Taos, New Mexico

Taos is America’s oldest village. It is an inspiring blend of an enchanting location, diverse cultures, and an artistic temperament. Almost 7,000 feet above sea level, Taos lies near the edge of an enormous river basin at the base of the state’s highest mountains. Ancient Indians chose this sheltered site by year-round streams for a pueblo hundreds of years before Spanish Colonists arrived. In turn, the Spanish presence existed for centuries before the region became part of the United States in 1846. The cultural mix, splendid isolation and natural grandeur began to attract artists and dreamers in the 1890s.

They are still coming to this remarkable concentration of ancient adobes, romantic courtyards shaded by enormous old trees, and narrow winding streets. Around the venerable little plaza are outstanding museums, arts and crafts studios, and galleries. In addition, a wealth of bars, restaurants and lodgings showcase the unique Taos style–a facile blend of natural materials, Old World refinement, frontier rusticity, and art everywhere.

For more information, check with the local Chamber of Commerce.