When you’re in one of the world’s most romantic cities, you’ve got a lot of hot spots to choose from for a memorable date night. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a first date or a night on the town with your longtime partner, Santa Fe offers plenty of places to experience romance. You could splurge on a memorable dinner in a fabled restaurant or get lost in a mind-bending multiverse created by an extraordinary arts collective. Dance the night away to live music beneath a starry sky at New Mexico’s first craft brewery, or take in a world-class opera, where the sunset views from the open-air venue are as dramatic as the thrilling performance. Read on to discover our recommendations for great Santa Fe date nights. They’re guaranteed to get you both planning your next date.
Divine Dining at Geronimo
When you want to seriously impress your date, head to the legendary Geronimo on Canyon Road, which has earned both the AAA 4-Diamond and the Mobil/Forbes 4-Star awards. This elegant restaurant occupies a handsome 18th-century former home with thick adobe walls, wood beams and kiva fireplaces. Reserve a table in one of the dining rooms, which blend traditional Santa Fe Style with modern, minimalist details—white linen tablecloths, luxurious leather chairs, antlers above the fireplaces and gorgeous floral arrangements. Or, sit outside beneath the portal and and watch as the sky shifts from the turquoise brilliance of the day to the nighttime canopy of twinkling stars. Wherever you choose to dine, the food will be sublime. Geronimo’s acclaimed eclectic global cuisine features signature dishes such as Mesquite Grilled Maine Lobster Tails, Tellicherry Rubbed Elk Tenderloin and Cast-Iron Seared Diver Scallops. For dessert, share the ethereal fresh Meyer lemon crepe with lemon curd, crème fraiche and limoncello, or flourless German chocolate cake served with vanilla bean ice cream, balsamic caramel sauce and fresh berry compote.
Meow Wolf, a Fantastic Fun House
Leave the world behind on an unforgettable date at Meow Wolf, a wild journey that starts in a Victorian mansion and morphs into a multiverse of creative, zany fun. This interactive art installation, known as the “House of Eternal Return,” is the creation of a collaborative group of young artists, backed by Games of Thrones superstar author George R.R. Martin. As you walk, climb and crawl your way through fantastical realms, try and solve the mystery that provides the framework to this giant play park, housed in a former bowling center. You can hold hands as you explore otherworldly realms of tunnels, treehouses and secret passageways. When you emerge from your adventure, relax in the Float Cafe & Bar over exotic drinks and make a toast to each other. In the gift shop, pick up a talisman as a token of your unique date. If you check Meow Wolf’s schedule before you go, you might find a concert, lecture, workshop or other event that’s right up your date’s alley.
A Night at the Opera
What could be more romantic than treating your music-loving date to a night at the Santa Fe Opera? Set against a dramatic backdrop of majestic mountains and glorious sunsets, this world-renowned opera festival celebrates its 64th season this summer, running July 3 through August 29, presents 37 performances of five operas, including the world premiere of Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly, two company premieres (Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde and Dvořák’s Rusalka), Steven Barlow’s inventive new production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, the revival of Tim Albery’s much-loved production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and two Apprentice Scenes performances. Be sure to bring an elegant tailgate dinner to share in the parking lot before the performance begins. You’ll be taking part in a longstanding tradition at this glorious venue.
Live Music in Santa Fe
If your date prefers to dance to music rather than sit and be entertained, head out to The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Co., where you can listen to live music outdoors and enjoy award-winning beer brewed right there on the premises of New Mexico’s first craft brewery. Try the Happy Camper IPA, a hoppy ale balanced by floral, citrus and spicy notes and one of the brewery’s most popular beers. Or, sip the refreshing Social Hour, which takes its cues from the Zombie cocktail, with tropical tastes of pink guava, pineapple, mint and coriander. Honestly, any of Santa Fe Brewing’s excellent beers will taste good when you’re outside taking in some great tunes.
This article was posted by Cheryl Fallstead
