To kick off summer and rev up the convertible I went on a girls’ long weekend trip to Taos, New Mexico.. We went from Thursday-Sunday but Sunday was an all driving day so anyone from anywhere could pack in this lovely 3-day weekend tour of the Southwest.This it the first of a segment I hope to continue with other mini adventures perfect for a work or school escape.
Stay: We stayed at the absolutely immaculate Palacio De Marquesa. This Bed and Breakfast was bought last year by Heritage Hotels and Resorts and received a serious makeover. A B&B that probable once resembled the vast assortment of kitschy, tired inns and hotels in Taos is now a stunning white, modern palace. The rooms are refined while still keeping the best Southwestern touches such as adobe style fireplaces and carved columns. We stayed in The Romantic room which had two gorgeous studded leather white chairs and an amazing, firm king bed. With heated floors, state of the art giant shower, and operable skylights , the room was even better than what we imagined from the pictures.
The innkeeper Chad, was an absolute delight and was full of excellent dinner and activity suggestions. He showed off his new puppy and told us all about the details of the renovation. Breakfast in the morning was simple and delicious. There were a variety of choices and fresh orange juice and coffee were excellent additions. I really can’t see myself returning to Taos and staying at any other place. I am anticipating when I can return and try out a different exceptional room and see the completed garden and fire pit.
Relax and Activate:I was surprised to find that there was a lot do in Taos and the surrounding area. Everyone will tell you to check out the main plaza and see all the dinky mercantile shops. Poking in and out of various stores yields some interesting finds and unique artifacts. Make sure to stroll through the square on Saturday when the Farmer’s Market is occurring and sample some yak cheese, choke cherries, and other local favorites. Relax at Ojo Caliente, which lies north of Taos. We stopped on our drive into town and checked out the mud and mineral pools before getting excellent and extremely rejuvenating hot stone massages. Skiing in the Winter and hiking in Spring-Fall provide your dose of active adventures in Taos. We met up with some friends staying in santa Fe and hiked in Bandelier National Monument. To avoid taking the nauseating shuttle to the park national visitor, enter after 3 PM in your own car. Driving your own car is much more convenient then waiting for said shuttle that departs every half hour from the White Tail Visitor Center to the Bandelier Visitor Center. The Main Loop Trail and Alcove House extension is a leisurely 2 miles and involves climbing cliffside ladders and a very nicely marked self-guided tour.
Galleries,: Off the main plaza we found two stand out galleries featuring contemporary artistes from Taos. First, David Anthony Fine Art or DAFA features some hidden portraits of The Beatles, that are iconic and intimate gems. The gallery also hosts rotating contemporary artists, which are a refreshing break from the repetitive landscape galleries, composing most of the tourist art culture. My second recommended gallery stop is more of a hybrid home/studio/gallery. The Howell Creative features, founder and artist in residence, Robert James Payne. The ex-football player has some very unique pieces of acrylic on different mediums. We were enthralled by a new black and white portrait using interesting shadows painted on a large piece of aluminum. Seeing Payne’s art grace the walls of his loft was a very clever way to display how works will hang in ones own home, a sense of character and place that a white, bright gallery wall cannot capture.
Museums: There are many tiny museums dotting Taos and it is hard to determine which small building deserves the exorbitant entrance fee. The Harwpod Museum of Art turned out to be an excellent and displayed a wide range or traditional and contemporary New Mexican artists from a large time span. Upon entering, we were also informed that if we filled out a survey at the end of our visit, admission was free! I particularity loved the modern artist Larry Bell, who has a diverse body of work that includes modern pieces using refracting light, mirrors, and various other illuminating mediums. The museum features many galleries that are constantly being rotated and refreshed with new pieces and exhibitions.
Other Attractions: A pleasant walk from Palacio De Marquesa.is The Mabel Dodge Luhan House. Now an inn the house of the famed art patron and salon hostess can be toured through and stayed in. The house features creative design and has a rich history.The grounds provide a pleasant stroll and innkeeper was very informative.
Another great site, unique to the area, are the Earthship Biotecture communities. These intriguing homes are made from all recycled materials and are completely self-sustaining. These “homes” are are a modern marvel and seeing is believing so trust a trip to the visitor center is definitely worth it. The Taos community also offers nightly rentals which I am curious to try on my next visit if I can tear myself away from easy B&B living.
Eats: (Detailed reviews of the following fine dinging restaurants to come). When staying in Taos The Love Apple is an essential fine dining stop. Joseph’s in Santa Fe might also be worth the drive down to Taos’ sister city.. For authentic Northern New Mexican fare check out the quaint and local favorite, Orlando’s.
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