🇺🇸 Santa Fe: A Town Where Time Slows Down

After soaking in the healing waters of Ojo Caliente, I drove to Santa Fe—a place that feels more like an old Spanish or Mexican village than a typical American town. Every building follows the same adobe-style architecture, humble yet steeped in history. 🏜️✨ 📍 Highlights P1: Inn and Spa at Loretto 📍 *211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501* A rustic-chic downtown hotel that resembles a hidden Mexican monastery—adobe walls, heavy wooden beams, and the perfect golden-hour glow. At sunset, the terracotta walls turn warm orange, making it a dreamy photo spot. 📸🌅 P2: Santa Fe Railyard Arts District 📍 *544 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501* Home to a landmark water tower and railroad tracks, where vintage trains still pass by. Stroll along the rails to discover vibrant murals and artistic surprises. 🚂🎨 P5: Santa Fe Plaza (A Quiet Corner) 📍 *63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501* The heartbeat of the city—buzzing with life under the sun. Under the arcades, Native artisans lay out handmade crafts on blankets. I met a lovely elder woman selling stone-and-leather creations adorned with animal motifs (rabbits, lizards, bison). She shared that each piece was hand-gathered, carved, and assembled—inspired by the wildlife around her. The soul and sincerity in her work moved me, so I bought one (cash only!). 🦬💛 P3 & P4: Downtown Snapshots Wandering downtown feels like stepping into a time capsule—vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and hidden courtyards at every turn. After hours of exploring, I sat at a café terrace, sipping coffee under the sun. Time seemed to pause. Maybe these ancient walls really do hold onto it? In that moment, I thought: "If I ever retire, let it be here." ☕⏳ 🍜 Food Rec: Dumpling Tea 📍 *66 E San Francisco St #10, Santa Fe, NM 87501* A rare authentic Chinese spot in Santa Fe! Their steamed dumplings are excellent, and the beef noodle soup tastes like home. The owner and chef (a fellow Beijinger!) are super kind. 🥢❤️ #RoadTrip #HiddenGems #NewMexico #SantaFe #Dallas #VintageVibes #ArchitectureLover #Route66 #TravelPhotography #SlowLiving 🌵📸