FIELD NOTES · THE ICE STAYS BLOG
Restaurants, hikes, galleries, and the long answers to the questions our guests keep asking. Written by us, not a content agency.
FOOD & DRINK
The restaurants the Ices actually book — from a slow brunch at Pasqual's to a milestone dinner at Sazon.
TRIP PLANNING
How to see the Plaza, the mountains, and the best food without spending your entire vacation in a car.
WELLNESS
Why we put a sauna and cold plunge in the sunroom at Casa de Ice — and how to actually use a 104° / 54° contrast cycle.
WINTER
Thirty minutes from the house, a real mountain with family-friendly amenities, and how we run a ski day.
FOOD & DRINK
Hands-down our favorite traditional New Mexican — chicken enchiladas Christmas-style, green chili stew, and gold coin margaritas. The reservation strategy matters.
FOOD & DRINK
Our absolute favorite upscale restaurant in Santa Fe. Elevated New Mexican, sophisticated room, and the two dishes you have to order.
FOOD & DRINK
Our favorite breakfast spot on the Plaza — a 15–30 minute wait that's always worth it, plus the toy store across the street that turns the wait into a win with kids.
FOOD & DRINK
American comfort with a Southwest tilt, an eclectic rotating menu, the back patio you should always request — and pies worth saving room for.
WELLNESS
An iconic Japanese-inspired spa in the mountains. The private hot tub session with its own cold plunge and sauna is the move — and Izanami after is the win.
FAMILY
An immersive, interactive art experience unlike anything else. Kids absolutely love it. Adults do too.
EXPERIENCES
A newly restored historic train running between Santa Fe and Lamy, with themed rides — murder mysteries, folklore, music. Memorable, unique, and the tickets sell out.
OUTDOORS
The O'Keeffe landscape, the Chimney Rock hike, horseback riding, and lunch at Fire and Ice or Café Abiquiú. A full day, but a complete one.
OUTDOORS
A short trail past old Native American caves with spectacular views from a plateau. A few steep ladders. The most memorable two hours we send people out for.
OUTDOORS
Challenging, pretty steep, and rewarded with a panoramic view from the top of the ski basin. Especially gorgeous in the fall when the aspens turn.
FOOD & DRINK
Casual counter-service on Old Las Vegas Hwy — close to both houses, kid-friendly patio with a small playground.
FOOD & DRINK
A fun spot near the Plaza on Galisteo with minimal wait and a great patio. The Chili Relleno Omelette with green chili is incredible.
FOOD & DRINK
A wonderful French bakery off Cordova Road, perfect for breakfast pastries or brunch. The kids love the take-out counter.
FOOD & DRINK
A fantastic healthy brunch option on Cerrillos with great juices, avocado toast, coffee, and gluten-free options. The Acai Teffcakes are the dish.
FOOD & DRINK
Order online — the donuts and cinnamon rolls go quickly. A great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
FOOD & DRINK
Breakfast, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and excellent La Colombe coffee — plus matcha, lavender lattes, and creative drinks.
FOOD & DRINK
A unique breakfast and lunch spot in the Plaza featuring health-conscious food, an oxygen bar, and cacao coffee drinks.
FOOD & DRINK
Great teas, coffee, sandwiches, and salads — paired perfectly with an afternoon of gallery-hopping. Put your name in and browse while you wait.
FOOD & DRINK
Possibly the best in the world. Primarily a pickup spot — grab tacos to go, eat them somewhere with a view.
FOOD & DRINK
Casual Mexican dining with rooftop views of downtown. Lively, music is energetic, and the quesadillas are kid-approved.
FOOD & DRINK
A casual spot on the Plaza serving breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner. Simple food, reliable, great location.
FOOD & DRINK
Our second-favorite traditional New Mexican — charming patio, cozy fireplaces, and the dishes you actually want.
FOOD & DRINK
Historic Spanish tapas and New Mexican cuisine on Canyon Road. Live music and a weekly flamenco show — book tickets ahead.
FOOD & DRINK
Amazing pizzas (with great gluten-free options) and hearty salads. Two locations — near the Plaza and a convenient El Dorado spot near the houses.
FOOD & DRINK
A casual family-friendly market and an upscale wood-fired room — both in the same little town just north of Santa Fe.
FOOD & DRINK
Our go-to private chef in Santa Fe — custom menus prepared fresh at the house. Perfect for special occasions or just an elevated meal in.
FOOD & DRINK
Renowned cuisine, upscale ambiance, and a charming bar to start the night. They also offer a less formal bar menu — useful to know.
FOOD & DRINK
Upscale contemporary American cuisine offering a refined dining experience — book ahead, especially in peak seasons.
FOOD & DRINK
Skyfire at Bishop's Lodge for the view and the happy hour. Terra at Four Seasons for the firepit, dessert, and the s'mores kit.
FOOD & DRINK
Sophisticated Japanese cuisine in a beautiful mountain setting on the road to the Ski Basin. Tori no karaage, Bento Box, Chirashizushi.
FOOD & DRINK
Excellent coffee, sandwiches, tacos, and a charming patio at the Lupe location — and a downtown spot inside a cozy bookstore steps from the Plaza.
FOOD & DRINK
An artisanal hot chocolate house on Paseo de Peralta. Kids and adults love sampling the unique creative flavors.
FOOD & DRINK
Secreto, Gruet, Bar Norte, Tonic, and Del Charro — five very different rooms, all walkable from the Plaza.
FAMILY
A fun family-friendly downtown spot where you buy clay and make pottery while you sip locally made brews and cocktails.
FOOD & DRINK
Skyfire at Bishop's Lodge for the view and the early window. Dinner for Two for the upscale evening one.
FOOD & DRINK
Second Street, Santa Fe Brewing Co., Rowley Farmhouse Ales, and Tumbleroot Brewery — the four taprooms we actually go to.
FOOD & DRINK
Same fantastic New Mexican food, casual inviting atmosphere — and a five-minute walk from Sky Railway.
FOOD & DRINK
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine near the Plaza with a wonderful outdoor patio. Inside, servers perform live show tunes — yes, really.
FOOD & DRINK
Upmarket Mexican cuisine featuring exceptional craft cocktails in a vibrant setting near the Railyard.
FOOD & DRINK
Outstanding burgers and sandwiches on Old Las Vegas Trail. The famous Green Chili Cheeseburger with truffle fries is the order.
EXPERIENCES
The historic heart of Santa Fe — unique shops, vibrant galleries, local markets, and the lively atmosphere that defines the city.
EXPERIENCES
Park at the bottom, browse the galleries on the way up, finish with lunch at The Teahouse or drinks at The Compound. The Friday gallery openings are their own event.
EXPERIENCES
An iconic custom hat shop in Santa Fe. Stop by and tell Scott O'Farrell we sent you — great experience, quality hats.
EXPERIENCES
Beautiful, uniquely crafted items made locally in Santa Fe. Great for home goods and special gifts — the prices are often excellent.
EXPERIENCES
Double Take for resale boots and jewelry. The Raven for upscale furniture and antiques. Goler Shoes for the boots Melissa never leaves without.
FAMILY
A charming toy store filled with quirky gifts and toys near Pasqual's on the Plaza — the kid-friendly hack for the brunch wait.
EXPERIENCES
Explore the life and groundbreaking art of one of America's most celebrated artists. Essential viewing for any art lover visiting Santa Fe.
EXPERIENCES
World-renowned, with an extraordinary collection of folk art from around the globe. Colorful, engaging, and uniquely Santa Fe.
EXPERIENCES
SITE for cutting-edge contemporary art. Loretto for the famous miracle staircase — a quick 15- to 20-minute stop.
FAMILY
Hands-on local exhibits in Santa Fe; a bigger interactive science center in Albuquerque, paired with lunch at Saw Mill Market.
FAMILY
The tram climbs nearly 4,000 feet to the top of Sandia Peak in Albuquerque — kids and adults equally enjoy it. Reservations if you're dining at the top.
WELLNESS
When you can't get the private tub at Ten Thousand Waves, these two are the answer. One luxurious resort spa, one natural thermal soaking experience.
OUTDOORS
A quick drive down Old Santa Fe Trail from both houses — short (but challenging), scenic, with good elevation and beautiful views.
OUTDOORS
Historic cave dwellings and cliff houses about 50 minutes northwest. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
OUTDOORS
Hyde Park Waterfall for families and kids. Dale Ball Trails for an interconnected downtown network. Aspen Vista Picnic Site for a gentle scenic stop.
OUTDOORS
Winsor Peak for alpine vistas. Borrego/Bear Wallows for a forested loop especially beautiful in autumn. Nambé Falls for a summer water hike.
OUTDOORS
A short, scenic trail very close to both houses, just a quick drive down Old Santa Fe Trail. Good elevation, beautiful views.
OUTDOORS
Santa Fe Rafting Company is our favorite outfitter — the Taos Box for adventurers, the Orilla Verde for families, the Race Course for beginners.
OUTDOORS
A balloon ride and a quiet day on the river — both 30 minutes from town, both worth carving out a morning for.
OUTDOORS
Take a guided tour of Native American cliff dwellings near Española. A slower-paced but rewarding cultural experience.
OUTDOORS
An authentic New Mexican lunch in a beautiful setting — prickly pear margaritas on the patio and the historic chapel right next door.
FOOD & DRINK
Same family as El Parasol. Incredible traditional dishes and fantastic margaritas served by the pitcher. Don't judge it from the outside.
FAMILY
Saw Mill Market for lunch, the Museum of Natural History and Explora for kids, and the Sandia Peak Tramway for the view that ends the day.
THE NEWSLETTER
New restaurants we've actually tried. Trail conditions. Where to find the green chile in October. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
