Hotel at a Glance: Inn on La Loma Plaza

Built in 1800 as part of a Spanish colonial complex, the Inn on La Loma Plaza blends right in with the surrounding Pueblo Revival architecture in Taos. Inside, the meticulously restored hacienda is teeming with Southwestern charm, incorporating fountains, regional antiques, local art, hand-carved wood details, and spacious guest areas.

• Notable nod: The inn was named 1 of the country’s 10 most romantic inns by American Historic Inns.
• Within walking distance: Taos Plaza, the town’s historic center
• Individually decorated rooms feature vibrant colors, kiva fireplaces, and local artwork. Junior suites open onto private patios with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and studios have kitchenettes.
• Locally inspired breakfast: Dishes showcase the Southwest’s signature flavors, from spicy breakfast burritos to baked eggs with cilantro, mexican cheese, and black olives.

Taos, New Mexico: Rural Mountain Town with Thriving Art Scene and World-Class Skiing

Situated atop a 7,000-foot mesa at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the small town of Taos—in north-central New Mexico—buzzes with artistic activity and outdoor pursuits. Downtown, historic buildings house more than 50 art galleries, restaurants, and jewelry shops. Taos’s picturesque desert landscapes have inspired many artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence. The Taos Art Museum celebrates the town’s creative heritage with displays of local artwork from the 20th century. The building was once the home of Russian painter and woodcarver Nicolai Fechin.

In warmer months, the nearby Wheeler Peak Wilderness lures hikers with scenic trails and ample wildlife, including golden eagles, elk, marmot, and the occasional mountain lion or black bear. You can conquer Wheeler Peak—New Mexico’s tallest mountain at 13,161 feet—on an 8-mile summit trail.

Just north of town, visitors are welcome at Taos Pueblo, an ancient Native American village and World Heritage site. For more than 1,000 years, Pueblo Indians have called these multistory adobes home. Here, you can sample wood-fired bread, witness a ceremonial buffalo dance, or purchase handcrafted wares such as turquoise and silver bracelets and woven blankets.

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