Entrepreneur Amber Venz Box’s Guide to Santa Fe

Afternoon | Massages at Stream Dance Spa

The therapists are next level. My husband, Baxter, and I always book one on arrival day – it’s how we shift into vacation mode. After that, the pace just follows.

Evening | Dinner at SkyFire

Whether Baxter and I are there on a date weekend or if we have all of the kids and grandparents in tow, I like to order family-style. There are so many dishes with such special flavors and this way we don’t miss a thing. Definitely start with the shishito peppers. Always. Then order the tortilla soup – it’s spicy, comforting and wildly flavorful.

Morning | Horseback Riding at Bishop’s Lodge 

My kids love horseback riding. The trail winds through open land with those classic New Mexico skies overhead. Even if you’re not usually a “horse person,” it’s the kind of ride that makes you want to become one.

Midday | Poolside Lunch

The perfect way to unwind – fresh, seasonal dishes, cool drinks and stunning mountain views.

Afternoon | Vintage Finds and Artistic Discoveries

Start at Seret & Sons, a treasure trove of vintage furniture and handwoven rugs. If you’re looking for Western-inspired style, Santa Fe Vintage Outpost feels like stepping into a Ralph Lauren dream, filled with hand-picked denim, boots, and timeless heritage pieces. And no visit to Santa Fe is complete without a walk down Canyon Road, where block after block of galleries and studios create a living museum. Every doorway opens to something different – fine art, folk art, sculpture, photography – and whether you’re chatting with artists, watching them work or simply wandering with a coffee in hand, inspiration has a way of finding you.

Evening | Dinner

I highly recommend Geronimo – housed in a 1756 adobe, this candlelit fine-dining favorite on Canyon Road is our go-to for date night. Get the lobster pasta – it’s rich, indulgent and completely worth it.

For a livelier option, Coyote Cafe Rooftop offers rooftop seating in summer. It’s a great place to dine with kids – the energy is fun and no one’s whispering. The green chile enchiladas are great (you’ll dream about the sauce), and the portions are generous. It’s the kind of place where margaritas and crayons happily coexist.

Style Tip

I dress for the long haul: vintage jeans, a breathable button-down and boots I can wear all day. I keep jewelry minimal so I can try things on easily – but I always wear a belt I love, because somehow it sparks conversation.

Morning | Bandelier National Monument 

Home to ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings carved into volcanic rock. It’s a mix of history, nature and total visual impact. You can hike through canyons, climb wooden ladders into the dwellings and take in views that feel both ancient and cinematic. Humbling, beautiful and definitely worth the drive.

Late Afternoon | Southwestern Libations

For a drink with a view, head to SkyFire Bar and order the Holy Margarita – smoky, citrusy and a little bit magical. Enjoy it fireside as the sun sets behind the mountains. For a more laid-back, locals-only vibe (even if it’s not), La Reina at El Rey Court is perfect for a spicy mezcal drink in a cool and casual atmosphere.

Evening | Dinner at Compound

Timeless and tailored, this place feels like old Santa Fe. It’s sophisticated but never stuffy. I recommend getting the lobster salad (do you see a trend here?) – it’s light, fresh and just indulgent enough with the tangerine vinaigrette. Baxter got the chicken schnitzel and didn’t speak for the first 10 minutes of dinner (a strong endorsement). The service is polished, the crowd is chic and the setting makes you want to linger.

Style Tip

This is where I lean a little more polished: dark denim or a tailored skirt, a crisp shirt or lightweight knit and one statement piece – like a turquoise cuff or my squash blossom necklace. If we’re outside, I’ll finish the look with a structured hat – it adds just the right kind of drama.  

Morning | Cultural Connections

Explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – a quiet, powerful space that always shifts my perspective. It’s beautifully curated, intimate without feeling small and gives you a real sense of who she was beyond the iconic paintings. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Then, visit the Loretto Chapel, famous for its “miraculous staircase” – it feels quietly magical inside. The story behind it adds to the mystery, and the design is stunning in a subtle, sacred way. 

Late Afternoon | Guided Sunset Hike

The light in Santa Fe at dusk is surreal – like walking through a painting. Everything turns gold, the air cools down and the silence feels intentional. A guide adds context to the landscape and history, which makes the whole experience feel layered and rooted.

Evening | Room Service & Chill

Post-spa, post-hike or post-kids-bedtime… I love ordering in and just zoning out in a robe with something delicious by our in-room kiva. It’s the kind of cozy luxury I never get tired of. The Holy Margarita and burgers are just as good in a robe.

Style Tip

Nature calls for practical layers – well-worn denim, a long-sleeve tee, a hat for sun protection and sturdy boots. I skip the accessories here – it’s all about ease and movement. 

Morning | Pottery or Weaving Class with a Local Artisan

Creating with your hands while learning from the people who’ve lived these traditions for generations is a gift. You walk away with more than just something you made – you leave with stories, techniques and a whole new appreciation for craftsmanship. Plus, it’s surprisingly calming once you get into it.

@ambervenzbox