When the mountains are calling, you must go.
We road-tripped North Central New Mexico to explore its landscape, culture, and culinary scene. Santa Fe exceeded my expectations, and it’s a city I’ll gladly revisit.
Established in 1607, Santa Fe is rich in history and offers modern attractions that tourists love. Use this pocket guide of go-to places as a reference for your next trip to The City Different.
Top Activities to Experience During a Weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Go Shopping on the Plaza for Momentos
The Plaza in Santa Fe is the place to shop one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or someone you love. The majority of the businesses in the area sell apparel, jewelry, and tourism keepsakes.
Local vendors sell indigenous-inspired jewelry every day in front of the Palace of the Governors. You’ll see the most extensive collection of vendors available on Saturday morning.
Indeed, Historic Plaza is the hot spot for handcrafted gifts and boutique-style treasures. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll realize you could easily spend an entire day strolling from shop to shop, perusing inventory.
Most plaza shops carry variations on the same theme – all things Southwestern from clothing to housewares. But if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate a handful of unexpected business like Los Padres Records, which sells classic rock and country music vinyl records.
Tour Museums Honoring New Mexico’s History
Visit The Oldest House in the United States
Not only is Santa Fe considered the oldest capital city in the United States, but it’s also home to the Oldest House in the USA (215 E. De Vargas Street).
I don’t want to spoil your experience with a description of its interior; however, it is well worth viewing it first-hand to appreciate how early residents lived in a small space. It’s mind-blowing.
The gift shop carries similar gifts you’d find in most touristy shops downtown.
Palace of the Governors at the New Mexico History Museum
At the advice of others, we started our Santa Fe experience at Palace of the Governors (105 W. Palace Avenue) because viewing it establishes a visitor’s understanding and appreciation of the region’s people and cultural traditions.
The building was constructed by the Spanish in 1610 for the use of colonial administrators. It is the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. Open to the public, the National Historic Landmark features rooms containing Spanish-Pueblo artifacts and artwork.
PRO TIP: Skip the short line. Buy your tickets online to tour the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum for one admission fee.
New Mexico History Museum
The New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Avenue) is a must-visit attraction north of The Plaza. Museum highlights include three floors of collections detailing New Mexico culture, people’s lifestyle, and the artwork representing the state’s past and present.
If you only have an hour to tour the museum, you’re going to have to do it quickly if you want to see its entirety. Two hours for a tour is more appropriate.
I found its current exhibit, “Setting the Standard: The Fred Harvey Company and Its Legacy,” the most fascinating because the hospitality entrepreneur lived in Kansas, my home state, for many years. He invented the passenger train dining car experience.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have time to visit the museum, view its virtual exhibitions in video format and walk-thru presentations.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
For years, I wanted to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (217 Johnson Street), and it was worth the wait. Beginning in 1929, the artist made a trip to New Mexico, which inspired her paintings of landscapes, flowers, and skulls. The museum’s collections consist of nearly 150 painting and works on paper.
The Georgia O’Keeffe: Make a Life exhibit provides an insight into how she lived when she wasn’t in the studio painting. It details her hobbies, and showcases clothing, furniture, and art tools. It’s an intimate glimpse into her life.
PRO TIP: It’s essential to buy tickets in advance and select your arrival time. Bring earbuds for the audio tour. The museum doesn’t loan them.
New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza
The New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza (107 W. Palace Avenue) is not to be missed whether you’re an artist or simply appreciate others’ handiwork. The two-story museum is an affordable self-guided tour of visiting exhibitions showcasing various mediums.
I preferred the artwork on view upstairs with access to a reading library of art books. This museum supports artists of all mediums, which I found refreshing as some historical museums tend to lean into the same subject matter.
PRO TIP: Exit outdoors to the courtyard to indulge in the fragrance of wisteria while viewing an additional sculpture.
Indulge in a Meal in a City That Never Stops Eating
Tia Sophia’s
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a write-up about Santa Fe’s restaurant scene that doesn’t highly praise Tia Sophia’s (210 W. San Francisco Street), and I’m also a big fan. You can order red and green chili entrees anywhere in town, but the signature meals at Tia Sophia’s are some of the most sought-after.
The enchiladas, savory beef and cheese wrapped in tortillas and smothered with chili sauce, are eye-closing, good bite for bite. My meal conjured up thoughts of a family member in the kitchen slowly stirring sauce on the stove, a secret recipe only they knew.
I was thrilled to discover that the red and green chili enchiladas served “Christmas Style” lived up to the hype. A roasted, medium-spice flavor dominated the meal, a local food tradition you must experience firsthand. View the menu.
PRO TIP: Plan for dessert. Toward the end of your meal, complimentary sopapillas served fresh from the fryer with honey will arrive at the table.
Tres Colores Restaurant
Previous food reviewers were correct. Tres Colores Restaurant (101 W. Marcy Street) presents authentic Southern Mexican cuisine using good-tasting recipes. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated without a reservation at a small indoor table. Meanwhile, the open kitchen bustled with activity as new guests steadily arrived to occupy the remaining tables.
In a chile-crazed town, I was keen to order chile rellenos, a cheese-stuffed, deep-fried pepper smothered in red sauce. It was one of the best I’ve eaten in years. The shareable Chiquito Nachos were prepared to my Nacho Queen standards with every layer of tortilla chips touched by savory meat and garnishes.
Preview the menu.
The French Pastry Shop
Surprisingly, Santa Fe is home to a real-deal French bakery serving picture-worthy pastries as well as early-morning breakfast and mid-day entrees. At The French Pastry Shop (100 E. San Francisco Street), guests are welcomed as if they’ve stepped inside a European café, where the espresso machine never rests.
I’d decided to dine alfresco ordering a slice of traditional spinach quiche and a freshly baked croissant to go. Each decadent, soft bite of my breakfast competed for all-star status. I could have dined there daily.
Preview the menu.
Kakawa Chocolate House
Kakawa Chocolate House (1050 Paseo De Peralta) is a place where high-style Instagrammers make videos, and you wonder if drinking chocolate elixirs deserves the fanfare. It does.
The sweet aroma of chocolate welcomes you as you enter a tiny retail store. Taking my place in a short line, I was offered a sample of a couple of liquid elixirs before ultimately choosing a chocolate drink that tasted like the best hot chocolate I’ve tasted. If you prefer chocolate truffles or homemade ice cream, their unique offerings will delight your senses.
Snap Photos of Santa Fe’s Beautiful Doors
In Santa Fe, it’s common to spy artfully designed doors on homes and buildings – each varying in style and color. For example, you’re likely to spot a turquoise door. The color is considered sacred amongst Native Americans offering spiritual protection to the home’s residents.
I discovered handcrafted doors of noteworthy design everywhere we traveled, from courtyards in museums like the Pueblo-style door pictured above to the intricate carvings of church doors.
The ornamental doors make a fabulous backdrop for a photo, adding to the historic charm of Santa Fe’s authentic architecture.
Stroll Through a Historic Church
Numerous cathedral churches in the region support a Roman Catholic community, particularly in Santa Fe. Many of them are open to the public year-round, and the following places of worship deserve a visit.
Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel (207 Old Santa Fe) receives dozens of visitors an hour seeking to glance at its interior and famous staircase. After paying a small admission to view it, we quietly entered the chapel, where a helix-shaped, self-supporting staircase to the balcony drew onlookers. The architectural wonder was handcrafted by an anonymous carpenter who disappeared after completion.
Referred to as the Miraculous Stair, a central pole supports it and consists of 33 stairs with a two-turn spiral to the choral loft.
The church is more of a museum, and a place where we witnessed visitors in awe of its architectural design. If you go, respect the museum’s request to remain quiet. Restless children will not find it as appealing.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Built in 1598 before the founding of Santa Fe, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (131 Cathedral Pl) is a must-have experience even if you don’t practice the Catholic faith. A tour of its interior reveals a Romanesque design commissioned by Archdiocese Bishop Lamy.
We were awe-struck by the mesmerizing beauty, from the decorative tiles on the ceiling to the patterned wood floors. Tall Gothic windows illuminated the space, and we admired the display cases containing artifacts from saints who once visited the parish.
Like us, you’ll likely encounter worshipers praying quietly as you meander the church when a mass is not in session.
PRO TIP: The church’s meticulously landscaped grounds are ideal for sitting and people-watching from a bench. We watched a painting class lecture.
Shop and Sip at Santa Fe Railyard
Railyard Artisan Market
The Railyard Artisan Market (1607 Paseo de Peralta) must be included on your itinerary of quintessential things to do in Santa Fe. Vendors converge on the railyard grounds every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering shoppers homegrown produce, herbs, original artwork, and travel souvenirs.
A live band or musician typically plays outdoors while shoppers mill about the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion.
I regret not eating before attending the market, as there are several vendors and an on-site mini restaurant serving breakfast items. Bring your appetite.
PRO TIP: Arrive when the market opens at 10:00 am for premium, free parking. The market is wheelchair accessible.
Second Street Brewery
Second Street Brewery (1607 Paseo De Peralta) is an ideal second stop at The Railyard for craft beer, wine, and food selections. The brewery is also known for its build-your-own and specialty burger menu. Our server recommended its popular appetizers to accompany pints of IPA and Kölsch beers. Each one was approachable and recommendable.
PRO TIP: The taproom’s patio makes for an excellent place to enjoy the sunshine. Check their Facebook page for current promotions.
Play a Round of Disc Golf in the Desert
Jaguar Ridge DiscGolfPark
A blue sky day in Santa Fe beckons disc golfers to play a round of 18 holes at one of several courses in the area. At Jaguar Ridge DiscGolfPark (located at SWAN Park), golfers throw meandering amongst public park goers from sunrise to sunset.
You’ll want to be aware of cacti after exiting turf tee pads, and most players suggest using the UDisc app to help navigate the medium-difficulty course during play.
PRO TIP: If you need to practice putting, look for a dedicated basket near the parking lot.
Relax at a Comfortable Vacation Home Near the Plaza
The Ella
When a day of exploring winds down, there is no better place to do it than at your comfortable VRBO near the plaza. We were pleased with the upscale accommodations for a two-night stay at The Ella.
The high-rated vacation home is ideal for a couple or solo traveler wanting the privacy of a first-floor, one-bedroom, one-bathroom setting with modern finishes.
On night two, we skipped the downtown dining scene opting to read books in the comfort of an air-conditioned living room while sipping margaritas. A makeshift meal was easy to prepare thanks to a full kitchen setup.
We rose each day to explore Santa Fe’s plaza within a five-minute walk from the home’s front door. Other perks at The Ella include private parking, an outdoor patio, and a community library with a fireplace, making it one of the best vacation rentals we’ve experienced.
I hope this go-to guide makes quick work of your travel planning. Bonus! Before traveling to New Mexico, view my Instagram videos about Albuquerque’s downtown scene and BioPark, a can’t-miss botanical garden.
I was the second customer of the day after Korean Garden opened its doors for the day, and a Korean woman behind the counter was taking to-go orders by phone and hurriedly packaging styrofoam containers. The grill sizzled in the kitchen as I placed my order, and she ushered me to my appointed table.
PRO TIP: You must order from the dinner entree menu on Saturdays. Bento Boxes are available during the week. Expect a $10 minimum purchase for credit card orders.
PRO TIP: 
For 20 minutes, I watched Fast & Furious from a nearby television while sipping a sweet Jamaican bottled soda. Then, the colorful seafood dish served with pickled cabbage and rice was delivered to my table by the owner.
PRO TIP: Strike up a conversation with the owner. Her love of Junction City is infectious, and her business story is admirable.
Rather than ordering a large entree, I opted for Veg Samosas, a fried pastry stuffed with diced potatoes, seasonings, and peas served with a thin yogurt-based sauce. Each deep-fried bite was piping hot, delivering a mild flavor. Two samosas per order are a light lunch, but you’d want to order more food for a substantial meal.
PRO TIP: 
After ordering at the counter, I sat listening to soul music play from a speaker in the dining room where families and downtown workers enjoyed lunch. A buzz with activity near the door, a steady stream of locals arrived to order to-go meals.
I ate every bite of my overflowing, messy hot dog. The sausage snapped with every bite, just as one would expect from an authentic Chicago hot dog.
Known for signature pizzas like Pesto Chicken and Flint Hills Burn, Mill Pizza serves a hearty, flavorful salad. I enjoyed each bite between sips of my beer while listening to patrons at neighboring barstools discuss their work day.
I was the only customer until more people arrived around 8:00 pm. My impression was that the lounge is known for serving a late-night, adult crowd, a sentiment the staff confirmed.
I was offered tastings of any ice cream and ultimately decided on Brown Sugar Maple in a small cup. 
I devoured avocado toast between sips of Reverie Coffee Roasters drip coffee by the fireplace. I recommend the scratch-made breakfast to anyone seeking a healthier meal option.
Amongst cutting boards and kitchenware, the store displays Finch + Fennel pantry staples. The jarred condiments, seasoning blends, and bottled barbecue sauces designed to make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable.
During my second visit to the center, I paused to admire the rehabilitated birds of prey housed outside before trekking the trail. 
Once on the trail, walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations. The information plaques detail types of wildlife and teach onlookers what to watch for during their hike.
PRO TIP: After exploring the Tallgrass Trail, spend a few minutes inside Milford Nature Center (donations encouraged). The education center consists of live animal exhibits, such as snakes, prairie dogs, lizards, and more.
A new art installation, JC Statues, continues to tell the story of the town’s history and its residents. Each one is painted by an individual artist, unveiling a theme represented by symbols and paint colors.
Museum staff and volunteers created three floors of thematic exhibits with relics of the county’s past to convey the story of Geary County.
They designed each exhibit a full sensory experience. You hear the sound of the locomotive pulling into station. Sniff History stations make a self-guided tour an immersive experience, and flip-to-learn-more installments test one’s knowledge of pioneer life.
PRO TIP: If you want to tour 
Eventually, the town was the first home station of the Pony Express route west of St. Joseph, Missouri. As time passed, Marysville was the site of the Union Pacific Railroad’s line connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Hastings, Nebraska.
PRO TIP: I defied blustery Kansas winds to admire artist Dr. Richard Bergen’s sculpture, and it was well worth viewing as the native grass well in the wind at its base. Don’t miss the chance to view three 
The old livery stables smell of straw, rusted farm tools, and dusty barn boards. Donated implements rest on shelving.
The post office is the oldest civilian post office in continual operation in the state, and its exterior marker honors this history, noting the contributions of the Pony Express founders Majors, Waddell, and Russell.
PRO TIP: Walk through the park to the stone historic marker honoring Marysville’s stop on the Oregon Trail. Traveling with kids? They’ll love using the castle-like playground equipment at the park, which also includes a nine-hole 
PRO TIP: The museum is open for tours from April through October. It is closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Remember to sign the guest book after paying the 
And then I spotted the most interesting room of them all. The Jury Room.
PRO TIP: Voted Best Pie in Marshall County, don’t forget to buy a slice to go from the reach-in refrigerator.
The smell of home-cooked Chinese food permeated the theatre lobby. Specializing in Chinese entrees, Sandy’s Pantry also serves a few Mexican and American dishes. I chose the day’s special, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and sat in a retro diner booth to sip my fountain drink. My meal arrived steaming hot on a bed of white rice.
You could choose a Blue River Fish Sandwich or a Meat Lover’s Burger, which are probably fantastic, but then you’d miss out on perfectly grilled 14-ounce ribeye. I paired my steak dinner with a Blue Moon Belgian Ale (six domestic beers on tap) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.
I struck up a conversation learning that not only is the store’s retail created entirely by Sue, but she also teachers individual and group pottery painting classes.
Whether you’d like to drop in and paint a pottery piece to take home or shop for ceramics, South Hill Pottery provides visitors with an immersive experience.
It’s the kind of place where women could spend a half day pampering themselves and then shop for a little something special.
The shelves are stocked with gifts for all ages, including toys for kids, Hallmark ornaments for collectors, and collegiate merchandise for sports fans.
The store has a decent amount of inventory, and you’ll likely find clearance items marked for sale each season.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with a black squirrel sculpture after placing your custom apparel order, which is available for pick-up the same day.
The inventory includes pendant, earrings, bracelets, and a classic bridal jewelry.
The building is a piece of art of its own. Built in 1903, the tall windows cast light indoors on the art gallery and studio workroom.
After a full day of exploring, my Airbnb retreat provided the modern, comfortable amenities I’ve come to expect from a rentable home.
I walked some of the trail’s northern edge during the cool early morning hours, enjoying the serenity periodically interrupted by bird sounds.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marysville when a 
From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, 
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at 
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the 
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. 
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed while enjoying the sounds of vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. Carve out time to visit the 
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
The boots are a tribute to T. C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store open in the 1870s. He made the first pointed toe boot. A fitting tribute since Abilene was a major stop on the Chisholm Trail.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the 
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). 
I appreciated the detailed feedback, including the club face angle, stroke speed, and the ball’s trajectory. The ForeSight technology offers users various golf courses to select from, plus families with kids love its carnival game option.
PRO TIP: 
Artists can reserve a day pass to gain unlimited access to the warehouse’s equipment during open studio hours. Summer is a busy time for the studio when about a dozen instructors teach classes. Are you interested in painting, ceramics or paper crafts? They have a 
My instructor, Darren, taught me the step-by-step process of making a linocut drawing using a provided pattern. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best at carving intricate lines into the linoleum square (it’s more difficult than it looks!), but he patiently talked me through the process until it was ready for inking and rolling through the press.
I watched Problemista, a film about a mild-mannered young man working toward getting a VISA 
During your stroll downtown, you’ll quickly notice vibrant -olored murals peeking out from around corners and down alleyways. Each October, selected artists from across the globe converge on Salina to paint street art during the 
PRO TIP: Surround yourself with multiple murals by walking 
I took my time enjoying breakfast in the dining room as I watched the owner, Taylor, and her staff serve breakfast to drive-up window and dine-in customers.
The museum is known for hosting thematic events featuring specific makes and models of cars. 
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a place to reserve for a group event, consider their 
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the 
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their 
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include 
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
