Chilis galore at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
By Joanna Mazewski, Taking the Kids Correspondent
Santa Fe, New Mexico has recently been baptized as the premiere tourist destination for 2018. And in all honesty, it’s a title that the city rightfully deserves. A one-hour drive north of Albuquerque, Santa Fe is the city different with a bustling art scene, a cultural hub and a restaurant scene that will have foodies from both sides of the coast drooling with jealousy.
Plus, it’s also a perfect city for families to visit, regardless of the season or the weather for that matter. Here are the top 5 places you need to see (and eat) in Santa Fe in 2018.
Checking out what’s for dinner (inside the fridge) at the Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf
Have you ever picked names out of a hat before deciding on a winner? That’s exactly what the founders of Meow Wolf did. Meow Wolf might seem confusing at fist, but it’s a psychedelic mind-trip for adults that is really not easy to describe. It’s half children’s museum and half adventure storybook. You are given the task of trying to figure out the mystery behind a small snippet of information you are given about a family that lives in the first house. It’s a non-linear form of storytelling that is great fun for both adults and children. It’s also been called one of the coolest interactive art pieces in existence.
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
No trip to Santa Fe is complete without a morning stop to the city’s Farmer’s Market. It’s located near the new Railyard location and is bustling with activity every morning as both locals and tourists shop the artisans and craft merchants. It’s also a fun place to people watch and an experience for the senses. The aroma of fresh spices and chilies roasting is nothing less than enticing.
A parents-only spa day at the Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa
Ten Thousand Waves
Sorry kids, but you are going to have to sit this one out. After spending an entire day hitting the slopes at the Santa Fe Ski Basin, the parental units are going to need a spa day all to themselves, and they won’t be feeling guilty about it whatsoever at The Ten Thousand Waves Spa. This Japanese-themed spa is situated on the hilltops of Santa Fe with outdoor hot tubs and was inspired by the great Japanese mountain hot springs resorts.
Shopping for gifts to take home at the La Posada Hotel
The Cowgirl BBQ
Let’s not forget lunch. The Cowgirl BBQ is a great family restaurant with indoor and outdoor family style seating. There’s a fun outdoor play area to keep the kids entertained while you devour some of the best menu items that Santa Fe’s culinary scene has to offer. Trust me when I say that even your kids will be asking for seconds.
Plus, three words: green chili cheeseburger. Also, prepare to have the best Chile Relleno you’ll ever have.
Boot shopping for all sizes in Santa Fe
The La Posada Hotel
Yes, a certain season of The Bachelor might have been filmed at this location. And yes, a certain Bachelor contestant might have famously fainted in one of it’s hallways. But the La Posada Hotel is more than just the ideal setting for a reality competition dating show: it’s a stunning visual masterpiece that must be seen first hand to be truly appreciated. It’s long been one of the top family hotels in Santa Fe with a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt that allows kids to explore the property while in search of the hotel’s most prominent artwork.
Also, Santa Fe is offering kids a chance to stay and play free during Spring Break 2018. Santa Fe’s local businesses are kicking off a citywide initiative to welcome families in the Spring by offering children under the age of 12 complimentary lodging, meals, spa and culturally immersive activities.