In native language Taos means place of red willows. Taos, a community of approximately 6,000 folks, sits at 7,000 feet next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Best Way to See Taos:

May through October, jump aboard the Historic Taos Trolley for a 3-1/2 hour tour of Taos Plaza, Taos Pueblo,  the San Francisco de Asis Church and much more. Catch the trolley at the Taos Visitor Center at 10:30 or 2:00. Cost: $33 for adults and $10 for children.

Enjoy Taos year round:

Spring and summer: hike, fish, raft, mountain bike and horseback ride

Fall and winter: ski at Taos Ski Valley and gaze upon the highest peak in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, snow shoe along mountain trails, cross-country ski, ice fish and snowmobile.

Art: Art is a passion in Taos with over 80 galleries and three art museums. Just off the Plaza is the gallery of long-time Taos artist, Doug Scott. Not only an artist, but a photographer of waterfalls. Drop in to his gallery and ask him about his new book on Taos Waterfalls.

Upstairs in the Old Country Courthouse located on the north side of the Plaza are the murals painted between 1934-35 depicting social justice. The WPA commissioned these murals. Emil Bisttram, who studied under Diego Rivera, enlisted the help of three other artists, Bert Phillips, Victor Higgins, and Ward Lockwood to complete the three month project. They were paid $56/month. Wow!

Food: Fifty restaurants dot the Taos community. Look for The Gorge Restaurant for great Green Chile Stew and a hamburger to die for. The Margaritas are outstanding. Speaking of outstanding, the wait staff will make you feel right at home and cater to your every wish.

Shopping:  Six Directions, located on the north side of the Plaza, sells Native America items. This is a great place to find that memorabilia to remind you of your fun time in Taos.

This only scratches the surface of all the things to do and see in Taos. Whatever time of year, Taos beckons.

by Annie
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