Taos, New Mexico: Still Heavenly

Famous tree on side of highway to Taos
Famous tree on side of the highway to Taos, New Mexico. 

Taos…A town of 5,000 with LOTS of choices

By Kent E. St. John
GoNOMAD Senior Travel Editor

The Santuario del Chimayo church in Taos, NM. (Kent E. St. John photo)
The Santuario del Chimayo church in Taos, NM. (Kent E. St. John photo)

It’s bound to happen to a nomad sooner or later; a return trip to a favorite destination and things have changed. Chain hotels have sprung up like dandelions.

Close your eyes and you still can name the fast food places tucked in between the hotels. Don’t turn tail and run; get some local advice as I recently discovered in Taos, New Mexico.

Parallel World

It wasn’t long before I was traveling into Taos’s parallel world.

The one filled with magnetism, allure and simple pleasures. The one that attracted artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and D.H. Lawrence as well as mountain men like Kit Carson.

A Place to Hang Your Head

On rare occasions paying a little more for lodgings can pay off big.

El Monte Sagrado offers a wide range of lodging choices, all upscale.

It’s the whole atmosphere: authentic New Mexican furnishings, kiva fireplaces, and actual neighborhood.

Taos, New Mexico. Flickr.com photos
Taos, New Mexico. Flickr.com photos

Each of the eight suites is different, and after peeking in all, I could easily settle in any. The combination of care, accommodations, and style will make a return to Taos inevitable.

Arroyo Seco

If funds are low and a hostel stay is a way to go, head ten minutes north of town and hunker down in the hamlet of Arroyo Seco Snowmountain Hostel, or at the Abominable Snowman (see below).

In the summer there are teepees and camping areas and in the winter, bunk style lodgings. It’s clean, spacious and close to the ski area. The circular fireplace and kitchen are gathering spots.

Mountain Air, Mountain Appetite

Doors in Taos, New Mexico
Doors in Taos, New Mexico

It’s Christmas all year round when dining in Northern New Mexico. When ordering any dish from hamburgers to goat cheese enchiladas you will hear, “Red or green?”

Simply answer Christmas, it’s what the locals do. That way you’ll be served a mix of both red and green chile. They are the foundation of the area’s distinctive cuisine and not to be confused with the chopped meat and over-spiced tomato-based dish served elsewhere.

Chili is the pepper that has long historic and traditional ties to the area. In the fall the roasting of Chili provides an aroma that lingers through the other three seasons. It can be hot and spicy, or subtle and laid back. Ask before ordering!

For a town of only 5,000, Taos offers an amazing amount of choice. From trailer type stalls to restaurants featured in Food & Wine.

Chili peppers outside a house in Taos, NM
Chili peppers outside a house in Taos, NM

As a former restaurateur, I’ve dealt with egos before. So suffice it to say, glad I’m on the other side now! I’ve got to love a chef who posts his accolades on the bathroom doors!

Taos Pizza Outback

Pizza, pasta and family fun add up to one thing–reasonable. Taos Pizza Outback  filling and a better value than chain food. You’ll forget it’s in a strip mall when you twirl the pasta.

The Bent Street Deli offers casual fare with artistic flair. “The Taos” is turkey, green chile, bacon, salsa, and guacamole all rolled up in a flour tortilla. They also serve an arrangement of salads from hummus to tabbouleh.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

Tiny Taos and the dramatic surrounding mountains only add to the draw. Taos is more than adobe buildings and art galleries; outdoors is king here.

The Carson National Forest is a playland for outdoor lovers. Hiking, cross-country skiing, and wandering back roads can fill as many days as you have.

Drive the Enchanted Circle and delight your senses. It’s 84 miles of mountain rambling.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

 

Stop in on the DH Lawrence Memorial and the town of Questa and Red River. Traces of indigenous natives, early Hispanic settlers, mountain men, and gold diggers will pop up at every turn.

One “do not pass go if you miss it” spot is the town of Chimayo. This town is a fascinating look at the stamp the settlers from Mexico have left.

Santuario de Chimayo Mission

The Santuario de Chimayo Mission, built in 1816, holds superstitions that to some are holy promises. By the collection of pictures, crutches, and written pleas the dirt from a back chapel does possibly produce miracles.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

More than 30,000 people make a pilgrimage to the church every. Good Friday. Collect some lucky dirt for those travel emergencies.

If you get hungry try the nearby Rancho de Chimayo. The old ranch house offers pleasant New Mexican style grub as well as seven guestrooms.

The town is also a center for weaving. America’s oldest health resort, Ojo Caliente, is also a pleasant way to spend time in the area. This is not a fancy slick new version of ancient pleasure.

It’s a glimpse back about 50 years when hot springs were treasured for their natural properties, not marble entryways and juice bars.

Closer to Home

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

My favorite experience bar none in Taos is a visit to the Taos Pueblo. This is not a Disney set; it is a place where traditions are a way of life. The language you will hear is the unwritten Tiwa. The traditions are passed verbally and religiously.

Rule number one on the Pueblo: follow the rules. Pay the fee; do not intrude, and do not wander in places off-limits. Do enter the small rooms that offer crafts and treasures.

One such object is the Micaceous pottery, made from natural clay with flecks of mica. The pottery and the other works are surprisingly reasonable and not mass-produced. This is a glance into a sacred and spiritual community.

Just outside of Taos is the Martinez Hacienda and museum. The Hacienda provides a Spanish colonial outlook of life New Mexico. Its thick adobe walls and central courtyard are a reminder of past Comanche and Apache raids.

Art has played a part of the area for at least 100 years. The tradition is still strong today. Just three possibilities are the Fechin Institute, Van Vechten-Lineberry Art Museum, and the Millicent Rogers Museum. Before hitting the hundreds of galleries in Taos a stop at the Millicent Rogers Museum is a good idea. The collection is heavy on traditional Hispanic and Native American pieces. The starting point for many of the local artists.

One Kokopelli Over the Line

The Kokopelli is the southwestern version of Bacchus, the god of merrymaking. After 12 years of living out west, I have seen just about every design and use of the mythical creature. I believe this can be done in just one stop in any of the overabundant tourist shops.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

Luckily Taos does have a number of quality galleries. One of my favorites is the Starr Gallery and its sister Gallery La Unica Cosa.

Both feature weavings, carvings, and artwork was done by Zapotec Indians as well as works of art from other indigenous Mexicans. The owner, Susanna Starr, has worked for 25 years building this magical emporium.

One easy way to weed out those galleries that will not interest you is to log on to taosgalleryassoc.com and its gallery links. More than 31 fine galleries are represented.

On the site are maps, events, and art walk schedules. The Taos Gallery Association takes great care in its standards and members.

Boot-Scootin’ Boogie

If the combination of Inn, dance hall and restaurant sounds overwhelming to take a big gulp and head into the Sagebrush Inn. The locals gather here on weekends to dance their cares away. Don’t let the combination of cowboy hats and concha belts rattle you. These people are friendly and willing to teach you some dance steps.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

For a different variety of performances try the Adobe Bar. There you will encounter jazz, rock, and even Celtic duos.

The place is called, “the living room of Taos’. For rock and roll, Taylor’s new dance floor is the place to be. The natural beauty of Taos is well matched for three strong and distinct cultures.

The American Indian, Spanish settler, and artist colony weave together to create a one of a kind destination. If New Mexico is the Enchanted State, then Taos may be its cosmic heart. Every season has a good reason to visit Taos.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico

 

Taos Pueblo Tourism
PO Box 1846, Taos, NM 87571 758-1028

Galleries

Taos Gallery Association

Starr Gallery
Phone 1-800-748-1756 or
505-758-3065

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