Favorite Finds: Santa Fe, May 2025

A haven for artists and history buffs alike, Santa Fe is a crossroads of culture, and its sweeping landscapes and soulful charm have drawn creatives for decades—including Gene Hackman, George R.R. Martin and, of course, Georgia O’Keeffe. This past May, it drew Indagare’s ambassadors for a scouting trip. Below, Andrea Feldman Falcione, Brewer Schoeller, Jim Klaus, Kristin Peterson Edwards and Katie Barbatsuly share some of their favorite finds for your next visit.

Cafe Pasqual: “Have lunch at Cafe Pasqual’s for incredibly delicious Mexican fare, especially the Blue Lady Enchilada with organic chicken. You’ll have a hard time leaving anything on your plate.” —Andrea Feldman Falcione

Vinaigrette Santa Fe: “If you are looking for a lighter lunch, Vinaigrette Santa Fe has delicious salads! I recommend the La Pepita and the Tuna Salad Salad. If you eat at Vinaigrette, head next door to the very cute shop Modern General after.”—AFF

Paper Dosa: “For dinner, head to Paper Dosa for South Indian food featuring, you guessed it, dosa, a thin savory Indian crepe.”—AFF

Los Poblanos Bar Norte: “Just walking through this divinely scented haven of local goods and dried lavender to reach the attached bar will put you in the mood for a unique local cocktail. If you’re a gin lover, try the Lavender ’99, made up of lavender-infused gin, crême de violette, lavender simple syrup and sparkling wine.” —Brewer Schoeller

“I order the Farm G&T made with one of the many gins created at the Los Poblanos farm outside Albuquerque. Don’t miss a little shopping at the adjacent boutique for more goodies produced on the farm.” —AFF

Bishop’s Lodge: “The house margarita at the Bishop’s Lodge SkyFire bar is called the Holy Margarita for a reason. It is made with tequila rosa, hatch chile, apricot, agave, lime and sal de gusano and tastes heavenly. Nothing could be better than sitting on the expansive restaurant terrace by the traditional kiva-style fireplace watching the sunset with this delicious drink. Even in June, at night there was a chill in the air.”—Jim Klaus

Dragon Room: “I would highly recommend having a drink at the historic Dragon Room, which is now part of The Inn of The Five Graces, only a few minutes' walk from Santa Fe’s main plaza. This small bar has a long and impressive history. Founded in 1944 by Rosalea Murphy, the Dragon Room is popular with locals and visitors alike and has attracted luminaries from Georgia O’Keeffe to Robert Redford. There is a large bar menu of food and drinks and live music on Wednesday and Saturday nights.”—JK

Pinto Ranch: “Buy a cowboy hat at Pinto Ranch’s Hat Bar, where their expert branding staff will brand your monogram or name on the rim (and then feel like a true cowboy when riding through the Santa Fe National Forest with the gentle horses and skilled guides of Bishop's Lodge Stables).”—BS

Nathalie Home: “For men’s and women’s vintage and new clothing, home goods, custom cowboy boots, unique Native American art, jewelry and crafts, check out Nathalie, operated by Nathalie Kent, a former French Vogue editor.”—JK

Shiprock: “Shiprock has an incredible collection of Navajo rugs and blankets, turquoise jewelry and more.” —AFF

Canyon Road: “Mile-long Canyon Road is the third largest concentration of art galleries in the United States after New York and Los Angeles. The mix of galleries, stores, cafes and restaurants is an absolute must-see.”—JK

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: “As expected, the influence of Georgia O’Keeffe was omnipresent in Santa Fe. Although small, the Georgia O’Keeffe museum has a world-class collection of her paintings, as well as unique clothing pieces and items from her studio. A new museum is taking shape one block away from the current building and will be three times the size when completed in 2028. Even then, the demand for tickets will still almost assuredly outstrip the supply!”—JK

Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú Studio Tour: “Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiú is a must. Book ahead for the extended tour of this seminal artist’s home and studio, about an hour outside of Santa Fe. The visitor’s center always has a small exhibition that you can view prior to your visit and, of course, hit the gift shop upon your return. Be sure to pre-plan your visit, as tours are limited to small groups from March to November.”—AFF

Santa Fe Plaza: “Be sure to visit the Santa Fe Plaza, where local craftsmen display their wares under a strict licensing policy.”—BS

“If you have a few days in Santa Fe, consider visiting the funky former mining town of Madrid on the Turquoise Trail about 20 minutes outside of town. With a population of only 250, Madrid is home to over a dozen high-quality art galleries, several cafes and the iconic Mine Shaft Tavern. Madrid is a bohemian enclave with authentic Old West vibes.”—JK

Bandelier National Monument: “A hike in Bandelier National Monument, followed by a mezcal drink at Tesuque Village Market.”—AFF

Geronimo: “Geronimo for a meal—I heard great things about it!”—Katie Barbatsuly

Marfa Invitational: “I am looking forward to doing a deep-dive into the Santa Fe art community, exploring its galleries, studios, and museums. I was particularly impressed by how many resorts, especially The Inn of The Five Graces and Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, showcase and even promote the works of local artists and artisans. Maybe I’ll get back for the new Santa Fe venue of the Marfa Invitational to take place at Bishop’s Lodge in the fall of 2025!”—Kristin Peterson Edwards

Taos Extension: "Also, a trip to Taos, New Mexico is on my bucket list."—JK