Some places entertain you. Others stay with you.

That’s exactly how Santa Fe felt to me.

As a financial professional and business owner in the New York, New Jersey areas, a change of scenery is always a escape from the northeast. The thoughts of slow mornings, good food, maybe a spa day was just what I needed for a getaway. I ended up researching and selecting Santa Fe because  it felt like wellness wrapped in nature, cozy charm, and a more slow-paced environment.

The first thing I noticed was that nobody seemed to be in a rush. People lingered over coffee and wandered through historic downtown without checking the time. It was the soft life many millennials and Gen Zers realize is an important part of  life. It felt grounding. It was peaceful in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced stillness. 

 

[ADDITIONAL READ: BANFF IN SPRING: WHY IT’S THE MOST MAGICAL TIME TO VISIT]

Downtown felt warm and earthy. Think adobe buildings, mountain views, and little hidden corners that make you want to keep exploring. One afternoon I spent hours just walking through the streets, stopping in small local shops and cafés, completely forgetting about my phone. My favorite part was Santa Fe’s heritage. It’s a combination of southwest culture and Native American history.  There’s no shortage of local art, Native American-inspired clothing, and jewelry. Think bright pops of turquoise jewelry, heritage art, and unique patterns in clothing. You can literally stop in galleries while exploring downtown and take in tons of local art. 

 

Santa Fe is for anyone who wants to spend time in a historical and charming city. I think anyone from a completely different region would get the most from its change of scenery. It’s completely refreshing. It’s full of quiet moments, pleasant surroundings, and makes you feel more grounded. It’s a trip that is full of intentional serenity, culture, and relaxation. 

Here are a few of my top recommendations: 

1. Spend a day downtown. Walk around, explore art galleries, go shopping and experience Southwestern food. There’s no shortage of fresh salads with savory meats, corn, peppers, chili and more. It was tough coming back to the taste of east coast bowls and salads with all the savory food experienced. 
2. My recommendation for your last night is an elevated experience at Zacatlan restaurant. It’s a James Beard-nominated restaurant that blends Mexican heritage with Southwestern flavors. 

3.Visit Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. It’s an immersive experience with tons of multimedia, props, and sets. This is not downtown, you’ll have to drive or Uber to the location. It’s completely worth it for both adults-only and family trips. 

4. YOU MUST VISIT WHITE SANDS DESERT.

5. Visit a winery. I recommend Heart of the Desert Winery, which was on the way to the White Sands Desert. They offer a fabulous tasting and assortment of sweets, toasted nuts and more. Santa Fe is known for its pinon nuts and New Mexico in general is a major producer of pecans and pistachios. Most wineries hav variations of unique flavored nuts that pair well with wine.

6. Visit the oldest chapel in America. San Miguel Chapel is a historical landmark. The chapel is over 400 years old and was built between 1610 and 1626. The adobe structure is still home to church patrons today. You can visit during certain hours and learn about its history. 

 

 

 

Now let’s circle back to White Sands Desert as it deserves more than just a mention. The moment that really stayed with me happened outside the city during my visit to the majestic desert.

Photos don’t prepare you for it.

The dunes looked pristine under the glare of the sun. The white sand almost looks like snow stretching across the desert, but glistening beneath the sunlight. Everything felt incredibly quiet out there. No city noise. No distractions. Just wind moving across the sand and this overwhelming feeling of calm.

 

I remember taking my shoes off and walking barefoot through the cool white sand as the sun started setting. The sky turned soft shades of pink and orange, and for a few minutes everything felt completely still. It’s rare to find places that make you slow down naturally. I took a moment to sit in the sand and pray. I prayed over my life and for those around me. Nature often creates a peaceful environment to pray or meditate in.

 

Back in Santa Fe, that feeling continued. Long spa afternoons, cozy dinners with Southwestern flavors, quiet mornings with mountain air coming through the windows. The entire trip felt less like sightseeing and more like resetting mentally.

Santa Fe isn’t loud about its beauty. It doesn’t try too hard. That’s probably what makes it special.

It’s the kind of place you visit for a weekend yet leave with forever memories.