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Timeless Taos
Taos is in a state of constant evolution. Buildings go up and down; rooms are added and demolished; trees are planted; fences and roads are built. Yet, because our cultures remain strong, a core authenticity keeps Taos timeless.
Taos Plaza Area: The Heart of Taos
Don Fernando de Taos Plaza was settled by the Spanish colonists more than 300 years ago and still retains its original shape. The plaza was built for defense; windows and doors faced into the plaza and the limited entrances could be barricaded. The D.H. Lawrence paintings in Hotel La Fonda were "banned in London" because of their erotic nature. On display at the Old County Courthouse are the Depression-era murals by early Taos artists.
During the Civil War, patriots guarded an American flag on the plaza. Because of their efforts, Taos Plaza was given the honor of flying the flag day and night. The large cross on the plaza was designed by local artist Ted Egri and placed on the plaza in honor of the many people of Taos who died in the Bataan Death March during World War II.
Guadalupe Plaza and Ledoux Street Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is one of the most active churches in Taos, with beautiful stations of the cross carved by santero Pedro Chavez. Cross the street to Guadalupe Plaza, where the original church stood until 1961, then visit the galleries on Ledoux Street, home of the Harwood Museum and the Blumenschein Home and Museum.
East Kit Carson Road Area This area has a number of very fine galleries and studios. E.I. Couse, a member of the Taos Society of Artists, lived on East Kit Carson Road. His house is still owned by his surviving family members, and his studio, along with fellow artist Joseph H. Sharp's studio, was located in the complex. Walk down Morada Road to the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, where the famous hostess and her husband Tony Luhan lived. When D.H. Lawrence came to visit, he was so shocked by the lack of privacy in the second floor bathroom that he painted the windows. Walk down Dragoon Lane to a back entrance to Kit Carson Cemetery. Mabel's tombstone is one of the first ones on the left. Close to Mabel's resting place is a memorial tombstone for Padre Martinez, who featured prominently in Willa Cather's book "Death Comes for the Archbishop." (The Padre was, and still is, much more highly revered locally then Cather's depiction of him.) Pay your respects to Kit and Josefa Carson on your way out of the north gate of the cemetery. You are now in Kit Carson Park. As you follow the pathway, you'll see a lone tombstone on your left for Arthur Rochford Mamby, an unscrupulous businessman who was found decapitated in his home on July 4, 1929. The murder was never solved.
Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Bent Street and John Dunn Shops Visit the Taos Art Museum and many fine art galleries. On Bent Street, visit the galleries and shops and the Governor Bent Museum, then walk through the John Dunn Shops. In the early part of this century, Long John Dunn brought visitors to Taos by stagecoach, up and down the Rio Grande Gorge via harrowing switchback roads. His adobe home was located in this beautiful complex, which you can follow back to Taos Plaza.
Made 'Aquí En Taos'As you browse through our shops, keep an eye out for Taos-made products. Value-priced items run the gamut, from colorful cornbeads to candles and smudge sticks. For the gourmands in your family, we recommend some of our packaged food items, such as spicy noodles, chile powder and piñon nuts.
Take home a chile ristra to hang on your porch. Native American drums and moccasins made in Taos are famous throughout the world. Grandmothers won't be able to resist our fabulous southwestern children's clothing. Everyone will appreciate our hand-made clothing and leather work. The jewelry created in Taos satisfies every taste and pocketbook. You'll find beautiful tin and wood items, pottery, ceramics and much more.
Nearby Artist Communities Many of the ground rooms at Taos Pueblo have been turned into shops that sell authentic Native American jewelry, weaving, pottery, drums, paintings and sculpture. A word of advice: look for the "open" signs before you enter; you might accidently intrude on someone's privacy. Take time to explore the shops and galleries in the little town of Arroyo Seco, then continue up the mountain to The Village of Taos Ski Valley for more fine restaurants and shops. The northern communities of Questa and Costilla both have artist cooperatives worth visiting. Many of our artists live and work in Taos Canyon, just minutes from Taos Plaza. Stop at the little village of Shady Brook for more information. Ranchos de Taos has a select number of fine shops, galleries and restaurants located in the historic plaza. Nestled in the fertile valley of the Rio Grande are the villages of Embudo, Dixon, Ojo Sarco and Pilar, where many artists live. Ask for information about the artists and studio tours at the Pilar Yacht Club or at Dixon's Casa de Piedra cooperative.
