Santa Fe Farewell: Art, Flavors & Sacred Moments
đź“Ť Written from: Santa Fe, NM - USA
Weekly Adventures
Exploring Kaune’s, one of the oldest brands in existence was a highlight, especially since it’s still a thriving grocery store that first opened in 1896. Dirk and I bought fresh guacamole to pair with our chips for our appetizer that evening. Then on Tuesday, we wandered around the historic downtown Plaza, discovering unique shops like one with a custom “hat bar” where you can try on all types of hats. It was fun trying them on for size, but we knew it was not for us to drop a couple hundred dollars on a cowboy hat. Another gem we found for our Wednesday evening was Tumbleroot Pottery Pub, a pottery studio and bar that lets you sculpt, shape, and paint your own creations while enjoying a drink (or two!)—an ideal mix of art and relaxation.
To top off our long week, we hiked the Atalaya Mountain Trail, a dog-friendly 6-mile trek that we, of course, picked for Mr. Boomer. We gave our 5 year old dog a lot of trust as we let him do part of the trail off leash. Thank goodness we had our snacks with us as he is very food driven in case we needed to rope him back in. Although we're not as fit as we’d like to be, reaching the summit left us feeling accomplished and proud. The breath taking view of the trail revealed itself near the top, where the colors and shapes created the moment of true beauty. We even noticed the rock formation pieces had the sparkly stone within which was neat to uncover. Yes, Boomer thought I was holding a treat for him.
Bite-Sized Reviews: Santa Fe Barbecue
We met "The Meat Man," Patrick, who began his journey with a food truck five years ago for his restaurant, Santa Fe Barbecue, and has since grown into a vibrant spot at Chomp food hall. He's a truly a hardworking owner, committed to taking great care of his customers. We tried the meat sampler since choosing just one thing was impossible along with the sides of coleslaw and mac n’ cheese, and his little squeaky, pink pig added a fun touch. Clearly, he loves bringing smiles and laughs to folks of all ages. It’s impressive to see him run this entire show on his own!
Weekend Wanderlust
Our last weekend in Santa Fe was one for the memory books, filled with flavors, art, history, and the beauty of New Mexico’s landscape.
We started off Saturday morning with some fall-flavored treats from Craft Donuts and Coffee, a charming food truck parked near Kaune’s grocery store, nestled among other local trucks. Dirk went straight for the maple bacon donut, while I chose the apple cider donut dipped in apple juice. They were so delicious! It was a sweet way to kick off the day with our warm beverages.
From there, we took a day trip up to Taos, ready to dive into the town’s vibrant arts scene. True to Taos’s spirit, the downtown was lined with art galleries showcasing all kinds of local works, mixed with charming decor shops and the usual tourist spots. After a while, we felt the familiar rumble of hunger and set out to find somewhere with local flair for a late lunch. La Terraza de Taos Cocina caught our eye, and it did not disappoint—perfect fuel for an afternoon of exploring. We ordered their special, steak with 2 quesadillas, rice, beans and of course the green chile on the side. We ate every bite and enjoyed having it with our Horchata (cinammon and rice milk) and Manadarin flavored Jarritos (Mexican soda).
After lunch, we visited the Equine Spirit Sanctuary, where we met Ruth, the inspiring founder whose passion for the horses and the sanctuary’s mission shone through every word. Ruth shared the impact of the sanctuary’s programs for students, kids, adults, and especially those with disabilities. It was heartwarming to see how much love and purpose surrounded these horses. This place is our nonprofit feature for the month, and it was easy to see why. Read more below.
With the sun casting long shadows, we made our way to the iconic San Francisco de Asis Mission Church. This adobe church, framed by white crosses, is legendary for its beauty and as a favorite subject of Georgia O’Keeffe, who painted it from various perspectives. As we approached, two artists were outside, capturing the church from different angles, just as O’Keeffe might have. As a creative, watching their creativity unfold made the visit even more special as I felt we traveled back in time.
Sunday brought a quieter, more spiritual and relaxed experience. We stepped inside Santuario de Chimayo, taking a quiet moment to explore and pray, surrounded by centuries-old artwork depicting the Stations of the Cross. This room filled with the famous “holy dirt” is known for its healing properties. The dirt has drawn people from around the world, each taking a small amount and praying for wellness. It felt both humbling and powerful to witness such a strong Catholic faith and tradition in this sacred place. We attended noon Mass behind the church held outdoors when weather permits. The mountain backdrop, the sound of acoustic guitars playing traditional hymns, and the vibrant colors of Fall leaves made it a breathtaking setting for Mass. It was a nice last weekend as we soaked it all up.
Heart of Hospitality: Equine Spirit Sanctuary
The Equine Spirit Sanctuary in Taos, New Mexico, founded by the inspiring Ruth Bourgeois, is more than just a refuge—it’s a place where horses and people alike are given a chance at healing and connection. Every horse here has its own unique story, often shaped by hardship or neglect, and Ruth’s mission is to give each one a second chance. Through careful rehabilitation, love, and patience, these horses are brought back to health, many going on to play active roles in the sanctuary’s therapeutic programs.
Equine Spirit Sanctuary offers a range of opportunities for children, adults, and especially those with disabilities to experience the profound healing that comes from connecting with horses. With each session, lives are touched, fears are overcome, and confidence is nurtured. But the sanctuary’s work requires ongoing support—caring for the horses, maintaining their health, and sustaining the sanctuary’s programs is a community effort. By supporting the Equine Spirit Sanctuary, you’re not only helping Ruth provide a safe haven for these incredible animals but also helping bring hope, healing, and resilience to all who walk through its gates.
Your support truly makes a difference. Whether by visiting, donating, or spreading the word, you’re playing a part in these second-chance stories and helping Ruth and her team continue their life-changing work.
Our Last Days at the “Land of Enchantment”
Our last days in Santa Fe truly showed us why New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment.” One highlight of my time here was visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe home and studio. As a creative director and art lover, walking through her world felt like traveling back in time. I saw firsthand the spaces that fueled her creative genius—a place where each brushstroke echoed the vibrant landscapes around us. Standing in her studio, it was as if I were seeing through the eyes of a remarkably talented woman who paved her own way, both in art and life.
Before saying goodbye to Santa Fe, we couldn’t resist one more visit to our favorite local coffee shop and a final stop at Gerardo’s churro bar. Our AirBnB host, Jane, gave us a warm send-off, and we’re grateful to leave with a new friend.
New Mexico captivated us with its landscapes, art, and people. As we hit the road, we carry a piece of the “Land of Enchantment” in our hearts, forever inspired by the magic that makes this place so unforgettable.
