These Are the Spots Locals Love in Santa Fe, So Go There on Your Next Visit
Artist Lindsey Calla shares her favorite places.
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Meet the Insider: Lindsey Calla, photographer
Lindsey Calla is an artist whose ethereal Earth Auras series of photographs captures the essence of the high desert. Her pieces have been placed in top collections around the world, including that of an ARTNews Top 200 Collector, and are also exhibited at the iconic Santa Fe restaurant Geronimo.
DO
Catch a forward-thinking experiential exhibit at SITE Santa Fe. Then soak in hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves to warm up. You get your own personal sauna with your soak. It feels like you’ve been transported into an onsen in the middle of the Santa Fe mountains. Or make an appointment at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center to view the artist’s personal library of books and materials up close.
DRINK
Legal Tender is an off-the-beaten path treasure. It’s an old Western rail saloon and mercantile that serves delicious craft cocktails. For a non-alcoholic vibe, Kakawa Chocolate House is a must in the winter. Sip on some hot drinking chocolates from ancient recipes; the secret Marie Antoinette recipe is my favorite!
SHOP
Spirit of the Earth has cozy sweaters and beautifully curated objects. The owners have an incredible eye. Santa Fe has some of the greatest used bookstores in the country. I recommend stopping by Books of Interest and op.cit. It’s hard not to leave with a treasure!
STAY
Bishop’s Lodge is historic and close to the city, but immersed in the landscape. You can really get a sense of the magic of New Mexico. Inn of the Five Graces has a fantastic spa with gorgeous mosaic soaking tubs and piñon for your fireplace, and one of the owners does all the mosaics.
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