Santa Fe’s Unique Art, Architecture, Food & Style

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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There’s just something about Santa Fe that steals your heart the moment you arrive. From the earthy adobe architecture that’s rooted in history, to the vibrant food scene infused with bold flavors and local traditions, and the effortless Southwestern style and culture that inspires. It is truly a city that captivates all the senses, and I can’t wait to go back. Let’s chat about Santa Fe’s Art, Architecture, Food & Unique Style today on the blog.

Former Applegate Estate in Architectural Digest

This incredible estate inspired this post.

I have spoken before of my admiration of the talented design team French and French in Santa Fe. They recently designed the interiors for a former artists hangout, the Applegate Estate, featured in Architectural Digest, and photographed by Jen Peffley.

photo Jenna Peffley

The history of the estate dates back to 1845 .

photo Jen Peffler
photo jen peffley

Love the mix of the french blue and white cabinetry with the adged wood that blends with the beams.

Kitchen French & French in Arch Digest
photo jen pefler

French and French are known for their layered and personal approach to color, pattern craft and history. Here they have lent a soft hand to pattern and color to perserve the integrity of the estate.

photo jenna peffley
photo Jen Peffler

Ali MacGraw Activist and Ambassador at Large in Santa Fe Magazine

Ali MacGraw Santa Fe Magazine
santa fe magazine photo

You know I am a huge fan of Ali, her style and all that she does. Apparently so is the town of Santa Fe. Loved reading this article about Ali here.

Cindy’s Crab Enchiladas

I have been making these enchiladas for years. They are simple and always delicious. This is an adaptation from an old local santa fe cookbook I don’t own anymore. Someone once said enchiladas never look pretty in pictures but they sure are delicious.

Cindy Hattersley's Crab Enchiladas
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5 from 4 votes

Cindy Hattersley’s Crab Enchiladas

Servings 4 or more

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 4 -6 green chilis chopped
  • 1-2 jalapenos
  • 1/4 lb monterey jack cheese grated
  • 1/4 lb cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 dozen corn tortilla
  • 12 oz fresh crabmeat (or canned if not available)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • tbsp olive oil for dipping tortillas

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Saute onion in oil, add flour, milk and chili.
  • Cook until medium thick.
  • Reserve 1/4 cup of cheeses to sprinkle over top of sauce.
  • Heat 1/2 to 1 tsp of olive oil
  • When oil is warm quickly dip tortillas in oil until soft and warm.
  • Immediately put 1 Tablespon each of cheese, crabmeat and sauce in tortilla and roll up.
  • Place seam side down in a 11×7 inch pan.
  • Repeat until all tortillas are used.
  • Pour the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with reserved cheeses.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Outfits of the Week

So let’s dream we are on a weekend retreat in Santa Fe, and what we would be wearing.

OUtfit of the Week Santa Fe Style - Cindy Hattersley

I spotted this alpaca wrap at Overland Sheepskin Company and ordered it for myself. I paired it with Frame jeans from Nordstrom Rack, a fabulous AYR white shirt, ariat booties, a great madewell bag, native american earrings, and a wonderful Helen Kaminski hat. (love the horse bit detail). You can shop all of my handpicked favorite scarves and wraps in all price ranges here.

Fall Weekend Santa Fe Outfit

I love this sweater (that I own from BR), this great faux leather skirt from Ann Taylor( I own it in black), chambray shirt from, cowboy booties, and a wonderful scarf from Nordstrom Rack.(this company has many reasonably priced scarves here).

Santa Fe Weekend Outfit

How about this beautiful Quince suede jacket (I was going to spring for the madewell gaucho hat (I ordered) and this colorful scarf from the Met with the above skirt, bag, and boots.

Weekend in Santa Fe Sweater & Jeans

I shared this sweater (beautifully made and the fit is great) in this post here.

Santa Fe Books

If you are planning a trip to Santa Fe, you might enjoy exploring these books:

I have Santa Fe Sense of Place in my cart. Casa Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Taos and Alburquerque guidebook, or Santa Fe Top 10.

Thank you for reading Santa Fe’s Unique Art, Architecture, Food & Style. We have made many trips there over the years but I am longing to go back. If you’ve experienced Santa Fe, you know its magic is hard to put into words, and if you haven’t yet, I hope this inspires you to add it to your bucket list. There’s truly no place quite like it.

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30 Comments

  1. I lived in Santa Fe for 7 years and have been gone for 16 years. I miss it everyday. We try to visit 2 or 3 times a year. Santa Fe is like no other city. The weather is wonderful, the food and art unbelievable. I’m so happy I have many friends still there and it’s an easy drive from Denver.

    1. I love Santa Fe! Living there for five years is a treasured memory. Surrounded by art, music, the native culture…I encountered Ali McGraw so many times. We just laughed. Santa Fe small, intimate and startlingly beautiful.

  2. 5 stars
    Cindy! I’ve never been to Santa Fe, but I sure do admire its design and style. Your Santa Fe inspired outfits feel very RL … which of course I adore. xo

  3. 5 stars
    Good morning Cindy,
    I love Santa Fe! It is such a beautiful place to visit, relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and food. The farmers market is fabulous, and the arts are amazing.
    Your enchiladas look delicious, even though I do not eat seafood.
    Love your looks for the week.
    Off to check out French and French.
    We are not far from Highpoint so I visit often with an interior design friend that lives here. There is always something beautiful to see. If only I had more room.
    Have a beautiful week Cindy!

  5. 5 stars
    Hi Cindy!
    Can’t wait to try your crab enchiladas! I could eat seafood every day. We are big Santa Fe fans. We used to go 2-3 times a year, but we have too many dogs and no one to watch them now. My family now lives all over the country! We always visit the Loretto Chapel to light candles , and always eat at Clafoutis and the Plaza. We love to venture to the Ghost Ranch and Chimayo. So much to do!I love it when it snows- the roads are always passable! And the jewelry!! ❤️

  7. I’m lucky enough to have relocated to Santa Fe a few years ago. The climate, culture, people and soul make this city so wonderful. My favorite place to shop for the home are the many consignment stores. Also a wonderful place to collect Santa Fe style books, as really, it doesn’t change. Great post!

  8. Hello Cindy,
    Loved this post about Santa Fe. Hubby and I try to make a trip there every two years. It is clearly the Land of Enchantment. It is a part of my heritage that I love dearly. Thank you for giving us the article about Ali McGraw. I’ve always loved her. I enjoyed learning that she lives in Tesuque. I’m planning our next trip early next year. I’ve saved your crab enchilada recipe…sounds delish! ~ Karen

  9. Thank you for the fun Santa Fe article, Cindy! We have been fortunate to have a second home in SF for over 20 yrs and spend approximately 3mos out of the year there. We have our favorite “digs” but always find new inspirations whether it be dining, hikes, art venues including in the surrounding areas of Abiquiu, Taos and Tesuque. The landscapes, architecture/art and cuisine are truly what make this the City Different.

  10. My husband and I had booked a trip there (our first) for this month but were laid low by upper respiratory infections. Had to cancel. Clearly we need to reschedule!

  11. Hi, Cindy!
    I love this post! Your blog is fantastic and so down to earth. I’ve enjoyed your writing, your design, your fashion! You’re adorable! Thank you, also, for introducing me to the fabulous Sandra Sallin! You gals are a joy to my heart!

  12. 5 stars
    Cindy! It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Santa Fe…this is making me want to go! Love your enchilada recipe! Such a fun travel inspired post!
    Xx

  13. Hello Cindy,
    Gorgeous outfits thank you. I am very tempted by the leather skirt and your beautiful scarf choices. We loved Santa Fe it was our official spot on our way to visit our son at USAFA and we have many wonderful memories staying at St Francis hotel. One day I am going to their annual craft fair with a friend who is also into textiles and crafts. Have a lovely day!

  14. There is a great home tour of the French & French duo’s newly renovated home in Santa Fe, on Homeworthy. Just put French & French in the search bar. I’ve watched it several times, it is that good! I get a little bored with strict Santa Fe style in home decor and this team shows how they expertly mix it with other styles (Swedish, modern, traditional). Great house and beautiful gardens!

    1. Hi Becky

      You are right! The French’s and Mary Ann and I were on a designers tour together at High Point market. It has been so fun following their career.

  15. 45 years ago my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Santa Fe. We try to go back every year. It’s so very special. I too love Ali MacGraw. And she is beautiful. The interview had me so interested. Thanks.

  16. We’ve just returned from a 10 days adventure in NM, Santa Fe, Taos, Los Cruces, Silver City and more.
    As residents of southern AZ we travel to NM regularly and marvel at its beauty, diversity of both terrain, cultures, wealth and extreme poverty. I would urge anyone visiting this beautiful state to experience more than just the popular tourist places.

  17. We’ve been visiting Santa Fe since the 80’s so obviously love it there. A few years ago we rented a house in the historic district near canyon road where there’s a coffee shop/book store. Behind me in line to pay was Ali Mc Graw. I tried not to appear starstruck. She was lovely and very sweet.

    2. Cindy, this was a great post. I have friends in NM that I hope to visit one of these days. It sounds wonderful. I want to congratulate you on selecting a scarf from the museum shop. I know you purchase from Feed as well. It seems important to me to not only be stylish but also to build that style with pieces from artisans, non-profits, etc. Non-profits need our help now more than ever. I’ve added the scarf to my cart!

  18. My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Santa Fe 24 years ago. We loved the small town feel. I wonder how much it has changed? Ali MacGraw is absolutely beautiful at 84!

  19. I went to Santa Fe with a friend many, many years ago! I remember driving in from Los Alamos (my friend was presenting at a conference) and I had to pull over because I was in Awe of the Landscape ! So different from Monterey, CA! We had a wonderful time exploring the art galleries, shopping and of course eating at great little restaurants! It’s time I go back and your post has inspired me to plan a trip soon!

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