Carolyn & David

We're so excited to have our friends and family join us for this special weekend in one of our favorite places on earth- Taos, New Mexico!  We love Taos for all of its hiking, skiing, hot springs, funky earthy amazingness, and we hope to share that love with everyone throughout our wedding weekend!

Be sure to say hi to the welcome tree as you come out of the canyon into town!

A bit about Taos... dress code is casual/outdoor chic everywhere you go! 

Late summer is monsoon season in the desert- expect afternoon showers followed by stunning rainbows. Don't forget the sunscreen and water bottle- high altitude means lots of UV rays.

There are very few ubers in town... maybe 1 or 2 tops. Also, this is a dog friendly town and there's a great doggie day care nearby (10,000 Wags).  

This option will get you from ABQ to Taos in just over 2 hours.  

Direct route from Albuquerque to Taos

Pro tip: take the alternate route when you get to Espanola so that you can stop at Ojo Caliente for a pre or post wedding soak!

Taos via Ojo Caliente

If you have the time, opt for the High Road to Taos! This route will take you through some of the most beautiful land in New Mexico between Santa Fe and Taos. There are lots of historic communities, churches, galleries, and shops along the way- the link below has more info on points of interest to check out if you choose this route.   

This option will get you from Albuquerque to Taos in about 3.5 hours.  The road is paved but there are some tight spots going through a couple of the smaller communities along the way.

Our favorite things to do in Taos are hike and camp! Here are a few of our favorite trails:

Wheeler Peak: Taos is home to the highest peak in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, which sits at 13,159 feet and is a 9.5 mile out and back trail rated as difficult.  This is a full day hike! Expect to see lots of adorable marmots along the way.

William's Lake: this is a 4 mile out and back trail rated as moderate. The lake sits at the base of Wheeler Peak in the Taos Ski Valley.  After your hike, enjoy a frosty German Pils at the Bavarian Lodge near the trailhead!

Manby Hot Springs: this is a 1 mile out and back trail rated as moderate. The road to the trailhead can be rough, and the actual trail can get steep going into the gorge.  These natural springs are right by the river!

WARNING: other visitors at the hot springs tend to be unpredictably clothed :)  

Slide Trail: this is a 2.7 mile trail rated as easy.  The drive to the trailhead (in Embudo) will take you past the Pilar Yacht Club and follows a gorgeous stretch of the river- lots of places to get out and dip your toes in along the way.  This trail is a nice walk up the canyon and is good for all levels/ages. 

Taos has a unique culture built on American Indian, Spanish, and contemporary artist influences. There is lots to see and do around town, but here are a few of our recommendations:

A UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo goes back and forth with Acoma Pueblo as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the country.  Tours are available, and if you're lucky you may get to sample some yummy pueblo bread and meet the friendly rez pups!

Check out the plaza for some special treasures!  Lots of shops, galleries, and cafes.  Don't forget to visit our FAVORITE outdoor store, Taos Mountain Outfitters, and give a smooch to their giant shop dog!

Other favorites in the plaza include Parcht (wine bar), World Cup Cafe (coffee), Chokola (chocolate shop), Common Thread (textiles), and La Tierra (gems and minerals).

The Saturday market is 8:00am-12:30pm during the summer. Look for the traveling troubadour to craft you a poem based on anything you like :)

Taos is home to many artists and many galleries!  We don't have much in the way of recommendations here, but if this is up your alley, check out this link for a listing of galleries to visit.

Taos has some amazing restaurants and bars, here are a few of our favorites:

For Food:

Love Apple- cash only; welcome dinner will be here on Friday

Doc Martin's- grab a drink at the Adobe Bar beforehand

Lambert's- que fancy

Medley- our favorite restaurant in Taos 

Byzantium- an experience in and of itself  

The Burger Stand- self-explanatory!

Taos Pizza Outback- pricey for za but the crust is worth it

La Cueva- red and green molé!

Michael's Kitchen (breakfast)- check out the bakery display case!!

Taos Diner- hangover breakfast glory

Taos Cow (breakfast/lunch)- in Arroyo Hondo, cute sandwich stand

For Drink:

Parcht- wine and charcuterie

The Alley Cantina- late night, live music

Adobe Bar- located in the Taos Inn

Rolling Still- local distillery, great green chile vodka