Charingo Takes Santa Fe

If you follow me on social media (which you should!), you know that Meredith of Martha Chartreuse and I recently went on a little adventure to New Mexico. We often got quizzical looks from friends and family when we announced our trip. “New Mexico? Why? That’s random…”

The short answer is just because! The longer answer is, to celebrate the last week of my sabbatical, we wanted to go on a girls trip, somewhere close by that neither of us had been to, with sunshine and of course good food. Santa Fe was the answer.

If Santa Fe hasn’t been on your travel bucket list, go update your Travel Google Doc now. This is definitely going to be the next hot city, like Austin or Portland. It has lots of charm, fun shops and art galleries, some of the nicest people either of us have ever encountered.

Top New Mexico Hits

Now we did stop in Albuquerque also, as that is the city to fly in and out of. It is only an hour drive to Santa Fe, but we decided to stay for 2 nights. While I wouldn’t say ABQ is the most happenin’ of places, we did have a really nice time laying by the pool at the gorgeous Hotel Albuquerque, eating some delicious New Mexican food and learning about the resident ghosts at High Noon, and taking a romantic hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande with Rainbow Ryders. If you’ve got 36 hours in Albuquerque, I 100% recommend all of those activities.

Indulge at Radish & Rye – Hands down this little farm-to-table restaurant we stumbled upon was our favorite meal on our trip. And one of my new favorite places anywhere. Not only was the space gorgeous with a captivating patio that we kept swooning over, the Southern-inspired food was spectacular. In particular, their corn chowder with green chiles, smoked bone marrow and fresh corn was insane. Now as a 98% vegetarian, I wouldn’t usually eat bone marrow but figured I’d try a bite. This was worth it. Rich, decadent, smokey, flavorful, full of texture. It hit all the right notes. We talked about it all weekend. I would fly back to New Mexico just for that dish.

Eat New Mexican Cuisine at La Choza – What is New Mexican food you ask? Don’t worry, we had to also. While somewhat similar to your standard Mexican fare with enchiladas and rice and beans, their focus is more on blue corn and red and green chile sauces. La Choza is definitely a local stop and for good reason. Their food was flavorful, spicy and fresh. And, the sopapillas! These fluffy fried dough that you pour honey over. Especially when you’ve poured on too much super spicy chile sauce, this is where it’s at.

Hike at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks – This National Monument reminded me a lot of Bryce Canyon, with large rock spires that look like tents. The main hike, about 3 miles roundtrip, takes you through the canyons and amongst the stunning hoodoos. While a little steep towards the end, you are rewarded with a gorgeous 360 degree view of the valley at the top. Just don’t go in an all black attire at 2pm in the afternoon heat. Bad idea.

Shop at the Santa Fe Farmers Market – Ok, this might be sacrilegious to say as a Portlander, but this is perhaps the best farmer’s market I’ve ever been to. From the spectacular produce like barbarella eggplants and roasted green chiles to the beautiful flowers and unique artisan products, there was everything to keep you happy. Prepared foods, baked goods, coffee shops. Indoor and outdoor spaces. A live band. Flower crowns. This place had it all. It was the perfect space to prep for the delicious and huge dinner we made that night at our VRBO – roasted salmon; peach, padron pepper and burrata salad; eggplant, kale and corn saute; and freshly baked bread. {Recipes coming soon.}

Of course we also enjoyed lots of other aspects of New Mexico – befriending locals while at the weekly karaoke (Time After Time is our new jam), taking photos with every animal sculpture we could find, admiring the most gorgeous parking garages and overpasses we’ve ever seen (seriously, New Mexico makes boring infrastructure pretty) and laughing hysterically at nothing at all.

So most of all, if you go to Santa Fe, enjoy the small activities and have a good time!