Lively bluegrass notes bounce off viga beams as margaritas begin to flow. Not a seat is empty. Vibrant art lines the walls as cowboys and city-folk converse in a lively manner. And for a moment, time stands still.
Welcome to the Taos Inn; one of the few places with the good grace to hold tightly to its Western heritage.
Founded on an artistic love for the New Mexico landscape and good old cowboy sensibility, the inn has been a Taos establishment since 1936, not to mention played host to the likes of D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O’Keefe and Robert Redford.
A neon thunderbird sign (the only one allowed in town) crowns a lively balance of Spanish Mission, Pueblo and Southwestern decor. But what truly makes this hotel a gem is its role as a patron of the artistic community. The Taos Society of Artists was founded here over 93 years ago, back when the hotel was a private residence. Rotating works from internationally acclaimed New Mexico artists are on constant diplay thoughout the premises.
The hotel comprises an collection of adobe homes, a cloister of former artist studios, and two pueblo-style houses. Pair these with an award-winning restaurant (Wine Spectator’s “Best of” Award nineteen years running) and a bar that hosts live music seven nights a week, and its no wonder everyone calls this place “The Living Room of Taos.”
With many hotels becoming a Disney-fied version of by-gone eras, its refreshing to see that not much at the Taos Inn has changed in over 72 years, aside from air-conditioning, wireless internet, and a killer sound system.
And frankly, would you want it any other way?
jordanwhitley
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