There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration you feel when travelling to a new land to learn its history and culture, and you’ll get more than you bargain for here in Taos.

​There’s a whole lot of special happening these days at the Taos Art Museum — so much so that everyone deserves to get in on it. At its core is a feel-good theme of generosity that not only unveiled a painting that had gone unseen by the public for 60 years but will also see the current museum double in size, rivaling the most expansive of region-specific museum collections.

When Mickey and Mallory married each other in Quentin Tarantino’s insanely violent “Natural Born Killers” (1994), where did they do it? 

If you were to close your eyes and imagine the quintessential cowboy art gallery then you would no doubt conjure Heritage Fine Arts, the entrance to which is tucked away in Wengert Patio on Kit Carson Road. 

If you’re planning to go only as far as Santa Fe in your exploration of the Southwest, break boundaries — as Ernest Couse and Joseph Sharp did over a century ago — and head to Taos. Let this be your own life-changing journey as you head up Taos Canyon past the Rio Grande’s flowing waters to the wildness of Taos.

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of this country and one has to look no further than Taos to appreciate the value of their presence. From the food industry to retail venues to coffee shops, it is clear that those who choose to both live here and make their living working with their families lend stability to the community in myriad ways.

Bison Star Naturals started as a local feel-good story that has resulted in a quality national brand of lotions, shampoos and more that gives everyone the opportunity to have a little bit of Taos at their fingertips.

In New Mexico, recreational marijuana has only become legal in the last two years. The recent surge in popularity and access with dispensaries popping up throughout the state is plainly evident here in Taos, too. Many stores line the main drive, taking over buildings and leasing spaces that were often previously left vacant.

As the local Taos music scene slowly emerges from its lockdown phase, The Alley Cantina, the Historic Taos Inn and the Sagebrush Inn continue to be casual options to catch local musicians play on any night of the week. Meanwhile, a constellation of underground spaces have popped up to give form and function to the local musician’s deeper explorations. As an artist who performs regularly in town, curates shows at Ennui Gallery, documents local acts in Tempo and on my KNCE Taos 93.5 FM Rad…

If you want a recommendation that’s legit, ask a local. For more than 20 years, the Taos News has been asking its readers to vote on the best food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and services, and publishing the results in a yearly roundup called The Best of Taos.

Though it be landlocked and drought-ridden, New Mexico produces fine grapes for wine and has its fair share of great wine bars, especially in the North where Taos and its insatiable foodies like to enjoy an excellent vintage of Gruner Veltliner or Gamay with their meal.

If your travels take you west to Ojo Caliente or Abiquiu, you might pass through the village of El Rito — on NM 554 about an hour’s drive from Taos. The unincorporated community, originally name El Rito Colorado (after the creek that runs through town), is home to art galleries, a historic church and a campus of Northern New Mexico College.

Desert cultures are known to offer refuge and hospitality to the weary traveler. Here in Taos, tourists can stay in an array of accommodations, including yurts, campers, Earthships and more.

When people come to Taos, one of the first things they usually do is visit a restaurant for a taste of that classic Northern New Mexico cuisine. And “classic” almost always means chile. Whether red or green, most people agree that the rich piquant flavor of chile is unique to New Mexico. No wonder chiles form the basis of the comfort foods of Taos.

The history of Taos — and that of inns — has deep roots. The English word inn derives from “inne” — Old English, perhaps by c. 1200. While travel meant walking, riding a horse or stepping out of a wagon or carriage, the sign “Inn” or “Public House” promised drink to quench the thirst and a meal of meat and bread or hearty soup. If enough beds were not available, shelter was provided in a shed or barn.

Local lore says that skiing first came to New Mexico in the late-1800s, as mail carriers used hand-made skis to bring mail to Red River City and other gold-mining camps. A photo from around 1900 shows a Taos Pueblo man on skis, possibly delivering mail. Miners also used skis to travel during the winter.

While some people may not recognize New Mexico as a skiing or winter destination, those that have discovered it typically fall in love with it — and many have been enjoying the area for generations. Steeped in culture, history and diversity, there are four ski areas less than an hour from Taos, and each is unique.

Think there’s a stigma to traveling solo? Think again! The hottest form of global travel is not couples paired on a trip, nor is it a family or groups of friends or adventurers with shared interests. It seems everyone is going solo these days — accounting for nearly one-quarter of all travelers.

Local families and visitors with kids will also likely Google: “Find kids’ interests in Taos.” Surprising activities in all seasons are hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.

A popular 86-mile loop of scenic roadway meanders through the beautiful Southern Rocky Mountains, connecting the charming small towns and villages that comprise the greater Enchanted Circle community. The following is a peek at what lies ahead for you during this magical ride through the Sangre de Cristo range. (Please take winter travel precautions).