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.
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.
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 
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.
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.
The ideal accommodation for travelers seeking a beautiful vacation rental that sleeps four people or a business traveler who wants more space and comforts of home than a hotel provides, 
Soft pillows and a floor rug are comfortable additions to the living room, a spot where I snuggled up under a blanket to stream my favorite TV shows as the snow fell outside.
The simplicity of the room’s design provided a clutter-free relaxing experience. When I wasn’t resting peacefully, I streamed a movie from the Roku TV options while nestled under a plush duvet. A cellphone charging station on the bedside table made it a hassle-free experience.
Luxury amenities, including Tommy Bahama bath products, a hair dryer, make-up removal washcloths, and soft white towels conveyed Cozy in KC’s sense of care for the guest experience.
The apartment’s second bedroom was equally spacious providing plenty of room for added guests to feel at home. Like the master bedroom, the walk-in closet included a hangers, a luggage rack, and a soft king-size microfiber blanket.
For those seeking a relaxing soak, the second bathroom’s shower/bathtub combination meets one’s needs. The window streaming natural light and spacious countertop gave it a suite-like feel.
A nearby built-in cabinet provided access to placemats and essential barware.
While staying the weekend, I appreciated the state-of-the-art appliances when preparing breakfast before heading out to explore Shawnee. It was nice to wake up after restful sleep and prepare a pot of tea. If I felt like coffee, I used the K-Duo® Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker and the provided coffee grounds.
Known for a gastropub menu of hearty classics ranging from flatbread pizzas to comforting classics like meatloaf, the food arrives at the table artfully plated and tasting delicious. When you go, leave room for towering slice of Carrot Cake or Chocolate Tort.
While you can order to-go food online or have it delivered via Uber Eats (
If you’re not a fan of beer, a selection of wine, cider, Prosecco, and Mom Water are available alternatives. Although they don’t serve food, it’s common to see a food truck parked outside or you can bring your own food to enjoy in the taproom.
Next door, 
The town’s largest mural, painted by artist Jacob Cromer, is located at Johnson Drive and Neiman Road and it’s not to be missed.
For more travel inspiration, read my bonus suggestions for exploring town: 
The region is best known for its covered bridges and awe-inspiring views—towns like Winterset, St. Charles, and nearby Orient offer incredible dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and unequaled museums.
Spending a weekend exploring Madison County will make you fall in love with it like I did.
I thought the Reuben on marble rye bread, a cup of homemade Strawberry Soup, and a glass of iced raspberry tea was divine. Sharing a towering lemon meringue pie, we chatted about Winterset and the town’s history.
PRO TIP: The eatery is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with limited seating. Small groups should reserve a table in advance. Add a few minutes of extra time to your lunch to peruse the restaurant’s displayed antiques – many of which are for sale.
A self-guided tour of Clark Tower was, by far, my favorite discovery. We traversed a narrow, one-mile road by car to the top of a curvy hill en route to it. Built in 1926 in honor of early settlers, the limestone landmark resembles something from a fairy tale.
Another park feature not to be missed includes the whimsical chainsaw sculptures by Iowa artist Gary Keenan. The English Hedge Maze leads to a sundial, and an adjacent bocce ball court invites parkers to play a game.
Nearby Bennett Cabin and Cutler-Donahue Bridge, each built in the 1800s, are photo-worthy attractions.
Seek out the stone bridge for another photo moment. It’s the location where Robert and Francesca’s movie scene was filmed.
PRO TIP: Traveling with kids? Prepare to explore the park and its play features for at least an hour.
Spanning 79 feet, the bridge is within walking distance of the road that winds through the park. You’ll appreciate the stone bridge, also nearby, the site of the movie’s film scene where Robert and Francesca enjoy a picnic.
Parking is available nearby, and the path to the bridge is easy to navigate.
After sampling red and white drier varieties, we ultimately bought a bottle of LaCresent 2021 (2017 Mid-American Wine Competition Silver winner) to bring home.
Whether you drop in for a glass of wine in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the valley, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. They don’t push wine on you to try, and instead serve you “whichever wine you like to drink.”
At 
During our visit, we chose to sit on the front porch to watch as summer rainstorm clouds developed. I sipped Lime Habanero Hard Cider, which finished sweet and sampled another favorite, John Wayne Bone Dry Hard Cider. Each one tasted crisp with authentic flavor.
PRO TIP: Check the 
You’ll appreciate the scenic view at this one. Like each covered bridge in the county, it was renovated in the 1990s to maintain its beauty.
Unfortunately, the bridge fell victim to arson twice in recent years and had to be reconstructed. The replica reminds us of the sentiment shared by the movie’s characters portrayed by Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
He lived in Winterset until age seven. As a boy, he walked about town with his brother and dog, Duke. Eventually taking on the nickname Duke, the family moved to California in 1914. The actor starred in 170 films.
The first stop? The museum’s theater room for a short film highlighting his achievements. Next, take a self-guided tour of each of the two galleries.
I was curious about the actor’s collection of coffee mugs – he had a keepsake mug made for each movie. Handwritten letters, a car, clothing, and an address book were some of the personal items included in the collection.
PRO TIP: I recommend devoting at least an hour to touring the birthplace home and museum if you like to read each panel. Review the John Wayne In Iowa map showing the family’s moves across the state.
I was impressed to find a basket of free produce available near the checkout counter, which I assumed came from the community garden behind the library outside.
Modern benches with historical references were added to the park. I enjoyed learning about how George Washington Carver wandered into Winterset, where he lived and worked for two years.
An art alley with interactive murals is adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. Artists James Navarro and Katie Jensen intended visitors to discover ways to pose with the paintings.
We shared a charcuterie board while sipping craft beers as a prelude to dinner. The Drift Salad and Roast Beef Panini served on locally sourced bread made the dining experience exceptional.
PRO TIP: If you’re not a craft beer drinker (21 Iowa beers on tap!), ask about wine and mead selections. Non-alcoholic beers are an option.
A restored 1908 country home turned 
A short drive from dining, shopping, and museums in Winterset, it was perfect for us. We watched the movie The Bridges Over Madison County at night while drinking champagne in a room surrounded by antiques and framed artwork.
The charming home had every comfort we wanted, and to be honest, I loved the experience so much that I wished the house was for sale so we could buy it.
The creak of the original wood floors.The sunset view from the porch. I loved our stay, as will you.
From fresh groceries to retro candy and sodas to home decor and toys, you’ll find something you can’t leave the store without. I purchased a scented candle, Fresh Cut Grass.
PRO TIP: Kids get a free used book when they visit, and the monthly book club selections keep shoppers returning for new reads.
The clothing, shoes, and accessories for sale are on-trend, including the latest seasonal fashions. The inviting store features a stroller parking zone and interactive spaces for kiddos, such as a push-and-listen station (are those bees buzzing?) and a toy treasure box.
In preparation for fall, I noticed an abundance of witchy decor items; however, they may sell similar whimsical gifts year-round.
Seasonal floral picks and sit-a-bouts are arranged in vignettes throughout the store.
Most of the jewelry is handmade by the owner. Silver spoons are crafted into rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Shoppers in search of faith-based finds will appreciate the store’s inventory.
PRO TIP: Like what you see here but can’t make it to the shop? Visit her 
I loved how each houseplant was given a name to make the shopping experience more fun. I couldn’t leave without buying a handcrafted greeting card for our house host.
PRO TIP: Visit the 
We enjoyed a five-sample tasting of wines of our choice while visiting with the owner/winemaker. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of wine production from vine to glass while we enjoyed a platter of artisan cheeses, meats, and chocolates with our wine.
I appreciated the aged white cheddar with the dry Rosato red wine. Other favorites included crisp and refreshing Vignoles, semi-dry white Hunter’s Moon, and Red Cabernet.
What started as a jewelry business evolved into a specialty store selling dishes, apparel, gourmet foods, fresh floral arrangements, and more.
Wayward Saints Farm LLC produces goat milk products such as soaps, lotions, and hand-poured soy candles. You may find them at an area farmers market when they are not running the shop.
On the day of my visit, I voted for my favorite quilt, a 3-D pattern, from the collection “Welcome Home: A Celebrate of Quilts.” It was interesting to look closely at the handiwork of quilts dating back to the 1850s.
PRO TIP: The museum installs new 
PRO TIP: If you visit Friday-Sunday, stop next door at the 
Upon our arrival, we followed the path to the kitchen to order our brick oven pizzas and house-made cucumber salad. We walked with craft beers in hand to a table of friendly locals who welcomed us to sit with them.
Live folk music played as we dined on two styles of pizzas and engaged in conversation with our new friends. Inspired by the sunset, we left the table to walk a manicured path through the prairie amongst towering sunflowers and a temporary Prairie Art Exhibit.
The unique experience left an impression on us. After driving back from the event, we vowed to do two things: 1.) Learn how to make fresh tomato compote (delicious on the pizza) and 2.) Take our new friend’s advice for aging well, “Stay active and be social.”
PRO TIP: Bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket to the event.
The popular cafe serves gorgeous, scratch-made pastries with top-quality coffee. The grab-and-go options like salads, wraps, and bakery items made with locally sourced ingredients.
Craving an old-fashioned cherry Pepsi®, I entered the store and headed to the back, where I discovered a nostalgic scene. Residents sat on bar stools and in booths, enjoying a hot breakfast and discussing the day’s events.
Only a 12-minute drive southwest of Winterset, the park is well-revered by locals for its five miles of trails, picnic areas, and historic 1858 Harmon Tunnel – the only highway tunnel in the state.
The town celebrates the park’s 100th anniversary this year.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
It’s time you plan a vacation to Madison County, Iowa.
