Home to the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling in the country, bohemians and tree huggers, Taos, NM has a remarkably complex culture that belies its modest size. The smaller, scruffier cousin to nearby glamourous Santa Fe could be dismissed as a “quick stop” kinda place, unworthy of an overnight stay. For those seeking a place of calm, contemplation and spiritual uplift and expansion, rest a spell in Taos, New Mexico.

Touring Taos: Sleep

Stay in the iconic Taos Inn. Located near numerous attractions, it charms with quintessential New Mexico style. Book a room in a courtyard casita to enjoy a quiet oasis with plenty of southwestern flair and garden views.

Rooms surround this courtyard at the Taos Inn.

Touring Taos: Eat

Doc Martin’s restaurant serves up delicious traditional New Mexican fare. Located off the lobby of the Taos Inn, Doc’s is an institution for locals and visitors alike. Reasonably priced, the dining space is comfortable with a blend of Western style, Native American arts, and Spanish Colonial. Flavorful, hearty portions arrive, festively colored with blue corn tortillas smothered in green and red chile sauces, and fresh garnishes. Local beers are on tap, as well as New Mexico’s own wines. Simply perfect. (Do not miss their incredible blueberry pancakes with berry butter!)

Chile Rellenos with Peppitas, rice, beans and an over-easy egg at Doc Martins, inside the Taos Inn.

The Alley Cantina is a hard to beat spot for lunch/ Happy Hour/ dinner/ a relaxing drink; a cozy-casual atmosphere, history and authentic southwestern fare make it a perfect stop just off the Plaza. Read their fascinating history printed on the menu. Enjoy live music most nights.

Chokola offers various cocoa elixir experiences in a stylish space that is comfortable and welcoming. Try a sampler trio from their chocolate mousse bar and you’ll wonder – where has this been all my life?

A flight of chocolate mousse at Chocola, in Taos.

Beer lovers will find two local craft breweries to enjoy, a short walk from the Plaza along Paseo Del Pueblo Norte:

• Eskes: This beer garden under tall cottonwoods is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a freshly brewed Chile Ale. Or sip inside the cute little house if you prefer. Simple pub fare is offered; Wanda’s Green Chile Stew is a flavorful vegetarian bowl of goodness.
• Taos Mesa Brewing Company: The in-town tasting room offers many rooms to perch for a fresh pint and a full meal or a snack. Pretty patios offer outdoor seating. Their dramatic main brewery is out of town on the way toward Taos Gorge (described in “See,” below).

Sampling some beer at Taos Mesa Brewing.

Touring Taos: See

Taos Plaza is a good place to orient your wanderings. Ringed by a variety of galleries, touristy shops, cafes, and historic markers. Time your visit right, and you may enjoy a farmer’s market or other special event. Sights worth a peek include:

• The La Fonda hotel contains the largest collection of risqué art by English author D. H. Lawrence.
• Wonderful WPA murals from the 1920s cover the walls of the old Taos County Courthouse.
• Of the many souvenir shops, “Made in New Mexico” offers only locally made crafts and a wide array of ingredients to cook up a storm later.

Pedestrian walkways allow you to wander and find more spots to visit, like the John Dunne complex. With shops, galleries and cafes, it is irresistibly picturesque.

Stop in and get to know local vendors at Taos’ courtyard shops.

Kit Carson Home and Museum up Kit Carson Road, offers a glimpse of frontier life and history. Window shop the contemporary art in the numerous galleries, and admire the courtyards and architecture.

Away from central Taos, drive to check out these nearby attractions:

• Hacienda Martinez: An impressive, fortress like adobe structure with rooms full of authentic local history. Learn about the stark truths of this region’s history. Fee charged.
  

  Hacienda Martinez’ kitchen – the way it was.

   

• Taos Pueblo: Continuously-inhabited for over 1,000 years, Taos Pueblo is a cultural treasure and still home to many native peoples – honor the visitation rules. Fee charged.
• San Francisco de Assis church: This thick-walled adobe church’s beautiful character begs to be photographed at every angle. Free.
  

  The San Francisco de Asis Church stands strong to this day, one of the major draws in Taos.

   

• Millicent Rogers Museum is housed in a residential setting. Admissions fees are a bit pricey, but lovers of Native American arts and southwestern style will find it rewarding.
• Taos Gorge: A dramatic natural wonder! Cross the bridge for the parking lot. Native American artists and local artisans often have tables set up to sell their wares. Walking to the bridge is a bit difficult through the scrub, but necessary to access the sidewalks and gaze into the gorge and listen to the Rio Grande river far below. Take the rim trail for a hike and enjoy the Gorge and sweeping landscape. Take water and wear a sunhat/ sunscreen – there is no shade. Restrooms are in the parking lot. Free.
  

  The Taos Gorge.

Attractions that require a bit longer drive include:

Arroyo Seco. Wander about the galleries and hollyhock-filled alleys and courtyards of this artsy village. For a snack or lunch, SOL Natural Market offers healthy and delicious bites. Nearby Taos Cow was voted New Mexico’s best ice cream, so enjoy a scoop!

Ski Taos, situated at the end of a narrow canyon at the base of Wheeler Peak (the state’s highest peak), is a small resort with a striking new hotel, The Blake, that offers a welcoming lodging experience and sophisticated onsite dining at 192 At The Blake. Enjoy seasonal outdoor pleasures like winter skiing and summer hiking.

Follow the Rio Grande river south toward Santa Fe to visit wineries like Black Mesa and La Chiripada (New Mexico’s oldest, also has a tasting room on Taos Plaza).

Rio Grande river rafting trips are seasonally available for those who want to experience the Gorge from a unique angle.

Visit DH Lawrence Ranch to learn more about this English author who so scandalized his native lands that he escaped to the bohemian community of Taos, and where he lies in rest.

Angel Fire Resort, just over the mountain pass, offers mountain biking trails and hiking trails in summer, and in winter there’s skiing, snowmobiling and other winter fun. (RV travelers will love their Five Star RV Resort!)

El Santuario de Chimayo in the nearby hills is a scenic and meaningful pilgrimage destination.

Taos is a place to unplug and relax. You can’t help but slow down and enjoy the simplicity, authenticity and rewards of this quiet place. — Story and photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough and James McDonough

Hungry for more? Discover other culinary travel treats that can be found throughout New Mexico, in this article.