiasm creates a playful and spirited power. With an intensive Spanish sherry and wine listing, the menu additionally consists of classics like croquetas, pintxos and patatas bravas in addition to salads and charcuterie boards.

Ten Thousand Waves

Santa Fe, New Mexico won’t be probably the most predictable place for an onsen, however Ten Thousand Waves—impressed by Japanese sizzling spring resorts—gives a chic, leafy retreat within the desert. Based again in 1981 and opening with eight swimming pools and one therapeutic massage house, it’s now a big however serene property with personal and public swimming pools, therapeutic massage and pores and skin therapy rooms, lodging and eating. Reserve a personal pool and teams of as much as 4, eight or 10 can take pleasure in a sizzling tub, chilly plunge pool, sauna and loads of house to sunbathe. The Grand Bath can host 18 individuals at a time and options all the identical facilities, simply in a much less personal setting—which is even nearer to the genuine onsen. Visitors can even select from quite a lot of therapies, from basic shiatsu therapeutic massage to facials. With the Izanami restaurant simply throughout the carpark from the primary home, it’s straightforward to spend a whole day at Ten Thousand Waves, however you should definitely reserve effectively prematurely as areas replenish shortly.

Hero picture, element of Jeffrey Gibson‘s The Physique Electrical by Katie Olsen