Taos Travel Guide
Words & Images by Alison Beckner
“The sacred traditions, majestic landscapes and vibrant creative pulse of Taos in northern New Mexico exert a powerful draw.”
– Alison Beckner
Meet Alison Beckner, a journalist, communications strategist and embodiment facilitator. Through the Red Thread collective, Alison helps people get out of their heads and into their bodies, through transformative, informative, and simple practices. After decades in executive roles within international fashion and luxury industries, she now resides full-time in Taos, New Mexico.
For our upcoming Taos Yoga and Sound Retreat this December 5-9, Alison has crafted an incredible guide and resource list that highlights the best of Taos County. A huge thank you to Alison for sharing her incredible insights and gorgeous images.
We still have a couple of spots left, and we’re excited for you to experience “the land of enchantment” with us!
Use promo code NM200 for $200 off and (re)treat yourself :)
See
The oldest continuously inhabited civilization in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo is an absolute must for anyone visiting the area.
The visits to the off-grid village are hosted by a variety of locals, each with their own story and experience. The history, traditional architecture and cultural knowledge is fascinating, the views are unparalleled, and access to the village allows the opportunity to buy items directly from local artists and artisans. There are horno (traditional adobe oven) bread-baking courses.
Couse-Sharpe Historic Site: Explore the preserved homes and studios of E.I. Couse and J.H. Sharp, founders of the Taos Society of Artists, located on over two acres in the heart of town.
Fechin House: This beautiful adobe Pueblo and Mission Revival home is the former residence and studio of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin, his wife Alexandra Belkovitch, and their daughter Eya Nikolaivna Fechin. Fechin’s meticulous craftsmanship is visible throughout, as well as his paintings shown alongside pieces by his contemporaries.
The second-oldest art museum in New Mexico, showcasing a wide range of Hispanic works and visual arts. Be sure to visit the Agnes Martin Gallery, a serene space featuring the abstract painter's works illuminated by natural light.
Untitled Fine Art Gallery: A spacious gallery blending traditional materials with cutting-edge techniques, specializing in "quantum luminism." Don’t miss Kimberly Webber’s symbolist large-scale works, crafted with earth pigments, resin glazes, and ancient alchemical methods.
Taos Center for the Arts: Home to two galleries and a 275-seat theater for live performances and films. I’m really looking forward to Whispering Elegance, a solo photography show by Olga Nazarova, opening December 6th.
The Valley: A cool spot for contemporary art by emerging artists.
Atelier 111: Located just off the Plaza, this new space features thought-provoking art, immersive experiences and events in a spacious and unique environment.
Taste
In this off-grid café Chef CJ Bernal creates an inviting experience with sweet and savory snacks and dishes made using local, seasonal, and often indigenous ingredients.
The cozy space also features art, botanicals, and products made by his family and friends, giving it a warm, personal touch. Note: the café is located within the Taos Pueblo village and non-local tourists are required to pay for entrance to the village in order to access.
Manzanita Market: For breakfast, brunch or lunch, head to this health-forward café, a little sister to James Beard Award winner The Love Apple. The beet salad is my go-to, or the chicken bone broth soup for an immune boost. Don’t miss their house-made spicy green sauce—it adds just the right amount of zip to any dish.
Just across Juan Largo Lane from Manzanita Market, stop by chocolatier Debi Vincent’s Chokolá for award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate bars.
They also have European-style sipping chocolates, a mousse bar, great coffee options and some of the best cakes, deserts and muffins in town (all made in-house, of course).
Coffee Apothecary: Kick-start your day at Coffee Apothecary, where the ethically-sourced beans are roasted on-site, resulting in smooth, medium-bodied brews that are perfect for coffee aficionados. Pop into Taos Bread Club just next door, then spend some time in the cute and vibrant café atmosphere. A great spot to run into friends … and make new ones.
Corner Office: For dinner, try Corner Office. This refined yet convivial spot serves natural wines and a seasonally driven menu of small plates influenced by both European and Asian flavors.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow: The sourdough focaccia, boules and tartines here are favorites! Their dedication to artisan baking shines through every bite. I’m especially looking forward to their extended opening hours which will include small plates and a wine bar.
Suchness: New to the scene and one of the few fine dining establishments in town, Suchness offers contemporary American cuisine by Kevin Sousa, who works in tandem with his wife Meg, a wine professional. At the top of my list to try this fall!
Touch
The Arc: Design Studio specializing in bespoke/tailored and vintage clothing, furniture and jewelry.
Maharasha: A new women-owned lifestyle shop that sources handmade and eco-friendly products from around the world.
Volta: A concept shop featuring jewelry, vintage finds, and more. Owned by designers JC Ortiz and Pia Podgoretzky.
Wilde Ink: Discover beautiful block print textiles, custom-made clothing and other designs. Great workshops, too.
Logan Wannamaker Pottery: Admire “atmospheric pottery” in a contemporary ceramics gallery in downtown Taos.
