Feb

23

Santa Fe Sojourn

Posted by Pepper Schwartz

Santa Fe is romantic. Even when it’s so cold you wonder whatever possessed you to go in the winter.

A friend and I went to scout it out for a winter romantic getaway, and even though we worried about hypothermia a few times, my guy will benefit from this reconnaissance.

If you go to Santa Fe in winter, you own it. Imagine being alone in the picturesque square, alone chatting up the salespeople, and able to drop into even the most popular restaurants on a whim. With the touristy crowds gone, we could enjoy a spontaneous day — and get the best of everything.

We stayed at the centrally located Inn at Loretto — at a substantial discount — and had a huge colorful room with a monster king bed (which  we treated like two twins) and a very nice bathroom with an elegant shower.  Unfortunately, the fireplace was just decorative (although it did have wonderful supersized candles in it) and in terms of romance reconnaissance the room didn’t rate since I require a great bathtub on my checklist.

But what was perfect: going down Canyon Road and having the galleries to ourselves, and finding a little Tea House on that road, frequented by locals, with a cozy little couch and a series of small rooms to get alone in; going to my “must do” in Santa Fe — Ten Thousand Waves — and getting such a great massage in the Japanese themed “peoples spa” that we went back the next evening. I also went back to the amazing craft museum for the umpteenth time and the Indian museum — but this was the first time I had these museums to myself!

This lack of business isn’t good for Santa Fe, but I’d prefer braving the cold (I will dress a whole lot more warmly next time) than battling for reservations. We had no trouble getting into Don Gaspars for breakfast, brunch or dinner. We did  all three  because  I love that funky place with the great location and fabulous New Mexican recipes.

Sure, if you are an arts maven you have to go in the summer, but if you want a getaway just for the two of you, go in the winter.

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Pepper Schwartz serves as the AARP love and relationship ambassador and is the chief relationships expert at Perfectmatch.com.

Filed Under New Mexico, Romance, Santa Fe, Travel, United States


Comments

2 Responses to “Santa Fe Sojourn”

  1. Jack on March 23rd, 2011 4:44 pm

    I’d love to get to explore more of the Southwest like Santa Fe. I love the heat and the desert. Any ideas for a summer road trip from California?

  2. pepper on March 25th, 2011 11:09 pm

    I think one of the all time best road trips through the desert is to the Four Corners area where the intersection of four states results in some of the most beautiful country, and most intriguing national parks in this nation- My personal favorites are Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion- but the list doesn’t stop there. If you go it will make a Southwesterner out of you!

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