Let the Wine Flow
Need another reason to celebrate Taos? There couldn’t be a better time than now, in the peak of ski season. From January 30 – February 2, Taos will be the center of the wine world, as the 34th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival will be underway in the Taos Ski Valley. Featuring more than 150 unique wines from 40 different wineries and a dozen of the finest Taos chefs providing paired meals, this is the weekend to be in Taos.
Get to know some of our favorite wineries in this year’s Grand Tasting events!
Bodegas Protos first vintages both won gold medals at the Universal Exposition of Barcelona in 1929 and most recently won “Best Young Wine in Spain” for its Protos Verdejo in 2019.
Bartholomew Broadbent has been named in the top fifty most influential people in the wine world multiple times, displaying his vast impact on the planet’s wine culture.
The Frank Family’s iconic Larkmead building appears on the National Register of Historical Places and is listed as a Point of Historical Interest in California for its symbolism of the state’s heralded Napa Valley wine country.
Founder Frederick S. Wildman, Sr. developed such a deep love for French wines while serving as first lieutenant in the Second Division of the U.S. Army in World War I that after Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, he stayed in France for six more months to learn as much about vineyards as possible before his discharge.
José Pastor Selections have an impressive portfolio of reviving endangered grapes and growing techniques from the Iberian Peninsula as well as even the forgotten Canary Islands.
Scot Bilbro’s Marietta Cellars is a second-generation vineyard with almost every worker having 10 years under their belt at the winery.
René and Laurence Schlatter, members of the proprietor family, grew up in the same small town in Switzerland but somehow never met until Laurence’s brother introduced them at the Merryvale tasting room.
Once & Future’s Zinfandel is crafted from the 128-year-old vines planted by George Hearst, the same pioneer of Bedrock Wine Co.’s roots, also run by the same family.
Bob Sinskey, founder of Robert Sinskey Vineyards, was in the midst of developing his vineyard land when one of his inventions from his career in medicine exploded on the scene and he had to put wine on hold until opening the winery four years later in 1988.
The original name for Sean Minor Wines was “Four Bears” because when the founders were tasting their favorite and least favorite aspects of different wines around the dinner table, their four children likened this practice to Goldilocks searching for just the right bottle.
Curious about the full schedule of events happening? Check this page out.
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.
Springtime in Taos
Historically, May in New Mexico has been a month of transition. Snowfields may still linger in the high country and spring flowers are blossoming in the valleys below. As such, locals and visitors alike head outside to take advantage of the changing seasons and warmer temperatures.
There are a wide variety of activities and events this May to help your entire family get outside and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as your spring headquarters, allowing you to stop wondering what to do in Taos NM on your May vacation.
The Angel Fire Bike Park
A beautiful twenty-five mile drive from El Pueblo Lodge is Angel Fire Resort. This mountain getaway is a hub for skiers in the winter, but this spring secure your bikes to your car and get ready for another type of downhill adventure. 9am on May 12 marks opening day for the Angel Fire Bike Park, where you and your family can safely ride chairlifts up the mountain and enjoy a fast and exhilarating ride downhill. A few weeks later, on May 28, Angel Fire opens up their Zipline Adventure Tour – an adrenalin filled treetop tour on top of the mountain. This safe, fun, and exciting activity is fun for the whole family. Whether biking or zip lining, Angel Fire provides the perfect backdrop for the adventure-driven members of your family to get outside and enjoy a beautiful spring day in the mountains.
Cast a Line in Red River
Visit Red River, NM, for the annual Fishing Derby on May 14. The Town Ponds in Red River will be freshly stocked with trout and cash and prizes are awarded for every tagged fish caught! This event promises to be fun for the whole family and, with beautiful Red River serving as backdrop, there is no shortage of other area activities in which to participate.
Kick off Festival Season
If you still find yourself wondering what to do in Taos NM this spring or summer, keep a keen eye on the events calendar. Taos and Northern New Mexico play host to many festivals throughout the year, and one of the first big ones of spring is the Taos Lilac Festival held from May 20 – 27. From children games and events, live music and entertainment, a taco cook-off, craft fair, and all things lilac, this celebration taking place all around Taos is the perfect way to welcome the coming spring.
The warm months in Taos are the most popular times to visit, and May is the start of beautiful weather while the summer crowds have not yet begun to flock to our little slice of paradise. Book your adventure now.
Experience Historical Southwest
The Land of Enchantment has a very storied history, and Native Americans have honored the beauty, majesty, and mystery of New Mexico long before Taos, NM was ever on the map. Ancient Native American ruins are spread throughout New Mexico and, lucky for you, some of the most impressive are down the road from some of the best places to stay in Taos New Mexico. If you are wondering what to do in Taos this spring, set away some time to experience some of the state’s most astounding native ruins. Using El Pueblo Lodge as your home base, check out these three unforgettable historical landmarks.
Bandelier National Monument
An hour and a half from El Pueblo Lodge (one of the best places to stay in Taos) is Los Alamos and the breathtaking Bandelier National Monument. Sprawling over 33,000 acres of land, this national monument provides the perfect setting for visitors to explore canyon country while also experiencing the relics of this area’s ancient people. Dating back more than 11,000 years, the petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and masonry remnants serve as a haunting reminder of a people and lifestyle long gone. In addition, the many trails at Bandelier National Monument expose guests to the flora, fauna, and wide-open expanses that make New Mexico so enchanting.
Head to the Southwest and Visit the Puye Cliff Dwellings
An hour to the south and west of your hotel in Taos New Mexico are the Puye Cliff Dwellings – the ancient home of 1,500 Pueblo Indians dating back to the early 900s AD. This National Historic Landmark provides the perfect place to discover early life in the desert Southwest, learn about American history, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet of beautiful New Mexico. The impressive cliff dwellings, inspiring petroglyphs, and well-preserved structures will leave you completely astounded.
A Local Gem in Taos
Atop the must-see list for any visitor to Taos, New Mexico is the Taos Pueblo, reopening to the public on April 25. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ancestors of original Pueblo Indians and is one of the most private and conservative pueblos remaining in the U.S. For enquiring visitors however, you can schedule tours and attend various events to get a glimpse at this unique and inspiring culture. If you still find yourself wondering what to do in Taos NM, don’t let a visit to the Taos Pueblo pass you by! Only two miles from El Pueblo Lodge, visiting this remarkable place is a must.
New Mexico is home to countless ancient wonders and, for all Taos visitors, many are right out your back door. El Pueblo Lodge is here to serve as the most affordable and comfortable home base for you, as you explore The Land of Enchantment and its historical wonders this spring. Book your stay today!
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Kiss Winter Goodbye
Many locals are sad to see winter go, but perhaps even more are excited to welcome the coming spring with open arms! Here at El Pueblo Lodge we love the excitement of the changing seasons in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo range and are never left wondering what to do.
We encourage all of our guests to get out and enjoy the spectacular town and surrounding mountains every spring. There is so much to see and do that you will treat us simply as a place to rest your head after a long day enjoying the wonders of Northern New Mexico.Wondering specifically what to do in Taos NM? Check out these three events that mark the end of winter and the beginning of an exciting spring and summer ahead.
Closing Day at Taos Ski Valley
Closing day at any ski resort is a day to celebrate the many laughs and memories of a winter past, and Taos Ski Valley may very well throw the best celebration around. April 3rd marks the last day to ski, and in addition to the standard revelry is the greatest event of the season: The Pond Skimming Championship. Watch hundreds of costumed people attempt to cross a nearly 100 foot pool of water on skis, snowboards, or creative contraptions of any kind. While the event is open for anyone to compete, simply showing up to watch the spectacle is totally worth it!
Taos Shortz Film Fest: The Most Fun Film Festival in Northern New Mexico
The Taos Shortz Film Fest, featuring more than 150 films from over 33 countries, has become a staple of spring in the Sangre de Cristo range. The Taos Community Auditorium, less than half a mile from El Pueblo Lodge, will host this event from April 7 – April 10. The many global short films, clinics, speakers, and parties make this a must-do for anyone visiting the area in early April.
A Musical Spring Celebration Walking Distance from your Hotel in Taos NM
Less than a mile from El Pueblo Lodge is the Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art, and on April 16th and 17th the Taos Chamber Music Group will be performing Colores! – a program in celebration of the coming spring. Featuring flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, this quaint auditorium will come to life with the sounds of blossoming flowers, warm evenings, and longer days as the summer draws near.
If you are thinking of visiting Northern New Mexico but wondering what to do in Taos, wonder no more! Spring is the perfect time to book a stay with us. And as the hiking trails start to thaw and the mountains and valleys return to life after a dormant winter, there truly is no better time to visit the Land of Enchantment.
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.
