Last updated on .
Taos is a wonderful tourist destination in northern New Mexico. It has a little bit of something for everyone.
We spent just one full day exploring Taos, and it wasn’t nearly enough time to fit everything in. I hope to return some day to see more. We missed a few museums and art galleries, and didn’t get a chance to walk around some areas of the city.
History
Taos has been populated since at least 1000, when Taos Pueblo was constructed. The first European settlement occurred around 1615 following the Spanish conquest of the area. Taos Pueblo joined the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, and continued to fight the Spanish until the pueblo was defeated in 1696.
On May 1, 1796, the town of Taos was established under the Spanish crown. It later became part of a newly independent Mexico in 1821, and then part of the US territory of New Mexico in 1846. In 1899, artists began to settle in Taos. Many of the artists’ studios and homes have been preserved and are open to the public, and the city attracts many art-loving tourists.
Super 8
We stayed three nights at the Super 8, which was exactly what you’d expect from the chain. Staff was friendly, breakfast was included, and the room was clean and comfortable. We had no complaints. The hotel is a short drive from the Downtown Taos Historic District.
The Alley Cantina
On our first night, we had dinner at the Alley Cantina, just off Taos Plaza. It’s a family restaurant and bar with live music every night of the year.
I had a delicious tortilla soup to start and tamales as a main course. The food was great and reasonably priced. In addition to New Mexican cuisine, they serve appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and fish, and shrimp dishes.
Bent Street Grille
For lunch while exploring the city, we ate at Bent Street Grille at the corner of Bent Street and John Dunn Way. I had a delicious Greek salad. They also have a great selection of sandwiches and soups.
