Our Escapes to Taos and Santa Fe
Joe and I love to travel to Taos and a Santa Fe New Mexico. I mean where else can you drive 5 hours from Denver and be in a completely different setting and cultural experience? As much as I like Kansas, Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming... New Mexico offers a bit more cultural diversity and history.
The drive from the Denver area is super easy. You can either take I-25 south or cut through the Sangre De Cristo’s and Alamosa for a more scenic drive. We typically travel there in the fall and either stay in a camper or resort.
I have always had a fascination with the southwest, both the landscape and architecture. Something about adobe casitas and dessert landscapes excite me. The architectural details of adobes amaze me. Adobes are a balance of simplicity (in the materials and construction) yet have exquisite carpentry and details. The latillas or vegas in the ceiling are to die for and the kiva style fire places are a must have. Each time we visit we try to view some homes for inspiration and to dream. Some day we hope to own a VRBO in New Mexico.
Taos and Santa Fe are both relatively high in elevation and Taos has a ski valley. We took a trip up to the Taos Ski Valley this last visit to see how it compared to Colorado’s ski mountains. It was fascinating. The road up there was a 2 laner that seemed like it would be a bit dicey in the winter. The ski resort which was founded in the 1960’s by Austrians definitely had a European flair. The setting for the resort was steep and stunning. There was a ton of new construction going on which has really modernized the resort. Here are a few facts I learned about the resort. Taos Ski Valley is the first major ski resort to become a certified B Corp. This certification helps ensure that Taos Ski Valley meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, sustainability, public transparency and legal accountability. Recent updates to the ski area include a new beginner area, gondola and ski-In ski-out hotel. The ski area is independently owned.
Lodging Santa Fe-
Hotel Santa Fe: The resort is not located in the historical downtown plaza but offers beautiful and consistent accommodations. The resort offers a free shuttle to the plaza or you could walk as well. They have a on site restaurant, pool, fitness center and spa. This is our go to place to stay in Santa Fe. https://hotelsantafe.com/
Lodging Taos-
El Monte Sagrado: We have not stayed at this resort yet but they have stunning casitas and hotel rooms that are surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, century old trees and water features. They have a on site restaurant and spa. While visiting Taos we took a break from our RV camping to try out the El Monte Sagrado spa. They allow you as a spa guest to visit they salt water indoor pool as well. The pool is quite an experience with a terrarium like setting. The pool is literally surrounded by a botanical garden. It is a must see if you are a plant obsessed person like me. https://www.elmontesagrado.com/
Lodging Angel Fire-
Angel Fire RV Resort and Golf Course: We have stayed at this RV resort twice while visiting the Taos area. Angel Fire is a ski area situated in Carson National Forest about 30 minutes from Taos. The resort is the cleanest and most well kept RV resort we have been to. It is largely used by snow birds and Texas Birds! ha! The sites have full hook ups, trash pick up and level concrete pads. The resort offers a convention center, dog park, hot tub under the stars, free showers, laundromat, fire pit and nightly events. We like the fact that they allow you to use their golf club’s fitness facilities for free which is about 10 minutes away. We also enjoy golfing at Angel Fire Golf Club. The ski area is also part of the resort although we have not tried out the ski area yet. https://angelfirervresort.com/
Ojo Caliente Resort: This is a resort nestled between Santa Fe and Taos. This ancient hot spring has been used by humans for thousands of years. They have multiple mineral pools, mud baths and a spa on site. They also have lodging in the original historic hotel or the casitas. We enjoyed hikes and bike rides in the adjacent BLM land and the resort also offers free yoga to guests. They have an onsite restaurant that is fabulous. There is not lodging nearby so you can either stop by on you way back home or stay a night on site at the resort. https://ojocaliente.ojospa.com/
Dining in Taos-
Ranchos Plaza Grill – Authentic Native New Mexican Cuisine. We have not dined here yet but have been told it is the most authentic and a must try. It is not near the plaza but a short drive south of town. https://www.facebook.com/Ranchos-Plaza-Grill-388313771182196?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral
Orlandos New Mexican Grill- We have dined here multiple times their enchiladas are phenomenal and we like the half green and half red chili sauces! The food has always been consistent and the location is about 5 minutes north west of the plaza. https://www.facebook.com/OrlandosNewMexicanCafe/
Love Apple- This is a local organic farm to table themed restaurant. It was highly recommended to us but we have yet to try it! I recommend calling ahead and getting reservations as it is appears to be very popular! I am so excited to try it on our next visit. http://theloveapple.net/
Old Martina’s Hall- We dined here it was a blend of New Mexican cuisine and a steak house. A bit pricey but great food. http://oldmartinashall.com/
Donabe’s- If your looking for Asian Fusion this restaurant came highly recommended. It is in the plaza area. https://www.donabetaos.com/
A’ La Cart World Street Food- This is a small restaurant located off Paseo De Pueblo Sur. It’s kind of a permanent food truck feel. Fresh homemade breakfast and lunch! https://www.alacarttaos.com/#Visit
Dining in Santa Fe-
Pasquals- This is our favorite in Santa Fe. It is very popular so reservations are recommended. Located downtown it has a quaint warm feel and features phenomenal organic food. https://pasquals.com/
La Fonda Plazuela- This historic location has endless charm with trees surrounding the outdoor dining. The New Mexican style cuisine is excellent. https://www.lafondasantafe.com/la-plazuela
Shopping Santa Fe-
Samsville Gallery- If your looking for native American jewelry this is the place. I have purchased multiple pieces from them and have been happy with the quality. http://www.samsvillegallery.com/
Shopping Taos-
Six Hand Hats- This super hip shop tucked behind the plaza that is known for their handmade unique hats. They also have other gifts and art for purchase. Definitely a must see. https://www.sixhandhats.com/
Common Threads Textiles- If you are looking for textiles for your home or New Mexican style prints this place is an eye catcher. https://lloom.blogspot.com/
