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North America, Travel
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November 8, 2011

Views of Magical Santa Fe, New Mexico

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When I told my husband that I would be visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico he spoke about his visit some years ago and how magical he felt it all was. The most I had heard about Santa Fe was how incredible the spas were, and what a great artist community it had, but not much else.

So, for example, I was surprised to learn that at the time of my visit I would have put away my shorts and tank tops and pack sweaters, long warm pants and jackets instead. This is because Fall in Santa Fe is actually cool and can even get really cold. When we arrived to the Santa Fe area, by way of Albuquerque airport at 1AM, the temperature was a very brisk 40 degrees.

I also didn’t expect how great the light would be, and how fresh the air would feel, and how impossible it would be to take a bad picture with all the colors surrounding me all the time. My desire to capture the beauty, especially on Hyde Park road towards the Natural Forest led to endless photography, but I have to say even while looking through them all, I failed to do it justice.

I went with my girlfriend, Sandra. I thought Santa Fe would be a perfect spot to visit with a good girlfriend and it really was. We stayed in La Posada, A RockResort.

Visiting the downtown area is a fun way to admire the architecture, shops, and vendors selling original, indigenous jewelry and other merchandise. I loved exploring through the old streets, with vintage shops, both historic in merchandise and in their foundation, and I really enjoyed visiting one of the town’s historic sites, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

But it’s also a great place to get some drinks and good eats. A few of our favorite stops where:

The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda hotel – Overlooking downtown Santa Fe, it’s a beautiful place to relax, have a few drinks, and catch a breathtaking sunset. The hotel itself is great to walk through and the ambiance at the bar is pretty friendly. We went for afternoon drinks and had a blast.

Tia Sophia’s – We came here by recommendation of a local (always ask a local for the best places to eat), and it was definitely favorite hangout. We arrived after a morning workout, in full post-workout gear and look, so the laid back atmosphere of this place was perfect. We even got to meet a couple who was more than happy to suggest what we should order while sharing their love story with us. I just adore places like these where I can connect with locals, who are often more than happy to connect with me in turn. Tip: when ordering eggs, or pretty much anything, you will be asked if you want red or green sauce. Say you want “Christmas” if you want to try both and don’t have anything against hot (green) sauces. I prefer the green myself, but loved being able to try them both at once.

La Boca – A more upscale tapas bar, but still fun and relaxing. The food here was incredible. Sandra and I tried a few things and I can’t think of anything bad to say about any of it. But, make a reservation. It was pretty packed when we got in, and they were unable to sit us when we arrived 30 minutes early for our reservation. A bit pricey, but for a night out on the town, totally worth it.

The Farmer’s Market – Sets up shop by the Santa Fe Railway around 8AM Tuesdays and Saturday mornings till 1PM all year round. It’s not huge, but it certainly is not small and has a great selection of produce, cheeses, fresh breads, chiles, and lots more, including what I swear was quite possibly the larges celery I have ever seen in my life!

When looking to feed the need for more beautiful art work, Santa Fe offers a wide range of galleries, museums, and art exhibits to check out – from the Georgia O’Keefe Museum to the Institute of American Indian Art.

There are tons to do in Santa Fe, no matter what the weather and whether you come as a couple, in a girlfriend’s getaway (as we did), or with kids in tow. From river rafting, to hiking, to local tours, children’s museums, train rides and  parks, I was truly impressed with how much this “small” town has to offer its visitors.

It’s an affluent town and though not everyone you meet will be so, and this will be evident as you walk through it. But the people who live here love it, and their ability to just sit back and enjoy the day is pretty great to watch and experience, no matter what their background. The history, culture and art runs deep, as well as the pride of those who call Santa Fe home.

Sandra and I chose to take it easy on our trip, which is not hard to do. We met some incredible people, had some great laughs, and because we were there around Halloween, we also got a glimpse of Santa Fe’s festive side as well. Check out this couple we met right outside La Boca as they made their way in for dinner, in full gear (the guy didn’t remove his mask during dinner, not once. It was awesome).

All photography is copyright and property of GirlGoneTravel.com. May not be used without permission of owner.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Brian Searl
    November 12, 2011

    These are some really great pictures. I have fond memories of Santa Fe and that entire area when I was younger and driving across the country to Arizona with my parents. I hope to make it back one day as soon as my schedule allows. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Brian Searl
      November 12, 2011

      Thanks Brian! I was in awe of how incredible it was every time I took a shot. Just perfect weather and light. Great place for sure. Hope you get back soon!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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