After several visits to my sister and her family in New Mexico, I was determined to finally make a trip out to Santa Fe. I heard so many great things about the town I was not about to leave without visiting this historic city.
First stop was New Mexico’s History Museum. The rich history of New Mexico, from pre-Conquistadora days to the present, is laid out in a lively yet informative manner. The upstairs has a traveling exhibit currently showcasing a “Cowboys: Real and Fiction show”.
We completed our day with an early dinner at the Plaza Cafe and stayed the night at Garrett’s Desert Inn. 
Bright and early the next day, we had breakfast at The French Pastry Shop & Creperie. The chorizo egg and cheese crepe was to die for!
We attended the 10 am mass at St. Frances Cathedral. It was one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever been to. The ceilings, architecture, painting, and stain glass were all stunning!
Shopping was next on out agenda!
Afterwards we went to visit the famous Loretto Chapel known for their miraculous staircase. The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. It is said that the staircase was built without nails-only wooden pegs.
Next up was the oldest home in the US, unfortunately they were closed on a Sunday.
Right across was San Miguel Mission which is the oldest church building in the US. It is said that it was built by enslaved Indians. The church is very small and the architecture is simple yet beautiful. The bell dates back from the 14th century and you can ring it- an absolute treasure!
Our last stop was Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. This church, built between 1776 and 1796 at the end of El Camino Real by Franciscan missionaries, is believed to be the oldest shrine in the United States honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico better known as Santuario de Guadalupe.
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