Santa Fe is an underrated major cultural hub of history, arts, entertainment, politics and fine dining. It’s also the capital of New Mexico. It’s got everything from great gluten-free and plant-based meals, to hot springs, MEOW WOLF, the oldest house and church in the US, to great sustainable /slow-fashion. I fell in love with it, and can’t wait to return back!

Albuquerque has always intrigued me, and thus, it’s been on my endless list of places to visit. My brother used to live there and spoke highly of it, and of course, I watched every episode of Breaking Bad (my poor nervous system). I didn’t realize how relatively close it was via flight from CA, or how much it had to offer. It’s the cultural center of the Southwest, and is at the crossroads of Indian Pueblo country (the oldest farming civilization in North America), Spanish and Mexican culture. It was founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony, and at 5,326 ft, it's the USA's highest metropolitan city. In addition, it’s extremely up-and-coming, and has some amazing neighborhoods to explore, places to shop, and most importantly, food to eat.

Taos is one of the most enchanting towns in the state of enchantment. At nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, this northern city sits on the edge of the Rio Grande in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the start of the Rocky Mountain range. It has a rich indigenous culture and is home to a World Heritage Site (Taos Pueblo). It’s a renowned art colony, with a world-class ski resort, majestic landscape, distinctive cuisine, and so much more. It’s a place where national jurisdictions have changed hands three times (Spanish, Mexican, American), and encompasses the past, present, and future. Here is our guide to a perfect weekend in this perfect city…

Hotel Sagrado is Bohemian luxury at its finest, and guests are guaranteed to fall in love at first sight. Whether it is the giant 90-pound Brazilian citrine quartz that hangs above the lobby and shines on you from the moment you walk in, the beautiful black-billed magpies that fill the air, or their amazing restaurants, spa, salt-water pool, and indoor rainforest.

El Rey Court is arguably the hippest hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Originally built in 1946 as the Motor Inn, alongside the original Route 66, it was later renovated and rebranded as the El Rey Court in 2018. The updates kept much of the vintage charm and added mid-century accents, fireplaces, and contemporary art throughout the 5-acre campus, creating uniquely stylized spaces. Each room is completely different, allowing for an element of surprise every time you stay with them. The hotel’s customer service is as involved or hands-off as you would like them to be.

Taos is full of fresh air, mountains, history, and great organic and local cooking that allows you to taste the mix of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influence and inspiration. Thankfully, that also includes some fantastic gluten-free cooking.

Santa Fe is a cultural hub of the arts, entertainment, history, politics, and fine dining. But did you know #thecitydifferent does gluten-free casual and fine dining right, too? Many establishments now offer gluten-free menus, and there are a handful of 100% dedicated facilities, which are safe for those with celiac. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or intolerance, or have a wheat allergy, there are a number of health-conscious bakeries, cafes, and restaurants that will satiate your every culinary desire.

Albuquerque is growing in its culinary offerings, and it’s no question that their gluten-free cuisine options are becoming more plentiful. Outside of traditional New Mexican plates, one can safely enjoy gluten-free options at restaurants that offer Colombian fare, bar food, comfort food, sweets, breads, south Indian, ayurvedic, Chinese, Native American, and other cuisines. Always let your server know if you have any food restrictions.

Our travels to Izanami at Ten Thousand Waves were dreamy, and a bucket list item fulfilled. Ten Thousand Waves Spa and Resort has been a Santa Fe travel destination since 1981. Inspired by Japanese mountain hot spring resorts, and located 1,000 feet above the city (closest hotel to the Santa Fe ski area), it really feels like a world away. From the moment we stepped foot on the property, we were enamored by the serene energy, the architecture, the stillness, the junipers and piñon filled mountains that surrounded us.

November is a grand time to visit Yosemite National Park. Crisp mornings and cool evenings, sunny days, chromatic views, and the chance of first snow all paint your next perfect travel picture. It is the least crowded time to visit the park, which means quieter and more intimate outdoor adventures. Plus, you can catch the last glimpse of Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mariposa Grove before they close for the season. We’ve come up with eight reasons your visit to Yosemite should be in the few remaining weeks of November. And remember to pack layers and tire chains, just in case!

“Each year, hundreds prepare and gather in various locations throughout Yosemite Valley, in hopes of witnessing one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, the fire lit Horsetail Fall, also known as ‘Firefall.’ The stunning visual phenomenon occurs when an ephemeral (seasonal) waterfall that flows after snow melt or heavy rainfall on the west side of El Capitan, pairs with a cloudless sky and bright orange sun setting in just the right position to reflect off the granite rock behind the falls. When all those factors combine, it causes the waterfall to light up and transform into what looks like molten lava pouring down the massive rock for a solid 10-12 minutes. There is generally a two week window each year to potentially witness the Firefall. Typically this time window is starting around Valentines Day (how romantic!).”

“The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, previously known as Badger Pass Ski Resort is located 17.6 miles (about 30 min. drive one way) from Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. Conditions permitting, it is open from mid-December through mid-March, and brings many visitors to visit and test out its slopes each year. With an elevation difference of 7,200-8,000 feet, and a vertical drop of 800 ft, it offers 88 acres of groomed ski area, 10 ski runs, and five chairlifts. It’s ideal for all-levels of snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, tubing, and much more. Plus, it’s affordable and family-friendly. “

“Winter in Yosemite is magical! We are talking snow covered peaks, frosted trees, frozen waterfalls, frazil ice, little to no crowds, and a heap of activities including ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, hot cocoa, quality time next to a roaring fireplace, and more. And these are just a few of the essential activities to create your perfect winter family vacation.”

Tioga Pass Road aka Highway 120 makes way for perfect summer and early fall adventures in Tuolumne Meadows. After a heavy winter, the waterfalls are still strong, and there is even some snowmelt on some of high country trails. We have a list to plan your perfect day of trail hiking, whether you’re just looking for a short and sweet stroll or something to test those limits. The best part? Even with its popularity, and short season, Tuolumne tends to be much less crowded than Yosemite Valley (cue prayer hands).

Check out the free Tuolumne Meadow Shuttle if you’re planning to knock out a few trails in a day. 

For those who are celiac, gluten-intolerant, vegan, lactose intolerant or all of the above, consider this list your dining guide. READ MORE

“Everything served in the newly opened Ranch 45 restaurant is locally sourced and responsibly raised, including their poultry and beef.

The coffee beans used for their espresso bar are from Cafe Virtuoso, while the Free-Ranch Chicken is from Mary’s. Vegetables come from Chino Farms, and their eggs from Eben-Haezer .

The star of the menu is Brandt Beef, sourced from a family-owned ranch in Imperial County dedicated to using sustainable practices to produce their premium natural beef that’s free from antibiotics with no added hormones.

In the front-of-house and behind-the-line, General manager Pam Schwartz and Executive Chef DuVal Warner run the show.”

"When you visit Yosemite, every view in the park feels like a wonder. Every minute you are surrounded by the sheer beauty and natural amazement everywhere you look; a rushing river, a waterfall, a glistening lake. You are confronted with breathtaking vistas, a seemingly never-ending redwood trees, giant granite cliffs that have seen the beginning of time, and more. We've come up with a list of the most spectacular places in the park."

I’ve been traveling there with my family since I was a young kitten, and it remains one of my favorite spots in the world. Gorgeous natural surroundings, amazing cuisine, great coffee, vintage shopping, mid-century homes and furniture, miles of hiking, hot springs and a tiki culture. Is there much more you need from a vacation destination?

“It’s spring in Yosemite! The snow has melted in nearly all of the lower elevations, the rivers and streams are rushing, the baby animals are strolling, the flowers are blooming, and the mountains are calling. What better way to see the natural beauty of Yosemite than by taking a hike during this exciting time? Whether you are looking for a short and sweet hike through the meadow, along the river, or crave a more strenuous hike to visit a raging waterfall, we have you covered with this post.” 

“Most people who have had the opportunity to venture through Yosemite National Park, have driven through the famous and historical Wawona Tunnel. It is part of three main roads in Yosemite Valley, transporting you down to Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley, or up to Wawona and Mariposa Grove on California State Route 41, towards on the south entrance. There isn’t anything more spectacular than driving through Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the most stunning views in the park. The spectacular Tunnel View looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, including the Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Here are other great facts about the tunnel…”