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My incomplete exploration of Taos focused on the Downtown Taos Historic District. It’s home to over 65 galleries, shops, and restaurants, and a handful of museums.
Because we only had a day in the city, I spent about a half hour quickly walking around the Downtown Taos Historic District. I know I missed a lot in this entry, and I hope to add to it on a future trip to the city. Although I didn’t enter any buildings, just walking around made me want to come back and explore more.
Taos Plaza
I started my walk through the Downtown Taos Historic District at Taos Plaza, which is the historic center of the original Spanish settlement in Taos. Once a fortified plaza filled with homes and businesses, it’s now a park filled with trees and a gazebo. The gazebo was donated by American art patron Mabel Dodge Luhan (1879-1962). Adobe buildings surround the plaza today and are filled with various businesses and shops.
In the center of the plaza is an American flag that proudly flies 24 hours a day. In 1861, during the Civil War, Confederate sympathizers would repeatedly tear down the flag that flew over the plaza. A group of Union officers, including Kit Carson (1809-1868) and Ceran St. Vrain (1802-1870), began to guard the flag 24 hours a day. In commemoration of that event, US Congress has allowed the city to fly the flag 24 hours a day.
Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Hotel La Fonda de Taos is the anchor of the plaza, and there has been a hotel on the site since at least 1820. La Fonda de Taos was opened in 1937 by Greek immigrants James and John Karavas. James’ son, Saki, ran the hotel from 1953 until his death in 1996. Inside is a small museum of paintings by D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930). Several celebrities and dignitaries have stayed at the hotel over the years.
Ledoux Street
From the plaza, I walked south and headed down Ledoux Street. There was a restaurant at the beginning of the street and a few art galleries and museums the rest of the way.
Inger Jirby Gallery
The first gallery I passed was the Inger Jirby Gallery. It’s run by Swedish artist Inger Jirby and includes guest houses and a sculpture garden.
Ernest L. Blumenschein Home and Museum
A few steps away is the Ernest L. Blumenschein Home and Museum. It was the home and studio of American artist Ernest L. Blumenschein (1874-1960). He was a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists and used the home as a studio from 1919 to 1960. Portions of the house were built in 1797. Admission is US$10 (as of January 2024) and it’s typically open Friday to Tuesday.
Harwood Museum of Art
Finally, near the end of Ledoux Street is the Harwood Museum of Art. It was founded in 1923 by the Harwood Foundation and is the second oldest art museum in New Mexico. In 1935, the museum was gifted to the University of New Mexico, which renovated and expanded the building. Adult admission is US$10 (as of January 2024) and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Next, I swung back north and walked past the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. This adobe church was originally built between 1801 and 1802 as a Franciscan mission. It was demolished in 1911 and rebuilt by Jean Baptiste Pitaval, Archbishop of Santa Fe. That church was destroyed by fire on July 24, 1961, and replaced by the current church a year later. Mass is held there daily.
Teresita Lane
From the church, I headed back towards Taos Plaza and took a quick walk down scenic Teresita Lane. It contains a few galleries, restaurants, and shops.
John Dunn House Shops
About a block away, I walked down John Dunn Way past the John Dunn House Shops. It’s another beautiful street with all kinds of boutique shops operating out of historic homes. For me, it was one of the most pleasant streets in the Downtown Taos Historic District.
Bent Street
At the end of John Dunn Way is Bent Street, where there are more shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Governor Bent Museum
Along Bent Street is the Governor Bent Museum. It was the home of Charles Bent (1799-1847), who served as the first American territorial governor of New Mexico. He was appointed governor in 1846 and was killed in the house by an angry mob on January 19, 1847. The mob was protesting the American possession of New Mexico. The house was built around 1835 and is a privately run museum that also features a gallery. Adult admission is US$1 (as of January 2024) and it’s open daily.
Taos Inn
On the eastern end of Bent Street is Paseo del Pueblo Norte, and across the street is the historic Taos Inn. It’s made up of several 19th century adobe houses, one of which belonged to Thomas “Doc” Martin (1864-1935). Martin’s home hosted the meeting in which the Taos Society of Artists was formed in 1915.
Martin’s widow, Helen, converted the home into a hotel after his death. It opened as the Martin Hotel on June 7, 1936, and was changed to the Taos Inn by the next owners. Doc Martin’s, a restaurant, is located in the former offices of the famous doctor.
Kit Carson Street
My final stop in the Downtown Taos Historic District was a walk down Kit Carson Street past more adobe buildings, including Cabot Plaza. Once there, I visited the Kit Carson Home and Museum, which is covered in another entry.
