Let’s Talk Hispanic Heritage
What’s in a culture? It’s the people and the traditions, but most importantly it’s recognizing the heritage and history behind it. This month is National Hispanic Heritage Month and we wanted to celebrate with a little bit of history here.
From the ancient ruins found in the Taos Valley, history indicates that people had been living there since nearly 1000 years ago. Further exploration in the area spans back more than 500 years ago further showcasing that the lifestyle and customs had largely been that of Spanish origin. Taos itself was first explored in 1540 by Hernan Alvarado, a captain to Coronado who searched for the “seven cities of gold” and believed he found it with the adobe clay that glitters in the sun. Today, Taos Pueblo, a settlement dating back generations, is made entirely of that adobe clay and open to the public for a small entrance fee.
If you’re willing to drive a bit, Albuquerque holds the National Hispanic Cultural Center. This 16-acre center holds an art museum, performing arts complex, education center, history and literary arts building, outdoor patios and plazuelas, a restaurant and a gift shop for you to take a little piece of heritage home with you. The center looks to showcase the history through a mix of traditional and contemporary events that showcase art, music, dance, theatre, lectures and family events. There’s something for everyone looking to explore the Hispanic culture.
This month, we hope you take a moment to learn and experience the Hispanic history, culture, and maybe even venture to check out our lovely Taos Pueblo or the National Hispanic Cultural Center. After all, the best adventure is the one into history.
Nurse the Ch’i
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of summer travel and always looking for the next adventure, it’s easy to ignore the mind and body. So we created a list of places in Taos that will help you rejuvenate that inner and outer chi so you can hop back to your life-adventure.
If you’re looking for a dip into some natural hot springs, mud bath or maybe a spa service to go with it, Ojo Caliente is your place. Featuring private and public soaks along with a variety of spa offerings, this is perfect for the adventurer who wants to relax post-hike or yoga.
“We offer a blend of activities that celebrate the waters, the land and the culture, to soothe both body and soul. Take an exhilarating trek through hundreds of acres of hiking and biking trails and explore the rich heritage of Northern New Mexico. Enjoy the benefits of yoga classes that promote flexibility and relaxation.”
Auromesa is tucked away off of the well-beat Taos path offering visitors seeking Ayurvedic practices in a tranquil setting. They offer teachings and insight into Ayurvedic medicine along with massages and yoga classes.
“Our Ayurvedic practitioner works to balance the doshic imbalance (imbalance in the body “humors” or characteristics). She may offer the detoxification program known as panchakarma (five detoxification therapies), as well as nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and recommendations of Ayurvedic natural herbs. Through her knowledge of the science of Ayurveda, she can assist a client in setting up daily routines (dinacharya) that can bring about the desired balance to release stress and help to ward off dis-ease.”
This spa offers everything from yoga and Soul’s Blueprint (astrology) to scrubs, hydrotherapy and multi-level spa treatments for you to choose from.
One of their main signature services is the Sacred Staurolite which starts with dry brushing, moves to a detoxifying turquoise mud wrap and face mask and then finishes off with a reflexology massage under the sacred indigenous Staurolite stones of Taus. They have a large list of treatments available.
“The Living Spa is an eco-conscious, world-class rejuvenation center at the heart of El Monte Sagrado. Prepare to be pampered by professional therapists focused on your health and healing.”
Focusing on massage and body rejuvenation, the Taos Spa & Tennis Club offers services to feel relaxed and complete. Included in each massage is free use of their sports facility the day of.
“Offers a menu of massage therapies and treatment ranging from deep tissue sports massage to luxurious treatments incorporating exotic aromas, water heated stones and deeply relaxing techniques.”
Some of the massages include the Taos Mountain Bliss that is done in a Swedish style, Deep Tissue that targets serious muscle and stress relief, Foot Reflexology, Canyon Stone which incorporates warm oil and warm black river stones and the massage that combines them all is the High Desert Mystique.
Music That Moves You
If you’re one that gets moved by music, than visit us in June for some of the greatest art and music festivals of the summer. Join in on the fun and check out just a sampling of the amazing events in and around Taos this June.
Taos Poetry Festival
Using El Pueblo Lodge as a home base, make yourself comfortable and soak in the events and happenings of the annual Taos Poetry Festival. Taking place from June 2-4, our small community will become overtaken with poets from all walks of life. With special events, poetry slams, and workshops throughout our town, you never find yourself wondering what to do next.
Taos Mesa Brewing Company
Of all the great venues to host a music festival in the southwest, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fun environment than that of Taos Mesa Brewing Company. During the first weekend of June, from the 3rd to 5th, head to TMBC for the Music on the Mesa Festival – a three day festival of dancing, bluegrass, folk, and country music and plenty of beer. During this weekend in June, Taos Mountain Brewing Company will be transformed into one of the ultimate Taos attractions.River and Brews Music Festival
River and Brews Music Festival
If you’re still curious what to do in Taos NM, branch out a bit and head down to Red River for the annual River and Brews Music Festival. On June 11, Red River hosts an event with the perfect combination of mouth watering barbecue, live music, plenty of dancing, a great selection of microbreweries on site and perhaps one of the most beautiful backdrops to any live music venue around.
The above is just a smattering of the many events and festivals taking place in and around Taos, this June. Even if festivals aren’t you’re thing, June is still the perfect time to visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and soak up the trails, museums, art, and culture of our little slice of heaven.
Taos & Art Mix
With a rich past steeped in art and culture, That same culture is thriving today, thousands of people visit Taos each year because of the beautiful art and active artists that call this place home. Our three major art museums are conveniently located down the street from El Pueblo Lodge and all provide a unique look into the incredible talent that has come from our quaint mountain community.
The Harwood Museum of Art
Less than one mile from El Pueblo Lodge, is the second oldest art museum in all of New Mexico. This beautiful showcase houses a permanent collection of nearly 2,000 art pieces and over 15,000 photographs. Both this collection and the rotating pieces provide a beautiful and awe-inspiring look at Hispanic, Native American, and local art creating the perfect blend to showcase life and inspiration of Northern New Mexico.
Taos Art Museum
A three-minute walk from El Pueblo Lodge is Taos Art Museum. In the former home of artist Nicolai Fechin, this museum aims to bring the talents and works of local Taos artists to the public eye. Many pieces created by Taos artists have found their way to museums a far cry from Taos, NM and the Taos Art Museum is seeking to bring many of these pieces back home.
Millicent Rogers Museum: One of the Greatest Taos Attractions
Last on our list is the Millicent Rogers Museum located only four miles from the lodge. This museum is home to incredible multi-cultural collections including work from the Taos Pueblo as well as many other Southwestern Native American art. From Kachina dolls to pottery and baskets, the Millicent Rogers Museum is one of the top Taos attractions to for visitors to see and experience the art and culture of the area’s native populations.
Of everything that Taos and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains have to offer, local art and artists have been drawing people to the region for longer than anything else. Native American, Hispanic, and contemporary local art line the hallways of the many galleries and museums of Taos, New Mexico. Of all the places to experience the best of local art, the above three museums provide the greatest look into the unique world of New Mexican art.
What’s more, each museum is only a short commute from El Pueblo Lodge! So waste no time and make a reservation today to soak up all the best art and culture of Taos, New Mexico.
A Celebration of Winter
Benefiting from a strong El Nino winter, the many ski areas and resorts around Taos are not only enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years, but their annual events have an even greater celebratory tone than usual. If you are wondering what to do in Taos, visiting in February will provide you with an overwhelming list of options. The area’s ski resorts are undoubtedly some of the best Taos attractions in winter, and the month of February is the perfect time to enjoy the slopes in addition to some special events. Below is just a small taste of what you can look forward to near El Pueblo Lodge.
Mardi Gras!
The small town of Red River is one of many nearby small mountain communities that are considered a local Taos attractions and Angel Fire Resort provides a great alternative to the more popular Taos Ski Valley. Historically, people do not flock to the Southwestern U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras but these two destinations are doing their best to change that. From February 5 to 9, Red River transforms into a Mardi Gras headquarters, complete with parties, parades, Cajun cooking, and Creole music. During these same days, Angel Fire Resort showcases their own take on Mardi Gras festivities. Ski bike demos, shovel racing, slopeside events and live music, and a masquerade ball will help you to bring in February with style!
Skiing Competitions Amidst the Most Popular Taos Attractions
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have long played host to a variety of ski competitions, and not a winter goes by without professional or semi-professional athletes visiting the area to showoff their skills in any number of competitions. This year isn’t any different, and on February 7 you can head to Angel Fire Resort to witness the aerial acrobatics of the USASA Southwest Freeride Competition. This regional event will pin skiers and snowboarders against each other in the Liberation Terrain Park in a fight to make the national circuit. If you are already planning on spending a day or two on the slopes during your stay, consider February 7th when you will get a freeride show from the area’s best with the price of your lift ticket!
Family Fun at February Fun Fest!
If your raucous ski-bum days are long gone and you have since replaced them with family vacations, stay with us over President’s Day Weekend for February Fun Fest at Sipapu Ski Resort! This weekend’s free festivities are geared for the entire family and include a parade, treasure hunt, games, contests, and even a giant snow castle.
February is arguably the best time to visit Taos, NM, as the snow is good and the holiday crowds are long gone. In addition to great skiing and eclectic culture, you can also experience many one-of-a-kind events this month. The above few are only a sampling, and when you book your next adventure with us, our guest service agents will be sure to help you find the perfect outings to help you make the most of your winter getaway.
