Santa Fe Seduction: Artful Adventures, Cultural Surprises, & Stories That Steal Your Heart.

We’re headed east. That’s right—after a long stretch, our compass is finally pointed toward home. As we reach roughly two-thirds of the way through our grand Southwestern US adventure, the realization hits: We’re open road veterans now. Over the past two and a half years, the RV has been our mobile fortress, and we’ve embraced the nomadic life with gusto. Our journey has led us up mountain passes in the Rockies, along the winding Mississippi, and into the backroads of New Brunswick. We’ve set up camp at more than 70 different spots and wandered through over 50 cities across the US and Canada. The memories? They span Old Quebec’s storybook streets, the pulsing heart of Nashville’s music, the smoky flavors of Kansas City barbecue, and the spicy soul of Lafayette’s cajun kitchens. Our mental passport is stamped with cities brimming with history, charisma, and the occasional oddball roadside marvel.

Adobe Building w/ String of Dried Chilies, Downtown 

After all these adventures, it’s not easy for a city to steal our hearts. But then came Santa Fe, New Mexico—“The City Different.” Santa Fe didn’t just get a pin on our map; it vaulted to our “Best Of” list, and here’s why. First, the city’s strict zoning rules mean everything—cafés, galleries, inns—sticks to the low-slung Pueblo and Territorial styles. No looming high-rises: just sun-soaked plazas and courtyards that feel as expansive and warm as a Georgia O’Keeffe canvas. Second, Santa Fe’s history is as deep as it gets in North America. The oldest state capital in the US, it’s layered atop Tewa Pueblo villages and has flown Spanish, Mexican, and US flags, making it one of the oldest continuously governed cities around. Third? Art, art, and more art. With more than 250 galleries, Santa Fe boasts status as the nation’s third-largest art market and the honor of being a UNESCO “Creative City.” Creativity radiates from every adobe wall and turquoise window—Native, Spanish, and contemporary influences aren’t just seen, they’re felt, especially along Canyon Road and in the lively plazas. So, as our list of favorite cities grows, we find ourselves making space at the top for Santa Fe. Sorry, Austin and Quebec—there’s a new contender in town. Here are some of our favorite Santa Fe adventures.

Our adventure in Santa Fe began at the remarkable New Mexico History Museum, seamlessly connected to the iconic Palace of the Governors. Like many state capitals we’ve explored during our RV travels, Santa Fe offers a rich tapestry of over 500 years of regional history. The museum’s interactive exhibits guided us through the ages, from indigenous cultures and Spanish settlement to the city’s vibrant present. Upstairs, we stumbled upon something truly extraordinary: an immersive display dedicated to Zozobra.

Zozobra Display at NM History Museum

If you’re unfamiliar, Zozobra, or “Old Man Gloom”, is a towering 50-foot marionette that’s burned every year in Santa Fe just before Labor Day. Created in 1924 by artist Will Shuster, Zozobra represents the anxieties and troubles of the community. The annual burning is a dramatic ritual where locals and visitors alike symbolically consign their worries to the flames, making space for renewal and hope. The museum’s presentation brought this tradition to life with vivid storytelling and creative exhibits. What truly sets the New Mexico History Museum apart is its integration with the Palace of the Governors, America’s oldest continuously occupied public building, dating to 1610. Unlike typical museums, this institution stands at the crossroads of history, uniting centuries of Spanish, Mexican, and American stories under one adobe roof. The blend of cutting-edge exhibits with the living legacy of the Palace, right on the Santa Fe Plaza, made for a memorable and meaningful first day in the city.

Palace of the Governors, New Mexico History Museum

We spent two days exploring Santa Fe’s Museum Hill, an elevated area that hosts four prominent museums: the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. With its expansive views, peaceful environment, and impressive architecture, Museum Hill is truly a unique destination for cultural exploration. Even though we dedicated two days, it wasn’t nearly enough time to experience everything offered here. Ultimately, we had to make some difficult decisions and chose to focus our attention on two outstanding museums.

• Museum of International Folk Art:

  

  Kukuli Velarde's Terracote Mixed Media - Kinda Creepy

  Our exploration began in this world-renowned museum, which boasts the largest collection of folk art anywhere. We spent time in the Bartlett Wing, which houses the museum’s core collection and offers a sweeping introduction to the diversity of folk traditions. One highlight was the iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa exhibit. This vibrant presentation traced the evolution of telephone wire weaving from its origins to today’s colorful, recycled creations, featuring 247 pieces that showcased both tradition and innovation.

Telephone Wire Weaving, Museum of International Folk Art

• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture:

  

  Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

  Next, we immersed ourselves in the rich heritage preserved at MIAC, an institution dedicated to Southwestern Native American cultures. The museum’s collections of pottery and textiles particularly stood out—each piece a testament to the artistry, skill, and history of the region’s Indigenous peoples. The carefully curated exhibits not only preserve these traditions but also highlight the creativity and resilience of Native communities.

Around the midpoint of our time in Santa Fe, we had some guests. No, strangers didn’t randomly appear at our camper door—quite the opposite! Our visitors, Susan and Wayne, are family from California whom we invited in advance. Since we’d traveled so far west, they generously flew out to Santa Fe to spend a long weekend with us, filled with various activities.

With our guests in town, we wanted to make their Santa Fe visit memorable. Susan’s top request was the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum—a perfect choice, given O’Keeffe’s deep connection to the region. We gladly joined her at this celebrated spot, where thoughtfully arranged exhibits and personal artifacts offered a clear window into the artist’s life. Hundreds of drawings and paintings, including late works from when her eyesight was fading, captured O’Keeffe’s vision and spirit. By the end, we understood why her art and the landscape of New Mexico are so often spoken in the same breath.

Working Glass @ Prairie Dog Glass

Exploring Santa Fe's art scene is inspiring, but actually making our own art took things to another level. Judy found the perfect hands-on adventure—a glassblowing session at Prairie Dog Glass. All four of us worked alongside expert instructors to craft custom drinking glasses, getting an up-close look at the creative process. Like on the show Blown Away, our pieces needed time in the annealer, so I picked them up the next day. It was a fun and memorable experience. 

Saturday was all about the walking tours as Wayne & Susan joined us on back– to– back tours of Santa Fe.

• Our day began with a brisk, early morning walking history tour led by Tom, a Santa Fe native with five generations of roots in the city.

  

   Guide Tom w/ Judy and Adobe Brick

  Tom’s deep knowledge brought Santa Fe’s 400-year story to life as he guided us through the historic Plaza, Cathedral Park, and along Palace Avenue, highlighting every landmark with fascinating insights. From demonstrating the weight of authentic adobe blocks to sharing local legends, Tom seemed to know everything about Santa Fe. It was the perfect introduction to the city, a truly memorable first tour.

• Following lunch, we embarked on a dedicated "Chocolate Tasting Tour,"
  
  offering an immersive glimpse into the city's rich history with cacao. We traced chocolate's journey from its origins as ancient Mesoamerican medicinal elixirs to contemporary artisanal masterpieces, tasting treats at the family-owned “Chocolate En La Plaza” and enjoying liquid chocolate at “Kakawa Chocolate.” The afternoon was especially delightful and delicious.
  
  

To make the most of Susan and Wayne's final day, we headed to Albuquerque for a trio of memorable experiences. We kicked things off with lunch at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, enjoying authentic Pueblo flavors and warm hospitality—a perfect introduction to the area's vibrant culture.

Wayne, Susan, Judy, Steven @ Petroglyph National Monument 

Next, we explored the sun-drenched trails at Petroglyph National Monument, where ancient images carved into basalt boulders connected us to the region’s deep history and stunning landscape. For a nostalgic finale, we stopped at the 66 Diner on Central Ave, soaking up the retro atmosphere, neon lights, and walls lined with PEZ dispensers and classic memorabilia. The milkshakes—served with their iconic "overspill" in chilled metal canisters—were the perfect treat as we reminisced together. With each experience, we made lasting memories before saying goodbye and sending Susan and Wayne off on their journey home.

After saying goodbye to them at the airport, we started getting the RV ready, knowing our time in Santa Fe was also at an end. Sharing this lively city with family made our experiences richer and more memorable. From exploring world-class museums and savoring local flavors to historic walks and hands-on art, we packed our visit with highlights. Our long weekend together brought both discovery and laughter, deepening our appreciation for Santa Fe’s unique spirit. The city’s vibrant culture, warm community, and unforgettable adventures left their mark. Now, grateful for these memories, we roll on, making memories by the mile and sharing them with you as we tell… the Rest of the Story.

Wayne, Steven, Judy, Susan "Toasting" Using Our New Hand-Blown Glassware