Beautiful Art, Balloons, Breaking Bad….Oh My!
📍 Written from: Santa Fe, NM - USA
Weekly Adventures
It’s only been a week, but Dirk and I are already loving everything Santa Fe has to offer. After settling into our friend Jane’s charming casita, complete with its own private patio, we've been soaking up the sun and enjoying the perfect spot for work breaks, lunch breaks, and most importantly, for Boomer to roam freely.
It was a happy coincidence to meet up with one of my team members, Lily, who happened to be visiting family in Santa Fe. We knew we had to connect. It’s always great to catch up with friends, even beyond the Chicago area. We enjoyed a lovely family dinner together, and I got to hear all about her favorite spots here.
We've also explored The Plaza, Santa Fe’s vibrant downtown, where we’ve experienced everything from the boutique stores, car shows and stunning window displays. It’s full of vibrant people such as tourists, locals, foodies, and travelers eager for an afternoon of exploring.
Boomer, Dirk and I have established our daily walking routine, always heading to the park and back. Along the way, we encounter noisy dogs barking from behind fences to protect their territory or the occasional stray cat (or two!). Boomer is still figuring out what to make of them!
Bite-Sized Reviews: La Plazuela At La Fonda
We had an unforgettable evening at La Plazuela at La Fonda in Santa Fe, where the beautiful ambiance took center stage. We dined in a gorgeous atrium filled with café lights, lush plants, stunning cultural artwork, and the soothing sounds of the fountain nearby. The setting was magical and made for a special first night on the town!
The fresh, table-side guac was fantastic, paired with a refreshing piña colada and sangria. We shared an incredible steak frites entrée truly savoring every bite.
What made the night even more special was meeting a wonderful couple from Kansas City. We bonded over travel stories and shared our experiences as new, young nomads. It was a perfect night of amazing food, drinks, and conversation!
Weekend Wanderlust
Our weekend kicked off with an amazing visit to the farmers market and art fair. The warm, smoky scent of elote hot on the grill drew us in, and we knew right away our lunch was sorted. It was our first time trying it, smothered in cheese with a hint of chilli (since we are wimps and cannot tolerate spice), and we couldn’t get enough. Strolling through the market was a feast for our senses—being surrounded by yummy food and watching locals showcasing their crafts. From soft, handcrafted alpaca wool apparel to vibrant ceramic art and teal-hued jewelry, every booth was a new discovery. Metal and wood craftsmen created intricate masterpieces, and we were captivated by the women selling woven baskets. We even learned the cultural significance of red chile peppers, used not just for cooking, but as striking home decorations.
Saturday evening, we attended Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and it was a breathtaking church full of beauty. The architecture and reverent atmosphere were heightened by the chance to view relics, including one from Saint Veronica, my Confirmation saint. I was so excited to see her and her story highlighted in this holy space.
The next morning, we woke up at 3 a.m. for the much-anticipated International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Dirk and I have been non-stop talking about this and the day was finally here. Watching hundreds of balloons gently rise into the dawn sky was pure magic—it felt like walking into a dreamy Microsoft Windows screensaver. We couldn’t stop capturing the moment, snapping pictures and videos of every breathtaking view. Being surrounded with 80K of your closest friends in 40 degree weather was so worth it to watch the balloons soar into the sky and have the backdrop of the mountains behind them.
Before we headed back to our casita in Santa Fe, we indulged in a Breaking Bad self-guided tour around Albuquerque. We visited Saul’s office, now transformed into a local restaurant, and grabbed lunch at Los Pollos Hermanos, which is now called Twisters. It was a fun and quirky end to an unforgettable weekend!
