Canyon Road Meander

A blissful autumn walk in Santa Fe

Canyon Road, photo by author

Welcome to Postcards from New Mexico!
Two Sundays a month, I share beauty, stories, and culture from this region that has been my home since 2008. This postcard is full of “Insider/Local’s Tips” that are usually behind a paywall — this is my autumn gift to you!

One of the best things to do on a gorgeous fall day in Santa Fe is to take your time and meander up and down Canyon Road, famous for its art galleries. It really is up and down as you’ll discover if you walk it. Not a steep hill, but when you start on the end that’s closest to downtown you’ll definitely feel a gentle incline. It’s a great way to work off some of the calories of all that yummalicious food you’ve been enjoying.

I’ll be upfront and tell you I am not an art expert by any means. Words are my groove so I don’t have a comprehensive list of the ‘best’ galleries to share. My Canyon Road experience is more holistic and includes a couple of art stops but also places for food and cultural exploration. Even if you’re suspicious of tourist attractions, as I am, Canyon Road still stands as one of the most beautiful walks anywhere. If you spend any time in Santa Fe it’s worth it to set aside a couple of hours here.

Here are a few of my favorite stops, more or less in the order they fall if you’re walking from west (closest to downtown and the Plaza) to east:

Kakawa Chocolate House
1050 Paseo De Peralta

Technically not on Canyon Road but at the “bottom” of it (on the west end), Kakawa makes a fine place to begin or end your walking journey. They specialize in hand-made dark chocolates, chile chocolates, and drinking chocolates so potent they ought to be classified as a drug. Sit yourself down in their quaint adobe home and prepare to have an orgasm in your taste buds.

photo by Kakawa Chocolate House

Barbara Meikele Fine Art
236 Delgado St

Also not technically on Canyon Road but just a few steps from it. I first discovered this gallery many years ago when there was a “Paint Out” event happening on Canyon Road when artists set up their easels outside and invite everyone to watch the joy of creation in process. [Side note: the next Paint Out happens on Saturday, October 19!] Barbara was painting next to her gallery, accompanied by a sweet donkey! I have a real soft spot in my heart for donkeys so I fell in love immediately. While she paints other subjects including beautiful landscapes, Barbara’s donkey paintings are full of bright colors, expression, and fun. She frequently donates a portion of her sales to local animal causes, including horse and donkey rescues and wildlife centers.

photo by Barbara Mielke Fine Art

Project Tibet
403 Canyon Rd STE C

Tucked back from the main road on a little side walkway, Project Tibet is a magical shop full of art and artifacts from Tibet and Nepal. There’s actually quite a sizable population of Tibetans in Santa Fe, dating back to 1992 when local families offered to host 25 Tibetan refugees. They quickly grew in number as more family members joined them. This great store is one of the outcomes of that auspicious relocation, and the community is all the better for it.  

Ahmyo Wine Garden
652 Canyon Rd

This place reminds me of hidden gems I used to love to discover while walking through San Francisco neighborhoods. From the front you wouldn’t guess what’s in the back – a sweet outdoor setting to stop, relax, and enjoy fine wines, sandwiches, salads, and shareable snacks. When the weather is cooler, there’s a cozy indoor room with a kiva fireplace. If you’re lucky, you might even run into some live music. You’ll feel like you’re in Paris.

photo courtesy of Ahmyo Wine Garden

4KINSHIP
812 Canyon Rd

Can I just say this is one of the coolest spots on all of Canyon Road. More of a shop than a gallery, but the clothing and other items you’ll find here are gallery quality. Founded by Amy Denet Deal (Diné/Navajo) in 2015, 4KINSHIP is dedicated to producing one of a kind restored and repurposed products made using sustainable processes. There’s something for every budget here. Even if you can’t afford the amazing vintage skirts and jeans, check out the fun smaller items in the front part of the store, ranging from hand dyed socks to handmade blue corn white chocolate bars to sage bundles to poetry chapbooks. I guarantee you’re going to love this place.

Amy Denet Deal

Once you make it to the “top” of Canyon Road (which is where 4KINSHIP is located) you’ve got more eating options, including the Teahouse and the famous Geronimo. Okay, you might need more than a couple of hours. Have fun!

Please consider becoming a paid subscriber and receive the following benefits:

1. A genuine snail-mail postcard from New Mexico!

2. Access to the “If you go/Local’s tips” section of certain posts where you’ll find valuable information to enhance your next journey to Northern New Mexico.

3. In acknowledgement of living on un-ceded Tewa lands, 10% of your subscription fee is donated to Native-led nonprofits doing good work in this region.