My Top 5 Santa Fe Picks

5 - Visit the TAOS PUEBLOS

Not Santa Fe technically, but the Pueblos were incredibly cool. I loved learning about the history of the people who founded these places, and those who currently reside there. Giving historical context to land around you gives you so much perspective as a visitor, and I have so much respect for the work being done to preserve the Pueblo and the surrounding natural areas.

Tips: Bring cash to tip the tour guides and for purchasing handmade art from the artists that reside there.

4 - Shop at SANTA FE VINTAGE OUTPOST

Santa Fe Vintage Outpost

My husband and I had an absolute blast trying on clothes with Antonio, who was manning the shop on the afternoon we stopped in. It is a selection of highly curated clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. I left with the most incredible pair of vintage pants that I will ever own, and I plan to go back for more soon.

In general the shopping and restaurants surrounding the Plaza are really fun, here is a full list.

Tips: Enter at your own risk! You will want it all.

3 - Hike the ATALAYA MOUNTAIN TRAIL

This felt like just enough of a challenge, with gorgeous views the whole way. It’s about three miles up, and three miles back, but the way back goes very quickly because it is fairly steep. There is an optional less-steep route to the summit if you aren’t up for the steeper challenge. Really easy to read the trail and not too crowded when we went mid-day during the week.

Tips: Wear the hiking shoes, and bring some water if the sun is out!

2 - Visit TEN THOUSAND WAVES SPA

I will be booking the same experience again, because I loved it so much. Private outdoor pool, with amenities everywhere. A peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

Tips: Private pool gives you the option to bare as much or as little of yourself as you like!

1 - Book the Georgia O’Keeffe HOME & STUDIO TOUR

This was by far the most inspiring tourist experience I have done here in Santa Fe. Not only do you get a closer look at Ms. O’Keeffe’s personal style, life, and inspiration, but you get to see the most spectacular views of the landscape from her home. Her taste is unparalleled, and you leave feeling balanced by the design and spirit of the place, and the enthusiasm of the wonderful tour guides (who clearly love what they do!)

Tips: Book a tour mid-morning, and stay at the welcome center for lunch. Their outdoor seating was perfect and shady, surrounded by beautiful trees.

Social Stress & YAPs

I am reading “come as you are” by Emily Nagoski, Ph. D. and the following quote hit home: “…stressed-out humans more readily interpret all stimuli as threats…”

My voice teacher in graduate school, Dr. Rebecca Folsom, lovingly called this the “circle-and-sniff.” We as singers have all seen it: the singers who act a little larger-than-life on the first day of a gig. The signs are universal: name dropping, inside joke telling, resume comparison, shit-talking. We have all either witnessed this or participated in it to varying degrees in our industry. It’s the relationship between how you want to be perceived by the group, and what makes you feel safe. Because, traditionally, this environment poses many threats.

A microcosm of the fight or flight response. Some singers puff up, get loud, and bubble over with personality. Others stay quiet, stick with their thoughts, and suss-out potential threats before opening themselves up. Both solid coping mechanisms in a complex social situation. The downfall is that because all of us (no matter how we show it) are stressed out, we are more likely to perceive each other’s responses to the situation as threatening.

How do we combat this type of stress? I think it’s what my therapists would call “doing the work at home.” Making sure that your self-worth has nothing to do with the opinions of others before entering these high-stress environments. It’s a tall order, and something that is a life-long journey. On a more easily digestible scale, do the things that make you feel good that day: say the affirmations, plan your outfit that puts you in your comfort zone, practice patience with yourself and others, be as prepared musically as possible, and let go of expectations. As I approach my “first day of school” for another Young Artist Program, I feel the excitement, newness, gratitude of what is to come, but I also feel the discomfort of not knowing where I will fit in socially, vocally, and professionally. And that is okay. We all feel it, even if you don’t want to admit it. Sometimes my response is to puff-up, and sometimes I crawl inside my shell. It really depends on the dynamic I feel once I get there. Over time, I have gotten slightly better at feeling less stressed, but when I do act in a way that is odd for me, I try and give myself grace. We are all trying our best out here, and we all want to be loved.

So if you feel yourself doing this, or see someone else doing this, please be forgiving and kind. We are all in a different place of self-acceptance, and the high-stress environment of a new gig (new critiques, new relationships, the pressure to be professional-but-fun, conservative-but-not-stuffy, fear of singing poorly, and the pressure to perform well, phew!)

Obviously, this observation could apply universally to professional firsts in any industry. That’s why I believe that the best management strategies are those that dismantle the stress and introduce each member of the team with their strengths and unique capabilities at the forefront. In opera, there are certainly stars of a show, but we are all telling the same story, and each of us is a valuable part of the whole.

For all those young artists starting new programs, and finding their footing in these magical places: I see you, I empathize with you, and I am excited for the work we are all doing together!

A Rainy Day in Taos

The rain has been the greatest gift since we arrived. The rivers and streams are swollen and make the most incredible sound. The plant life is bursting into bloom, it feels like Santa Fe is showing off. In my regular city life, I have rely on youtube ASMR soundtracks of rain in the forest, rushing lakes and rivers. Here they are accessible to me in real life and I can feel my brain and body healing in the constant sound bath.

We decided that the rain would only make Taos, New Mexico more romantic and memorable. Our first destination was the Taos Pueblos, but we realized part-way through the that the journey itself is a destination, with views that rival those we saw on previous trips to Sedona and Zion.

Glad we brought proper footwear and umbrellas. I recommend picking up the tour (bring cash for tipping the tour guide, and more cash for purchasing handmade snacks and crafts at the many small family-owned shops in the pueblo.) I learned so much more about the complex history of the people there from the tour guide than I would have on my own. After the tour you can wander freely in the public parts of the pueblo. There are several dogs wandering around who love to beg for snacks and attention from the tourists.

And the rain definitely made it more romantic. Everyone had their indoor clay fireplaces burning which wafted the most magical smell out into the rain. We stopped into a coffee shop and I had the best golden latte I have ever had. He even added bee pollen to the drink which gave it a little je ne sais quoi.

The other memorable spot we visited in Taos was the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House (pronounced Fey-shin). The house itself is a work of art, and they have filled it with beautiful portraits, and 3D art by the artist. I believe they do concerts in the main room of the house, and I dream of giving a recital there one day.

The Perfect Day in Santa Fe

We actually woke up before the sun. Maybe it was the birdsong from outside the open window, but by 5:15 mountain time we were both up. Feeling excited for our first day of adventure in the new city, I cheekily suggested a nearby sunrise hike to the top of Sun Mountain.

My husband was game. It was my birthday after all, so I knew I would get to call the shots. We leashed up the dog, and headed out in a rush, trying to catch the 5:52 sunrise. The way up was steep, and my heart and lungs complained about the altitude. It’s over 6,500 feet difference in elevation.

We arrived at our summit in no time, and the trail was completely ours. Only one lone hiker crossed our path on the way up, and he quickly sped by (clearly an experienced local hiker.) We sat and as we watched the shadows slowly fade, and the sunlight warm up the landscape below us, my husband and I sat talking about our future. Without missing a beat, he looked at me and said “Would you do it all again?” as he fished a diamond ring out of his pocket. Of course, I accepted this gift, the ring we decided not to spend money on when we got married, so that we could afford our home and our dream wedding without leaning on others. We’ve always done things our way: sometimes slowly, sometimes out of order, but always just right.

We were ready for breakfast when we climbed back down the mountain, and decided to try Pantry Rio. A grapefruit mimosa and a breakfast burrito were exactly what I needed. I would recommend getting the burrito with traditional pork and green chile sauce. Will not disappoint. We then stopped by Seret & Sons, which is incredible cool and beautiful, but no photography is allowed, so unfortunately I can’t share its secrets here. It must be at least an acre of indoor and outdoor property filled with handmade items from East Asia. Rugs, columns, doorways, frames, tables, stretching as far as you can see. It was the perfect one-two punch of great food and post-meal antique perusing. 10/10 would do it again.

That afternoon he had booked a private pool for us at Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa tucked in the mountains. The pool was outdoor, with privacy for us, but completely connected to the mountain forested area. We had a large hot tub, a small cold plunge pool, an indoor sauna room, and a private bathroom with showers. We left feeling completely rejuvenated and at peace with the world.

The last stop of the day was to our 6:00 dinner reservations at Geronimo, which had been suggested to us by several friends as a fine dining splurge, and splurge we did! They brought us sparkling wine, and we had four courses that delighted us. Our waiter was extremely helpful in navigating the menu with us, and we ate things we normally would have overlooked on the menu. I am specifically referring to the Roasted Tomato and Basil Bisque with Sweet Corn, Lobster Meat, Tomato Salad & Baby Greens.

I am planning to blog more frequently, I have been extremely inspired to write since being here, and would like to make it a frequent ritual to remember my travels by. I am extremely grateful for this wonderful celebration of another year in my life. Looking forward to whatever the next year brings!