Hey lovebugs! How’s your week going so far? We’re having the best time on our little solo getaway! It’s impossible to have a bad day here… especially since it starts with a pitcher of hot chocolate and homemade tortillas. I think I could live on nothing but breakfast tacos for the rest of my life. What about you?
But even better than the abundant guacamole and sunshine is the chance for us to unplug and reconnect as both husband and wife, and as friends. All too often, we fall into the cycle of co-existing in survival mode… running this hamster wheel of life, kids, home and work together, that we sometimes forget to actually see each other.
Getting away and unplugging from responsibility is how we find our way back to each other… almost like a reset button for our marriage and friendship. It usually involves nature, but always involves good food!
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Similar Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings
Last Fall we spent a few days in New Mexico, and Taos was our favorite stop. A stunning hour-long drive from Santa Fe (read about The High Road to Taos HERE), Taos is wedged between the towering Rocky Mountains and the plunging Rio Grande Gorge, with sweeping cotton candy sunsets.
With only 5,000 residents, it’s still a mix of bohemian, artist vibes and ancient Pueblo culture. (Some people still live in electricity-free adobes as their ancestors did 1,000 years ago!)Â It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the state.
We drove the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, a 3-hour loop that starts and ends in Taos, and takes you through craggy canyons, lush valleys, and picturesque towns.
Hoodie | Similar Hat | Similar Pants | Hiking Shoes
We drove with no set destination in mind, stopping whenever something caught our eye. There were creeks and lakes, small waterfalls and off-the-beaten path trails. And absolutely no service! We talked and sang and laughed a lot.
The temperature on the drive varied by elevation, but we were prepared with our hearty Patagonia gear from Backcountry. Of course I love their fleece pullovers and puffer jackets because they’re stylish, but when you’re out in the elements, having quality pieces really makes a difference. Literally everyone we encountered was wearing Patagonia and North Face!
Fit Tip: I always size up one in outdoor wear. This fleece is a small.
Fleece Pullover (on sale!) | Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings
I take this jacket with me on every outdoor adventure trip… it’s lightweight, but crazy warm, and packs in itself to form a compact ball. Genius for travel!
These leggings are thick and warm, and great for exploring… and the hiking shoes are perfect for rocky and wet terrains.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS legging, size down half in shoes.Â
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Fleece Pullover | Similar Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings (on sale!) | Hiking Shoes
Hoodie | Puffer Jacket | Similar Hat | Similar Pants
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Similar Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings | Hiking Shoes
Leggings | Hiking Shoes (under $70!)
Puffer Jacket | Hoodie | Similar Hat |Similar Pants
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Fleece Pullover | Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings | Hiking Shoes
We ended the day at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge overlook… even more stunning at sunset or sunrise.
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Fleece Pullover (on sale!) | Hat | Sunglasses | Leggings (on sale!) | Hiking Shoes
We also toured the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. It’s considered to be one of the oldest continuously-inhabited communities in the United States, and it’s fascinating to see the village and how they’re still living.
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Don’t miss the hot chocolate and fry bread, but remember these adobes are their actual homes!
Taos has an abundance of amazing food, but after a day of hiking and exploring, Taos Pizza Out Back can not be beat. We sat by the heater and scarfed down slices bigger than our heads.
And Orlandos New Mexican Cafe was our fave of the entire trip… in fact, we ate there two nights in a row. The chips and salsa are the best I’ve ever had. And that’s saying a lot!!
Packable Quilted Puffer Coat | Fleece Pullover | Hat | Puffer Jacket | Hoodie | Similar Hat
We loved Taos so much in the Fall, we’re hoping to go back for ski season next time! But more than anything, we loved the unplugged time alone, surrounded by so much natural beauty.
If you’re getting outside, you don’t want to miss Backcountry’s huge Winter sale going on now, with up to 50% off tons of their top brands! And first time shoppers save 15% on full-priced items with code SUGARPLUM15. Find tons more of my faves now on sale HERE.
This month Backcountry will be donating up to $7k from purchases with my code to their partner The Nature Conservancy to support their recovery efforts in Australia. How amazing is that?!
[More of our New Mexico Trip]
Snapshots from Santa Fe
Great Stays | Cielo Taos B&B
The High Road to Taos
Great Stays | Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm
[More Outdoor Adventures You Might Like]
My Travel Essentials
What to Pack & Wear Skiing
Trip Report | Winter Park, Colorado
Dublin & The Irish Coastline
Alaska Travel Diary & Packing Tips
Trip Report | Sedona, Arizona
National Parks Family Road Trip
*Photos taken on iPhone. This post is created in collaboration with Backcountry and ShopStyle, but all product selections, styling, and husband-crushes are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Hold up! What was that horse? Wild? So pretty!
Yes! The scenery and wildlife is this part of the country is out of this world! xo, Cassie
Always luv your outdoorsy posts. Did u have to show that pizza?, ha,ha!
Thank you, Sandy! And haha, that pizza got us! So good! xo, Cassie
Your trip looks amazing – so much so that I just booked and AirBnB for myself and my Mum in April. We love to hike and the scenery is just amazing! Thank you for sharing your trip.
Oh that’s fantastic!! You two will have a blast! xo, Cassie
As an Australian, thank you for your support. It is such a relief to know we’re not in this alone.
Hi friend! Thank you so much for reading all the way in Australia! Your poor country has been through so much, it’s the least that Backcountry and I can do! xo, Cassie
Hi Cassie – another great post !! Love Backcountry- great products and sales ! I was wondering how you think the hiking shoes run – I’m always between a 7.5 and an 8 –
Even though here in VT (PS – you should come and visit our beautiful state sometime 😀) -we are covered in snow – hiking will be here soon enough – I hope !!
Thank you ! Kim
Hi Kim! I size down half in the hiking shoes! So unless you plan on wearing a very thick/warm sock with them, I would suggest sticking with the 7.5. Hope that helps! xo, Cassie
Perfect timing of this! We’re going to ski in Taos over spring break. We’ve never been there before, so I’ll be using some of your suggestions!
Hi Sarah! That’s so great, we would love to go back over ski season! Hope y’all have a blast! xo, Cassie
Love that you loved Taos! My family has a home in Arroyo Seco (between Taos and Taos Ski Valley) if you’re looking for somewhere to Stay when you go skiing. Google Taos Haos and check it out!
We stayed at B&B in that area!! It was gorgeous!