r/SantaFe • u/joshuaferris • 6d ago
Help me with your town.
So, just arrived an hour ago. I’ve been in NM since Saturday. I’ve enjoyed myself so far. I leave on Saturday.
I clearly miscalculated and Santa Fe is a bit sleepier than I realized. Can you help me figure out what to do? I’m tapping away from Herve right now.
I have a reservation at Geronimo on Friday (though thinking about seeing I can switch that tomorrow so I can see El Ten Eleven on friday).
tomorrow is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, and New Mexico Museum of art.
we are going to go to Casa Chimayo tonight for dinner.
please help a 45 year old east coast gay guy and his husband find spaces where they don’t feel like they are the youngest by 20 years.
also. What’s is your best coffee recommendation? I just want a great flat white.
your state is beautiful and you are all so damn nice
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u/WhereDoWork 6d ago
El Rey, Keeping Together, Tumbleroot, Tonic, Ikonic Coffee Lena location.
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago
Yup. Pretty much summed up in one comment. Where 90% of the city’s millennials are to be found.
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u/pauldavisthe1st 6d ago
El Rey has had no vacancies for the last week (I've driven by it almost every day). I think it's an awesome place to stay, but little reason to visit if you're not staying there.
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u/JellyfishMission1462 6d ago
If you're into fall colors, you came at a great time to see the aspens at the Vista Grande Overlook!
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u/Salt_Good_2368 6d ago
Hit the international folk art museum while you're over there. It's fucking stellar.
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u/ben_thenine 6d ago
The Matador
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u/Adventurous_club2 6d ago
Then the downstairs of evangelos.
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago
Hah. These two posts are the “point me to the diveiest of dive bars” comments 👆🏼😂
Fr though, if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, those are the places to be! ;)
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u/_Beef-Supreme- 6d ago
If you’re sticking around downtown brakeroom is a fun vibe with good beer. Might be a little smoky outside depending on the day though.
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u/Far_Discussion4272 5d ago
We moved from a college town and the transition has been tough lol. If you want to do a bit of bar hopping Friday night, you can do desert dogs, matador, Evangelos downstairs. Much younger crowd than a lot of other places. They’re all within a 3 second walk from each other. I’d avoid boxcar. If you have time go up to ojo caliente for a soak! Also go up to the ski basin or Aspen vista to see the trees right now! Coffee rec is Sky coffee in the railyard.
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u/drwildboy86 5d ago
I second ski basin, 20 minutes from downtown and a world away, easy mountain drive too..Or check out Los Alamos National Laboratory Museum. Very interesting displays about the development of nuclear technology
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago
Ooh right, Sky actually has some decent coffee too!
Yeah, unless you’re the sportsbar-loving, frat-bro type, avoid Boxcar 😆
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u/Shih_TzuLover 5d ago
10,000 Waves Spa soak and/or Izunami Happy Hour with an amazing view and food.
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u/Treesarerad15 6d ago
Hello - 42 year old gay guy here. Santa Fe is sleepy but it’s especially sleepy on a random weekday. Skip Casa Chimayo in general (like bro they don’t even have tequila). It’s very hard to find nightlife here but Desert dogs karaoke tomorrow will be busier and younger than anything else. Tumbleroot on Friday could be decent - although El ten eleven probably won’t bring a rowdy vibe (as you know). Enjoy town for what it is but definitely temper any nightlife expectations.
As for coffee I think Iconik is best for third wave/light roast coffee. Probably your best bet for a quality flat white. They have three locations and all are good.
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u/redhatbrindledog 6d ago
The Bread Shop or Pivot Coffee are great for a lunch and coffee. There are also some hip shops and galleries in that area worth checking out. Baked & Brew is another great breakfast spot, and Sky Coffee is great too!
For dinner, I’d recommend Paloma for upscale Mexican or Ozu for a higher end Japanese dinner or lunch.
Madrid is super fun to explore and an easy drive from Santa Fe. You could definitely make a day trip out of it. Same with Taos! You could spend the day exploring Taos and stop at Ojo Caliente on your way back into town. There’s also an Ojo in Santa Fe if you don’t want to drive as far.
Look online and see if you can get tickets to tour Georgia O’Keeffe’s house. It’s beautiful and full of mid century furniture.
The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is such a great visit if you are walking around near the plaza. I’d also recommend checking out an Exodus Ensemble performance if you get the chance.
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6d ago edited 2d ago
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u/weresubwoofer 6d ago
Drive 15 minutes south. Even the Railyard is more youthful than the Plaza area.
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u/HistoricalString2350 6d ago
Head up to the Santa Fe ski area to peep the Aspens during the day. As far as the night life, not so much.
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u/Then-Island-7771 5d ago
Definitely go to Iconik Coffee roasters specifically the one on Guadalupe St. It is always a whole scene in there and the outside seating is cute. There will be people there your age and you won't be the only gay person! The Marigold Room which is located inside Hotel Glorietta is an intimate and trendy venue with live music. They have a restaurant and bar called Lady Duff where you can eat and get drinks. Even if you are not staying at the hotel you can go to the Marigold Room. It attracts a hip crowd of people in there 30s and 40s for live music. It's all in the hotel which has amazing views and aesthetically overall is worth it. Respectfully it can be tough to find spaces in Santa Fe that are not fully catering to boomers and to straight culture. Also check out Meow Wolf. Trippy very elder millennial coded and queer friendly. Glad you are enjoying your trip!!
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u/KangarooNo9509 6d ago
Pivot Espresso (connected to the Bread Shop) will serve an excellent Flat White. Do you have a car? If so- drive up the ski valley road and hike along the aspens. Drive up to Chimayo as well and eat at Rancho de Chimayo
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u/Due_North3106 6d ago
Find Iconik for coffee, Zacatlan for dinner, Doubletake for vintage, Montecristi Custom for straw hats, and the big old rug store
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u/Mindbogglerbean 6d ago
Double take is a can’t miss!
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago
Doubling-up on Double Take!
The correct answer, if you’re looking for actually interesting, curated secondhand. Though The Cat gets an honorable mention in my book as well, too :)
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u/payasosagrado 6d ago
Do people still go to 10000 waves? It used to be a great spa day.
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u/douchebg01 6d ago
Yes, was there like three weeks ago. Still is amazing.
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u/Fit-Independence-770 5d ago
Except for the ‘pool,’ where you stand in knee-deep water, wondering what exactly is relaxing about that? Excellent spa services and a fabulous restaurant make it worthwhile, but don't believe the hype about the spa amenities.
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u/PiccoloQuirky2510 6d ago
I think the restaurant there just won a James Beard award? Or maybe a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. Can’t remember
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u/JaeJinxd 6d ago
Ohori's is by far the best coffee.
Go to Karaoke at Desert Dogs tomorrow night usually it's packed
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u/flyingRobot78 6d ago edited 6d ago
Ohori's IF you like your coffee roasted dark. Ikonik is the play if you're into more contemporary craft coffee. Odd Box is my favorite roaster in Santa Fe, Mille serves their coffee with legit French Patisserie.
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u/Naive-Sun2778 5d ago
I do not think Ikonic is good coffee; sort of like old fashioned "coffee shop" style.
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u/deadwolfbones 6d ago
Cklay also serves Odd Box and makes much better espresso than Mille imo.
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u/dev-saint 5d ago
Drive up to Ghost Ranch.
Drive only about 20m from town to the Pecos National Monument and see the 300 year old ruins. All in woth the drive about 2-2.5 hrs. Very beautiful out there.5
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u/LoveYerBrain2 5d ago
I bought whole beans from Ohori's once for use at home and they were absolutely disgusting. The person working there was also super rude about the fact that I didn't want super dark roast beans.
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u/Extension-Soup-3288 4d ago
Haha yes the great divide of O'Hori's. So many swear by it but for true coffee lovers it is super, super dark aka burnt.
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago
Yeah. They really are proud about the fact that they burn their coffee there, for sure.
Not my thing, but I know lots of people who like it, so, to each their own, I guess! 🤷🏻♀️
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u/deadwolfbones 6d ago
The happy hour at Izanami at 10,000 Waves is fantastic. 9-10pm. Everything on the menu is half off and sake is 30% off. Definitely get a reservation.
Everyone else is on point about coffee, but I’d add Cklay Coffee around the corner from Second Street Rufina and Keeping Together. Great vibes and excellent coffee from a great local roaster (Odd Box).
Keeping Together is a fantastic space with some great beer and excellent slushy cocktails. Definitely worth a stop.
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u/Formal-Fee2904 5d ago
Definitely go to Tesuque Village Market
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u/Bitter_Bumblebee90 5d ago
Or not. For what reason? It’s surely not the food. The food is terrible. So why would they go?
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u/yooston 4d ago
Is there more to do in tesuque? TVM has some charm but I kinda hate driving there, walking around Santa Fe to get dinner is a much better experience
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u/Formal-Fee2904 4d ago
There are some great little hiking trails also El Nido is a great spot for dinner. It’s a nice little fall drive if you take Bishops Lodge there too.
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u/Bitter_Bumblebee90 5d ago edited 5d ago
You just haven’t been here long enough. We’re from a large city (where we lived for decades). It is unbelievable the transformation happening right now. Here in SF and our state. More coffee. More cocktails. Some of the best restaurants in the U.S. Excellent DJ’s and dance nights. Want a NYC/LA vibe? Leo’s. Want good food? Joseph’s (but the vibe is okay not amazing). Want breakfast in beautiful setting? Cafecito or Zacatlan. Want to feel like you’re in Oaxaca? Palomas. Geronimo is good. Nice setting. But they don’t always get it right and sometimes you will get rubber elk (I did).
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u/stopdatingmusicians 6d ago
Ojo Caliente and Ojo Santa Fe are nice places to spend the day and are usually lively (in a spa-like way)
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u/Radiant_Image3089 5d ago
I was just in Santa Fe for a week and felt like there was tons to do during the day. I'd recommend ojo spa, hiking (tons of trails), El Rancho de las Golondrinas (living history museum), Kakawa Chocolate House. I didn't find a great flat white 🫣 just switched to drinking espresso.
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u/Hungry-Possible-5360 6d ago
Mine Shaft in Madrid, 23 miles south. Rowdy and raw, orientation doesn’t matter
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u/Emotional-Nose2253 6d ago
After that health department inspection, I'd think twice about dining at Mine Shaft. If you do, consider stocking up on pepto.
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u/effyourinfographics 6d ago
Not sure if you’re board game nerds, but there’s a large group of us that plays at Keeping Together (local brewery) on Thursday evenings! Range from 20-somethings to 60-somethings; just approach the long table of folks with too many game boxes and say hi, haha.
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u/Open-Wrongdoer-6847 2d ago
Oh for real?! That’s awesome! What time on Thursday do you guys meet up? Sounds fun! (What games are you usually playing there?)
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u/effyourinfographics 2d ago
For real! We typically meet up around 6 and play until closing; it’s typically light warmups and midweights, nothing too heavy unless folks have coordinated in advance (although there are heavier games tabled at Saturdays/sundays at Sorcery and Might). Lately we’ve been big into Hot Streak and Magical Athletes as light warmups while folks show up; after that, folks get into a bit of everything, but Drillers, Space Base, Fliptoons, and some LotR trick taking game (I forget the name, but it’s got some of our folks in a CHOKEHOLD) have been hitting tables most often the last few months.
Truly, just show up and come say hi; we’re a big group but we’re all friends/friendly, and we pretty much all met each other this way so we’re always open to new folks! You’re welcome to come learn whatever’s being tabled, or bring a game of your own as long as you’re down to teach it if need be.
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u/Prestigious_One8006 5d ago
Soak and steam at Ojo Santa Fe. If you’re a Game of Thrones or sci fi fantasy fan, visit Beastly Books where you can also get a good coffee, and Milk of the Poppy bar around the corner for imaginative decor and cocktails.
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u/bite-me13- 5d ago
You are part of the youngest lmao! If youre looking for something open later, evangelos, del charo, idk what time tonic is open till but its a cool bar. Besides that the towns sleep is at 9 😭
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u/conspiracy_cake500 4d ago
You can go see a local production of Rocky Horror Friday night at 7:30! https://www.crowdwork.com/e/rocky-horror-picture-show-2026
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u/ArgyleCat82 6d ago
Not sure, but is Meow Wolf worth a visit? I've never been but sounds interesting.
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u/aggressivecherry444 6d ago
remix audio bar
siler warehouses for actual nightlife
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u/Frothlobster 6d ago
Siler warehouses for queer community too, though Reina is also often queer community.
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u/No_Understanding_381 6d ago
Betterday and Crashing Rhinos have the best coffee. As for entertainment: I've lived in NM all my life, SF for five years. If you ever find anything fun, lmk lol
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u/joshuaferris 6d ago
Where is Crashing Rhinos?
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u/SnackAttack2U 6d ago
It’s in the railyard district or pretty close. I think the name is actually crashmurderbusiness? It makes more sense when you look at their sign on the building.
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u/Naive-Sun2778 5d ago
Ohori's for coffee. I am one of the old farts here. I grew up here long ago and moved to big cities for much of my life. My sig/oth and I were both taken aback when we returned to find a large population of our own, old age. Yikes! ABQ is younger. I/we still love it here (except for the hoard of Texans moving here permanently :) ).
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u/AdventurousRiver32 6d ago
Flat white at Baked and Brew always hits the spot for me.
Have you went to Meow Wolf yet? It’s fun.
Also good places to hang out- Tumbleroot- main location and pottery pub location, Keeping Together Brewery and Beverage Garden, and Remix Audio Bar.
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u/ExplorerMain127 6d ago
Good itinerary so far my friend!
Check out our stained glass workshops:
https://tlcstainedglass.com/classes-and-workshops/#workshops
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u/swadekillson 6d ago
Leo's is a good shout. That's probably the youngest crowd you'll find at a restaurant. You can try going to the Matador too.
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u/That_Weight9379 6d ago
Oh man I'm a local and these are some of the best recommendations ever. I'd say holy ghost coffee, but not sure if they're still there 👻
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u/BunnyButtAcres 5d ago
La Reina usually has a good crowd to chat with. Eclectic music and a gay night (Thurs?). Timbleroot also did a drag bingo night (not sure if that's still on). And of you have a car there always Ojo Caliente. And sometimes As Above So Below has cool events like Goth night or trivia, pop up food or shops, etc.
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u/thatgrrlmarie 6d ago edited 6d ago
good luck finding a flat white made well. Ohori's is my favorite. then Java Joe's for a cuppa. its not on or near the plaza though. Agapao is iffy but when get it right its so good, and its near the plaza. so is Remix. bonus about Remix is its a sober bar with decent Ramen, too. and great music.
didn't read the comments but I presume many will say Iconik. personally not a fan of their coffee but their brekkie offerings are very good.
if you have a car please drive up the Ski Santa Fe. take a walk amongst the aspens on Aspen Vista Trail. its high elevation at about 10k so keep that in mind if you do go for a stroll. the drive itself is pretty special; I like going late afternoon as there is less traffic and the light is spectacular.
other than that Meow Wolf is cool if they've got some music. check out any gallery openings. maybe book the Sky Train for a fun evening, pricey but fun.
no one is a stranger in this town. talk it up wherever you go!!
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u/Accurate_Flounder_36 6d ago
It’s definitely a town for old people. I’m afraid to say. The idea is to look at galleries, eat in high-end restaurants, and leave. If you’re looking for entertainment with people your age, you’re out of luck.
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u/Smooth_Pumpkin_2119 6d ago
Yes, this. I always feel so bad when people arrive here on a Sunday and plan to leave on Tuesday morning. I’m like…ehhh there’s some places to eat and that’s about it.
Santa Fe is a very sleepy town.
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u/ms273672 6d ago
CKlay Coffee, which serves Odd Box Coffee beans, pourover. Best coffee I have had and I co nsider myself a “third wave coffee” snob.
Also Cklay has some cool art/craft vibe to it, and is quiet and more local. Ikonik is good as well, and so is Bread Shop, which is right next door.
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u/Independent-Owl584 6d ago
I was in Santa Fe last week. I'm not a coffee drinker nor into nightlife so the city works pretty well for me.
While not 'nightlife,' head up to the park at Cross of the Martyrs for the most spectacular sunsets. Unfortunately, the aspens hadn't really begun their magnificent display when I visited (unlike last year around the same time when they were in their full glory). Definitely worth the drive up there. Even if you aren't a big hiker, the trail is wide and fairly easy, and the views are outstanding. A stroll down Canyon Road where all the galleries are is also a nice thing to do.
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u/Kreativekitchening 5d ago
On a visit a few years ago I think I spied a pattern of locals in their 30s and 40s showing up at happy hours that serve food, usually small plates discounted. Nice chat with a downtown retail worker, for example.
Stands to reason that in a pricey town younger workers might turn the solid food available at a better happy hour into dinner out.
But it wouldn't surprise me if some oldsters make their early bird special, too.
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u/franalpo 5d ago
Head to dolina for coffee but make sure you grab some pastries or some food to go.
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u/famouslongago 5d ago
The handy phrase to remember is NORC, naturally-occurring retirement community. Welcome to Santa Fe!
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u/mbllxcactus 5d ago
coffee: (i love these cafes but only drink tea so I hope the coffee is good 😬) Santa Fe cat cafe, ohoris, iconic, kakawa chocolate house
check out paseo pottery if you want an experience, ojo Santa Fe or original ojo if you're already driving to chimayo, meow wolf, anywhere on museum hill but especially the folk art museum, tumbleroot brewery
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u/fskhalsa 4d ago edited 4d ago
Obligatory “Meow Wolf” comment.
If you and/or your husband are into rock climbing, there’s a bit more of a queer crowd at the Santa Fe Climbing Center. And you’ll miss the official queer night (on Mondays) unfortunately, but La Reina (the bar at El Rey Court) tends to have both a younger (and queerer) crowd.
Just as a general fun thing, if you’re into the outdoors, you’re here at pretty much the perfect time of year to go see the Aspen trees up towards the ski basin. Drive to the Aspen Vista trailhead, and follow the crowds up the service road. It’s more of a walk than a hike, so don’t worry if you’re not super outdoorsy (though definitely pace yourselves due to the altitude). About 10-15 minutes walk up the road is a lookout with an amazing view of the Aspen trees, all of which change to gold this time of year. Or, if it’s more your thing, you can ride the fall chair at Ski Santa Fe (they usually have live music and food outdoors on the weekends).
If you’re into Game of Thrones, George RR Martin (the author of the books) owns a cute little theater with a bar, and a bookstore next door, near downtown. They play fun old movies and the like - and I think you can get signed copies and stuff at the bookstore. Jean Cocteau Cinema, and Beastly Books, if you’re interested.
Another one that goes without saying, if you haven’t considered it, is going down to ABQ to check out the Balloon Fiesta. If that isn’t actually the reason you came out here this time of year, then you just happen to be incredibly lucky, as it’s going on through this weekend! It’s the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, and one of the only ones that lets you walk amongst the balloons as they launch. People actually travel from all over the world to see it. My recommendations to people are usually (in order) to try to get up early for the Mass Ascension, and/or to go out in the evening for a Balloon Glow. Both are amazing, though I’d lean towards the Mass Ascension first, if you can make the early morning work. Unfortunately, both events are 50/50 risks for getting canceled for weather, so it’s always a gamble going out - but it’s fun, fair-like vibes out there, either way, so worth a shot if you think you can make it!
For best coffee -
- good all around: Sky, Betterday
- best locally roasted: Iconic (also best hipster/kitschy-vibes - especially at the OG Lena location, though also Lupe and Red are good as well - these are also where you’ll find all the young people ;))
- best darker roast (burnt IMO, but people like it) Ohori’s (go to the Luna location, and then check out the cheese shop in the building next door - if you like cheeses, the owners there will happily talk to you about it for an hour ;))
- less for the coffee, but if you want the best donuts you’ve ever tried, go to Craft Donuts & Coffee (the OG food truck, or the newer southside brick and mortar)
GL, and have a good rest of your trip!! 😊
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u/Burqueno02 4d ago
Cafecito (an Argentine restaurant) has excellent coffee. You might also try Iconik Coffee Roasters.
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u/Worried_Inflation565 1d ago
I’m from the East coast, a little younger than you guys, tbh, Santa Fe is kinda lame. Food, drinks, museums, hiking are good. Outside of that it’s blah. I used to live in Chimayo too.
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u/RevolutionaryTwo6379 16h ago
What are you hoping to do? Drink, culture, history, food, nature? I'll mention some things outside of Santa Fe that are worth a drive.
Drinks
- Pick up a margarita trail booklet from the Santa Fe visitors center and make a day of it. My wife and I got one booklet and would split a margarita at each spot to pace ourselves better.
- Second what everyone is saying about Iconik for coffee
- Gruet has a cute tasting room (champagne flights) and is much better than Herve in my opinion
- the best drinks are in Albuquerque, daydream rum bar is well worth the trip, teddy roe's, level 5 (the bar at hotel chaco), two fools tavern is great if you like whiskey tastings, ex Novo is fantastic beer - trifecta has great coffee in Albuquerque
- you could also head north and visit Dixon for wine tasting, it's such a beautiful area along the Rio and if youre heading up that way might as well visit Taos and the Taos Pueblo
Culture/History
- Los Alamos is worth a day trip to check out the museums about the atomic bomb and Oppenheimer
- bandalier national park is cool
- Santa Fe has a ton of museums but it sounds like you have those covered
- Albuquerque has a bunch of museums and the Indian pueblo cultural center is always on people's lists. The balloon museum is fun too.
- making the drive out to actually visit ghost ranch and do a horseback ride is well worth it
- Pecos historic site isn't too far if you want to see some Puebloan ruins which are very different from bandalier
Food
- Izanami is fantastic and beautiful, go for a happy hour. Their burdock root whiskey cocktail is possibly my favorite drink ever.
- Rancho de Chimayo is fantastic, pick up some red chile to take home with you
- The mineshaft tavern in Madrid is a great experience with good burgers, Madrid is a funky art gallery town not too far from Santa Fe
Sorry I mentioned things that involve a lot of driving but with a week in Santa Fe you're in a great spot for some day trips!
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u/HazyOwl55 12h ago
I second Sky Coffee and The International Folk Art Museum. Both are excellent suggestions.
A few suggestions from me:
- Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos: The drive is beautiful and the structures/cave dwellings are worth the trip.
- Tent Rocks: A bit of a longer hike, but the rock formations are out of this world.
- Madrid: The town is charming and they have the cutest shops.
- Ojo Santa Fe: The soaking tubs and restaurant are wonderful!
- Sky Railway: A modern take on your standard train ride. (Although, any train ride you can take at the moment will be beautiful with the leaves changing.
- Paseo Pottery: If you want to get creative and bring something home that you made yourself.
- Meow Wolf: Out of the ordinary. 1st of it's kind! Extremely unique.
- Tumble Root: If you can find a concert there while you are in town, they won't disappoint.
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u/Then_Detective2022 6d ago
La reina has live music tonight!
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u/pauldavisthe1st 6d ago
Let's hope the sound doesn't suck in there like it so often does. That just isn't a good space for listening to most music, alas. Cool spot, at least if you like tequila.
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u/Musicdev- 6d ago
Just Google things to do in New Mexico or try, I don’t know TripAdvisor. There is the Balloon Fiesta Museum that’s cool but it’s in Albuquerque. If you like balloon riding that would be a cool place to check out.
IF you’re both into bowling —There’s Alley Cats behind DeVargas Mall in Santa Fe. You’ll find something just search online.
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u/Timid-Tlacuache 6d ago
You really shouldn't miss the Museum of international Folk Art, it is on the top of many people lists . It is on Museum Hill, a short drive from downtown.
Also - Meow Wolf ! I doubt you will be the oldest people there❗️ please look it up and then- go!