Susanna Starr
My Hometown
Taos , New Mexico USA : A Small Town with Tri-Cultural Heritage
Located at the base of the Taos mountain , sacred to the Pueblo Indians for more than 1,000 years , the small town of Taos , New Mexico is notable for its tri-cultural heritage as well as its beauty .
From majestic mountains to the valley of Taos where the town lies nestled , from the rivers and streams to the awe-inspiring gorge , the sculptural mesas and long stretches of high desert , it ’ s easy to become immersed in the unspoiled beauty of nature . Add to that the vast horizons , clarity of air and light , and the magnificent blue Taos skies , and this hometown of mine has much to offer visitors . Many people arrive from all over the country , as well as from Canada , Europe and Mexico .
Not only are there three cultures in Taos , but there are also three languages spoken . The language of the well-known Taos Pueblo is the same as it has always been , Tiwa . Spanish is spoken virtually everywhere since the Spaniards arrived more than 500 years ago . The Anglos , as they are referred to here , are the most recent arrivals , and English , of course , is the common spoken language . So many of the Taos natives are bi- or tri-lingual .
Setting it apart from most of the Southwest region , New Mexico has its own traditional food with locals justifiably proud of their unique version of chili . The architecture is also specific with the frequent use of adobe with its warm , rich color of the earth .
Like Santa Fe , its larger neighbor to the south , Taos is known as an art colony . There are wonderful galleries and many fine museums , including the Harwood Museum and the Millicent Rogers Museum , each providing not only contemporary art shows but also the rich history of Taos art over the past generations .
In addition to the historic landmark Taos Inn , there are several motels and many bed & breakfast accommodations available . These , of course , reflect the owners ’ tastes and sensibilities , and each one of them has something unique to offer . Vacation homes are also available for rent , and families often find that they can settle into them and spend quality time getting to know all the many offerings in town .
From the centrally located town plaza to checking out the many surrounding galleries to hiking some of the mountain trails , river rafting , ballooning , or skiing in the world-class Taos Ski Valley , there is much to do and see . That is , when you ’ re not trying
KAROL M . COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
out some of the extensive culinary opportunities . Not only is Hispanic cuisine available , but there is a nice variety of other options , including organic , Japanese , Italian and other specialties .
Finally , Taos is a town for all seasons . Springtime is glorious in the mountains , although it starts a little later than other regions . The snow-melt provides for rushing rivers , and the early flowers always evoke excitement after the cold of winter . Summers are glorious with morning and evenings almost always cool and crystal clear . Fall in Taos features the spectacular gold of aspen leaves . Taos is set against the intense blue of the sky and the deep green of the fir , pine and pinon trees , so there are many drives that will lure the visitor to cruise the mountain roads . Winter is much loved by skiers who have been waiting for the opportunity to sample the outstanding runs in the ski valley .
This is where I live , where my children and grandchildren have been raised , where I still work in my gallery and where I have enjoyed , for more than half my life , the special feeling of community that is Taos .
Taos Pueblo “ These main structures of the pueblo are believed to be over 1000 years old … Each apartment is a separate unconnected unit … doors being added in the last century as a result of Spanish influence …. The original entrances were through the roofs by ladder .”
Susanna Starr
Susanna Starr , entrepreneur , photographer , speaker , artist , writer , holds a degree in philosophy from Stony Brook State University of New York , Susanna is the International Food , Wine and Travel Writers Association ‘ s Regional membership coordinator for Riviera Maya & Oaxaca Mexico .
Formere owner of Rancho Encantado , an eco-resort and spa in Mexico ’ s Yucatan Peninsula , she lives in Northern New Mexico . Look for her latest book , Our Interwoven Lives with the Zapotec Weavers , available in fine bookstores and online at amazon . com and others .
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