Discover Taos 2023 Summer Visitors Guide

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The Walking Rain Group is comprised of expert Realtors with an exceptional track record of satisfied clients, boasting 65+ 5-star Google reviews. This attests to their unparalleled service and expertise in the local real estate market. Experience the difference with our personalized and attentive service - contact us today!

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M. 575.689.8929 O. 575.758.8673

walkingraingroup@cbmp.com | 524-H Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos walkingraingroup.coldwellbankernewmexico.com

THE VIEW UP TOP

We proudly celebrate the same small town charm people have loved for more than a century. Come see what all the fuss is about.

Building Community Together

Taos Property Foundation is prepared to help donors give gifts of real estate for long-lasting community impact.

Making a charitable gift of real estate can help you turn your property gains into community good. The value of your real estate may exceed that of any other asset you own. The gift can be made during your lifetime with an immediate tax deduction, or as a planned gift through your will or estate plan document.

Charitable gifts of real estate range from personal residences and vacation homes to rental properties, farmland, and commercially developed land.

Your gift can be transitioned into an endowment fund that is invested over time. Earnings from the fund are used to make grants to address community needs. Your gift – and all future earnings from your gift – is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work today, and tomorrow.

a great place to live.

Growing Community Together

Taos Community Foundation is the most flexible local institution for charitable giving. We help donors easily achieve their personal philanthropic goals in support of our local community.

You can give today, or give tomorrow; both have strategic advantages depending on your personal life situation. Give today to receive tax advantages on earnings or inheritances and partner in the Foundation’s work; give tomorrow to lighten tax burdens on your heirs or donate your home or property to support the causes you care about.

Reasons for giving are unique and diverse. Many donors want the professional services and philanthropic expertise o ered by a community foundation. Others want tax or estate-planning advantages. Some just want to know their charitable contribution is being used wisely.

Your gift – and all future earnings from your gift – is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work today, and tomorrow.

taos community foundation

a great place to give.

Builtin1992intheheartoftheSangredeCristo Mountains,theTaosCountryClubisyournextgolf escape!Weareasemi-privateclubthatis OPENTOTHEPUBLIC!Ourproshopoffersthe latestinapparel&equipment.Afteryourround, stopbyourrestaurantforsomecolddrinksand goodeatsinoneofTaos'bestrestaurants.Come eat,playandrelaxwithusattheTaosCountryClub!

Aceq Restaurant: A Curated Dining Experience

ACEQ Restaurant is a hidden gem serving Elevated American Cuisine, offering locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce in an upbeat, friendly atmosphere in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, between Downtown Taos and the Ski Valley.

Head Chef Elijah Safford is a Taos County native who executed Aceq’s food from 2019 until acquiring the business as Chef Owner in 2021.

Chef Safford reworked the restaurant’s cuisine, ambiance, and atmosphere to re ect Northern New Mexico’s rich art and culinary history through an eclectic savory menu to nationally acclaimed success.

• Aceq’s Menu Exclusively Offers the Best Quality New Mexican Meat, including Bison from Beck and Bulow and RanchRaised, Grass-Fed Wangus Beef—an American Wagyu Bull crossed with a Black Angus Cow.

• Aceq Sources All Seafood Fresh, and Wild Caught When Available.

Chef Safford curated our cold beer, lush wine, and fresh cocktail menus to pair with our succulent dinner plates, which include options for all dietary restrictions, using the freshest ingredients available.

Soon-to-be culinary school graduate, Elijah’s sister, Pastry Chef Lilith Safford, has in uenced our dessert menu and intends to bring her skills back to ACEQ after cultivating her ideas in school for a dessert menu change that appeases the high-altitude appetites of locals and visitors alike.

Aceq is a true local jewel shaped by a passion for craft and quality and a drive to support and showcase the area’s unique agricultural scene.

Aceq’s Elijah Safford is the youngest ChefOwner ever inducted into Flavor Town on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives by Guy Fieri himself—don’t take our word for it; make your reservation now at [insert reservation tool here] to nd out why!

Make reservations at aceqrestaurant.com

“BIG IMAGINATION… EXCITING MENU… A MEMBER OF FLAVOR TOWN.”

-GUY FIERI, DINERS, DRIVE-INS, AND DIVES

PAVEL LUKES, QUALIFYING BROKER TAOS’ TOP PRODUCER FOR 29 YEARS

PAVEL LUKES, QUALIFYING BROKER TAOS’ TOP PRODUCER FOR 29 YEARS

to Northern New Mexico in the Summer & Fall A Local Guide

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Northern New Mexico ~ a culturally rich community, surrounded by an incredibly diverse landscape that make it an ideal place to Live & Visit. As a multi-generational New Mexican, I’m excitedperience during the Summer and Fall seasons aquí en Northern New Mexico! Vamos…

Arquitectura

ARCHITECTURE: There’s no better way to begin this Guide than by talking about the the region. From traditional Southwest adobe and classic territorials, to sustainable struca lot to take in, and it’s worth dedicating the time to learn about the unique architecture

many opportunities in Summer and Fall. Visit local galleries, shops & small businesses, have New Mexico, particularly the North, is a diverse

our shops and businesses are multi-generational Taoseños who enjoy sharing their recollections is a great place to become immersed in the Taos culture; I personally enjoy the Saturday morning Farmers Market and Thursday Music in Town. conversations and yummy drinks. While out at the Farmers Market, I recommend a visit to the Bison Star Naturals and Wild Leaven Bakery stands.

You can also check to see what latest upcoming -

Make your next stop the sovereign Taos Pueblo and paying respect to the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. I recommend stopping by shops within the village homes, and be sure to support Native

making your way north, continue on a short drive west past the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge -

tainable building techniques. On the way there or back, stop in and experience Hotel Luna Mystica, a vintage trailer hotel and starlight luxury airstream living. I would be more than wonders currently on the market to complete the architectural experience.

Cultura y Tradiciones

CULTURE & TRADITIONS: Get to know and understand the culture, traditions and

world renowned shows to take place this

Martinez Hacienda, Millicent Rogers Museum, Bent Street Museum and newly restored

Northern New Mexico. During Memorial Day the largest motorcycle rallies in the country, Comida

FOOD: senses. Taste, while exploring a destination, istunately, there are too many culinary gems to

La Mañana

THE MORNING: -

way to start the day with a smoothie and

in the historic adobe compound, or a casual ex-

the region’s newest bakery.

EL DÍA ~ THE DAY: 1) Manzanita Market, conscious and tasty options made with local Plaza Grill, truly authentic New Mexican in a tranquil environment in Arroyo Seco. 5)nitely worth sampling the chicharron burrito!). indulge in a historic New Mexico watering organic ice cream in all the land. Trust us, it’s worth it. 7) Bomb Street Tacos, mouth-watering street tacos in the downtown area. 8) plant based alternative. and 9) Bent Street Grill, and Sabor Real Restaurante.

LA TARDE ~ THE EVENING: 1) Aceq, -

and artisan cocktails —the brisket burger is a cave-like culinary experience and a mighty margarita. 6) Aji, homestyle, Peruvian cuisine and tasty beverages. 7) Antonio’s, classic mexbe sure to explore Taos’ pizza scene, you won’t be disappointed! Such spots include Taos Pizza Outback, Taos Mesa Brewery Taproom, Pizaños, and the Blue Heron Brewery in Dixon, Bar and Grill, The Burger Stand @Taos Ale extra special culinary and cultural experience, learn about The Shed Project and their private

EL NOCHE ~ THE NIGHT: 1) The Lounge,tails. 2) Doc Martin’s Bar, pick your margarita wisely and then sit back to enjoy live music and people-watching in the historic downtown

cantina with billiards, karaoke & hearty sandos mixology and small bites at the Anaconda Bar.

Taking Vacations to New Heights

Somewhere between Heaven and Taos, NM sits the high mountain paradise that’s Angel Fire. If you need your summers a little cooler, hikes a little greener and small towns a little friendlier, we just might be for you. Come keep it cool this Summer in Angel Fire Request a copy of our 2023 Summer Visitor magazine at angel renm.gov.

WAHOO!

Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties is proud to be the real estate company in Taos and Angel Fire, because we know the land.

When it’s time for you to buy or sell real estate in New Mexico, the most

WWW.TAOS.REALESTATE

Welcome to Taos County and Northern New Mexico

KOKOPELLI FLUTES

COYOTE MOON

LA TIERRA MINERAL GALLERY

GREATSCHWARMA

LAS COMADRES GALLERY

KOKOPELLI FLUTES

LITTLE PLACE BOUTIQUE

MODA – FOR WOMEN

MONET’S KITCHEN

MONET’S KITCHEN

MOONCAT FIBER

MOONCAT FIBER

OP.CIT BOOKSHOP

OP.CIT BOOKSHOP

SECONDS ECO STORE

LOTERIA PALETERIA

LA TIERRAMINERAL GALLERY

LASCOMADRES GALLERY

THE LITTLE PLACE

MODA~FOR WOMEN

SECONDS ECO STORE

STEPPIN’ OUT

STEPPIN’ OUT – SHOES & FASHIONS

STITCH IN TIME

STITCH-IN-TIME

TAROT FOR WELL BEING

THE HOT DOG LADY

WILD EARTH REMEDIES

WILD EARTH REMEDIES

Time Travelers

Much of Taos’ legendary mystique stems from the town’s centuries-long history as a trading center and crossroads between the Indigenous people of the Americas and various waves of newcomers from around the globe.

Although the legacy of European colonialism in Latin America and the U.S. Southwest is a complicated and sometimes contentious issue, the art objects, home furnishings, and other curios that evoke the romance of the Spanish colonial period nevertheless exert a powerful pull on the imagination for longtime Taoseños and new visitors alike.

Since moving to Taos from the Colorado high country in 2000, partners Sandra Dardon and Dennis Waltrip — proprietors of Ranchos Antique Furnishings — have created a portal to the elegant hacienda days of Northern New Mexico’s 18th and 19th centuries.

Housed in a historical adobe trading post, their 3,400-square-foot showroom features four separate spaces packed to the brim with

devotional art, architectural elements, and other oneof-a-kind home furnishings. “We have always relied on the ‘law of attraction’

principle. People who love what we do find us. I think a piece usually selects its buyer, rather than the other way around,” says Waltrip.

Krysteen Waszak

Contemporary Plein Air Oil Paintings

Studios visits by appointment in Taos and Albuquerque. 505-250-0455

krysteen@krysteenwaszak.com

instagram@krysteenwaszakart www.krysteenwaszak.com

Events Taos Art Studio Tour, September 2-4, 2023 Visit www.krysteenwaszak.com/ events for more details.

Don Brackett

See our Paintings at Wilder Nightingale Fine Arts (Taos), Legacy (Santa Fe), Manitou Galleries (Santa Fe) and Squash Blossom (Colorado Springs)

Harwood at 100

The beloved Harwood Museum of Art celebrates one century in Taos

The historic district of Taos is inarguably a step back in time: low-slung adobes, wooden walkways, and a pervading atmosphere — ghostly, some may say — of the many souls who wandered the dusty roads for centuries.

The Harwood Museum of Art stands sentinel in the midst of the district, itself boasting a rich history weaving cross-cultural threads into a fabric that represents Taos as both an art mecca and a unique national melting pot. This year, the venerable, internationally-acclaimed institution is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a comprehensive calendar of special events whose theme is “Reflecting on our Legacy. Envisioning the Future.”

Whether you are a local supporter or a visitor who has yet to visit, you are guaranteed to be surprised and informed by all The Harwood has meant to the past of Taos, and how it examines its significance moving forward.

Never-before-seen exhibitions, extraordinary displays and a wealth of historical background will be available from June through January 2024, as the centennial takes over all nine galleries inside the museum.

Of course, you will be treated to the crown jewels of The Harwood’s voluminous collection, supplemented by important loans for the occasion. “We have over 200 works of art on display,” noted Nichole DialKey, curator of collections

and exhibitions. Beyond the world-acclaimed Agnes Martin Gallery, see the works of other artists associated with The Harwood such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Elaine de Kooning, Margaret Bourke-White, Paul Strand and others whose names are truly legend, she said.

And, in honoring The Harwood Foundation’s early grassroots tradition of exhibiting non-juried artwork, the museum will be inviting local artists to participate in a series of popup community shows, replete with entertainment and refreshments. Keep an eye on The Harwood’s website or, better yet, sign up for email

notifications, so you are aware of rotating exhibits and happenings in addition to the aforementioned. Lectures, guided tours, oral history events and more are on the busy calendar, and you will not want to miss any of them, said Gwendolyn Fernandez, curator of education and public programs.

Pure elegance

That’s what comes to mind in this outstanding Woman’s Second Phase Chief Style Wearing Blanket. It dates to the 1870s and is in beautiful condition, sized at 42 by 53 inches. Woven from homespun yarn colored with all natural dyes, including raveled now at RB Raven Gallery in Ranchos de Taos.

Y a -Round

Come step through the door of our 250 year old historic adobe home turned art gallery and see all that Jones Walker of Taos has to offer! From original artwork by legendary Taos artists to beautiful New Mexico traditional weaving to amazing Taos potters to handmade drums by a drum maker from Taos Pueblo we’ve got something for everyone!

CHARLES COLLINS GALLERY

“A TAOS MASTER” ... MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM

Dunn Deal

Take a charmed shopping excursion

in the heart of historic Taos

The time has come,” the walrus said, “to talk of many things: of shoes and ships — and sealing wax — of cabbages and kings.” But then, bless his mathematician, logician, imaginative, 1832-1898 author’s heart, Lewis Carroll had never enjoyed a summer stroll through the John Dunn Shops in downtown Taos.

Had the time come, however, and the author of “Alice in Wonderland” had set foot in Taos sometime in 1887 or

and Eagle Nest — then called Therma until its 1930s re-naming, due to the completion of the Eagle Nest Dam, the name of which likely resulted from the eagles nesting there.

Dunn had not come to New Mexico for turquoise or gold, but he did have an

eye for golden opportunities, and soon discovered that gold garnered from transportation, saloons, gambling and bawdy houses could line the pockets of his velvet jackets.

But though the two men may have disliked one another on sight — the Englishman who had already seen the publication in 1871 of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the

Texan, who would not see his many shifty businesses survive — they both had a destiny in common. They would both leave gifts for the future; Carroll, magical literature; Dunn, a 10-room home on Bent Street that would eventually be transformed into several small shops.

Today, a whole street will charm you; tempt you to have lunch, buy a boo sip coffee, and browse — and buy — in the John Dunn Shops.

If you approach from Bent Street toward Taos Plaza, your first adventure will be op.cit

Oh, those steps! If needed, there’s a ramp on the side of the building and a doorbell. Formerly Moby Dic Books, the store has a twin sister in Santa Fe.

Continue down the street. A shop that will surprise you is the flute-maker’s table outside. Cold or warm weather, Kokopelli Flutes of Taos owners Paul and Grace Jones love meeting out-of-town visitors.

“We’ve been placing Paul’s flutes in the hands of global visitors for more than twenty years,” Grace explains, processing a client’s charge card, while Paul continues carving his latest flute.

“It’s a gift for my daughter,” the buyer says. “She’ll love to play this flute. But, really, it’s a wor of art.”

You’ll encounter many shops in this short, easy-to-traverse passageway, but towards the end and slightly around a corner, do visit Las Comadres, a local women’s co-op gallery showcasing seven members’ paintings, prints, cards, fabric art and designer clothing.

The members volunteer at the shop, and one such watercolor artist, Karin McCurtain-Blair, may be there to show not only her own paintings and cards, but also provide a quick tour of the small, color-filled gallery and shop.

You’ll find scrumptious fooderies at both ends of the John Dunn Shops, and entry-exits that will take you to the parking lot and convenient public restrooms, to Bent Street shops and parking, or to Taos Plaza. Happy strolling, happy browsing and shopping.

Stop on by...

op.cit Bookstore

124A BENT STREET, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/OP-CIT-BOOKS 575-751-1999

Coyote Moon

120 BENT STREET, SUITE C, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/COYOTE-MOON 575-613-6716

Café Sagrado

124 BENT STREET, SUITE F, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/CAFE-SAGRADO 575-758-2840

Kokopelli Flutes of Taos

120 BENT ST TAOS TAOS.ORG/PLACES/KOKOPELLI-FLUTES-OF-TAOS 575-377-5017

Las Comadres

120 SUITE G, BENT STREET, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/LAS-COMADRES-GALLERY 575-737-1023

We offer a curated selection of unique antiques, art, jewelry, African beads, books, records, collectables, rare mineral specimens, handmade textiles, select pottery, all-natural local soaps, salves, balms, and essential oil based incense and perfumes. We also carry select antique and imported furniture and rugs.

he Town of Taos Tourism and Marketing Department has partnered with New Mexico United on a project melding art, fashion and sports within and beyond the Taos community.

New Mexico United announced the partnership on Saturday March 25 at the annual Black and Gold Bash hosted at Electric Playhouse in Albuquerque in front of a dedicated fan base, revealing the new Visit Taos x New Mexico United Velocity Kit. The turquoise-colored apparel is grouped collectively as “Turquoise Takeover,” which is a celebration of one of New Mexico's crown jewels.

“The Town of Taos is honored to partner with an organization that believes in the power of community and embraces the unique culture and people of Taos and New Mexico. This partnership allows Taos to share our stories with the rest of New Mexico and the expansive world of soccer. We look forward to 2023,” said Karina Armijo, Town of Taos Marketing and Tourism director.

The promotional video for the “Turquoise Takeover” makes nods toward certain Taos County landmarks, both physical and cultural: Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, The Greater World Earthship Community and the junior varsity Taos Tigers soccer team all make appearances in the under-2-minute promo video. Head coach Hafid Valencia makes a cameo in the video, along with other known Taos residents, and lends his visage on the seller's website, where he dons a New Mexico United monogrammed hoodie.

Former Taos Tiger Wyatt Lawson Hall, who is now the production manager at Electric Playhouse, produced all the sounds in the video, save for the vocal parts. Hall was asked by someone in the organization if he could make the music for it since he’s originally from Taos.

“I feel so much gratitude. To have grown up in Taos, and to see this imagery, with these people, for this cause and with this organization ... this moment in time is unreal to me,” Hall said. "To be included in a project with such a hard-working and talented team will forever be a blessing.”

To check out the Taos inspired apparel:  shop.newmexicoutd.com/collections/turquoise-takeover.

Green Economy

Recreational cannabis is booming in NM — here’s what’s on offer in Taos

Taos’s adult-use recreational and medical cannabis scene is an embarrassment of riches. The town currently boasts eight dispensaries. That’s roughly one headshop per 800 heads — twice as many dispensaries as pharmacies!

At each dispensary, you’ll be greeted by a friendly staffer (bring your ID), and the highest quality indica, sativa, hybrid and CBD flower and pre rolls, much of which is produced by local growers. You’ll also find a huge selection of vape pens and cartridges, edibles, tinctures, topicals and accessories.

Although it’s impossible to go wrong, subtle differences set some dispensaries apart from others. Likewise, some customers are loyal to one store or a favorite budtender, while others prefer to sample the wares more omnivorously. Either way, here’s a quick guide to procuring your supply in the Sangre de Cristo high country.

Rocky Mountain Cannabis

Established in 2009, Rocky Mountain Cannabis began as a medical dispensary in Cañon City, Colo. Today, Rocky Mountain Cannabis operates nine Colorado stores and 10 locations in New Mexico. The Taos store is particularly well-stocked in the edible department. Many customers recommend the Wyld gummies, available in CBN, CBD and CBG formulations. Also, be sure to join their rewards program, and check their website for daily specials. Rocky Mountain Cannabis’ high-energy and knowledgeable staff is another plus for this convenient, plaza-adjacent dispensary.

Southwest Cannabis

Dreamz Dispensary

Southwest Cannabis is Taos’s oldest dispensary in operation. It is also the only outlet to weather the transition from medical-only to recreational marijuana programs. Medical patients and recreational users alike will reap the benefits of Southwest Cannabis’ trailblazing status in the business. Its staff consistently receives raves for their professional, easygoing manner (customers single out budtenders Marcos and Yesenia as especially knowledgeable). Reviewers also praise the store’s “on-point” flower, “easy in, easy out” service and “great distillates.”

OSO Cannabis Company

OSO Cannabis Company wants to be your new favorite stop for clean, New Mexico grown weed. Established here in the land of enchantment, OSO offers top-shelf edibles, flower and other goodies to medical and recreational customers. The store also provides resources for those seeking a medical card. Be sure to check their informative website for a comprehensive list of medical conditions that THC is effective in treating. At OSO, you can be rest assured that all products meet the highest standards of quality.

Dreamz Dispensary, located on the southside behind Subway, is a strong favorite with locals for their fantastic selection of potent flower, edibles and personalized service. In fact, many Google reviewers claim that Dreamz is the best dispensary in town. Budtenders Chris and Debbie receive top marks, as does the physical location’s clean, easy to navigate layout. So whether you’re a seasoned toker, or just seeking something nonpsychoactive for pain relief, Dreamz has you covered. Customers who enroll in their rewards program receive four grams of weed free after earning 300 points.

Taos Cannabis Company

A satellite shop to Southwest Cannabis, Taos Cannabis Company, formerly the Co-op, is a locally sourced retailer serving the recreation and medical cannabis communities of New Mexico. Their spacious, bright and clean showroom is packed to the gills with primo herb, edibles and every other conceivable method of THC and cannabinoid delivery. “Rachelle is the

Please Consume Responsibly | For use only by adults 21 and older | Keep out of reach of children | This product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. FDA has not evaluated this product for safety, effectiveness, and quality | Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery while under the influence of cannabis | There may be long term adverse health effects from consumption of cannabis, including additional risks for women who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Ship Shape

Taos is defined by a paradox. It’s a community with living traditions as ancient as any in America. It’s also been a magnet for visionaries, for those seeking new beginnings in art and life. The most visible icons of that spirit of experimentation are the Earthships. Visitors can experience this form of radical architecture, or “biotecture,” at the Greater World Earthship Community on Taos Mesa.

Earthships are the creation of Michael Reynolds, who moved to Taos as a recent architecture school graduate in 1969. Resisting a culture of disposability, Reynolds began to design homes built of recycled or “upcycled” materials — “garbage.” His first structures used bricks fashioned out of tin cans and discarded steel. Reynolds ultimately settled on used tires — packed tightly with soil — as his building blocks. The Earthship Community homes are built with these rammed-earth tires, which weigh up to 300 pounds each.

It makes for the off-grid structure par excellence. Each Earthship has tire walls on three sides — some homes are built into the Earth itself. But the south side of each is lined with windows. Between the thermal mass of the thick walls and the southern exposure, the Earthship is heated by the Sun’s warmth alone. Comfortable temperatures are maintained without electric heat, fossil fuel or woodstoves.

Earthships offer an eco-alternative lifestyle on the outskirts of Taos

arthships are thoroughly selfsufficient. Solar panels are installed — providing all the power the home needs. Rainwater and snowmelt are collected from the Earthship’s roof and stored in cisterns, meeting the home’s water needs. And the commitment to repurposing waste applies to the Earthship itself. Used gray water flows into “botanical cells” in the home’s sunlit southern areas. There, plants use the water, and clean it — until the water can be pumped, on-demand, to toilet tanks. Toilet water itself flows into an outdoor septic tank, where overflow sustains landscaping

Some Earthships even produce their own food. The southern portion is transformed into a greenhouse, and gray water grows herbs and vegetables. The Earthship Community visitor center features these crops. In the newest Earthships, fish are raised in “aqua-botanical” systems.

The design’s rigorous pragmatism is balanced by a playfulness, even a whimsy, in the finishing touches. Walls are completed with adobe mud and painted plaster — there are turrets and towers, cupolas and domes, in forms that bulge and swell. Colored bottles are embedded in the tire-brick walls — creating a rustic, DIY stained glass.

The Earthship Community is open every day for self-guided exploration, but guided tours are available on weekends. Guides explain Earthship principles in the “Earthship Academy Classroom,” and then lead visitors to sites around the community — including the locale’s first Earthship and structures both

simple and elaborate. This place is also, of course, a living community — home for dozens of households.

Reynolds and the Earthships are Taos originals — but they’ve become global ambassadors for a Taos sensibility. Earthships have been built across Europe and Canada, and from Central America to South Africa.

Stay the Night

You and your crew can experience life inside an Earthship for a night — or a week. Earthship Nightly

Rentals offers guests fully furnished accommodations in an Earthship on Taos Mesa west of town.

Call 575-751-0462 for reservations.

Earthship Visitor Center

2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras 575-613-4409

earthshipbiotecture.com

Desert Flower

Rustic

The Desert Flower hotel is a welcome and overdue addition to Taos’ boutique hotel scene. While no one hotel can be all things to all guests, the Desert Flower comes fairly close, filling an important niche previously lacking in the town’s small but competitive hospitality ecosystem.

Desert Flower is the type of establishment locals can confidently recommend to friends who gravitate towards design-oriented hotels like the El Rey Court in Santa Fe and the Ace Hotel. At the same time, Desert Flower’s seven rooms — two of which feature gorgeous copper soaking tubs — offer refinement and luxury at a price

charm meets simple sophistication in this new boutique hotel

that’s accessible to most travelers.

Desert Flower is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Jody and Xochitl Wodrich and reflects the couple’s blend of sophisticated, cosmopolitan vibes and authentic Northern New Mexican charm. According to Jody, “I’ve traveled to 96 different countries for my former work in marketing. I've seen so many hotels, from the five-stars to the smaller hotels, and there are the things that you stop and notice. We made sure we had those types of amenities, whether it's the high-quality bedding, pillows and sheets, or the deluxe, puffy towels. You know, things that make you say, ‘Oh, this is nice. This feels good.’” Xochitl was born in Albuquerque and

spent time in Las Vegas. In addition to her New Mexico roots, she brings years of experience as a buyer in the fashion industry.

Jody and Xochitl’s story began in 2001 when they met on the porch of a mutual friend’s house. The two became fast friends and eventually started dating. Today, the couple are married with three boys, all of whom help with the hotel, making the Desert Flower a true “mom and pop” business. Their oldest son planted the trees that will someday provide fruit for guests to pick. The couple also plans to sell homemade jams and preserves on premises once the fruit trees mature.

Jody and Xochitl’s original idea was to open a glamping site on NM 110; however, many neighbors expressed concerns, and the project grew contentious. Whereas others might have been discouraged, the Wodriches took everything in stride. “Honestly, it was a blessing to get so much feedback,” Xochitl says, “because we learned so much about the community, their needs and their concerns about growth and sustainability.”

Plans for the Desert Flower hotel began when the couple drove by the vacant property on NM 68. Jody drew up a blueprint that added privacy to the classic roadside motel concept. After extensive renovations, Desert Flower became what it is today: an old adobe building with thick walls and vigas ceilings, but with a sleek, modern look.

Jody recalls working long days, putting in “sweat equity” beside his team of local contractors. “Everything in

Bridging Miles

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss remind us of the power of music

That summer, “Whole Lotta Love” was playing on repeat. The blistering track from Led Zeppelin's second album contains some of Robert Plant's most erotic lyrics, based on a Muddy Waters rendition of a Willie Dixon song, called "You Need Love," where Waters sings:

I ain't foolin', you need schoolin' Baby, you know you need coolin' Woman, way down inside

Straight from the bean to your cup

At Taos Roasters, we have a passion for great-tasting coffee. Here amid the soul-stirring vistas of New Mexico s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we import beans from the world s g process to deliver you coffee that s always rich, smooth, and aromatic—never bitter.

Served at these fine establishments:

Cid s Food Market

Mabel Dodge Luhan House

Inn on La Loma

Old Taos Guesthouse

Martyrs Steakhouse

Carson Cafe & Grocery

Taos Food Coop

Taos Cow

Elevation Coffee

Noulas Coffee Shop

Lambert s of Taos

Dixon Coop

New in Taos

Five new restaurants make the scene

—here are the reviews

Blue Deer Barbeque

For being so close to the barbecue capitol of the world (Texas), Taos has been relatively lacking in the smoked meat department in recent years. But worry no more — true Texas barbecue has made its way to Taos in the form of Blue Deer Barbeque, which features Texas-style smoked brisket, pork, ribs and more.

Don’t expect to order a regular barbecue sandwich, however. Blue Deer has brought a typical Texas barbeque menu to Northern New Mexico, with meats ordered by the pound, and sides — like coleslaw, potato salad and freshly made desserts — available upon request.

All the sauces are made in house (the blueberry BBQ sauce is one to try!) and owners Antonio and Megan Narro acknowledge their native heritage by serving the meat alongside fluffy, traditional Native fry bread.

Keeping in tradition with their home state of Texas, the food is done when it’s done, so make sure to get there early!

Blue Deer Barbeque

832 PASEO DE PUEBLO SUR, TAOS

575-240-1567

TAOSFOODHALL.COM

NOSA Restaurant & Inn

For those up for a short drive to Rio Arriba County, NOSA Restaurant and Inn awaits visitors with an eclectic fine-dining menu — and a place to hang one’s hat. Chef Graham Dodds found himself in Ojo Caliente after leaving the Dallas restaurant scene, where he spent years in fine dining.

Settling for a more relaxed lifestyle, Dodds decided to open NOSA, which is a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients paired with a relaxing atmosphere and laidback vibe (fireplaces serve as the televisions in the four rentable rooms).

If you plan to make the trip, also plan on making a reservation, as NOSA caters to a select number of guests during the three days per week they are open. NOSA is currently serving five-course prix fixe dinners on Fridays and Saturdays, lunch on Sundays and a daily breakfast for guests of the inn. All seatings require reservations.

NOSA Restaurant & Inn

49 RANCHO DE SAN JUAN, OJO CALIENTE 505-753-0881 NOSANM.COM

Golden Piñon

After the longtime and well-loved Taos Diner shut its doors in September 2022, many tourists and regulars wondered where they could find the Northern New Mexico breakfast staples they have come to know and love. Luckily for diners seeking a familiar and comforting meal akin to the former diner’s classics, they can now find similar menu items just a few miles north of the diner’s previous location.

Chef and owner Jaime Saenz, who worked for over 15 years running the kitchen of Taos Diner, has opened his own establishment just north of the Old Blinking Light, in the complex that houses Quail Ridge Taos. Patrons can find menu items like corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, omelets smothered in green chile and more.

A testimonial from Matt B. on the restaurant’s website reads “This was one of the best breakfasts I’ve had anywhere. Scratch chicken fried steak, implausibly huge breakfast burritos, maybe the friendliest service I’ve had anywhere this year. I’d move to New Mexico just to make this a weekly stop.”

Golden Piñon

88 NM 150, El Prado 575-776-3202

GOLDEN-PINON.BUSINESS.SITE

Sabor Real Restaurante

While there is no shortage of New Mexican restaurants in Taos, finding one that has authentic red and green chile (an often-heated debate) can be hard. But look no further than Sabor Real, which opened its doors to the public in November 2022.

Chef and owner Jose Real is no stranger to Northern New Mexican and Mexican cuisine. He operated Rita’s Mexican Food — which later became Toribio’s — before selling the business. Now, Rael finds himself back in the kitchen with his family by his side.

The cozy streetside restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Sabor Real Restaurante

226 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS 575-758-4910

Ranchos Real

The Ranchos Plaza Grill is a Taos tradition of food and family

Clocals alike return to Ranchos Plaza Grill to savor the Medina family’s homestyle culinary traditions. “We don’t put fifteen ingredients in our chile,” Adam says. “Instead, our dishes are still prepared exactly like my father and his mother made them.”

Medina’s authentic Northern New Mexico soul food is served in a historic adobe building filled with folk art and located adjacent to the nationally landmarked San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. On weekends, be sure to arrive early — it’s not unusual for customers to wait, especially on Sundays after church.

Despite his family background in the culinary arts, Medina did not always want to be a chef. After graduating from high school in Taos where he was born and raised, he began studying at UNM–Albuquerque to become a doctor. Adam admits he wasn’t feeling the pre-med path, so he returned to Taos to help with the family catering business. He also became associated with the American Culinary Federation’s local chapter. These experiences inspired a move to Los Angeles to attend the L.A. Culinary Institute. Adam absorbed the basics, such as how to make stock and classic French mother sauces. In his required business

courses, Adam learned culinary math, or how to price out a recipe for quantity. “The restaurant business has a slim profit margin, so this skill is essential,” Adam notes.

After culinary school, Adam and his wife Raelynn returned to Taos to start their family. In 2000, Adam helped his father, who passed away two years ago, achieve his dream of opening a restaurant. The Medinas found the space that the restaurant occupies today and outfitted it with kitchen equipment bought at auction. A few staffers from the early days still work at the restaurant alongside Adam’s sons Adam Jr. and Alejandro, and his daughter Alyssa, a licensed clinical psychologist. A true family affair, Ranchos Plaza Grill even has an on-site apartment where Adam’s two young granddaughters, Aleena and Eliana can hang out. “I never knew having grandchildren would change my life so

much, but it has,” Adam gushes.

Backstory aside, Ranchos Plaza Grill’s main attraction is the food. Customers rave about the Carne Adovada, charred to perfection on a flat-top grill. Red and green chiles are simmered in a rich, homemade pork stock (vegetarian green chile is also available). Word of Adam’s delicious stuffed sopaipillas caught the ear of celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The restaurant was featured on his show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” For Lent, Adam offers specials such as fish tacos and torta de huevo, a traditional New Mexican easter dish. Although the restaurant does not serve alcohol, Medina points out that “you can drink a Corona anywhere in the world, but you can only get our food here.”

Like almost all restaurants nationwide, Ranchos Plaza Grill was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam had to shutter the dining room

and temporarily move to a carry-out only model. Returning to pre-pandemic levels of staffing and daily operations has presented additional challenges. During some high-volume times, the restaurant is too busy to offer carry-out — customers are advised to call ahead to see if they can accommodate take-out orders. Nonetheless, Adam remains upbeat about the restaurant’s future, which someday may be in the hands of his kids and grandchildren.

Above all, he expresses gratitude to his loyal customers: “Without our true local community support since day one, we wouldn’t be here today.”

At CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center, our expert radiation and hematology oncologists work closely together to deliver superior cancer care in our community. We have the only comprehensive cancer center in Northern New Mexico, with advanced technology, an infusion center, radiation, imaging and access to additional Supportive Care Services, such as nutritional guidance, social work, acupuncture, oriental medicine, massage therapy and palliative care. And, as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which grants our experts access to Mayo Clinic second opinions, only CHRISTUS St. Vincent ensures patients receive the best cancer care and resources, right here, close to home.

Headquartered on the Rio Grande between Santa Fe and Taos, New Wave Rafting runs trips on both the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. The Grande offers spectacular views of the towering gorge and the Chama winds through multi-colored sandstone cliffs.

Opening day was March 19 and Runyon’s River Guides are trained for three full weeks, which includes requirements to pass water safety and emergency exercises. New Wave can generally accommodate customers who schedule 24 hours in advance. Sixty percent of their business comes from returning customers and many come from word-of-mouth, which is indicative of the experience that New Wave offers.

Hiking Taos

Sage advice and solid 411 on hiking in Northern New Mexico

One early summer morning, a friend and I were hiking quietly on a trail in southern Taos County. We crested a hill to see a creature sitting on the trail in front of us. Was it a cat, a dog, a coyote? The furry spotted creature looked at us for a minute and then disappeared into the woods. As we tried to figure out what we’d seen, the answer came to me — it

Although bobcats live in different habitats all over New Mexico, they are elusive and usually nocturnal, so not often seen by humans. This unexpected brush with natural beauty left me with a sense of awe and wonder. This feeling is one of the reasons I believe we go into nature.

Northern New Mexico is the enchanted land of both desert and high alpine landscapes. Near Taos, mesa trails meander through arid lands and have spectacular views into river gorges, along with the chance to see big horn sheep or glimpse ancient rock carvings known as petroglyphs. At higher altitudes, hikes follow rivers and streams through cool forests. By midsummer, the hillsides are bursting with blue columbine and other wildflowers. Tall mountain peaks beckon. You may see deer, elk, big horn sheep, or possibly even a bobcat.

In Northern New Mexico there is beauty, solitude, challenge and fun to be found

on the trails for beginning as well as expert hikers. A hike is a great way to spend time with family and friends and learn about the area.

Here’s an introduction to how to get started and stay safe, along with suggestions on trails to visit, gear and how to avoid hazards.

Getting Started

If you are visiting or new to town and coming from a lower elevation, be sure to allow some time to adjust to the altitude before attempting to climb a high peak. Taos is located at approximately 7,000 feet and some of the mountain trails climb above 12,000 feet. It’s best to begin with a few lowaltitude hikes like the Rio Grande West Rim trail at 6,900 feet (trailhead just west of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge) or the Rift Valley Trail at a similar elevation (trailhead south of town).

Work up to higher elevation trails by exploring those south of town, like Amole Canyon at 8,300 feet, and then hike the first sections of the trails such as Yerba, Manzanita, and Italianos Canyons on the way to the Taos Ski Valley.

Hiking Safely

The safest way to hike is to go with at least one other person and let someone know when you are expected back. Be sure to read about the hike in advance so that you know what to expect and bring a map and compass with you and know how to use them. GPS is great to have but doesn’t always work well in mountain situations.

Get oriented at the trailhead so you know which direction to head if you get lost. Check weather conditions to see if rain or thunderstorms are expected that day. Be prepared to get wet even if rain isn’t predicted. The weather at high altitudes can be sudden and unpredictable.

If you are lost or hurt, try to send out a text and have someone call Taos County Dispatch (575-758-2216) or 911 in case of an emergency. Taos Search and Rescue will be contacted by dispatch.

There are apps available for iPhones and Androids that allow you to share your location if you have a cell signal. If you are going out of cell range frequently, you might consider a GPS device that shares your location and can send out an emergency signal. Typically, these devices must be purchased and then an on-going or time-limited subscription is needed.

Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak is the tallest point in the state at 13,161 feet and is a popular destination for locals and visitors. Ideally, you would spend several months training for this hike by starting out on lower elevation trails and gradually increasing the elevations of your destinations.

There are two ways to approach the peak. The most popular is the approach from the Williams Lake side (Carson National Forest Trail #62), which is steeper and faster with mileage of approximately 4.5 miles one way and elevation gain of almost 3,000 feet. The other approach up Bull of the Woods/Wheeler Peak Trail

(CNF #90) begins at the Taos Ski Valley base and covers 8.2 miles in a more gradual ascent, which gains 3,760 feet.

During the summer, there is always a chance of storms that can bring rain and hail, along with thunder and lightning. Aim to be off the top by noon. Although this is a popular hike, don’t underestimate the steepness, the physical demands of reaching the top and the importance of good rain gear.

Avoiding Hazards

Too much sun/dehydration — With close to 300 days of sun per year, chances are your summer hike will be in the sun, for at least part of the day. Plan to visit the desert trails early in the day or in the evening or on cooler days. These trails generally have little

water than you think you’ll drink, especially if you are hiking with your dog who will need to stay hydrated too.

Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, confusion, fatigue and muscle cramps. If anyone in your group shows signs of heat exhaustion, get them out of the sun into the shade. Lay them down and give them cool water or drinks with electrolytes.

Lightning/monsoons — Beginning usually towards the end of June or in early July, a weather pattern called monsoons can bring rain and hail along with lightning. Be aware of dark clouds moving your way and a change in the wind. Leave high mountain peaks and exposed ridges and seek shelter at lower elevations.

Altitude sickness — Altitude sickness can affect anyone starting at 6,500 feet, even those in good shape. Strenuous exercise can make it worse. If you are out hiking and experience headaches, fatigue, stomach upset or dizziness, return to lower elevations and rest. Be sure to hydrate and limit alcohol and sugar, as they can be dehydrating.

— Although not often seen,

a rattlesnake on or near a trail, back off and give it plenty of room to escape. Sturdy hiking boots and long pants will help protect you. Keep your dogs close to prevent them from disturbing a snake.

Mountain lions, bears and bobcats — Also not commonly seen, the mountain lion lives in the forested regions near Taos. If you ever see one, again, give it room to escape. Keep children and pets near you when you hike. Black bears also live here. They are usually not aggressive, so stay back if you spot one and be aware of any cubs in the area. Bobcats are small and usually not a danger to humans.

Hypothermia — Hypothermia can occur even in the summer months, if you are exposed to wet, cold or windy conditions. The body loses heat faster than it can generate and, in extreme cases, the heart, lungs and other body systems cannot function properly, and the condition can lead to death. The signs can include shivering, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue and fast heartbeat. It is important to get anyone showing these signs to a warm protected place. Cold clothing should be removed, the person covered with blankets and warmed slowly with a fire. Avoid hypothermia by bringing rain gear and a change of clothing with you when you hike. If you see weather moving in at high elevations, seek cover and move lower.

100%

for community projects and scholarships throughout its service territory. Kit Carson Electric Cooperative

Red River

RED RIVER IS A PICTURESQUE

small town with a mile-long main street lined with shops, restaurants, motels, a brewery and more. The tiny hamlet — at an elevation of 8,750 feet — offers cool mountain air, bright blue skies and plenty of access to the great outdoors.

Though the town began as a gold, silver and copper mining outpost, visitors today can score a different kind of treasure — epic outdoor adventure. Vacationers can ride off road vehicles, hike, fish, ride horseback, zip line or go tubing in one of the most beautiful places on earth — the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Red River also hosts a dizzying number of annual events, including a Memorial Day motorcycle rally, an arts & wine festival, a Fourth of July parade, a Bluegrass and BBQ festival and a full-blown Oktoberfest celebration.

Red River tourism REDRIVER.ORG

Enchanted Forest Cross Country Area

ENCHANTEDFORESTXC.COM

575-754-6112

Red River Ski & Summer Area

REDRIVERSKIAREA.COM

575-754-2223

Taos Pueblo

THE RED WILLOW PEOPLE

of Taos Pueblo have called the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains home for more than 1,000 years. It’s the oldest continually inhabited community in the U.S., a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Visitors to this historic place will find colorful shops offering Native-made handcrafted works — from jewelry to pottery to paintings. All sales are tax-free.

A guided tour of Taos Pueblo is highly recommended. Tours touch on the highlights of the culture, history and people of the region, and last 20-30 minutes.

The pueblo prohibits photographing tribal members without their permission. Any photographs taken must be for personal use only. Adult admission is $16, student/ group admission is $14, and children under 10 are free.

Arroyo Seco

LOCATED NEAR THE foot of El Salto Mountain, the village of Arroyo Seco sits north of Taos along NM 150 — the main road to Taos Ski Valley. You can feel the sense of community and creativity in the shops, boutiques, galleries and eateries that line the main street of this charming village.

Hungry visitors can eat at Sol Food Market and Café, Abe’s Cantina y Cocina, ACEQ, Sabroso Restaurant & Bar, The Wake & Take Café and Taos Cow. Shoppers will find unique offerings at Arroyo Seco Mercantile,Claire Works, Fine Art New Mexico, Logan Wannamaker Pottery, Parse Seco, Rottenstone Pottery, Santos y Más and Marigolds.

Be sure to check out La

Taos Ski Valley

ADVENTURE-SEEKERS

can take NM 150 to the end of the road, where the Village of Taos Ski Valley offers an ideal base for Rocky Mountain activities — all under the shadow of Wheeler Peak, the highest elevation in the state.

Visitors can hike, bike, fish and camp among spectacular cool mountain forests. For something truly memorable, explore the landscape on the Via Ferrata, a climbing course featuring a metal wire bridge.

Taos Ski Valley started as a timber and mining operation before Swiss-German ski pioneer Ernie Blake began developing the area for tourism in the 1950s. Today, TSV offers visitors boutique shops, fine dining, a spa and wellness center and so much more.

Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce

800-517-9816

TAOSSKIVALLEY.COM

Taos Ski Valley

SKITAOS.COM

Questa

JUST HALF AN HOUR

north of Taos, the Village of Questa is the northern gateway to the Enchanted Circle. The town was host to a mineral mine for a century, and now is known for its radical adoption of solar energy.

Artists and outdoorsmen have been drawn to Questa forever, given its access to pristine alpine forests and the mighty Rio Grande. Adventurers can also visit the Rinconada Loop Trail, Columbine Canyon, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and Cabresto Canyon.

In the heart of Questa is the San Antonio de Padua Church, which was built soon after the village was established

in 1842. The historic adobe structure was renovated in 2006 by volunteer artists and craftspeople.

Along with a number of restaurants and shops, Questa offers visitors a short walking tour of the town, featuring plaques with regional history and fun facts.

Village of Questa

QUESTA-NM.COM

575-586-0694

Questa Tourism

VISITQUESTA.COM

575-586-2258

Carson National Forest Ranger Station

575-586-0520

BLM Wild Rivers Visitors C enter

575-586-1150

Angel Fire

EAST OF TAOS lies Angel Fire, appropriately named by the nomadic Moache Utes. When the Utes looked up from their valley home at the flickering sun radiating from the tip of Agua Fría Peak, they labeled the place the “fire of the gods.”

Today, visitors can golf, ride horseback, fish, zip line and mountain bike. The top-rated Angel Fire Bike Park offers more than 100 miles of downhill and cross-country trails for every level of bike rider. The trails tie into the National Forest trail network, including the popular South Boundary Trail.

Angel Fire’s restaurants, from fine dining to coffee shops, are all locally owned and operated, serving up some of the best Northern New Mexico has to

offer. There’s a summer concert series in Frontier Park and an annual classical music festival — Music from Angel Fire.

On Father’s Day weekend, the town hosts a hot-air balloon festival, and on Memorial Day, a flag march and ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

angelfirenm.gov

2nd–4th Music on the Mesa Fest TAOS MESA BREWING MOTHERSHIP

3rd Red River Car Show

RED RIVER

13th San Antonio Feast Day

TAOS PUEBLO

16th Father’s Day Fish Fest

EAGLE NEST

16th–18th Balloons over Angel Fire

ANGEL FIRE

16th–18th Red River Art & Wine Festival

RED RIVER

17th Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

KIT CARSON PARK

17th Christmas in June

EAGLE NEST

25th–29th Memorial MotorcycleDayRally RED RIVER

24th San Juan Feast Day TAOS

24th Dumpstaphunk live from New Orleans

M AY JUNE

AUG SEP

5th Nashville to NM

EAGLE NEST

12th

Enchanted Circle

Bicycle Tour

RED RIVER

12th Novalima live from Peru

TAOS MESA BREWING MOTHERSHIP

12th–13th

Questa Studio

Art Tour

QUESTA

17th–19th

Red River's

8750 BBQ & Music Festival

RED RIVER

17th–31st

Music From Angel Fire

ANGEL FIRE

6th–17th

Taos Fall Arts Festival

TAOS

7th–9th

Michael Hearne’s

Big Barn Dance

Music Festival

KIT CARSON PARK

9th

Bull of the Woods Trail Race

TAOS SKI VALLEY

15th–16th

The PASEO Festival

TAOS

28th–31st

Aspencade

RED RIVER

29th Fall Festival

EAGLE NEST

29th

San Geronimo

Eve Vespers

TAOS PUEBLO

30th

San Geronimo Day

TAOS PUEBLO

30th Angel Fire

Studio Tour

ANGEL FIRE

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