Slow Mornings, Quiet Museums & A Comforting Dinner
The morning began slowly, the way the best travel mornings often do. We woke up around 7:00–7:30 AM, with no rush and no alarms—just soft light filtering into the room and the quiet comfort of being settled in one place for more than a night.
Before getting ready, we spent some time simply sitting together. Phones in hand, coffee nearby, and our toddler climbing between us, eager to be part of every conversation.
Our toddler and I spoke to my brothers, and she happily shared details about the trip, clearly excited about everything she was experiencing. She talked in her own little way—half sentences, hand gestures, bright expressions—telling them about where we were and what she had seen. Watching her try to explain her world was one of those moments that makes travel feel deeply personal.
There’s something grounding about starting the day with family, even from far away.
Breakfast at Luminaria — A Calm Start
After getting ready, we walked down for breakfast at Luminaria, located inside the resort. Our stay included a $60 daily breakfast credit, which made mornings feel a little extra special.
The restaurant was peaceful and softly lit, with a relaxed atmosphere that matched our mood perfectly. We ordered slowly, enjoying the moment.
Breakfast was a comforting mix for all of us — a rich Nutella dish, croissants with a side of potatoes for our toddler (which she picked through thoughtfully, one bite at a time), and avocado toast paired with turkey sausage that felt simple and satisfying.
The food was genuinely good, and we lingered longer than usual—talking, laughing, and watching our toddler enjoy her meal while pointing out things around her. The restaurant staff even brought out crayons and paper, and she happily started drawing while we ate, keeping herself busy and content. Breakfast didn’t feel like just a meal; it felt like part of the experience.
📸 Photo Caption: Breakfast at Luminaria — Nutella, croissants, avocado toast, and a quiet start to the day.
The Church — A Moment of Wonder
One of our first stops was the church. From the outside, it was already impressive—but stepping inside felt like entering another world.
We stood quietly for a moment, taking it all in. Soft light filtered through the space, footsteps echoed gently, and the air felt calm and reverent. The church felt vast and peaceful, filled with history and light. We noticed how many beautiful pictures lined the walls, especially images of Jesus.
We asked our toddler if she wanted to pray to God, and she nodded yes.
As we walked around, we talked about how big the church was—how it almost felt like a castle. She kept looking up, her eyes moving from wall to ceiling, taking in every detail.
Seeing a place like this through her eyes made it feel even more special.
📸 Photo Caption: Santa Fe’s cathedral moment — quiet, beautiful, and castle-like from a toddler’s eyes.
Lunch Plans Change — And That’s Okay
After leaving the church, we planned to have lunch at La Plazuela, but when we arrived, it was closed.
Instead of feeling disappointed, we shifted gears—one of those small travel lessons you learn quickly. We returned to our hotel and ordered food there instead.
We chose a mix of comfort dishes: coconut shrimp, guacamole with chips, a buttermilk chicken burger, and fresh fruits for our toddler.
It turned out to be exactly what we needed—familiar, filling, and easy.
An Afternoon of History & Curiosity
Later in the afternoon, we stepped back out to explore more of Santa Fe’s history.
We visited the Palace of the Governors, learning about its long past and significance, before continuing on to the Museum of New Mexico. Moving through the exhibits felt unhurried, as stories unfolded from earlier centuries to the present.
Old photographs, traditional utensils, and carefully preserved displays lined the rooms. Each space felt like a quiet conversation with the past—thoughtful, layered, and full of meaning.
Our toddler surprised us with how engaged she was. She walked slowly, stopping often to point at objects and ask questions. At one point, she even tried taking pictures herself, holding the phone carefully as if she were documenting history in her own way. I patiently explained the exhibits, answering each question with the same curiosity our toddler brought to the experience.
Seeing her explore the museum at her own pace reminded us that history doesn’t always need to be explained—it can simply be felt.
📸 Photo Caption: Tiny traveler, big curiosity — museums through a toddler’s eyes in Santa Fe.
Local Shops & A Midday Rest
After the museums, we wandered through local shops, including beautiful handcraft stores filled with art, jewelry, and handmade pieces that reflected Santa Fe’s culture. We picked up a small souvenir along the way—a simple reminder of the day and the place.
We returned to the hotel. Our toddler fell asleep for a while, giving the afternoon a quiet pause.
Dinner at Paper Dosa — Familiar Comfort, Unexpected Surprise
When she woke up from her nap, the first thing our toddler asked for was dosa—clear and specific, as only toddlers can be.
We found a nearby restaurant called Paper Dosa and decided to head there. The place was lively and crowded, filled with people from all over, all clearly excited to try the food. What surprised us most was seeing American chefs in the kitchen cooking Indian dishes—something we don’t come across very often.
We ordered Chennai chicken as a starter, followed by a paper dosa and Madrasi curry served with rice.
The dosa arrived enormous—far bigger than we expected, and more than we could finish. The chutneys were flavorful, and the curry had a peppery kick, comforting and satisfying at the same time.
Full and happy, we headed back to the hotel, ready to wind down after a thoughtfully paced day.
📸 Photo Caption: Paper Dosa dinner — giant dosa, Chennai chicken, and a cozy end to the day.
✨ Travel Tips for Families (Day 3)
- Churches and historic sites can be surprisingly toddler-friendly—let them explore gently.
- Many museums and local shops in Santa Fe close by 5:00 PM, so plan cultural stops earlier in the day.
- Have a backup plan for meals (places can be closed unexpectedly).
- Museums are easier with toddlers when you go slow and let curiosity lead.
- A short nap helps everyone enjoy dinner outings later.
✨ Closing Reflection
Day 3 felt thoughtful and grounding. It wasn’t about big sights or rushing from place to place—it was about stories, history, and seeing the world through curious little eyes.
From morning phone calls with family to quiet museum halls and a comforting dinner, the day unfolded gently. These are the kinds of days that don’t shout—but they stay with you.