Autumn in the Land of Enchantment: Santa Fe, New Mexico

For hikers and leaf peepers, Santa Fe National Forest won’t disappoint. Covering 1.6 million acres of mountains, mesas and valleys in the high desert ranging in altitude from 5,000 to 13,000 feet, it offers over 200 trails to choose from. If a scenic drive is preferable, take the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway up into the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The route follows 16 miles through Hyde Memorial State Park and ends at Ski Santa Fe. Pack a picnic lunch, pull off to rest and take in the incredible views.

For those passionate about art, a stroll down Canyon Road is sure to inspire. With the highest concentration of galleries in the United States, Canyon Road features charming adobe homes which have been converted to display art in all forms and styles from artists around the world. Spend a morning wandering in and out of galleries then retreat to a cozy cafe for lunch and mull over the purchase of a souvenir piece to take home.

The Santa Fe Plaza is the 400-year old beating heart of Santa Fe and has served as a diverse hub for commerce, military, politics and culture since 1609. Today the Plaza is a great place to take in the unique architecture of the city and do a little shopping for artisanal goods or western jewelry and apparel. If timed just right, take in an exhibition of one of New Mexico’s 23 Native Nations and Pueblos dancing, drumming or singing traditions.

For an engaging lesson on the complex history of New Mexico and archaeological efforts in Santa Fe, step into the New Mexico History Museum and wander through The Palace of the Governors, which has been in continuous use as a public administrative building since it’s construction in 1610.

To immerse yourself in the work of one of New Mexico’s most famous and beloved artists for an hour or so, visit The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Featuring galleries organized by her time spent as a teacher and student, as well as her time spent in New Mexico and on the East Coast, the museum gives visitors insight into her life and bold artistic style.

To get a taste of European-grandiosity closer to home, peek into The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Completed in 1886, the fully operational basilica was built in the style of Romanesque Revival by Italian stonemasons and is constructed with locally sourced yellow limestone transported 18 miles to Santa Fe. Willa Cather’s classic novel Death Comes for the Archbishop is centered around life in Santa Fe leading to, during and following the construction of the Basilica. I highly recommend reading while in New Mexico!

Santa Fe is also famous for its focus on wellness and spiritual connectedness with nature and there are many opportunities to go about experiencing the wellness side of Santa Fe. A unique option to relax and restore can be found 10 minutes outside of downtown at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa featuring private soaking tub suites, massage and facial treatments. A bit further outside of Santa Fe, in a more desert setting, is Ojo Santa Fe. Known for its spring-fed soaking tubs, Ojo is just the place to let the restorative waters melt away any anxieties.

A festival is a great way to pack in as much local culture as possible and the fall season is full of unique festivals in and around Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta takes place during the last week of September annually and is a great opportunity to sample a little of everything Santa Fe’s vast culinary landscape has to offer. Other fall festivals include Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend Celebration in October and Dia de los Muertos the first weekend of November. All festival calendars can be found at www.santafe.org.

Day trips

1. O'Keeffe Home & Studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, 52 miles north of Santa Fe

2. Ojo Caliente in Taos

3. Taos

4. Gruet Winery in Albuquerque

5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at La Plazuela at the historic La Fonda Hotel. Options range from classics to unique New Mexican dishes like Huevos Rancheros or Blue Corn Pinon Pancakes.

Also located inside La Fonda on the plaza is The French Pastry Shop which offers phenomenal crepes and pastries alongside coffee that’s certain to energize a day of exploring.

Cafe de Artistes is another daytime option located near the New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza, perfect for a sandwich or salad to refuel.

The Pink Adobe is an iconic Santa Fe classic for dinner. Known for its “New Mexican Cajun”-style since 1944 and located in a cozy adobe building, The Pink Adobe offers delicious margaritas and dishes ranging from New Mexican to Cajun and in between.

The Shed is also a Santa Fe icon that’s been in operation since 1953. Smothered burritos, tamales and green chile cheese burgers are solid choices here. Just be sure to ask about the heat levels of the chile as it can vary! Take a jar of salsa home to keep the memories of your visit to New Mexico fresh.

A gem in New Mexico is Gruet Winery located in Albuquerque. Founded by the children of French Champagne producer Gilbert Gruet of Gruet et Fils, Gruet Winery provides varietals featuring chardonnay and pinot noir as well as other unique grapes. For an experience in Santa Fe, visit the Gruet Tasting Room and sample a variety of wines. The Blanc de blancs and brut rosé are my favorites!

The Dragon Room is the bar connected to The Pink Adobe restaurant and is a great place to have a cocktail before dinner or enjoy dinner. They serve a robust menu of casual New Mexican dishes. If the weather is cool, the kiva fireplace is sure to be blazing. Robert Redford and Georgia O’Keeffe are rumored to have regularly visited The Dragon Room in their days and the ambiance of the cozy space is capped off with Chihuly chandeliers and evocative art. The Catrina, a prickly pear margarita, is a must-try!

For a classic local snack, adventure into the Five and Dime on the Plaza and try the famous “Frito Pie.”

Pro tip: To sample a full variety of famous New Mexican green and red chile, request smothered dishes as “Christmas-style.”