Julie Afflerbaugh Photography: Retreat

I have decided that retreats are essential for staying creative and energized and giving me a sense of perspective on my life. I would highly recommend a few days away from familiar spaces and people to get the juices flowing at the start of the New Year. For the first time since I was in college, I took a little solo adventure. I endured the seven hour drive to Santa Fe by listening to Eat, Pray, Love on my ipod and eating pretzels. The intention for my retreat was to stay in a cozy place, eat delicious food and explore town with my camera stumbling on hidden treasures. Thanks to a recommendation from my friend Lee, I landed in the perfect b&b in town, The Don Gaspar Inn. In four days of exploring, I discovered that what I loved most about Santa Fe (besides the vibrant sky and the green chile) was that I could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and end up chatting for hours! I actually did not take very many photographs because I was too busy drinking tea and making new friends! But below are a few of my favorites. If you are headed to Santa Fe, here are a few of my suggestions:

Have tea and homemade soup at the Santa Fe Tea House
Take a drive to Chimayo and visit the Santuario
Keep on driving to Truchas and peruse the incredible galleries (Cardona-Hine was lovely)
Green and Red Chile is a specialty everywhere and you can eat is 3 meals a day if you want! I thought Tia Sophias had the best atmosphere.
Harry's Roadhouse is where all the locals hang out
Unwind at 10,000 waves Japanese Bath House