Trekking Through Taos, New Mexico
The landscape of Taos, New Mexico, which sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, attracts artists from across the world on the trail of drawing inspiration from nature. This makes for a town saturated with art galleries and boutiques where artists are inside to greet you and talk about their pieces. Other bonuses of a town that’s focused on creative synergy mean chains rarely survive. Locals will tell you it’s important to support the mom and pop style restaurants as well as hotels and bed and breakfasts that keep the local spirit rooted. Check out this video to see the Top 5 Things to do in Taos, New Mexico. Check out my photo journey of Taos, New Mexico. We also filmed a video showcasing the Top 5 Things to Do In Taos, New Mexico.
1. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Park your car on the southwest side of Highway 64 near the blue solar powered coffee bus. Walk along the bridge to take in sites overlooking the Rio Grande River that flows at the base of a deep canyon.
Insider Tip: Stop and shop for jewelry from street side vendors. We met a woman named Chile Flower, who lives on the Taos Pueblo Reservation, and has been making jewelry since she was a kid. She focuses on incorporating stones into her work, like turquoise, which passes on the power of healing.
2. Taos Mesa Brewing Company. Keep an eye out for this brewery that sits inside a repurposed airplane hangar on your way back into the city center from the Rio Grande Gorge Bride. On tap, find everything from a dark stout, hoppy IPA’s and sweet ciders. Live music takes the stage nightly.
3. San Franciso de Asis Church. The still active, adobe style church, is made of mud brick and timber. Walk inside to see original murals- but take note-photos are only allowed outside.
4. The Plaza. This is where Spanish settlers first came over 400 years ago.
Adobe structures sit around the entire park and are home to art galleries, boutiques, a hotel and restaurants.
5. Doc Martin’s Restaurant. Located inside the Historic Taos Inn, this restaurant is one of the more fine dining spots in Taos. Grab a margarita, like the I Need A Miracle- made with pomegranate liqueur, sweet and sour and milagro silver tequila. Top menu picks: The Green Chile and Doc’s Chile Relleno made with Anaheim Chile and topped with salsa fresca, pumpkin seeds and goat cheese cream.
Carri’s Catch: Stop at La Cueva Inn for chile rellenos and other New Mexican cuisine. Five tables sit among brightly colored yellow walls just off a few blocks from The Plaza. This is a spot that has it down when it comes to quick service and food that showcases local flavor with no frills attached.
Where to Stay: Palacio de Marquesa, part of the Heritage Hotel & Resort Collection, is an 8-room luxury boutique hotel where rooms are designed after remarkable women of the city. These include, Millicent Rogers, Mabel Dodge Luhan, Agnes Martin and Georgia O’Keeffe.
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Carri’s Catch: Stay inside the Socialite Suite 1. A large king silver colored canopy bed anchors the room that is centered by a hand carved wooden arch. A bright blue hand woven blanket runs across the bed drawing your eye to a window overlooking a garden and fountain. The room is bright white showcasing a clean and modern look. Two high-backed white leather chairs sit in front of a roaring fireplace, cuing relaxation. Touches of Taos are maintained with a wooden high beam ceiling, wood floors and landscape focused art. The room shares an enclosed patio with the adjoining suite. Come mornings; choose to have breakfast delivered in a basket or to be enjoyed in the main dining room.
This suite is designed after Millicent Rogers, a well-known New York City socialite who moved to Taos in 1947 after a break up with Clark Gable. There is also a museum in town showcasing her jewelry and art collection.
Address & Info
Palacio de Marques
405 Cordoba St.
- Room rates run between $160 – $300 a night depending on season and suite.
- The hotel is located about 6 blocks from the Taos Plaza, which is the core of the town and filled with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
