Taos is one of the last remaining hippy-dippy, artist communities that hasn’t been completely gentrified by the big city slickers. Don’t get me wrong, there’s fine dining but if you’re wearing stilettos and designer duds you’re going to get a few dirty looks. Taos is known as an artist community (art geeks remember the Taos Society of Artists), ski-bum haven, biker (motor and mountain) rendezvous, with a little Taos woooooo-hoooooo vibe thrown in for good measure. Oh, did I mention it’s only a scenic 53 mile drive from Santa Fe making it the perfect escape from a community that attracts artists, politicians, celebrities, cowboys, polyamorous (pro-tip: if you find yourself single and in Santa Fe it’s advisable to ask upfront if they are married, poly, ENM or whatever else you can imagine) and is a suburb to Texans/Coloradans.
Taos is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and was founded in 1615 after the Spanish Conquest of surrounding Indian Pueblo Villages. This area is rich with history, and every trip I learn something new about the area. The Taos Pueblo was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 to give you a little idea of the cultural importance of this area. For the art addicts like me, in 1899 artists started settling in Taos and in 1915 six of these artists formed Taos Society of Artists which boasts Ernest Blumenschein, Bert Phillips, Joseph Henry Sharp, E. Irving Couse, Oscar E. Berninghaus, W. Herbert Dunton as its founders. Talk about a powerhouse of artists – in the corporate culture this would have ended in Game of Thrones, instead Taos became the epicenter for artists dedicated to this distinct American school of painting capturing the spirit of the land and natives. To this day Taos is still attracting artists from around the world drawn by the otherworldly feeling you have when you are there.
Summer and Autumn are two of my favorite times to take a day trip or weekend stay. The Kit Carson Park provides one of the most magical atmospheres for a summer concert and they attract some pretty phenomenal musicians (Sting, Robert Plant, Avett Brothers, Dwight Yoakam anyone?). It also has a bevy of bed and breakfasts, Inn’s, hotels and other lodging alternatives that provide a place to unwind and rest your weary overstressed head that are a short walk from the heart of downtown Taos.
My personal favorite is El Monte Sagrado which is part of The Heritage Hotel Group. It’s located a short walk off the plaza, has lush grounds with gorgeous landscaping and rooms/casitas that reflect the spirt of Taos. From the moment you arrive at the valet and walk through the portal under the antler chandeliers you know you’ve arrived in mystical Taos. The experience continues with a very civilized check-in where you can sit and are offered a bottle of water while they complete the transaction. Once you are shown to your room (yes, they actually escort you instead of haphazardly handing over your keys and pointing in the direction of your room) it’s time to explore the many facets of this property or just enjoy a glass of wine on your patio whilst wondering how you ended up being so lucky in life.
My favorite things about El Monte Sagrado:
- The rooms are comfortably appointed, have great bathrooms (you won’t be crammed into a shower the size of a small closet) and most have views or patios/balconies of the grounds. The ambience reflects the spirit of Taos with a contemporary rustic vibe or world eclectic depending on your room selection. They are spacious and comfortable to hang out in and unwind or have friends over for a game of cards or bottle of wine. The rooms are also equipped with mini refrigerators so you can store snacks, beverages etc. for the midnight munchies. Taos is a sleepy town that pretty much shuts down by 9 pm so it’s important to plan for these instances (learned from experiences).
- The Casitas are my favorite. Definitely dog friendly with private courtyards, some even have above ground hot tubs. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom option is ideal for families, girls’ trips or couples who prefer separate sleeping/bathroom accommodations.
- The Spa. Seriously, this is one of my favorites I’ve been to. I know, you’re thinking all spas are tranquil and serene – which they are, but this one is special. It’s like being cocooned in nature with magical potions and notions that put the weary at peace.
- Anaconda Bar. Enough said, cool vibe, great drinks and appetizers. Yes, there is a cool sculptural Anaconda wrapping around the bar.
- De La Tierra Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch/brunch and dinner and features regional seasonal American Dishes. The food is delicious.
- The grounds are filled with gorgeous flowers, ponds and an indoor pool to sit and relax by.
- The location is a short walk to the Taos Plaza, Downtown Taos, Kit Carson Park, The Fechin House, The Blumenshein House, as well as many other locations you will want to stop and visit and can be easily accomplished on foot or by using the courtesy shuttle the hotel offers.
- Room service. There’s not a time I don’t love someone bringing me food, and since my three dogs have not mastered this art yet, the only time I get this pampering is when I stay at a hotel. Pro-tip: If you are going to a concert, go to the restaurant and order a few things to be delivered to your room so it’s waiting for your when you return from the concert. If you don’t do this, the restaurants are closed and your dining options will be Smith’s, Dominoes or maybe McDonald’s. Seriously, the restaurants will be closed.
- Autumn is the perfect time to stay here and make this property the start or finish to the Enchanted Circle – an 84-mile drive that showcases the best of New Mexico’s unique heritage and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll traverse valleys, mesas, mountains, national forests, and some of the state’s most culturally rich towns and villages. What are you waiting for? Go book a room now – I just did!
