simplycaitlinelizabeth

simplycaitlinelizabeth Santa Fe’s social butterfly connecting you to hidden gems, local hotspots, & adventures in New Mexico.

06/03/2026

Do you think I can finish a 72 oz steak in under an hour? I've been invited to take part in The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery Steak Challenge coming to the Santa Fe Plaza, and I am going to have to train for this!

Route 66 is turning 100 this year, and on Saturday, June 13, the New Mexico History Museum and the Visit Santa Fe, New Mexico are bringing the celebration right onto the Plaza with the Route 66 Centennial Caravan, a stop on the original alignment of the route that ran straight through Santa Fe, with the Palace of the Governors and the Plaza as key stops for travelers.

Here is what the day will look like:
• 1:00 to 3:00 pm: "Route" Beer Floats from the Museum of New Mexico Women's Board in the Palace of the Governors courtyard, while supplies last
• 2:00 pm: New Mexico PBS () Route 66 screenings in the museum auditorium, plus the classic car caravan rolling into the Plaza with DJ Christina Swilley () spinning 50s and 60s tunes
• 3:00 pm: Public welcome with local dignitaries and special guests, plus tabling with official NM Route 66 artist Darryl Willison () and the New Mexico History Museum
• 5:30 to 6:30 pm: the 72 oz Steak Challenge on the Plaza stage �• 7:00 pm: the caravan departs for its next stop in Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Museum activities are included with admission and everything on the Plaza is free.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 13 and come cheer me on. I will need it!
📍 Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico
🗓️ Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 7pm

05/21/2026

New Mexico is one of the most tight-knit states in the country, and right now, there are federal changes to SNAP food assistance that our community needs to know about. I have partnered with the New Mexico Health Care Authority to help spread the word. These changes will take effect when someone renews their benefits or applies for the first time.

Some groups may be impacted more than others, including adults subject to new work requirements, households facing documentation or citizenship changes, or those dealing with new paperwork at renewal. But this list isn’t exhaustive; everyone currently receiving SNAP should double-check their eligibility.

The most important thing you can do right now — whether this affects you or someone you love — is stay informed. Everyone who receives assistance should check their eligibility and update their contact information ASAP, no matter what. Be on the lookout for information arriving via mail.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority is available to answer any questions, including whether you qualify for any exceptions.
To learn more about SNAP changes, go to hca.nm.gov/snapchanges

05/21/2026

This might be one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Santa Fe! Salad Fe () did something I wish more businesses would do. They announced their plans early, kept the community updated, and built anticipation instead of simply opening their doors one day. That’s a big reason why so many locals have been excited for this one.

Salad Fe recently opened at DeVargas Center () and I stopped in a few weeks ago during their first few days of soft opening. Right now they are serving salads all made to order right in front of you, with every dressing crafted in-house. They plan to offer wraps and protein bowls once they find their footing.

I ordered the signature full Greco salad: romaine hearts and spring mix, knife cut genoa salami, chickpeas, feta, english cucumber, sweetie drop peppers, crispy onions, and a creamy greek vinaigrette. I also added chicken to it, and the salad was gigantic! I do like that they offer some of their salads as half salads.

Add this to your Santa Fe lunch list! 
📍 DeVargas Center, Santa Fe, New Mexico

05/19/2026

Midtown Santa Fe is one of the most talked-about developments in the city right now, and on May 28 you can walk through it as an insider.

Santa Fe Rising is hosting a progressive open-house evening through some of Midtown's most exciting spaces, and it might be the most interesting networking event Santa Fe has seen in a while! We’ll move through new businesses, meet the people building things there, and connect with other young professionals who care about where this city is headed.

Here's what's included: tastings at Tender Fire Kitchen, a pop-up from The Dirty Dragon Acai Food Truck, a behind-the-scenes look at Sky Cinemas Midtown with popcorn, a visit to the New Mexico Innovation Hub, and informal meet-and-greets with Santa Fe elected officials.

Santa Fe Rising: Midtown Experience takes place Thursday, May 28 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM in Midtown Santa Fe. Admission is $10 for Santa Fe Chamber () members and $15 for non-members.

Register here: https://web.santafechamber.com/atlas/ events/5970/details. Share this with someone you want to attend this event with!

Happy 25 years to Sandia Resort & Casino () in Albuquerque, New Mexico! I had such a great time at the Sandia Fest VIP M...
05/16/2026

Happy 25 years to Sandia Resort & Casino () in Albuquerque, New Mexico!

I had such a great time at the Sandia Fest VIP Media Event which kicked off 150 days of specials, events, and promotions, so there’s a lot to look forward to, including the return of weekday pool passes and movie nights.

We got to enjoy food from several of the restaurants across the property, drinks, live music, and a poolside setting with the gorgeous view of the Sandia Mountains. I loved the ribs from The Governor’s Lounge and the charcuterie from Sandia Banquets, and the peach old fashioned was really tasty.

The Governor of Sandia Pueblo also shared a few words during the celebration, and in honor of their new Monopoly slot machines, Mr. Monopoly himself made an appearance!

Looking forward to spending more time at Sandia Resort & Casino this summer!

Be still my mama heart! I was not sure how I would feel about my son’s first haircut. I was nervous that under his red h...
05/11/2026

Be still my mama heart! I was not sure how I would feel about my son’s first haircut. I was nervous that under his red hair there would only be blonde left, but he’s still a cute little ginger and look how adorable his first haircut turned out!

I had heard great things about Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids () from other local parents and knew I wanted to go there for his first haircut. The themed car chairs and the decor made it such a fun space. Deborah was incredible with him and very patient through his wiggles and curiosity. My favorite part was when he wanted his own comb to help comb his hair!

They also offer birthday parties with a disco ball and a fun runway. Someone please do this because how fun is that!

A fun coffee and crafts morning with ! We checked out the brand new Cklay Coffee (), which just started its soft opening...
05/06/2026

A fun coffee and crafts morning with !

We checked out the brand new Cklay Coffee (), which just started its soft opening a few days ago.

They’re in the Siler Rufina District () here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, right next to Second Street Rufina (). They serve Odd Box Coffee (), espresso drinks, matcha, and make their own syrups in-house.

I love that they offer paint-your-own pottery! You pick out a blank piece, choose 1-6 colors (glaze refills included), and when you’re done they’ll text you when your piece is fired and ready for pickup. Such a fun new spot!

04/28/2026

I’m running a 5K so kids in Santa Fe can have free books!

Coming up on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation () is hosting the Trails & Tales 5K Walk/Run for Children’s Literacy right here in Santa Fe! It will be a morning of energy, connection, and community at beautiful Villa Linda Park, complete with live music, food trucks, face painting, and even mini horses!!

But this event is about so much more than the run. EVERY registration supports the Reach Out and Read program through CHRISTUS St. Vincent (), putting 120 brand new books directly into the hands of local children. At every CHRISTUS well visit from 6 months to 5 years old, kids receive a new book, and parents are encouraged to build lifelong reading habits together. In Northern New Mexico, where access to books is often limited, this program raises $20,000 each year to support families in need.

Registration is open now! Sign up at stvinfoundation.org/trails-tales-5k-walk-run-for-childrens-literacy (comment “LINK” and I’ll DM you a direct link) and come run with me!

04/23/2026

If you live in Santa Fe, you need to know about Chrome Salon & Blowout Bar () and their fabulous owner, Jessica (.iminhair). I’ve been in Jessica’s salon chair for nearly a decade, and through every season of my life she has been the one behind my hair.

For years she made me the most beautiful show-stopping shade of blonde that customers used to request. Then we got creative and I asked for a funky colored unicorn stripe for my 30th birthday and she absolutely nailed it. After that we played with a soft pinky peach shade for awhile, which was so fun. And now we are embracing my natural light brown and landing on a cool teddy bronde, and I am obsessed.

Chrome Salon & Blowout Bar specializes in cuts, color, blowouts, curly hair, extensions, and every appointment starts with a thoughtful consultation so your hair goals are actually heard and understood. They use and sell Bumble and Bumble products and the whole space feels welcoming, calm, and personalized.

If you are looking for a stylist in Santa Fe that you can grow with, this is it. Appointments are recommended and you should give them a call. Save this for your next hair refresh!

If you haven’t heard about this new greenhouse brewery in Santa Fe, New Mexico yet, here’s your sign to check it out!We ...
02/18/2026

If you haven’t heard about this new greenhouse brewery in Santa Fe, New Mexico yet, here’s your sign to check it out!

We have already been to Keeping Together () a few times during the soft opening and I know it’s going to be a regular spot for us. The space used to be a greenhouse, and it is a spacious light-filled, plant-decorated atmosphere.

I really love their first house beer, The Art of Holding Space, a table saison that’s flavorful and easy to drink. In early February, they released their second beer, Waiting to be Discovered, a saison brewed with cara cara oranges and red chile, and I’m very excited to try that one next. For food, they’re currently offering tamales from Alicia’s Tortillarilla.

You’ll find them at 2908 Rufina Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their official opening is March 21, and I have a feeling this will quickly become a local gathering place!

Share this with someone you want to go with and let me know if you’ve been!

Address

Santa Fe, NM
87505

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