As director and co-owner of the Taylor de Cordoba art gallery, L.A.-native Heather Taylor is no stranger to emerging artists or cutting-edge cultural movements. With her finger always on the pulse, Heather’s blog, L.A. in Bloom, and online store Heather Taylor Home are reflections of her carefully curated artistic taste and love of travel. This weekend, Taylor de Cordoba will unveil their new Culver City location with a Simone Shubuck exhibit on display through May. Here, Heather shares some of her favorite places in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

To celebrate our first wedding anniversary, my husband and I spent four blue-corn-enchilada-filled days in Santa Fe, New Mexico last summer. Initially, we had wanted to visit Santa Fe for our honeymoon but ended up opting for something more seaside, where we could truly zone out and recover from wedding madness (Tulum proved to be the perfect locale). When we finally arrived in Santa Fe, the first thing I noticed was how the every structure seemed to belong perfectly. The earthy, adobe-style architecture blends into (and enhances) the land in a way that makes you feel like everything is as it should be. It doesn’t require a big leap to understand why this part of the world has been an artist enclave for many years, the views so dramatic that they inspired Georgia O’Keeffe to create some of the most iconic paintings of the 20th century. Along with the architecture and the art, Santa Fe offers a diverse offering of experiences. For the nature lover, hikes abound and for a spa junkie, there are myriad opportunities to soak and be scrubbed. It’s a foodie paradise too, with indulgent tex-mex food at every turn. And what’s Santa Fe without a little turquoise? I picked up a gorgeous cuff from the 1940s and every time I wear it I feel a sense of calm and a calling to book a ticket back.

STAY

We stayed at a friend’s house and there are many great rental houses available via VRBO. If I were to stay at a hotel, I would choose The Inn of The Five Graces, a Relais & Chateaux luxury property, just off the plaza.

DINE

CAFE PASQUAL’S Located in the center of town, we loved eating dinner at this vibrant restaurant. Make sure someone at your table orders the mole enchiladas.

THE SHED If I could only have one meal in Santa Fe, it would have to be at The Shed. Cheesy blue corn enchiladas and prickly pear margaritas – enough said!

THE TEA HOUSE This was our go-to breakfast spot and a great place to enjoy a cup of tea on the garden patio. Make sure to get the oatmeal – loaded with cream and brown sugar, it is anything but ordinary!

PLAY

WALK THE PLAZA Spend a few hours walking the plaza and stocking up on local finds. Oretega’s has a beautiful selection of antique turquoise jewelry and The Chile Shop is a great place to load up on the region’s signature spices and chilies. Make sure to pick up some Blue Corn Pancake Mix!

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE MUSEUM After visiting her home, you’ll be itching to become reacquainted with her paintings. There is no better place to enjoy them than in this charming museum in the center of town.

SANTA FE FARMERS MARKET This is not your average Sunday market – in addition to a bounty of produce, this market offers a select of locally made yarn, tea and beauty products. I went nuts!

TEN THOUSAND WAVES Designed in the style of a traditional Japanese hot springs spa and tucked away in the mountains, Ten Thousand Waves is truly a retreat. In addition to a massage, make sure to book time in one of their private baths and soak underneath the clear New Mexico sky.

ABIQUIU HOME AND STUDIO Make a reservation for a guided tour of Abiquiu, Georgia O’Keefe’s longtime residence and studio. Even the garden has been perfectly maintained and the interiors look like they could be pulled from a current issue of World of Interiors.

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