Meow Wolf is a unique & immersive art installation with multimedia elements & a mysterious narrative throughout. Their current exhibit, House of Eternal Return, is a mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages in Santa Fe, NM. We went here with three generations of Tafti's and all of us loved it equally! If you want to get a little weird and explore something you've never seen before, don't miss out.
If you are down to spend a little cash for one of the best steaks you've ever had, Market Steer Steakhouse at The Hotel St. Francis is the SPOT. Beautiful courtyard, amazing service, and just damn good food. Don't miss out on the s'mores, where they build a tiny fire on your table to roast your house-made marshmallows over.
Santa Fe National Forest is an absolute wonderland, with jaw-dropping views that have caused Eden to burst into tears on more than on occasion, as Babak can attest. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you can't miss out! If you are an ADVANCED hiker, you must check out the Nambe Lake Trail. If you like nature but aren't conditioned for a very physically challenging hike, try the AllTrails app, which will break down length and difficulty of different hikes so you can find the one that's best suited for you! You really can't go wrong in this amazing forest.
Widely considered to be one of the best spa's in the country!
Take a drive up into the mountains and treat yourself to a night at Ojo Caliente. It's located near Taos in Northern New Mexico, and with its natural hot mineral springs is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the country. There's nothing like the smell of the night air while soaking the day away in a lovely natural mineral pool and gazing at the moon. There's another location in Santa Fe, so if you'd like a soak without the drive, check out Ojo Santa Fe!
The Taos Pueblo is a living Native American community. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. The tribe members welcome you to visit their village when you travel to Northern New Mexico. Eden was a bit gobsmacked upon visiting for the first time- something can feel a bit grotesque about ogling this community as a tourist when you understand the history of our country, but the ticket costs benefit the tribe and we think it's important to honor this ancient culture and to learn as much about it as possible. They were closed for Covid safety at one point, so please check to make sure they are open before making the long drive!
The Love Apple, up in Taos, has to be one of the most charming and romantic restaurants we have ever visited. The menu and the wine list are divine. If you're headed up to Taos, don't miss dinner here! Just be sure to make a reservation in advance- it's tiny.
Santuario de Chimayo, a little adobe church in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, is one of the most visited holy sites in America. People join the pilgrimage for a variety of reasons. While some seek the healing powers of the holy dirt, others may choose to give thanks for answered prayers or ask God for divine intercession and enlightenment. Once the pilgrims each the Santuario de Chimayo, they enter a small, single-windowed room that is believed to be the original site of the miracle crucifix. There, they take a handful of holy dirt from the small hole that has stood there for nearly two centuries. They can rub it on their bodies, sprinkle it in their food, or even brew it with their tea. As two non-Christians, we found this place to be incredibly holy and special. It's a hike, but well worth the gorgeous drive.
Come see Georgia O'Keefe's land, home and subject of many of her paintings. You can't get more New Mexico than Ghost Ranch. Don't let the chance to visit this whimsical place pass you by. "In a land of shifting light, boundless skies and fused culture, the 21,000 acre Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center in northern New Mexico is a place for renewal and retreat. The towering rock walls and vivid colors hold a hypnotic power. This is O’Keeffe Country. Visitors to Ghost Ranch will feel they’ve stepped back in time to days before the bells and whistles of technology vied relentlessly for our attention. People from all over the world come for spiritual development, to discuss issues of peace and justice, to work together in creation care, to paint, write poetry, to hike, ride horseback, to research globally renowned archaeological and fossil quarries… or simply to rest and renew their spirits"
Do NOT leave New Mexico without spending at least a morning or an afternoon at dreamy Los Poblanos! Since you'll be flying in and out of Albuquerque, you might want to treat yourself to staying the night at this Bed and Breakfast on a lavender farm on the front or back end of your trip. They have an amazing breakfast and a wonderful afternoon tea. If you're going to stop by, make sure to leave yourself an hour or two at least to wander around the property. Secret gardens abound, so don't be afraid to sneak through gates and pop through fences!
We love hiking in Cibola National Forest. There are really wonderful paved walking paths for those who don't have a big hike in the cards, but if you've got a little pep in your step, definitely hike up to the top! You will start in desert, then make your way into a pine forest with stunning views. We love timing it out to be hiking down at sunset- it's really spectacular. Download the AllTrails app to see some different options.
This charming restaurant was once a Hacienda. It's HUGE and serves the epitome of New Mexican cuisine. Make sure to have some "Christmas" enchiladas, a pitcher of margaritas, and don't miss out on a warm sopapillas with honey at the end of your meal.
Of course when you're in Albuquerque you must visit Babak's parent's Persian restaurant Pars Cuisine! If you go on a weekend evening you may even catch a bellydancer. Sit on the floor and try some Kashk o’ Bademjoon and Fesenjoon!