photo credit: nice lady who offered to take our photo
My first-time Santa Fe visitor must-do list (part two):
(If you’re confused as to why I start this list with #6, go back and read #1-#5.)
About a 30 minute drive from Santa Fe sits El Santuario de Chimayó. Tens of thousands of people make the pilgrimage each year in search of healing. They come for the sacred dirt which is in a small well in a room beside the alter.
My mother and I had a supernatural experience here. When she crossed into the room filled with crutches and photos of people who had been healed, and I stepped up to the alter, a huge gust of wind blew through the chapel. There are only a few places for the breeze to get into the sanctuary; it didn’t seem possible that much could get in. We were the only two people in there. We both felt an energy we couldn’t explain. She was ready to go after that, but I felt the need to touch the dirt. Those who come for healing bring vials or bags and take the dirt home with them. We didn’t take any dirt with us, but maybe by touching it and leaving it, we left some of our healing energy for others.
Check out my visual diary of El Santuario de Chimayó.
7. Rancho de Chimayo restaurant
Sopapillas before your meal? Yes, please! I hadn’t had them since I was a kid and these were perfect – super light and served with honey. They just arrived as if by magic. We did not order them.
I devoured my vegan tamales, covered in both green and red chile sauce. They were tasty but I wanted to get back to those sopapillas.
You can choose to sit either inside or outside and there is plenty of seating. We went on a Monday, so the crowds weren’t bad. It was nice to make an afternoon out of visiting both the restaurant and the sanctuary. Be sure to check out the gift shop for chile powder, jellies, and more culinary items.
8. La Boca for dinner
Spanish tapas in the heart of Santa Fe. Since I only eat seafood and I’m allergic to dairy, I found this restaurant refreshing. I love tapas, especially a plate of boquerones (white anchovies) in olive oil and garlic! Reservations recommended.
9. Taberna for brunch
Taberna was the most affordable meal we had and it was up there with my favorites. It wasn’t busy for Sunday brunch, but the restaurant had just celebrated its grand opening that weekend. I felt like I knew a little Santa Fe secret. I’m sure the secret is out by now!
The fresh churros were delicious, served with powdered sugar and dipping chocolate. It reminded me of a breakfast I had on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
My vegetable bocadillo with poached eggs put this meal up at the top of the list as favorite breakfast of the trip!
10. Sunset on the Bell-tower bar at La Fonda
There aren’t many places to see the sunset from the center of Santa Fe. You have to go up! This patio bar is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset and a glass of champagne.
There is so much more to see! I wish we hadn’t missed our first day in Santa Fe due to a delayed flight and missed connection, but that’s all the more reason to go back.
Related links:Santa Fe, New Mexico: First Time Visitor Top 10: Part One
New Mexico: El Santuario de Chimayó: A Visual Diary
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