September 22, 2023 ~ This morning I took a short drive down the picturesque Turquoise Trail south of Santa Fe, where I stumbled upon a roadside gem of an art installation called Origami in the Garden.

What a lucky find! It was pleasant and quiet as I wandered the trails through the sculpture garden, and I really liked the art pieces on display and the way they blend in with the desert landscape. Each sculpture is crafted from metal but with intricate folds and shapes reminiscent of paper origami. The best part? I had the entire garden to myself for over an hour.

Colorful Madrid

I continued my drive to Madrid, just a short 6 miles further to the south. My first stop was for some coffee fuel at Java Junction, an eclectic coffee shop with a lovely outdoor patio where I could sit and sip my iced latte and begin to get a taste for the vibe going on in this funky little town.

The village appears to be an artist's haven, with vibrant shops lining the single road through town like pieces in a colorful mosaic. Art galleries showcase the talents of local artists, and many of the brightly painted stores include a friendly shop dog to welcome you at the door.

Lunch at The Hollar

After working up an appetite browsing through shops, I stopped for lunch at The Hollar, a quirky restaurant with another enticing outdoor patio that I couldn’t resist.

I ordered the vegetarian goat cheese & green chili burger which was very messy, but tasty. The spicy green chili pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese. And the sweet potato fries? I seem to be on a sweet potato fry tasting tour lately. These were very good.