As we continued driving through New Mexico, we passed through a town where we couldn’t help but notice something unique—most of the houses had chili peppers hanging from their windows and porches. Curious, we did a little research and discovered that we were in Hatch, New Mexico, also known as the “Chile Capital of the World.”
Famous for its Hatch green chilies, this small town is renowned for producing some of the best and most flavorful peppers in the world. It was fascinating to see how deeply ingrained chili culture is in the community, from the hanging ristras (bundles of dried chilies) to roadside stands selling fresh and roasted peppers. Though we didn’t have time to stop for long, it was a cool and unexpected find along our journey—one that made us want to come back someday to try some authentic Hatch chili dishes!
After many hours of driving through New Mexico, we finally arrived in Santa Fe. Our first stop was the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral’s Romanesque architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and peaceful ambiance made it a truly breathtaking place to visit.
We arrived just in time to attend one of its Masses, which was held in Italian. It was a unique and moving experience to participate in a service within such a historic and sacred space. The combination of the cathedral’s beauty, the solemnity of the Mass, and the rich history surrounding it made for a truly memorable visit in Santa Fe.
After Mass, we headed over to Santa Fe Plaza to take in the beautiful holiday lights. The twinkling lights draped over the trees and historic buildings gave the plaza a magical and festive atmosphere, making for a perfect evening stroll.
For dinner, we ate at Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen, a well-known local spot famous for its authentic New Mexican cuisine. The food was absolutely amazing, with bold flavors and the perfect amount of spice. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Santa Fe.
The next morning, before continuing our journey to Texas, we made a quick stop at the New Mexico State Capitol building. Unlike traditional domed capitols, this one stood out with its round design, inspired by the Zia sun symbol.
With Santa Fe explored, we hit the road once again, ready for the next leg of our adventure!
