Santa Fe Food, Drinks & Exploration Recap 🏜️🍽️

Before arriving, I imagined this artsy town would be buzzing with bars and live music at night—but surprisingly, the opposite was true! By 5 PM on a Sunday, the entire city began to quiet down, and shops started closing early. Turns out, Santa Fe is a popular retirement haven 🧓👵. The city slowly comes back to life around 10 AM, and once it does, this small place is an absolute delight! The architecture is unique, the cultural and artistic experiences are rich, and the overall vibe is sophisticated. It’s a great destination to learn about Native American heritage 🏺🌵. The boutique shops are fun to explore—many local designers and artists sell beautiful, accessible pieces that appeal to a wide audience. The overall experience feels distinctive and refreshingly different from other cities. 🍣 Food & Drinks: New Mexican cuisine can be hit or miss—especially for those with an Asian palate. Don’t get your hopes up too high; you might find yourself craving hot pot or spicy food afterward! 😅 But a few standouts: • Zeng (Chinese) and Shin (Japanese) were decent. • Clafoutis – A French brunch and pastry spot 🥐🧁, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. The food is delicious and beautifully presented, but service is slow and underwhelming. • A random eatery on Rio Street – Surprisingly tasty! • Agapao Coffee ☕ – A local New Mexico chain. I tried the top two specials on the menu—so good! Just ask for less sugar. 🏨 Hotels: • La Fonda on the Plaza – A historic hotel with a prime location, but prices are steep 💸. • Ten Thousand Waves 🌸 – A Japanese-inspired spa hotel nestled in the hills about 10+ minutes from town. The concept is gorgeous (think tranquil courtyards and onsens!), but the value is lacking—you mostly get access to public baths unless you book a private suite. Overall, Santa Fe offers a unique blend of culture, art, and quiet charm—perfect for a relaxed and inspiring getaway! #Travel #NewMexico #SantaFe #ArtAndCulture #FoodieReview #RetreatVibes #LocalEats #CulturalTravel #USADestinations #QuaintAndCharming #ExploreTheUnusual #CafeHopping #SpaRetreat #Wanderlust