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Taos is a charming, artsy community located about 130 miles from Albuquerque. The town and its surrounding area offer stunning views, great food and remarkable southwestern history and culture. Read on to discover all about Taos, the gem of the Southwest.
All About Taos, New Mexico
An Artsy Community in the American Southwest
Taos is a wonderful art colony in the southwest. The Taos art colony developed after six artists formed the Taos Society of Artists in 1915. Many of the artwork depicted the Native Americans and their daily activities, and local scenes and landscapes. Today the town has over 80 galleries and three museums including the Harwood Museum of Art, the Millicent Rogers Museum, and Taos Art Museum dedicated to promoting Taos’ area artists.
Places of Note in Taos
Taos is home to several landmark sites. The main highlight is the 1,000 year old Taos Pueblo, a multi-storied adobe which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taos Plaza is the center of town and where many great restaurants, shops and galleries are located. The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is a wonderful place to spend a day and explore. Two bucket list sites here include the beautiful and historic San Francisco de Asis Church, and the stunning views from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, just northwest of town.
Taos has quite a few historical tours offered that can give visitors insight into the town’s fascinating stories and culture. Taos Walking Tours features a narrative about all things Taos from local artist and storyteller Sam Richardson. For those visitors that want a spooky experience, they can book a tour with Ghosts of Taos Tours and get the paranormal history of Taos.
Things to Do in Taos
For those that love the outdoors, Taos is a land of adventure. There is a multitude of things to do here from skiing to camping, ziplining and ballooning, plus much more. Hikers will love exploring the Orilla Verde Trailsand the 16 miles of trails located at Taos Valley Overlook.
Taos has a wonderful arts and culture scene. The SOMOS Storytelling Festival hosts workshops and story swap, and the Glam Trash Fashion Show is an annual event where recycling and fashion combine for a good cause. The local culture scene happens year round with events such as Taos Pueblo Pow Wow, where local tribes compete in a three day dance competition, and Las Fiestas de Taos is an annual celebration of food dancing and music.
Getting to and Around Taos
To get to Taos by air you have several options. Taos Airport has non-stop service between Taos and select cities serviced by Toas Air. Your other options would be to fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport, or Albuquerque International Sunport and drive to Taos. The drive time from Santa Fe to Taos is approximately one hour and 40 minutes, while from Albuquerque the drive is about two hours and 30 minutes to Taos.
While staying in Taos, you have several options for getting around. Besides rental cars and Uber, The Taos Express offers weekend service to and from Santa Fe, and the 340 Chile Line Red will get you around town.
Where to Stay
Taos has a variety of lodging options for any budget. For those that want to emulate a European ski trip, Brownell Chalet combines Bavarian ambiance and the spectacular skiing of Taos. If you prefer a true New Mexico experience, Blue Sky Retreat Center is an adobe lodge decorated in Southwestern style and regional artwork. Couples will like the Adobe and Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast which includes beautiful country grounds, private patios, and locally-sourced gourmet breakfasts.
Places To Eat
Taos is a place with eateries that are varied in both cuisine and ambiance. Diners that love vegetarian fare can try the apple and blue cheese quesadillas and much more at The Love Apple. At Antonio’s The Taste of Mexico, diners can indulge themselves with tasty fajitas and other Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Chances are, wherever you eat in Taos, you will be eating local organically grown produce prepared by classically trained chefs.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.