Since its opening in 1921, the El Potrero Trading Post has become a staple of Chimayo culture and hospitality. Alfonsa Vigil, the shop’s original owner, used to leave her kitchen doors open to weary pilgrims making a visit to the nearby Santuario de Chimayo. The business, originally named The Vigil Store, is now run by Alfonsa’s children, but her kindness and warm welcome to all remains a dominant trait in the store. Alfonsa’s memory is also memorialized by her picture hanging above the front door. During your Casa Escondida stay, a visit to the El Potrero Trading Post is a must! It’s the perfect place for the highest quality religious articles, green and red chile, New Mexican art, fresh produce, and even sacred dirt from the Santuario de Chimayo.
Find more local places to shop like the El Potrero Trading Post when you request your free copy of our Chimayo Vacation Guide! You’ll also find a wide variety of things to do in the area including attractions, activities, dining, museums, and more.
Unique Things to Find at the El Potrero Trading Post
Chile: Dried powder and crushed varieties of green and red chile can be found at the El Potrero Trading post. Their savory flavors are perfect for adding just the right touch to many recipes. You can also bet that you will be using the best since the sellers make sure the chile powder is created with just the right roasting and sun-drying processes.
Food Products
For unique and authentic products, we highly recommend trying the food items offered at El Potrero Trading Post. Give any dish an exciting kick with their smoky chipotle powder. Wow your friends and family with an amazing dish made from their tasty salsa/taco mixes. One interesting delicacy you just have to try is their atole, a toasted blue corn meal breakfast drink that is lightly boiled and then served with milk and honey.
You may also like to use the food you purchase with one of their El Potrero Trading Post recipes.
Jewelry
You’ll find beautiful pieces of jewelry that are so intricate and lovely, it will be just like wearing artwork! The shop is proud to offer turquoise rosaries, hand amulets, earrings, necklaces, and hand-made reliquaries of Wando Lobito.
Milagros
These tiny trinkets are actually religious folk charms that are intended for healing purposes. The milagro may symbolize something you need or want to be rid of. Tradition dictates that they are carried by the owner or given at church altars as a prayer request or a sign of thanks. Although this tradition is not as prevalent as it once was, many still carry this custom and the interesting knickknacks. El Potrero offers a wide variety of milagros in sterling silver, bronze, and tin.
Folk Art
New Mexico artists include not just uniqueness, but personality into their masterpieces. Whether you’re looking for a painting, sculpture, religious artifact, or even a birdhouse, you’ll find the stunning masterpiece you want here.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Merchandise
Every November, one of the most sacred and festive holidays in the Mexican calendar is celebrated, the Day of the Dead! People honor their lost loved ones and celebrate their lives by bringing special foods, candies, and music to their graves. El Potrero Trading Post carries out this colorful and festive tradition through T-shirts, ornaments, rosaries, and more!
Enjoy the Rich Chimayo Culture at Casa Escondida
Meaning “hidden house” in Spanish, Casa Escondida definitely lives up to its name. Our charming and traditional bed and breakfast is nestled within the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. This provides a quiet, countryside atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing getaways and romantic escapes. Our inn also enjoys close proximity to other popular destinations including Santa Fe, Taos, and Jemez Springs. If that wasn’t enough, guests of Casa Escondida also enjoy traditionally themed rooms and savory complimentary breakfast each morning. It’s everything you need and more for the vacation you’ll never forget!
Book your stay at Casa Escondida today! We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Photo Credit: Esdelval/Thinkstock
