A New Mexico Travel Guide Behind Our Newest Scent: Vanilla & Ghost Pepper

New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment, and we couldn’t agree more. With a rich and vibrant Native American history and amazing food symbolic of a beautiful mix of cultures, ancient meets modern in a dance of cultural honor. The adobe-lined, terracotta-colored landscapes and dry, high desert air with just a touch of pepper spice bring feelings of comfort and nostalgia— and we love it.

Our newest limited-edition scented soy candle, Vanilla & Ghost Pepper, was inspired by New Mexico's undeniable magic. This new scent is akin to a warm blanket’s embrace, featuring scent notes of desert primrose, tonka bean, cedarwood, and cinnamon. Itching to explore somewhere new? Check out Kristen + Tom’s recs for some of their favorite things to do in one of our go-to destinations.

Favorite city:

• Taos is our favorite city in all New Mexico. Taos is on a mesa at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain, which is the southernmost part of the Rockies; you feel as if you are on a different planet. So remote from most of the USA, the culture and heritage feel untouched by modernity. A Dense pueblo out in the middle of nowhere - there is something for everyone.

Where to stay:

• Rent an Airbnb out in the country with classic New Mexico styling and a wood-burning fireplace (and plenty of piñon logs included). Bonus points if you can’t see your neighbors or if it snows in the winter. I’d love to stay at 10,000 Waves near Santa Fe— a Japanese meets Southwest-inspired spa. Tom has always wanted to stay in an Earthship; these are very eco-friendly, off-grid houses made of recycled and renewable materials. Don’t forget to burn copious amounts of piñon logs in your fireplace (if you have one, of course!).

Where to eat:

• Kristen: You have to eat sopapillas with honey. We get 'em at La Choza in Santa Fe. Get a bowl of chili at Bode’s gas station/convenience store in Abiquiu after doing a tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s house.
• Tom: Not sure if this is a popular opinion, but New Mexico Mexican food is very similar to Tex-Mex to me. The difference is they use blue corn tortillas and lots of green peppers.

What to do:

• New Mexico has always felt like magic to us. I remember the first time we drove through it when we moved from Texas to Southern California. As soon as you crossed the border, the sky just became more beautiful. For two people who live in the endless sprawl of Los Angeles, it’s so quiet and spacious.
• Go for a long drive and appreciate the vast, beautiful, open skies. Go for a hike in the mountains near Taos (follow @nmhikergirl for inspo without geotags— which I respect because people should be able to keep their secret places special and untouched!). I also love @brandon.barela’s Instagram account — beautiful photos that share New Mexico’s people, places, and culture.
• Visit Georgia O’Keeffe’s house and then pretend you’re a painter, picking up watercolors and gouache from Bodes nearby. I love interior design, and visiting people’s houses is always cool.
• Meow Wolf is a hyped experience that absolutely lives up to it— a completely sensorial, art-filled interactive museum— it doesn’t feel like an Instagram trap.

Find P.F. During Your Trip:
People of the Valley: Taos, NM
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Santa Fe, NM
No Longer Wander: Albuquerque, NM
Spur Line Supply Co.: Albuquerque, NM
Grove Cafe Market: Albuquerque, NM