The two of you, alone at last. Will it be a sweeping vista or a grassy knoll where you two find your bliss? A date with your soul mate? No way! This is a sure thing with your lunchtime sandwich. Maybe you're one of those people who hasn’t fisted a sandwich since grade school or maybe you’re the type who dutifully packs your own lunch every day and eats it in the office kitchen. Enough of that! Get out into the world with your favorite lunch date. It’s just true: sandwiches taste better surrounded by beauty.
Cathedral Park (East Palace Avenue at Cathedral Place)
Right downtown beside St. Francis Cathedral this is a shady spot that stays cool on all but the hottest days. Although close to everything, the park is quiet and restful. Picnic tables are available.
6am – 10pm daily
Milner Plaza (706 Camino Lejo off Old Santa Fe Trail)
While this is part of the grounds of the Museum of International Folk Art, it’s a fine visit in itself. Located on a hill above town, there are benches and the all too fabulous labyrinth. (Yes, you really can hear an echo from its center.) This is a great place to get away from downtown’s hustle and take in the view. You can walk the labyrinth to work up an appetite or do it after lunch as post-sustenance meditation.
Parking onsite at lower level. Access to Plaza is via stairs or elevator. (505) 476-1140. 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday.
Patrick Smith Park (1001 Canyon Road)
Also frequently referred to as “Canyon Road Park” this is mostly a large playing field beside the eastern portion of the Santa Fe River. In the spring and early summer the river will be flowing, making an afternoon visit a real delight. There are a few swings and climbing structures for the younger set but the real draw here is the river and the wide grassy expanse.
Parking onsite. 6am – 10pm daily
Santa Fe Plaza (Downtown center)
Don’t overlook the obvious. With its benches, tall trees and tentative patches of grass, the Santa Fe Plaza makes a great respite from the daily buzz. Most accessible to walkers and bikers already in the downtown area, there are also parking garages and lots nearby. A hub of activity rather than a quiet get-away, there is no place better for noon-time people watching.
Santa Fe River State Park (East Alameda from Palace Avenue to Don Gaspar Avenue)
A thin strip of grass along the Santa Fe River, you might not even think of this small oasis as a “park.” You’ll be surprised though, how easy it is to forget about the Alameda traffic while you’re sitting in the shade. Well-spaced picnic tables and mature trees provide a sense of privacy. One of the best spots is between the cottonwood carvings just west of Paseo de Peralta. When it was discovered that several of the trees needed to be taken down, the City of Santa Fe commissioned artists Jose Lucero and Don Kennell to carve the standing trunks.
Shidoni (1508 Bishop’s Lodge Road – 5 miles north of Santa Fe Plaza)
A Santa Fe original, Shidoni is a working artists’ foundry and sculpture garden. Roam the grounds, sandwich in hand, taking in art of all kinds or make your way to the far edge where you can sit by the river. This is also a great place for kids. Younger ones will enjoy exploring the sculptures and even teenagers may emit a “Whoa, cool!” at the foundry workings.
Parking onsite. (505) 988- 8001 Gardens are open daylight hours, year-round.
Foundry hours, noon – 1pm, Monday – Friday; 9am – 5pm, Saturday.
Ski Basin Overlook (16 miles outside of Santa Fe on Artists/Hyde Park Road)
If you’ve got time for a fifteen minute drive this is a great get away during the warm months. There is a stunning view to the horizon and the drive itself is beautiful. There are no picnic tables or shade here so be prepared to eat your sandwich standing up or take in the view and then find some shade just ahead at the Ski Basin.
What about that sandwich? A very short list of easy stops:
Aztec Café (317 Aztec Street)
You might call the Aztec a “funky sophisticate.” It’s a perennial favorite with a great choice of non-alcoholic beverages (chai is house-made), bakery items and sandwiches. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and the food is classic but with the kick that comes from first-rate quality and inventive flavors.
(505) 820-0025. 7am – 7pm, Monday – Saturday; 8am – 6pm, Sunday.
Sage Bakehouse (535 Cerrillos Road)
Santa Fe’s premier bread bakery, Sage carries a short list of sandwiches, all excellent. Made with fresh ingredients and house-baked bread. Their pastries are a delectable post-sandwich treat.
Parking onsite. (505) 820-7243. 7am – 5pm, Monday – Friday; 8am – 3pm, Saturdays.
Kaune Foodtown (511 Old Santa Fe Trail)
A Santa Fe standard, this is a great one-stop gourmet grocery and deli. Small and friendly you’ll find full picnic supplies here from cold drinks, wine and high quality chocolate to deli meats and cheeses. A quick, easy shopping spot just outside of the immediate downtown area.
Parking on site. (505) 982-2629. 8am – 6:45pm, 7 days
La Montanita Co-op Food Market (913 West Alamada)
A full-service natural grocery, La Montanita makes a huge effort to carry local items whenever possible. Some prepared soups and other deli items as well as sandwiches and the full range of picnic supplies. Fresh produce and locally made breads are always excellent.
Parking on site. (505) 984-2852. 7am – 10 pm Monday – Saturday; 8am – 10pm Sunday.
