SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: THE CITY DIFFERENT

I tend to reminisce about my trips because I love and have a passion for traveling. When I traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in November of 2021, it was my first time visiting Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest European community west of the Mississippi. I was extremely excited. Even though I had to stay overnight in Dallas because of a layover that turned into a canceled flight while returning home, it didn't take away the fantastic trip of experiencing Santa Fa, New Mexico. 

However, I arrived happily, and my stay at Inn & Spa at Loretto was beyond words. It was the first trip that I had traveled alone, and I enjoyed having my hotel room all to myself. Moreover, upon arrival, with only a few minutes to breathe, I met everyone in the Acoma room in the Inn & Spa at Loretto to attend a welcome event and meet other amazing designers. It was great to see who I would spend my entire trip with beforehand. 

From 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., there were heavy hors d'oeuvres. 

Considering that I had already been on two planes, relaxing the first day before we started our tours was excellent. 

Itinerary:

Day 1, Welcome Event: (Acoma Room in the Inn & Spa at Loretto) Meet and greet with heavy hors d'oeuvres. 

Day 2, Walking Tour of Santa Fe: Explore beautiful downtown Santa Fe with a tour guide and learn about the history of the enchanting town through the architecture. We met at the Loretto Chapel and had a chance to view the exterior and interior, and then our walking tour started (3hrs 10mins). 

Lunch and Afternoon At Leisure (3hrs 30mins)

Global Fine Art: Relax with wine (for wine lovers only) and enjoy the gallery's extensive collection of contemporary paintings, glasswork, and sculptures (2hrs). 

The remainder of the evening is desired leisure. 

Day 3, Day of Leisure: Explore museums and galleries, shop, and indulge in spa treatments. The goal for the last day is to do as much or as little before the farewell event at 4 p.m.

Farewell Event: Visit the Acequia Mandre House and Gardens in the Canyon Road area. 

We enjoyed visiting the Acequia Mandra House grounds and viewing the art exhibits. We were joyed by the home's activist, Pilar Law, to discuss the home's history and recent renovation projects.

Next, we took an 8-minute stroll to Neptune Event Center, a gallery featuring black-and-white photography. Before our evening of leisure, we enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail. 

Our last night was the icing on the cake because we were honored to learn about Santa Fe, New Mexico's culture, from an Indian leader and his wife. 

Lastly, even though this was for three nights, the days were full of various interior design experiences, and it seemed like I was there an entire week.

Credit: Photos by Kimberly C. Lyons are the sole property of KCL-IDESIGN, LLC®.

DO NOT USE PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION.


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KCL-IDESIGN, LLC®

Kimberly C. Lyons is the CEO/Principal Designer at KCL-IDESIGN, LLC® (Interior Design Studio). She has been styling interiors forever and refuses to become defined by temporary trends. With an intense passion for incorporating a statement-making wow factor into anything ordinary, Kimberly acknowledges that she is a rare breed and is always ready to transform interior and exterior spaces with her signature touch.

She is obsessed with dominant color, intriguing artworks, unique decorative objects, and modern architecture and LOVES to go outside the box and break outdated design rules. However, her passion for interior design comes from a deeply rooted philosophy: designing from within, from the soul, always about living, breathing, and loving interior design! The motivating words—I dare you—keep her motivated and overcharged.

Kimberly is a global traveler inspired by not-so-beautiful objects. She has a bubbly personality and loves sports, shopping, acquiring knowledge, cute stilettos, and chocolate.

She follows her motto: I live—breathe—love interior design.