Santa Fe Eats

I’ve highlighted a restaurant in my previous Santa Fe post already of Gabriel’s, which also offered a very cool artsy atmosphere and tableside guacamole on the way to Bandelier, and which I would definitely recommend again. My favorite Santa Fe Eats that we had overall during our entire trip was at The Shed, a very well known a family owned restaurant since 1953. They serve Southwest specialties but are especially known for their red chile sauce. It’s a little hidden off the Santa Fe Plaza since you need to go back a little bit to see the doors, and it’s reputation as a must visit may mean a line (they do take reservations) although we didn’t encounter any on the rainy day lunch we had.
We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. Some say it is the best place for chile in Santa Fe. I would definitely agree with the red chile, and the green chile had great flavor but would not be the spiciest we would have We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. Some say it is the best place for chile in Santa Fe. I would definitely agree with the red chile, and the green chile had great flavor but would not be the spiciest we would have

The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.

We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. Some say it is the best place for chile in Santa Fe. I would definitely agree with the red chile, and the green chile had great flavor but would not be the spiciest we would have We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. The atmosphere is like a hacienda with lots of folk art that feels like a neighborhood joint in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.

The bar offers a pretty good selection of margaritas. And a vacation especially when our lodging is in walking distance of the Santa Fe plaza (and which offers a complimentary shuttle to and from downtown) means a margarita for lunch. It always feels so decadent to drink at lunch!
We started with lunch at the famous The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. Some say it is the best place for chile in Santa Fe. The Shed, a family owned restaurant since 1953. Some say it is the best place for chile in Santa Fe. They offer lots of margaritas. Vacation means a margarita for lunch "Vacation

He ordered a vegetarian burrito in green chile sauce – and holy moly was it massive, fork to show scale! The green chile sauce was good, but would not be the best we had during the trip.
The Shed Burrito with green chile sauce in Santa Fe. The Shed Burrito with green chile sauce in Santa Fe.

Meanwhile, I think I had the best dish since I got the cheese enchiladas (vegetarian so we could bot enjoy) in the legendary red chile sauce served with pinto beans & posole (stew of Nixtamal corn, lean pork, coarse red chile, garlic & oregano). Keeping with The Shed’s tradition, their New Mexican dishes are served with French garlic bread, which was a great break as I was scooping up the sauce by itself by the spoonfuls – it was spicy, smokey, and delicious. The Shed’s chile comes directly from a farm and is continuously ground on the premises for freshness. I now it doesn’t look like much, but it was fantastic.
Keeping with The Shed’s tradition, their New Mexican dishes are served with French garlic bread. I think I had the best dish since I got the cheese enchiladas (vegetarian so we could bot enjoy) in the legendary red chile sauce served with pinto beans & posole. Keeping with The Shed’s tradition, their New Mexican dishes are served with French garlic bread. I think I had the best dish since I got the cheese enchiladas (vegetarian so we could bot enjoy) in the legendary red chile sauce served with pinto beans & posole.

Cool your tongue afterwards by not missing dessert: we were pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of this Zabaglione with Creamy Italian Custard, Cointreau, White Port
Dessert at The Shed of Zabaglione with Creamy Italian Custard, Cointreau, White Port to cool off our palate after all that great red chile and green chile

Shed Creative Cooking Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

While The Shed was my #1 favorite for dining, and had the best red chile sauce, for green chile sauce our vote goes to no frills local diner Horseman’s Haven. It’s set back a bit from the busy Cerrillos Road – you have to look for it slightly behind a gas station – I drove by it twice before I found it. One of the reasons I write my blog is because I always adore reading blog entries myself when researching travel: and this entry by NM Gastronome on Horseman’s Haven is what convinced me to make this someplace to check out.

The vegetarian green chile at Horseman’s Haven has a depth that’s surprising given that most green chiles have pork in them in town – and the chile has a nice meaty texture as it is thickened with a roux. The regular green chile sauce is already spicy unlike most other green chiles you may come across, and then they offer a spicier Level Two made with Jim and Sandia peppers. Make sure you have tissue for your sweat and runny nose if you go with Level Two.
Horseman’s Haven at 354 Cerrillos Rd has the spiciest green chile. The regular green chile sauce at Horseman's Haven Cafe is hotter than nearly any other in town. The spicier level-two green chile sauce is composed of Big Jim and Sandia peppers. The vegetarian green chile has a depth that's surprising given that most green chile are porky - and the chile has a nice meaty texture as it is thickened with a roux. Horseman’s Haven at 354 Cerrillos Rd has the spiciest green chile. The regular green chile sauce at Horseman's Haven Cafe is hotter than nearly any other in town. The spicier level-two green chile sauce is composed of Big Jim and Sandia peppers. The vegetarian green chile has a depth that's surprising given that most green chile are porky - and the chile has a nice meaty texture as it is thickened with a roux.
It is so spicy you may not be able to have more than a teaspoon or even a few drops. As much as I like spicy Thai and Indian food, I had to tap out after a few spoonfuls worth, though F ate it all up. So if you can take the heat, for green chile try Horseman’s Haven. I definitely suggest you order something large like a big burrito so you have something to eat between sweating with the green chile. Don’t be afraid to ask for the Level 2 on the side to be cautiously risky.
Horseman’s Haven at 354 Cerrillos Rd has the spiciest green chile. The regular green chile sauce at Horseman's Haven Cafe is hotter than nearly any other in town. The spicier level-two green chile sauce is composed of Big Jim and Sandia peppers. The vegetarian green chile has a depth that's surprising given that most green chile are porky - and the chile has a nice meaty texture as it is thickened with a roux.

Horseman's Haven Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

For a more moderate green chile experience, we went to Tomasita’s which is the typical huge Mexican restaurant great for huge groups that has been in business for more than 40 years. Their red & green chile from Hatch, New Mexico is cooked daily and they also use New Mexico pinto beans plus all entrees and specials include a sopaipilla, honey butter and New Mexico Honey from B’S Honey Farm of Albuquerque. A sopaipilla, if you haven’t had one before is like a fried bread.

I recommend the entree called Tomasita’s Big Bowl, which allows you to build your own bowl with any combination – red or green chile, beans, posole, ground beef or chicken served with a hot sopaipilla. I went with red chile for myself. F had Tomasita’s Vegetarian Mexican plate with Red and Green Chile, beans and rice, and in front you see a sopaipilla.
Tomasita's Vegetarian Mexican plate with Red and Green Chile, beans and rice, and in front you see a Sopaipilla. Their red and green chile — from Hatch, New Mexico — is cooked daily and Tomasita's uses natural Monterey jack cheese and New Mexico pinto beans. All entrees and specials include a sopaipilla, honey butter and New Mexico Honey from B’S Honey Farm of Albuquerque Tomasita's Big Bowl: Build your own bowl with any combination – red or green chile, beans, posole, ground beef or chicken served with a hot sopaipilla. Their red and green chile — from Hatch, New Mexico — is cooked daily and Tomasita's uses natural Monterey jack cheese and New Mexico pinto beans. All entrees and specials include a sopaipilla, honey butter and New Mexico Honey from B’S Honey Farm of Albuquerque

The other reason we went to Tomasita’s is because they have this super fun mariachi band called Mariachi Buenaventura that plays every Tuesday evening at Tomasita’s at 7:30 PM. What makes Mariachi Buenaventura stand out is that they are an all female mariachi band. If you are around on a Tuesday, these ladies alone make it worth a trip to Tomasita’s. When we saw them that night, I think there were twice as any as in the video below.

Tomasita's Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Have you had red or green chile before? Which one do you prefer?

Here’s the summary of my series of posts on Santa Fe, New Mexico Travels

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Santa Fe Art Scene: Enjoying the Southwest Arts

Besides the easy hikes outdoors like Bandolier, Plaza Blanca and Kasha-Katuwe, another fun activity we enjoyed while in Santa Fe was enjoying the Southwest Arts. There a couple main art focused destinations I would highly recommend for enjoying the Santa Fe Art Scene, plus I also threw in a peek at Taos where we took a side trip as well.

Keshi in Santa Fe

In downtown Santa Fe, Keshi The Zuni Connection is a little co-op store that offers arts and crafts directly from the artists. The store has direct, personal relationships with all the individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. The relationships mean that not only can Keshi dedicate particular parts of shelves to that artist, but they can speak knowledgeably about their past work, what they are working on now, and what are the little quirks or special touches that differentiates their pieces. The list of artists they work with is impressive so you will have a huge variety of styles. Those relationships are what inspire “The Zuni Connection” part of the store name.

Keshi the Zuni Connection store is named so because of its close ties with the people of the Zuni Pueblo. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world Keshi the Zuni Connection store is named so because of its close ties with the people of the Zuni Pueblo. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world

They also know the Zuni stories and symbolism that inspires or gives special meaning to any of the pieces. And, they offer lots of small pieces, in particular Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world. Fetishes are small carvings using a variety of possible materials although all sorts of pretty stone is very popular. The carvings will usually depict an animal spirit, each which embody different personality traits and symbols.

Keshi the Zuni Connection store is named so because of its close ties with the people of the Zuni Pueblo. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world

I definitely love the direct artist connection, and the other thing I love about Keshi is that all their pieces are also affordable – ranging from pottery to fetishes to jewelry, small paintings, or other carvings like my particular interest were kachina dolls. To me, this makes Keshi even more approachable than any art gallery because it is accessible to regular people’s price points.

Keshi the Zuni Connection store is named so because of its close ties with the people of the Zuni Pueblo. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world

Entering the store may seem overwhelming at first because there are so many small pieces – but just take your time browsing as the staff are great at leaving you alone to see what calls to you, but also helping you like you’re a regular dear customer. Almost everything is on open shelves so you can really examine the craftsmanship.

Keshi the Zuni Connection store is named so because of its close ties with the people of the Zuni Pueblo. Established in 1981 as a co-op for Zuni arts and crafts, Keshi has always maintained personal relationships with individual carvers, jewelers, and potters and continues to buy directly from the Zuni people. Keshi hosts one of the largest selections of Zuni fetishes in the world

Canyon Road in Santa Fe

In Santa Fe, there are several options for little streets of offering art. In downtown Santa Fe, besides the multiple museums there are also quite a few fine art galleries, though the price range is more suitable for collectors you can of course still visit and admire the pieces. Outside of the Palace of the Governers, you will also usually find Native Americans displaying their handmade jewelry, including lots of turquoise and silver. For more modern galleries with contemporary art, you might also visit the Santa Fe Railyard which is also where they host the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays year round, as well as local artist markets and a “Last Friday Art Walk” every month with 10 galleries..

My favorite art neighborhood though in Santa Fe was walking down Canyon Road. This one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. The variety of price ranges and types of art varies widely which makes it an adventure every time you step into a new doorway. And there were plenty of galleries that had stunning sculptures outside as part of a sculpture garden so you could even enjoy just walking outside. We were also there during the fourth Friday of the month, when galleries open later until 7 PM and some offer refreshments and or entertainment. Here’s a look at some of the artistic works we admired on Canyon Road.
Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Checking out art along Canyon Road in Santa Fe, the goats by Carole Laroche Gallery Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. These sleeping bears are outside Sage Creek Gallery Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants. Art on display outside as you traverse Canyon Road, this one half mile offers more than a hundred Galleries, Artist Studios, Jewelers, Boutiques and Restaurants.

This Canyon Road Contemporary Art was my favorite gallery because of the way they curated whimsical pieces and mixed media. And, I appreciate galleries that have a presence online so even though it’s been months since I visited, I can still visit and see what they have and still dream of purchasing pieces and continue to track artists that I really like. Here you see art from Pat Hobaugh with the retro toys, Amanda Banker with the paintings with a new fairy tale twist (and each painting comes with a paragraph to start the story), Molly Heizer with those cute animal ceramics and totem pole, and the Giraffe by Adam Thomas Rees which is composed of individual printed stamp blocks which he then assembles into a larger sculpture.
Canyon Road Contemporary was my favorite gallery, because of the way they curated whimsical pieces and mixed media. And, I appreciate galleries that have a presence online so even though it's been months since I visited, I can still visit and see what they have and still dream of purchasing pieces. Here you see art from Pat Hobaugh with the toys Canyon Road Contemporary was my favorite gallery, because of the way they curated whimsical pieces and mixed media. And, I appreciate galleries that have a presence online so even though it's been months since I visited, I can still visit and see what they have and still dream of purchasing pieces. Here you see art from Amanda Banker with the paintings with a new fairy tale twist, Molly Heizer with the fun animal sculptures and totems Canyon Road Contemporary Art was my favorite gallery, because of the way they curated whimsical pieces and mixed media. And, I appreciate galleries that have a presence online so even though it's been months since I visited, I can still visit and see what they have and still dream of purchasing pieces. Here you see art from Molly Heizer with the fun animal sculptures and totems Giraffe by Adam Thomas Rees at Canyon Road Contemporary which is composed of individual printed stamp blocks which he then assembles into a larger sculpture.

Taos

The drive up north from Santa Fe to Taos is very scenic, taking about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe, or 2.5 hours from Albuerquerque. But if you’re not in a rush to get there, I recommend you take the High Road one way (Route 68) through the valleys and canyons, and on the way back take the faster River Road / Low Road instead (518).  Both roads offer scenic panoramic views.

On the way to Taos, we whet our whistle at Blue Heron Brewing and Winery, a tiny little stop on Los Alamos Highway
On the way to Taos, we pulled over to try Blue Heron Brewing. We shared a beer tasting tray

Then we went to a full lunch with beer once we arrived in Taos at Eske’s Brew Pub for green-chile beer and a green-chile smothered burrito . As we admired the little muffin tray that they were using as their beer sampler tray, F as a vegetarian had an opportunity to try Green Chile in vegetarian form. Eske’s offers a Green Chili Burrito with a whole wheat tortilla filled with beans, onions, and cheddar smothered in Wanda’s Green Chile Stew. The vegetarian chile, with its huge chunks of carrots, zucchini and other goodies, is an unusual form of green chile.
<We stopped for more beer and lunch at Eske's Brew Pub. Nice tasting tray here - a muffin tin with a few decorative elements... We stopped for more beer and lunch at Eske's Brew Pub, where he had a Green Chili Burrito with a whole wheat tortilla filled with beans, onions, and cheddar smothered in Wanda's Green Chile Stew. We knew we wanted to have a pint of green-chile beer and a green-chile smothered burrito at Eske's Brew Pub & Eatery – the vegetarian chile, with its huge chunks of carrots, zucchini and other goodies, is unusual

While in Taos browse this cute small town’s various art galleries, all which are in walking distance and which are offer a large variety of art, and the prices are pretty reasonable.
A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a cute small town A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a cute small town A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a cute small town A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a cute small town

Asking about the art can also just be great education in learning the stories. For instance, I learned a lot about Corn Maidens. At Bryans Gallery I learned that there are eight Corn Maidens: the Maiden of the West has a tray of blue corn, the Maiden of the East has white corn, the Maiden of the North has yellow corn, the Maiden of the South has red corn, one Maiden carries black corn, and another carries multi colored corn. Zuni Corn Maidens are carved by hand from a number of materials that range from antler, turquoise, sugarlite, quartz, shell, fossilized ivory, coral, lapis lazuli, amber, and other stones. And, they even had detailed sheets explaining the meaning of various fetishes.

A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a small town - corn maidens at Bryans Gallery. There are eight Corn Maidens: the Maiden of the West has a tray of blue corn, the Maiden of the East has white corn, the Maiden of the North has yellow corn, the Maiden of the South has red corn, one Maiden carries black corn, and another carries multi colored corn. Zuni Corn Maidens are carved by hand from a number of materials that range from antler, turquoise, sugarlite, quartz, shell, fossilized ivory, coral, lapis lazuli, amber, and other stones. A look around Taos and the various small art galleries and shops in what feels like a small town - Bryans Gallery had a great sheet explaining fetishes and their meanings

On the way back or whichever way you are goign on the River Road / Low Road, you might consider a stop at Chimayo Weavers to look at their handwoven blankets you can purchase or that are in display at the tapestry gallery. 

I don’t always think to visit art galleries when I travel – I did so in Las Vegas and here in Santa Fe intentionally because I knew about the great art scene. What about you, do you try to visit art galleries when you travel? What did you think of any the pieces I shared with you today that I saw on my art stops and walks?

Here’s the summary of my series of posts on Santa Fe, New Mexico Travels

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Santa Fe Travels: Visiting Plaza Blanca

Last week, I mentioned how we had a wonderful day at Bandelier National Monument. We had to park at the White Rock Visitors Center and take the required free shuttle to Bandelier. When we returned, while stopping at the visitor center for a quick bio break before the drive (I have never regretted, whenever there is a restroom available on car trips, stopping in if we’re already parked, just in case. Nope, never.) While there, we stopped and spoke with the knowledgeable people at the information desk on recommended other sights to see. Plaza Blanca was one I asked about as I had wonderful reviews on Tripadvisor, but there was precious little information on visiting Plaza Blanca logistics.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

They drew out on a map for us how to get there, as well as giving us a few other tips. When you are visiting a new place, I always like stopping at visitor centers. I browse through the brochures becomes sometimes eye candy can attract me to a new sight I hadn’t known of, there may be coupons for places I’m planning on going to anyway, and asking the locals who are in the know may reveal unique adventures off the regular beaten path.

The land belongs to Dar Al Islam Mosque, who generously allows people to still visit with no charge. When you arrive at the area, there will be a fork – the left goes to Dar Al Islam Mosque, while the right will go to a small area where you can park and walk to Plaza Blanca. It will be a gravelly bumpy road. When you first park, the view will probably look similar to this.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. When you first park in the area to the right of the fork from Dar Al Islam Mosque, this may be your initial view Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. When you first park in the area to the right of the fork from Dar Al Islam Mosque, this may be your initial view

The Plaza Blanca sign is the best you’ll get in confirming you’re at the right spot.
Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

But walk a little bit farther and you’ll recognize the formations. It is not a difficult walk, but don’t expect any marked trails, though there are worn pathways you can see.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations

These various formations in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, such as in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas. There are various other White Place art pieces as well.
The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations. And the formations of the rocks twist, turn, and reach for the sky in different ways. Some seem scarred from battle.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations

Other rock formations seem like they are trying to soar

The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. The formations here in Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area.

Others rocks are steadfastly observing the passage of time and seem so solid, but walk around another side and seem precariously stacked and tease with nooks and crannies you want to peer into.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

We almost had the area all to ourselves except for only three other cars during our visit. F and I probably spent a couple hours here, just mesmerized by the formations and the juxtapositions of shapes and colors. I can understand how Georgia O’Keeffe loved to look at this from her window, walk here, and even camp here, and naturally, paint here with so much inspiration everywhere.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

And I still can’t get over how the sky in New Mexico is so brilliantly blue.

Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Plaza Blanca also a great area to explore exploration of forms in black and white photography.
Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. It was first in From the White Place, 1940, oil on canvas, that she showcased the amazing forms of this area. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is located near Abiquiu, NM. The formations here were an inspiration for paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe.

There are not words to fully explain the quiet beauty that Plaza Blanca offers, a feeling of isolation from the world, it’s like a secret treasure offering peacefulness and dramatic formations. It seems every few steps and a turn was so picturesque in a new way.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Plaza Blanca is about an hour north of Santa Fe in Abiquiu. You could make it a Georgia O’Keeffe themed day by visiting the museum in Santa Fe, driving to her Home and Studio for a tour in Abiquiu , and then getting away from the crowds at this secluded spot of Plaza Blanca a few miles away.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. The limestone rock formations rise to 500 feet in certain locations Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

I’m not sure if you can really tell the scale – here’s me really up close to some of the rocks to give you an idea how massive they are.
Providing a little scale of how large Plaza Blanca is in terms of height and width next to a person like me Providing a little scale of how large Plaza Blanca is in terms of height and width next to a person like me

Of course, be considerate of others, and leave no trace behind.
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

There are no facilities here – I think the closest restroom is at Bode’s General Store which also offers some comfort food like chile (in frito pie or chili fries form!), burritos, and sandwiches that you can enjoy here or take with you.

Are you a Georgia O’Keeffe fan? Would you seek out visiting some of her natural inspirations like Plaza Blanca?
Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Plaza Blanca is 1 hour away from Santa Fe. Plaza Blanca, known also as the White Place, is a magical area located near Abiquiu, NM that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe.

Here’s the summary of my series of posts on Santa Fe, New Mexico Travels

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