In August I went on a soul fulfilling memorable trip and you guessed it, flowers brought me there. I did flowers for a three day wedding at Dunton Hot Springs with a dream client. The bride let Jesse of Alison Events and I run with her initial vision and we had a blast doing it. Dunton is located a two hour drive through Durango, Colorado or a one hour drive from Telluride. It’s remote and we spent hours driving dirt roads and stopping for cattle to cross the road. Dunton is a peaceful place nestled in the mountains and since it was once a mining village it is simple in all the best ways. Almost every time work brings me to a new location, I extend the trip to explore. After this wedding my husband met me in New Mexico and we explored Santa Fe, Taos and everything in between. I immersed myself in the captivating beauty of the high desert and am already planning my next trip back.
I loved the architecture in the Southwest and the way the adobe can actually be quite modern. The white stucco and smooth lines create an aesthetic that I found quite appealing. Of course, there is a lot of fake adobe that my husband jokingly referred to as, “faux-dobe”. All jokes aside, treasures such as the Love Apple Restaurant in Taos (photographed above) embraced the beauty of this type while keeping some restraint.
From Navajo rugs to turquoise there are treasures to be had with every turn. I am a huge fan of brining back a small something to remind myself of the adventures I have had while traveling. While I skipped actually purchasing anything at Shiprock (photo below), I loved taking in the beauty and curation of the store. It truly was more than just a store, it is a gallery. A gallery I want to live in.
I am a sucker for a great hotel. While I often rent houses so that I have access to a kitchen, I always seek out hotel lobbies and bars to enjoy the best of both worlds. The space where the 1920’s meets the Southwestern style is pretty much my sweet spot!
My Southwest Travel List:
1. RELAX in a private outdoor hot-tub at Ten Thousand Waves. If you go after dark you’ll have a view of the stars.
2. STAY at the Hotel Saint Francis in Santa Fe if you want to be on the square. It was built in the 1920’s so the rooms are small but the charm is large.
3. EAT at The Shed and Pasqual’s if you are the type that waits in line for an excellent meal.
4. TOUR the Puye Cliff Dwellings if you want to get some culture without the tacky tourists.
5. WINDOW SHOP at Shiprock or do actual shopping if you have $$$$ for vintage navajo rugs that are what my dreams are made of.
6. DRIVE through Tesuque and stop at the Village Store on your way north to Taos.
6. HIKE to the Rio Grande Gorge in Taos to go for a dip in some natural hot springs right on the river.
7. EAT more at The Love Apple in Taos which blends the Southwestern vibe with a modern twist in both their food and decor. In a well done way not a faux-dobe way.
8. STAY at the Palacio de Marquesa when in Taos for the only modern boutique hotel in town. It’s so me!