family style Archives - The Urban Darling

Santa Fe Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay, & Play

By Esperanza on May 26, 2026

Santa Fe, Santa Fe Travel guide, travel guide, New Mexico, travel, Santa Fe travel guide, boutiques, shops where to shop in Santa Fe, Santa Fe boutiques, Santa Fe shops, family travel, family blogger, travel blogger, family style, travel style, The Urban Darling, travel destinations, Santa Fe restaurants, restaurant guides, Santa Fe hotel.

Our spontaneous 2-day trip to Santa Fe with my husband and toddler turned out to be the perfect little getaway to a city that had been on my bucket list for years. Known for its rich history, adobe architecture, and thriving art scene, Santa Fe completely charmed us with its creative energy and laid-back Southwestern vibe. From exploring Canyon Road’s art galleries and unique boutiques to finally visiting the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, every part of the trip felt inspiring — and the incredible food made it even better.

5 Cute Restaurants We Loved in Santa Fe, NM

By Esperanza on May 4, 2026

Santa Fe, New Mexico, travel, Santa Fe travel guide, restaurant guide, where to eat in Santa Fe, Santa Fe coffee shops, Santa Fe restaurants, family travel, family blogger, travel blogger, family style, travel style, The Urban Darling, travel destinations.

Santa Fe has a way of pulling you in. Between the adobe architecture, vibrant art scene, and endless sunshine, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor everything, especially the food. On a recent two-day trip, my husband, our toddler, and I made it a point to find spots that were not only delicious but also welcoming and full of charm. We ended up discovering five places that felt just right. Cute, memorable, and perfect for a little family adventure.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA | Travel

Our Family Stay At El Rey Court In Santa Fe, NM

By Esperanza on April 25, 2026

Santa Fe, Santa Fe travel, Santa Fe hotel, New Mexico, New Mexico travel, boutique hotel, hotel review, hotel stay, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, travel recommendations, hotel, El Rey Court, travel style, family style, hotel style, hotel design, Southwestern style.

There’s something special about packing up the car on a whim and heading somewhere new, especially as a family. Our spontaneous trip to Santa Fe turned into one of those unexpectedly perfect getaways—equal parts adventure and relaxation. From the moment we arrived at El Rey Court, we felt like we had discovered a place that truly captured the spirit of the Southwest while still being welcoming and comfortable for traveling with a toddler.

Family Style | Holidays

Our First Christmas As A Married Couple & Family Of Three

By Esperanza on December 24, 2025

Holidays, holiday photos, family photos, holiday family photos, Christmas, holiday style, family style, family photography, family blogger, lifestyle blogger, fashion blogger, couple style, vintage style, baby style, baby boy style, vintage baby boy style, desert photoshoot, desert, Phoenix, The Urban Darling.

This Christmas feels extra special because it’s our first one as a married couple. Last year was also our first Christmas together, and looking back at those photos at Superstition Mountain fills my heart in a way I can’t quite put into words. Before meeting my husband, I was a single mom imagining what family traditions might look like one day. Now, here we are — married, growing, and soaking in this season together. This year’s photos at San Tan Park in Queen Creek feel like such a beautiful marker of how far we’ve come.

Sedona, Arizona, USA | Travel

Our Stay At The Wilde Resort & Spa In Sedona

By Esperanza on September 10, 2025

Sedona, Sedona hotel, boutique hotel, hotel stay, hotel review, hotel recommendations, The Wilde Resort & Spa, spa resort, travel, family trip, family travel, Arizona, Arizona travel, family blogger, mommy blogger, family style, travel style, birthday trip.

For Andrew’s birthday, we took a trip to Sedona and stayed at The Wilde Resort & Spa. Andrew got to do some fishing (his birthday wish) and mama got to squeeze in some “me time” at the spa, pool, and fitness center. The ambiance and the setting were so peaceful and beautiful, making it the perfect escape. Surrounded by the stunning red rock formations, The Wilde Resort offered the exact kind of serene getaway we needed before our upcoming wedding. From relaxing by the pool to indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, every corner of the resort had something to offer.

Sedona, Arizona, USA | Travel

What We Did During Andrew’s Birthday Trip To Sedona

By Esperanza on

Sedona, Sedona travel guide, travel guide, what to do in Sedona, where to eat in Sedona, travel, family trip, family travel, Arizona, Arizona travel, family blogger, mommy blogger, family style, travel style, birthday trip.

For Andrew’s birthday this year, we planned a special getaway to Sedona—a trip full of adventure, breathtaking views, and family moments we’ll always remember. Sedona’s famous red rocks and scenic trails set the perfect backdrop for celebrating Andrew, while Sage added his own little doses of excitement (and adorable mischief) along the way. From hiking among towering rock formations to exploring charming shops and strolling along peaceful canyon trails, every part of the trip felt carefully curated for fun, connection, and just the right amount of adventure. It was a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make birthday memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.

Montrose, Colorado, USA | Travel

Our Stay At The Rathbone Hotel In Montrose, CO

By Esperanza on July 18, 2025

The Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar, Montrose, Colorado, Colorado hotels, hotel review, boutique hotel, hotel stay, travel blogger, family travel, family style, hotel style, hotel design, modern hotel, modern design, Colorado travel, boutique hotels, family blogger, The Urban Darling, travel style.

During our Colorado trip, we stayed at The Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar in Montrose—and it turned out to be a true gem. I was instantly drawn to this boutique hotel by its beautifully designed rooms and the stunning restaurant on-site. Housed in a historic Montrose building, the property has been thoughtfully renovated, blending classic charm with modern comfort. The spacious rooms, soaring ceilings, and meticulous attention to detail made our stay extra special. As luck would have it, our visit coincided with my birthday, so having such a gorgeous place to celebrate made the trip even more memorable. We had an incredibly comfortable stay and such a great overall experience that I couldn’t wait to share it with you all here on the blog!

Telluride, Colorado, USA | Travel

Where To Shop, Eat, What To Do In Telluride, CO

By Esperanza on

Telluride, Colorado, Colorado towns, Telluride boutiques, Telluride coffee shops, Telluride restaurants, western style, travel blogger, family travel, family style, travel style, Colorado travel, family blogger, The Urban Darling, western chic style, where to eat in Telluride, Where to shop in Telluride, what to do in Telluride.

Telluride was hands down my favorite town we visited during our Colorado trip! This gorgeous mountain town offers breathtaking views of the Rockies, a vibrant downtown filled with great shopping and dining, and a picturesque river running right through it. Once a Victorian-era mining town, Telluride gave me major Aspen vibes—but with a much more laid-back, welcoming feel. I’d love to come back one day with our family and stay for a few days to soak it all in. In this blog post, I’m excited to share where we ate, shopped, and what we explored during our time in Telluride!

Denver, Colorado | Telluride, Colorado, USA | Travel

Our Stay At Hotel Palomino In Ridgeway, Colorado

By Esperanza on July 16, 2025

Hotel Palomino, Ridgeway, Colorado, Colorado hotels, hotel review, boutique hotel, western style, hotel stay, travel blogger, family travel, family style, hotel style, hotel design, modern hotel, modern design, Colorado travel, boutique hotels, family blogger, The Urban Darling, western chic style.

We recently returned from our family trip to Colorado, where we stayed at the most charming modern, western-themed boutique hotel in Ridgway—Hotel Palomino. The property looks like a little western town straight out of a movie set! Once an old western-style building known as “Trail Town,” it’s been thoughtfully upcycled by its owners, who are Ridgway locals, into a fresh and stylish hospitality concept. I absolutely love what they’ve done to breathe new life into the place!

Detroit, Michigan, USA | Travel

10 Family Friendly Things To Do In Detroit

By Esperanza on July 15, 2025

We just returned from a trip to Detroit—somewhere I’ve been wanting to visit for quite a while. The main reason for our visit to Michigan was to attend a funeral for Andrew’s grandparents. I’m truly grateful we were able to be there, and it was really special getting to connect with more of Andrew’s family. We ended up extending our stay by a few days to explore “Motor City,” and even though Sage was going through a bit of a rough patch, we still managed to have a great time discovering the city and making some sweet family memories. Both Andrew and I were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed Detroit. It’s such an underrated city, and we’re happy we finally got to experience it for ourselves. In this post, I’ll be sharing 10 things we did in Detroit that are family friendly (and free!).