Happy hump day, friends! I hope your week has been an easy one so far. I think I may have finally convinced Mr. SP to pull out just one of our Christmas trees this weekend, so I’m counting down the days! Once I had Little Miss on my side, he was powerless against us both! I love how excited she is for the season, too.
Although she did realize she’d be opening the daily Advent Calendar by herself this year, and that made us both a little sad. We’ll save decorating the sentimental Christmas tree for Thanksgiving Break, so we can all do it together.
I’m thinking about adding a tree to our new backyard patio since we spend so much time out there. How many trees is too many for a single house? Asking for a friend.
Today I’m excited to share snapshots from our trip to Santa Fe last week. We were there less than 24 hours, so it’s not a full Trip Report, but we still managed to find some incredible food and an amazing hotel!
Sherpa Jacket (XS) | Fleece V-Neck Pullover (XS) | Fleece Joggers (XS) | Suitcase | Carry-On Bag
Santa Fe sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, and is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and an artist’s hotbed. Founded in 1610, it’s rooted in history and culture, with some of the best food you’ll find!
We took the quick 90-minute flight from Dallas to Albuquerque, then drove an hour to Santa Fe. You can fly directly to Santa Fe on several airlines, but we wanted to spend the final night of our trip in Albuquerque (more on that soon). Our trip looped Albuquerque to Santa Fe to Taos and back, so a rental car was definitely necessary, and an SUV was perfect for the winding, steep roads.
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Santa Fe sits high in elevation, over 7,000 feet, so if you’re sensitive to altitude like me, be prepared! I start taking aspirin a few days before departure and throughout the trip, and that partnered with lots of hydration helps me tremendously!
The Palace of the Governors
Fair Isle Beanie | Quilted Jacket | Flare Cropped Jeans | Chelsea Boots | Turtleneck Sweater
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
We awoke to freezing temps and the most beautiful snowstorm, so I was grateful for my quilted puffer coat!! It’s compact for travel, and is crazy-warm, especially considering it’s not overly thick and bulky! I only wished I had these gloves with me, too!
We wandered the picturesque downtown area, chock full of shops (Doodlets was my fave) and art galleries, then made our way to a late brunch at one of our fave spots of the entire trip, Cafe Pasquals. Soon after, the sun came out and it was a warm and stunning day!
Fair Isle Beanie | Quilted Jacket (S) | Flare Cropped Jeans (2) | Chelsea Boots (TTS) | Turtleneck Sweater (XS)
Fair Isle Beanie | Quilted Jacket (S) | Turtleneck Sweater (XS)
Santa Fe Plaza area
Turtleneck Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Flare Cropped Jeans | Chelsea Boots
Turtleneck Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Flare Cropped Jeans
Doodlets Toy Store & Gift Shop
Turtleneck Sweater (XS) | Plaid Shirt (XS | Flare Cropped Jeans (2) | Chelsea Boots (TTS)
Where We Ate in Santa Fe
Cafe Pasquals // Incredible breakfast in a charming and cozy little spot. They offer organic and locally-grown ingredients in a historic adobe, and it’s totally worth the wait! Order the corncake… don’t question the odd combination of ingredients, just eat it and thank me later. Seriously the top 2 dish we had of the entire trip!
La Plazuela Restaurant at La Fonda // Overflowing with ambiance, this beautiful spot is a New Mexico landmark. The food is mediocre, but worth a trip just to dine by the fountain under the twinkle lights. The margaritas and table-side guacamole are spot-on!
Turtleneck Tunic Sweater (XS) | Leggings (2) | Flats (TTS) | Hat
Where We Stayed in Santa Fe
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi Hotel // Located in the heart of the downtown Plaza area, shops, galleries and restaurants are all within easy walking distance. The hotel is an elegant Southwestern retreat that’s both cozy and luxurious, with dark corners, fireplaces, jars of warm cookies, and a super-friendly staff.
We had a king room with comfy bed and cozy sitting area with a fireplace. It feels historic, yet still updated.
Beanie | Fleece Pullover (XS) | Plaid PJ Pants (S)
What I Wore in Santa Fe
Santa Fe dress code is casual and cozy, and most everyone was wearing Patagonia jackets, sweaters, and beanies!
Turtleneck Sweater | Fair Isle Beanie | Flare Cropped Jeans | Chelsea Boots
These high-waisted leggings are a new find, and I wore them almost daily on our trip!! They’re a thick Ponte knit with good stretch and structure, and a slimming ab-panel built in! Closer to a cropped pant than a legging, they’re cute with flats, sneakers, and boots.
Sweater Tunic | Leggings | Flats | Hoops Earrings
This fleece top and sherpa jacket were perfect for travel, as well as cozy times curled up by the fireplaces. The pajama pants are warm and soft, and come in the cutest plaids!
Sherpa Jacket | Plaid PJ Pants | Fleece Pullover
It was a short stay before heading north to Taos, but long enough to know Santa Fe is a special place! It’s a great year-round destination with so much to see and do, even great skiing nearby. Is Santa Fe on your travel list? Where are some of your favorite long-weekend spots?
Find more of our Travel adventures here.
*All photos taken on my iPhone and edited with Colorstory app. This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, but all product selections, styling, and corncake addictions are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
“Asking for a friend.” Ha,ha!!!!! There’s no such thing as overkill @ Christmas……. : )
If it makes you happy, who cares, right?! 😉
I really enjoyed your Santa Fe/ Taos trip highlights…was fun to go back there virtually! We hit a warm spell about the same time 2 years ago! Your photos now make me want to return! Fun to see you highlight a lot of the same spots but we definitely need to hit your hotels! They looked fabulous! Thx!!!!!!
It was all fantastic!!! xo, Cassie
Cute outfits! Looks like a fun trip!
Just to be clear??…the Calpak Murphy carry-on bag is your “personal item” and the airline lets you take that for free and stow under the seat? I’m looking for a roomy “personal item” for that purpose.
Thank you!
Yes ma’am!! The smaller bag is my personal, and the roller bag is my carry-on. I usually wear a crossbody bag, too, and I’ve never had anyone say anything!! But I could always tuck the crossbody in the smaller bag if needed.
Thank you Cassie! Love your blog!
Can you link your crossbody purse as well? Super Cute!
Hi Jacqui! This crossbody is a few years old from J.Crew, but here is the link to the updated version!
https://shopstyle.it/l/9XAA
Also, I switched the strap out for one from Accessory Concierge!
https://shopstyle.it/l/9XA0
Thanks so much for reading! xo, Cassie
Well personally…….I’m not much of a Christmas fan (I know, I’m the devil and ruining people’s fun). I really dislike when people pull out the decorations and start playing the music the second Halloween is over. I literally went to the liquor store the day after Halloween and they were playing Christmas music! No thanks! I wish Canadian Thanksgiving was the same as the US so people here wouldn’t be in full Christmas mode as of Nov. 1st. When I lived alone before I met my spouse, I never decorated my condo. He loves Christmas so when we moved in together the rule was very clear. To be fair to both parties, there would be no decorating (except putting up the lights outside before it gets too cold but no lighting up) or Christmas music until Dec. 1st! After that, he and the kids are allowed to go nuts! Fair right? I’m fine with the holiday spirits for one full month but I don’t have the emotional energy to deal with 2 straight months of jingle bells and little drummer boy everywhere I go! I’m sorry…….I know, I’m a monster, I’m owning it! I just don’t feel that it’s special until Dec. rolls around.
Hi! Love your style. Is the Patagonia jacket you’re wearing in the pictures the same as the one that’s linked? It looks slightly different. I’m looking for one that’s packable and compact like yours. Thanks!
Hi! Yes it’s the same jacket! xo, Cassie
If you go back, the restaurant at your hotel is AMAZING
How did you like your new carry-on??
I liked it a lot!! It slides under the seat when you lay it down, or easily fits overhead. It’s got great storage and I love the sturdiness of it and how it attaches to my roller bag…made walking through the airport so much easier than my usual tote!
Thanks Cassie for posting the Santa Fe part of your trip. PS. Omg your daughter’s voice is amazing. Perhaps she can give us one Xmas song adestes fiideles or ?! Cheers.
Thank you so much!! I’d love if she sang a carol…I’ll ask her!! xo. C
Next visit go to “The Shed” right in the plaza. Most delicious and authentic Santa Fe, New Mexican food. Although no sopapillas!
Yes!! That was our plan for dinner, but they’re closed on Mondays! :/ We’ll just have to go back!
I live in Santa Fe and the weather was absolutely beautiful right before you got here! Then that cold front came through…and well, I’m sorry. Santa Fe (SF) is sunny most of the time. So give the city another try. You picked a good restaurant (Pasquals) – sorry La Fonda had an off night. Also when you come back try the Santa Fe Opera. Even if you don’t care for opera, most people are blown away by the beautiful setting, skilled musicians and now there are subtitles. I’ve taken a few people to their first opera and pick a comedy for their first experience. SF also has the inimitable Meow Wolf and Los Alamos is a good and memorable road trip. Then there’s Canyon Road, the Railyard district.etc. Come back and I’ll show you my closet and you can grin as it is full of Sugarplum pics.
We had a fabulous time in SF!! And loved that we had a cold, snowy morning, and a sunny warm afternoon! We did the High Road to Taos and it was incredible…so much beauty in that area!
I see that you liked your new Calpak carry on bag! I am taking an 8 day trip to a warm weather destination and am hoping to do the carry on thing. Do you think the Calpak Murphy will work or would it be better to go with the larger weekender bag like the one from Sole Society? I’m an over-packer and am really trying to be more efficient this trip! Thanks so much! Love your blog!!
Yes I did love the Under-Seat CalPak bag for sure! I wouldn’t suggest using the Murpie/Under-Seat CalPak bag as your only suitcase for an 8 day trip, but it would certainly work as 1 of 2 carry-on items. I took the CalPal suitcare below on our 2 week trip to Greece, as my carry-on piece of luggage, and it worked great!! xo, Cassie
https://shopstyle.it/l/bahoE
I so look forward to getting my updates of Hi SugarPlum.. So much good info on style, travel and packing. I love your clothing style and have picked up a lot of great ideas.
I’m thrilled to hear that, Diane! Thank you so much, and Happy New Year! xo. C