Raise your hand if you’ve ever watched the tv show gem that is “Zoey 101”? Yes? Well then you’ll recall the magical, fictional campus of Pacific Coast Academy with its Nozu Sushi Bar and parking lots dedicated to Jet-X scooter parking.
I’ve seen the show a few million times.
So Zoey 101 was actually filmed on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, the same place my brother Joel went for law school.
It’s a rough life but someone’s gotta live it.
When Jess and I went to Joel’s law school graduation I planned a little road trip after the ceremony to include the Grand Canyon, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. I had never spent much time in the Southwest so I was elated!!
The Grand Canyon is amazing. I mean I don’t think there are words to adequately describe it. It’s hard to focus your eyes because of the sheer vastness you are looking across. The heat is dry but a little rough nonetheless. We walked on the outer rim for a bit and I felt like guzzling a few gallons of water afterward. Whew!
We drove through Winslow, Arizona and spoiler alert; there is a statue on the corner you can pose by. Of course I did. Albuquerque reminded me a lot of Boise, high desert, great people, awesome food! We toured a beautiful winery while there, Gruet Winery. Outdoor seating among the foliage and wine. You can’t beat that!
We loved our initial time in Santa Fe so much that we’ve been back on three additional occasions since the first visit. It has to be one of our favorite spots to visit and I feel like each time we’ve been we just scratched the surface on all there is to see and do.
My favorite spot to stay is Hotel St. Francis. It’s gorgeous, with marble interiors lit by pillar candles and situated steps from the Santa Fe Plaza so you can walk to shops, museums, restaurants, etc. Fun fact: it’s named after the patron saint of Santa Fe. The rooms are quaint and so inviting after touring the city all day.
I love to visit museums while on vacation and the Georgia O’Keeffe museum is a special treasure. I had an amazing art teacher as a child and she would dress up as the featured artist when teaching our class. I’ll never forget her presentation on Georgia O’Keeffe and I fell in love with her work immediately. It’s so special to be able to see her paintings up close and personal.
Santa Fe certainly will not disappoint as you continue your art journey. Canyon Road features galleries of all kinds of art including jewelry and sculpture. You will be amazed as you tour from store to store. An art walk is a definite “do not miss.”
Santa Fe has so many restaurants that are to die for! We’ve been to so many great ones, I’m not sure you can go wrong there. Our first ever dinner there was at La Plazuela at the La Fonda Hotel, a very famous inn that’s been on that site since the 1600’s. The highlight was the “guac man”, who makes the most fabulous table side guacamole I’ve ever had. Jess claims this was the best chili relleno he’s ever had. Make sure to visit La Fonda’s Bell Tower bar for an amazing sunset over margaritas!
Another special restaurant experience we have loved is on Canyon Road. It’s Geronimo, a Top 100 restaurant in America located in a Circa 1756 adobe home. It’s just perfection. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy a magical night. The Tellicherry Elk Tenderloin is perfection and their desserts are so artistically appealing… you’ll love every minute!!
Until the next adventure!
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