To market, to market…

To say that Santa Fe is colorful would be putting it mildly.

They call it the “Land of Enchantment” you know.

One of the best ways to get a feel for Santa Fe is to take a drive.

We love to take a slow easy drive through the soft-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains 10 miles north of Santa Fe to the quaint village of Tesuque.

Tucked quietly away behind low adobe and stick walls under the shade of cottonwood trees you’ll catch a glimpse of beautiful old compounds.  Sitting high on the mountain ridges you’ll find stunning estate properties featuring traditional Santa Fe architecture and sweeping views.

Initially, Tesuque drew in artists because of its affordability and beautiful setting.  Later, the more affluent caught on to its “back to nature” appeal and began to seek out its peaceful environment. 

Today it’s home to famous artists & local families & celebrities & civic leaders like Ali MacGraw.

It’s also home to the world-famous

Tesuque Village Market.

“Think chic general store with a hipster aesthetic” TVM

It’s a good spot to pick up provisions if you live in the surrounding hills - or do as we did, have a wonderful long lunch and keep an eye out for Ali.

  Oh,  I’ve only mentioned Ali MacGraw on my blog how many times?  Meanwhile, my mother runs into her here at the market! 

I would be remiss if I did not mention that their Tortilla Soup with cotija cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and tortilla chips are the best in the world!

Remember, “Land of Enchantment?”

Taylor became completely enchanted not only with this, 

but also with this!

In fact, I’ll let her show you around the market…

I swear there were other folks there…

Freshly baked bread, a deli, homemade deserts,

 

fresh bunches of lavender,

and liquor!

I think I saw on their Facebook page that he was an employee of the month!

Thank you, Taylor, for the colorful tour of Tesuque Village Market!  And thank you, Nancy, for the wonderful lunch!

Even though we missed Ali, you two made it the most memorable afternoon!

To read more about Ali MacGraw’s private journey to live an authentic life in Tesuque, read the story by Sheila Weller for Vanity Fair Magazine.

photo Annie Leibovitz

Geronimo

 Photo Credit: © CORBIS

Nope, not that Geronimo.

This in Santa Fe!

   Located at 724 Canyon Road, the Historic Borrego House originally built in 1756 combines classic adobe style with early Territorial style architecture & lies in the heart of a historical district known to many as the "art and soul" of Santa Fe.

The importance of Canyon Road is known internationally, and the Historic Borrego House remains one of the crown jewels. 

Since 1990, it's been home to the world-renowned restaurant, Geronimo.  

Step inside and you are greeted by an enormous set of bleached and varnished moose antlers which are stunning against the creamy smooth adobe walls.

Being in an old home that pre-dates the United States, the restaurant is comprised of several intimate dining rooms with beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and cushioned bancos.  During the snowy winter months, dinners are also served by the fire in the very cozy bar.  That's where Nancy {mom} spotted Meryl Streep!   I swear, the woman sees "everyone" in Santa Fe.

 Moving on...all the dining areas are adjoined by a long narrow hall.

This is where I fell madly in love,

with the floors!

Old brick with layers and layers and layers of brown & black paint, wax, and a spilled cocktail or two!  That's what one of Geronimo's owner told me.  I would consider him to be a credible source.

Nancy {mom} claims she heard at a cocktail party from a very credible source that, "at one time the local mine comptroller lived there and was in a shoot-out with Geronimo & that's how the establishment got its name!"      

Her "source" tells her that he can walk into Geronimo and put his finger right into one of the bullet holes by the beehive fireplace in the bar!  Hmmm.....

So while {Nancy} was looking all over for the bullet hole, I was drooling all over the floors.

Did I mention that we were there before dinner was being served? 

Thank goodness!

If you go, let me know because as I mentioned in "Good Morning Santa Fe" Canyon Road is not only home to one of Santa Fe’s many artistic communities. It is an ancient neighborhood of historic adobe houses, manicured courtyard gardens, and hidden alleys, all interspersed with some of the country's finest art galleries, interesting people & dining experiences!

In my next post, I'll take you grocery shopping in Tesuque Village with Pocahontas and Ali McGraw!