NM2007 - Area - Taos

Taos Mountain casts dramatic shadows and regally guards a destination that's best known for its azure skies and its wildly popular winter attraction: Taos Ski Valley. But with more than 80 art galleries, 10 museums, gourmet restaurants, the eminent Pueblo of Taos, and an abundance of outdoor activities, you can enjoy Taos any time of the year. Reflective of its multicultural heritage, locals speak three languages here: English, Spanish, and Tiwa, the Indian dialect of the Taos Pueblos.

Taos is synonymous with art. Its vibrant art colony has thrived for nearly a century. In 1898, artists Ernest Blumenschein and Bert Phillips broke a wagon wheel while passing through Taos. The men fell in love with the area and soon had homes here. They founded the respected Taos Society of Artists in 1912, the same year that New Mexico became a U.S. state.

The 1797 adobe Blumenschein Home and Museum is maintained as it was when "Blumy" and his family lived there, and it contains some original furnishings. His paintings are included with others of the first wave of Taos artists. Their outstanding depictions of the High Desert landscape and portraits of native people drew numerous visitors to New Mexico.
Information: (505) 758-0505.

Nicolai Fechin, Russian artist, moved to Taos in 1927. His 1880 farmhouse, now the Taos Art Museum, displays paintings by the Taos Society of Artists along with contemporary artists. The house contains his wonderfully elaborate woodcarvings. A workaholic, Fechin painted all day and began to carve as light faded.
Information: (505) 758-2690.

Among exhibits at the Harwood Museum of Art/University of New Mexico are rare retablos — handmade religious icons that were banned in the early 1800s by the French Bishop Lamy, who disliked the “crude” iconography. Many retablos were destroyed, which makes this collection all the more significant. Also featured are several works by abstract expressionist Agnes Martin, who lived in Taos for many years.
Information: (505) 758-9826.

The Millicent Rogers Museum pairs the wealthy fashionista's clothes and jewelry with her impressive accumulation of Hispanic art, native baskets, and textiles. This building has an original blood floor — animal blood mixed with mud — used in the days when wood was too expensive.
Information: (505) 758-2462.

Historic, narrow Ledoux Street, off the southwest corner of Taos Plaza, is a center for artists and patrons. In the galleries are sculptures, paintings, photography, and furnishings, both contemporary and traditional.

The Taos Spring Arts Celebration in May highlights art shows, gallery receptions, films, and culinary and performing arts. The Fall Arts Festival in September/October is the year’s biggest art show. The Wool Festival, in October, focuses on the state’s 400-year-old wool traditions with animal exhibits and weaving demonstrations.

Enjoy music in the mountains each summer in Taos. The Taos School of Music is one of the oldest and most respected summer chamber music programs in the country. Advanced students and performing/ teaching artists perform in the Chamber Music Festival, which runs mid-June to early August (June 11-Aug. 6, 2007).
Information: (505) 776-2388.

Go Back in Time

Situated on an early trade route, Taos has been the home of Taos Pueblo Indians for more than a thousand years. In 1540, the Spanish conquistador Coronado claimed the area for the King of Spain and the Spanish controlled the Taos Valley until they were driven out in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. When they returned, they introduced livestock, new fruits and vegetables, and acequias (irrigation ditches).

The Pueblo of Taos is the oldest continuously inhabited pueblo in North America. The ancient adobe buildings mimic the mountain ridges that rise grandly above them. A 30-minute guided tour takes visitors into San Geronimo church, along Red Willow Creek, and to the old cemetery. Many historical adobes now house gift shops with tempting jewelry, pottery, drums, and other handmade art.
Information: (505) 758-1028.

La Hacienda de los Martinez was an important trade center between northern New Mexico and Mexico City. Its 21 rooms and two courtyards offer a look at 1800s frontier life. Regularly scheduled demonstrations of arts and crafts continue New Mexico traditions.
Information: (505) 758-1000.

Taos Plaza, at 200 years old, and neighboring streets are the setting for a number of historical buildings.

Take in Natural Beauty

For nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, Taos is a feast. Here you can partake of mountain climbing, birding, swimming, llama treks, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobile tours, camping, rafting, fishing, balloon flights, and kayaking. In addition to spectacular scenery, hikers can explore petroglyphs, archaeological sites, and a variety of terrain and altitude.

The 78-mile-long stunning Rio Grande Gorge slices sharply through the Taos volcanic plateau. Its elevation ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Two recreation areas operated by the Bureau of Land Management are open year-round. At 650 feet high, the second-highest suspension bridge in the U.S. crosses the river.
Information: www.nm.blm.gov

Friendly and Casual

Throughout the calendar, Taos is a desirable destination. With friendly people and a casual atmosphere, it offers much. But beware — things don’t always happen on schedule because Taos lives on mañana time.

Stop at the Taos Visitors Center, 1139 Paseo del Pueblo Sur.
Information: (800) 732-8267.

GuestLife Don't Miss — Taos Pueblo

No one should miss the Pueblo of Taos. Lucky you, if you happen to be here on a feast day or other open celebrations that the pueblo has throughout the year. The pueblo is open daily but may close without warning for tribal business or funerals. Check first.

Each Sept. 30 is San Geronimo Feast Day. The day begins early with a men’s relay footrace. Late afternoon is the traditional pole climb, when ceremonial sacred clowns attempt to climb a tall, smooth pole. Visitors can purchase local foods and handmade crafts such as baskets, jewelry, and pottery. Always check pueblo rules before taking photographs as it is prohibited on feast days.
Information: (505) 758-1028.

GuestLife Discover — Mountain Man’s Home

Step into history as you view the home where Kit Carson lived with his third wife and children. Carson had a series of jobs, including trapper, scout, surveyor, and Indian agent. Unable to read or write, he spoke a number of languages, including perhaps a dozen Indian dialects.

The preserved home — where his eight children played and where he met with soldiers, traders, and politicians — contains artifacts and historical exhibits that demonstrate not only Carson's life story but offers a look into what rugged frontier life was like.
Information: (505) 758-4613.