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Sunday, August 19, 2012

French Stuff in Santa Fe



It was Indian Market in Santa Fe today. We only remembered that after we were half way there on a whim to try a new (to us) restaurant. But it was the eleventh hour as we rode into town late in the afternoon on the last day of the festival. That meant the crowds wouldn't be as crazy as they otherwise might. We enjoy stopping at The French Pastry Shop for dessert and coffee at the La Fonda Hotel when we're here. The entrance is pictured here with the St. Francis Cathedral in the background.
The Catherdral is one of the French things, having been designed by French architects and decorated with beautiful stained glass windows imported from France.




Then there's the pastry.





A lot of the modern businesses in Santa Fe are housed in historic buildings which retain a lot of the old features like this old tin ceiling in an icecream shop on the square.




But we aren't here for the endless wares offered at the festival. Instead we always duck into our favorite quiet spot just northwest of the center action at Sena Plaza.




Just a few steps off the street, the tiny plaza has more shops, and the lovely La Casa Sena Restaurant with an open air cafe area surrounding a gorgeous marble fountain.




The ancient buildings, and peaceful garden instantly transport you to another place and time.










I love the European flavor of this tiny courtyard tucked away from the rest of the world.





















Birds were feasting on this beautiful berry tree in the garden. Anybody know what it is?







Could this not be France?






My favorite shop POEM is located in the plaza courtyard too. Not much Santa Fe style here. But tons of wonderful Frenchy stuff!












































































And lots more! Thanks to Sandi Webb, the shop owner, for permission to share a few pictures with you.



All in all a wonderful Sunday afternoon jaunt.
Hope you had a great weekend too!

Jacqueline






20 comments:

  1. Thanks for the beautiful photos. Santa Fe. I love going to the old town, it's like being in another world and you captured it perfectly.

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  2. I've never been to Santa Fe, it looks very charming in your photos That berry tree looks stunning, don't know what it is though. That shop looks like a great place to shop. Sounds like you had a nice day. Ciao, and happy Monday.

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  3. Sure looks like France to me. Funny the pastry is even named St Michel, one of my favorite spots in Paris....

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  4. I must visit Santa Fe! So charming... Funny to think of it being like France. The first time we were in the French countryside, my husband said (half-kidding) "It looks just like New Jersey". Love the name Poem for a shop.

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  5. I "passed" thru Santa Fe once. We only stopped to eat, and didn't have time for shopping. I wish we had! Gorgeous shop!

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  6. Oh my goodness, what a lovely little enclave! I'd be in heaven to be able to spend an afternoon there.
    Mary Alice

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  7. How Santa Fe looks so festive.
    Its on my wish list Jaqueline. When i win the lottery!
    So much to do and see.
    The area that you were in is so very French looking.
    Maybe the owners are French!
    I could go crazy in that beautiful shop Poem.
    thank you for sharing.
    Happy monday
    val

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  8. Jacqueline, thanks for taking me along this morning. You know my heart is smiling with all this Frenchy goodness. Did you get to Bon Marché at the Rail Yard? Was so excited to find them this summer. They sell French espadrilles. ;-)

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  9. It's been too long since my last trip to Sante Fe! Thank you for sharing.
    <3

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  10. It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend, Jacqueline. (That blue paint does say FRENCH!) I love that cafe courtyard, and I can imagine getting entirely lost inside that little shop. Love those glitter PARIS cards.

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  11. My dear, Oh how I enjoy coming to do shopping with you. All these lovely little gems, knick-knacks and whatnots you see at the shops! It is absolutely delightful and French to be able to go to a little artisan's shops and buying a post card or two. Wonderful! More, more please!!!

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  12. ooh ooh, we almost went. Would that have been serendipitous? And you shared all of my favorites. Sandi is just amazing at Poem. I totally love that store. I recommend it to all. Just fyi.. don't go through the pottery store unless you plan to spend some time in there, lots of interesting info to gain! Thanks for the sweet side trip.. xo marlis

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  13. Jacqueline,
    Oh my goodness! What a lovely courtyard.! Blue windows, lace curtains and wild Sunflowers!!!(I enlarged your photo to be sure!!!)You could have stopped at the pastry shop and I'd have been satisified...but no, dear friend, you took me to POEM! What a magical place! Thank you for this lovely day tour to Santa Fe!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  14. What a wonderful shop ~ from one former shopkeeper to another (: We enjoyed an overnight stay in Santa Fe at an old 1930s motor court and dinner in Old Town at an artsy cafe. I'll be sure to find POEM if we ever get back there. Thanks so much for taking pictures to share.

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  15. What a wonderful area. I love it all. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Whoa! What a cool place tucked in there, it so completely has the charming look of France that i see in photos. I would be in love if i found that quiet little section with the charming restaurant and shop. Oh my goodness gracious...

    Cindy

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  17. What charming looking places the restaurant and your favourite shop are, I would love to visit.

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  18. che meraviglia tutto molto bello come il tuo blog baci lu...

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  19. So much eye candy here...love that white washed crate!!

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  20. Beautiful photos of Santa Fe. Makes me want to visit. I hope the Poem shop is still there by the time I do.

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