Where in the West Should I Go? • 52 Places to Visit in 2022
There might not be anywhere in New Mexico that better exemplifies the state’s “Land of Enchantment” motto than Taos. In the state’s high desert, located northeast of Santa Fe in between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is an artsy city with an array of attractions.
Perhaps the most famous is Taos Pueblo, multi-story adobe dwellings that have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
For your arts and culture fix, there are plenty of options. Definitely check out the Harwood Museum of Art, the Kit Carson Home and Museum, and the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House.
Some popular art galleries include Sage Fine Art Gallery, Fine Art Atelier & Gallery and Parsons Gallery of the West, which houses fine art with historic and contemporary views of the American West. The Taos Fall Arts Festival, ongoing since the 1970s, is a great time to visit (late September through early October).
The arts are certainly a major aspect of Taos and it’s no wonder given the breathtaking beauty of the city and surrounding region.
Whitewater rafting and skiing are two area favorites and Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is nearby, offering exceptional opportunities for adventure. The Rio Grande itself is where you’ll find the rafting. If you’re not adept at navigating rapids, there are plenty of tour companies that’ll give you the experience. All you have to do is paddle!
