Taos: Enchanting Landscapes & Artistic Heritage
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| Traditional Pottery1 |
Taos is well equipped for visitors so accommodation, restaurants and shops are plentiful and information on attractions and activities is readily available. Take an urban break: rejuvenate with a luxury spa holiday and enjoy cafes, galleries, museums and live music on the winding streets. Or reconnect with nature by exploring the surrounding landscape. Admire breathtaking views while skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding or from above on a hot air balloon ride.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Historical artifacts dating back 6,000 years have been found in Taos, relics from a time when nomadic hunter-gatherers left behind arrowheads, pottery and pictographs. The first permanent settlements were established 1,000 years ago when Pueblo First Nations people built adobe villages. Spanish explorers found these 'Cities of Gold' in 1540 and pioneers began settling the area. From that point forward, Taos' culture grew under a tangle of Pueblo, Spanish and Anglo influences.
The amazing landscape has long drawn artists from all over the world. Since the turn of the 20th century Taos has enjoyed status as a retreat and haven for celebrated artists of all mediums, including Ansel Adams, Willa Cather, Aldous Huxley, Georgia O'Keeffe and Thornton Wilder. Some of the many historic sites in the area include the homes of English novelist D. H. Lawrence and Scottish writer Alexander Trocchi.
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| Mustangs Grazing in a Meadow Near Taos2 |
Taos has a temperate climate, averaging about 80°F (25°C) during summer and 40°F (5°C) in winter. The city enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year; rain showers occur in July and August. The climate varies more with increasing altitude, so hikers and climbers should expect changeable conditions and dress in layers.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Taos is situated 135 mi (217 km) northeast of Albuquerque, where the nearest international airport, Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ), is located. Car rentals are available from the airport as well as regular shuttle services to Taos.
Santa Fe, 72 mi (116 km) from Taos, is the closest major city. Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) offers limited commercial flights from Dallas and Los Angeles. Two shuttle services operate between Santa Fe and Taos.
Taos is easily reached by road from Albuquerque. Simply drive north on Interstate 25 to Santa Fe, then take US Highway 285 to Espanola and finally Highway 68 to Taos.
Once in town, the easiest way to explore Taos is on foot or by renting a bike (mountain bikes are also available for those interested in exploring the surrounding landscape). The local bus service is very consistent and runs Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm and Sunday from 8am to 5pm.
Taxis are scarce in Taos and bookings often need to be made in advance so renting a car is usually preferable. Likewise, there is limited choice of car rental companies in Taos so many visitors choose to rent a vehicle in Albuquerque where prices are typically more competitive.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
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| The Architecture of Taos Pueblo3 |
Undoubtedly Taos' most popular attraction is the village of Taos Pueblo. This settlement has been populated by Pueblo First Nations people for 1,000 years. The 150 residents live in houses made entirely of adobe: sun-dried bricks made from water, earth and straw to form thick walls. Amazingly, the buildings appear much as they did when the first Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century.
The habitants of Taos Pueblo are determined to preserve their cultural heritage and many engage in creating traditional handcrafts, using techniques passed down through generations. The village is a living museum where visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history of Taos Pueblo as well as its contemporary culture.
Winter Sports
Cobalt skies and crisp mountain air entice downhill skiers to Taos' ten-thousand-feet-tall (3,000-m) peaks. Four resorts, Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski Area and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, challenge all levels of skiers. Beginners will appreciate gentle hills and quality ski schools, while daredevils can take on advanced runs with steep pitches and sheer drops. All resorts have a reputation for a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and family-oriented services.
A more serene setting in which to reconnect with nature is found at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Area. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop, endless trails wind through pine forests where visitors can catch glimpses of local wildlife. The trails, suited for walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, are groomed and patrolled.
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| A Snowboarder Explores Taos' Slopes4 |
In the 1800s, artists began settling in Taos and in the autumn of 1898, a serendipitous incident resulted in Taos being formally established as an art colony. American artists Ernest L. Blumenschein and Bert G. Phillips, having recently returned from studying in Paris, were traveling to sketch northern Mexico when their carriage wheel broke on a rocky road just outside of Taos. During the delay, both artists became captivated by the remarkable landscape and intriguing culture of the Taos people. They settled in the area and established the Taos Society of Artists. Today, artists make up 30 percent of Taos' population.
Originally, Taos art focused on practical handicrafts created by the Pueblo First Nations. Simple, strong design characterized moccasins, clothing, musical instruments and pottery. Though Taos artisans have preserved traditional designs and methods, they now also use sculpture, painting and jewelry as modern expressions of their traditional techniques. Exploring disciplines beyond painting and handicrafts, artisans have applied their methods to every conceivable medium. Visit one of the 80 galleries in town, or wander through local shops and stalls to see some of the unique and fascinating works produced by a culture with an unusually long and well-preserved history.
Museums
Taos' extensive history cannot be encompassed in a single museum but for art enthusiasts, the Harwood Museum of Art is a natural starting point. This second oldest art museum in the state houses a permanent collection that features the most holistic view of art in the area, beginning with aboriginal works, exploring traditional Hispanic art, featuring the craft of European colonists and including major American modernists. In addition, the museum offers dynamic exhibitions, lectures and tours.
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| Arts and Crafts on Display in an Open-Air Market5 |
The Blumenschein Home and Museum reveals the personal history of Ernest L. Blumenschein, a founder of the Taos Society of Artists, who formalized the rich artistic heritage of the area. This museum is well preserved, containing personal possessions, colonial antiques and family art, as well as works by other famous artists.
The Millicent Rogers Museum's original collections of Native American silver and turquoise jewelry and Navajo and Rio Grande weavings have grown to include traditional and contemporary arts, including pottery, paintings, sculpture and photography. This museum has extensive permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions and demonstrations.
La Hacienda de los Martinez is a late Spanish-Colonial home built in 1804 by Severino Martinez. This large adobe structure has 21 rooms surrounding two courtyards and became an important trading post along the Chihuahua Trail. The fortress-like home was constructed to deter attacks by Comanche and Apache raiders. It is one of the few Spanish haciendas that is open to the public in New Mexico.
If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Touring America's Southwest
• Albuquerque: Spirit of the Southwest
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Traditional Pottery at Taos Pueblo; Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
- Mustangs Grazing in a Meadow Near Taos; Taos, NM, USA
- The Architecture of Taos Pueblo; Taos Pueblo, NM, USA
- Snowboarding in Taos; Taos, NM, USA
- Arts and Crafts on Display in an Open-Air Market; Taos, NM, USA
