weekend getaway to Santa Fe

In January 2013, my designated travel buddy Emily and I were desperate for a quiet weekend getaway! Flying non-rev, we didn't have a ton of control over where we'd end up, but we were thrilled when we received our boarding passes to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Known for its southwestern culture and high-end resorts, the capital of New Mexico draws tourists in search of world-class art and galleries, opera, and museums.

Sipping coffee in Santa Fe

We had a little less than two days in the city, but felt like our itinerary was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Enjoy!

First stop, a little grub in Albuquerque before hitting the road for Santa Fe, at one of ABQ's Top 10 Cafes, The Grove Cafe & Market. Don't ask questions, get the Green Chile Grilled Cheese. 
600 Central Avenue SE, +1 505 248 9800, thegrovecafemarket.com 

Hurry up, people, these girls are hungry!!!

Next we were on our way to Santa Fe in our lime green Ford Fiesta, affectionately named, Gloria!

Gloria, our lime green Ford Fiesta!

ABQ to Santa Fe is only about a 1-hour drive - not bad at all with company! We were able to find a phenomenal deal on Groupon (I think) for one of Santa Fe's most beautiful resorts, La Posada. We had our own not-so-little pueblo, which is a must when in the real Southwest. Probably some of our best memories were just hanging out, drinking coffee on its patio!

Finally found our little pueblo. There was still snow on the ground!

More coffee on the patio.

After checking in to the hotel, we were off to our first destination, The Perfect Staircase at the Loretto Chapel. This was Emily's idea, and such a unique stop (Read the story here). You pay a nominal fee, a donation to the active church, and get an up close and personal view of the exquisite architecture.

The Perfect Staircase

We went on to wander the many shops and artisan offerings that lines the city's main square, in addition to visiting the Georgia O'Keefe Museum (probably something we could have skipped). Along the way we discovered these delish restaurants - be sure not to miss them!

• Best Atmosphere: The Shed. Most famous for its red and green chili-covered chicken enchiladas, it also does grilled fish tacos equally well – these are also a lighter meal calorie-wise too, making it easier to justify another round of freshly squeezed margaritas. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant is run by the same family that started the casual but atmospheric joint in 1953, in a courtyard just off the main square in an adobe building built in about 1692 . In summer, sit outside on the patio. Reservations are highly recommended. 113½ East Palace Avenue, +1 505 982 9030, sfshed.com. Open daily for lunch 11am-2.30pm, and dinner 5.30pm-9pm

                                 

• Best Margaritas: Maria's New Mexican Kitchen. One of Robert Redford's favourite spots when visiting Santa Fe, this is also where the locals come for authentic New Mexican cooking and tequila – there are some 300 varieties on offer. The blue corn enchiladas are a house specialty, as are super-strong house margaritas made with 100% blue agave tequila and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. Decor is traditional, with white adobe walls and vigas (beams). Reservations are recommended. It's a good spot to bring the kids. Note Maria's is not downtown, but off St Francis Boulevard, about five minutes' drive from the plaza. 555 West Cordova Road, +1 505 983 7929, marias-santafe.com. Open daily Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun noon-10pm

• Best After-Dinner Drink: The Staab House. Serving signature cocktails and standout small plates, The Staab House is one of the best bars in Santa Fe. Housed in a 19th-century mansion and staffed by a team of master mixologists, the bar offers live entertainment most evenings in addition to the most creative drinks among the best Santa Fe bars. 330 E Palace Ave, +1 505 986 0000, http://www.laposadadesantafe.com/dining/staab-house