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Five and Dime General Store in the Plaza Five and Dime General Store (I think this one might be kinda touristy but I will be looking for inexpensive/token gifts to bring home to people)
Ore House on the Plaza restaurant - I can't seem to get to the website right now
We didn't go to the restaurant, but we stayed at the Inn last winter. While the location is favorable and the architecture is interesting, it didn't seem like you got your money's worth....
I'm more familiar with Taos, so will stick primarily with it. In both Taos and Santa Fe one of your first visits should be to their plazas. With either, you will find that they have long since been largely commercialized, nevertheless they still remain the traditional heart of town. This was the Spanish custom, widespread throughout northern New Mexico.
There are also some nice shops and restaurants at either. At Santa Fe particularly, the plaza makes a good base to explore the center of town. If in the mood to shop, there is a lot to see or buy. The streets are narrow and winding, and the prevalence of adobe style architecture alone can make for a pleasant excursion. You'll surely find something unexpected.
One might do as much from the plaza in Taos, although in winter a little problematic due possible snow and slush. Directly off the northwest corner of the plaza, down a short alley, is The Alley Cantina. Worth visiting in part because part of its kitchen incorporates the oldest adobe building in Taos. It is a good choice as a bar/restaurant, with live music nearly every night. One is likely to find authentic Taos locals there as well, among an assortment of tourists. Just east of the plaza, on Kit Carson Rd, is a nice coffee house, nestled among an assortment of shops and art galleries. If liking southwest art, both Taos and Santa Fe excel. Nearby is Eskes Brew Pub, if wishing a good local brew. The iconic Taos Inn is also near the plaza, on the main drag, and worth a visit for dining, or just to have a drink and say you've been there. This is just a sampling.
Just southwest of the plaza is Ledoux St. It is but a short walk and a short street as well, but worth a visit. It represents some of the best of Taos in its ambience, history, galleries, etc.
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is worth visiting due its legendary history, and also due a lovely location adjacent to the land of the indian Pueblo. It will add immeasurably to your visit if you briefly study the history of its patroness first. If so inclined, one might also lodge there.
Just northeast of town, adjacent to, is the ancient Taos Pueblo. At times, one might pay to visit the actual tiered adobe pueblo residences, at others it is reserved for ceremonies, etc., no public welcome. This proviso extends to most of this pueblo, which is private, an exception being their casino, in which one is entirely welcome. It is modest, but worth the visit if for no more than briefly driving within the land of the pueblo, which is maintained largely in its pristine natural state.
Among museums, the Fechin House would be worth a visit. One of the Taos originals. There is a modern and rather nice hotel of the same name (but name may have changed) directly behind the original house, which fronts the main street at a distance. The hotel would prove good lodging, also.
Near the southern edge of Taos, in adjacent Rancho de Taos actually, resides the historic San Francisco de Asis church. It is definitely worth visiting, and if lucky you might even see inside. But just seeing and touching the thick adobe walls is enchantment enough. It resides on a small plaza. You may instantly recognize it, particularly the western aspect, as so many artists have used it as a subject, including Georgia O'Keefe.
A bit further afield, it would be worth the drive northeast of Taos to Taos Ski Valley, roughly 15 miles distant. Be forewarned it is very much in the mountains, and one might encounter snow on the road, although a well maintained state highway. I haven't been there, but if your purse is rich enough a visit to The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant might be in order. Otherwise, there are a number of fine shops and restaurants clustered together in the main complex. One of the less pretentious, good for a hearty brew or meal, is Tim's Stray Dog Cantina.
Off in the other direction, across the valley, is the Rio Grande gorge bridge that others have mentioned. If at all inclined, it is worth a visit; many tourists do (and locals surely have). There is nothing adventurous in driving across it, being a major state highway, but if conditions permit it is possible and worth a walk upon. There are any number of good vantages to look into the Rio Grande gorge and the river far below. Also a good vantage to look back east towards Taos and the mountains behind it. If looking north, one cannot see, but the general location of two natural hot springs residing directly on either side of the river. If so inclined, and as adventurous, they can be reached via dirt road that departs the highway at Arroyo Hondo, thence narrow, steep dirt trail.
If seriously contemplating that option, then you might wish to visit Tres Orejas. Shortly after crossing the gorge bridge, turn left onto a more or less well maintained dirt road heading due south; Tres Orejas is roughly 7 miles from pavement. It is a 'suburban' community just to the west of this road, its entrance noted by a pole of tall vertical prayer flags. Do NOT venture off the main dirt road, on their 'suburban' roads (more or less blazed bulldozer tracks through the sagebrush) unless they are relatively dry or you have very capable four wheel drive. I'm not kidding. But if so doing, you might locate a Buddhist (Tibetan?) stupa more or less in the center of this unique community. It offers a magnificent view east across the entire valley and Taos beyond. Worth the visit if you are dedicated.
If something more mundane, then stay on the main paved highway after crossing the gorge bridge, to shortly see the Earthship community off to your right. There is one of these unique and very energy efficient homes directly off the highway, which with a nominal fee can often be visited inside. Taos is one of the epicenters of this type of architecture. Some of them are fabulous, if you are lucky enough to visit. Earthships can also be found high on the mountainside, just before one truly enters the canyon towards Taos Ski Valley (visible up and directly ahead). It is a steep and challenging dirt road up.
If traveling across the valley as far as Tres Piedras, there is an obviously visible large pink adobe arts place worth a visit. It may or not be open, but certainly different. But the main reason to venture as far afield may be in going even further, to turn south and travel as far as Ojo Caliente. The primary attraction there are the commercial hot springs of the same name, open year round, and VERY much worth a long visit and soak. They also provide expensive lodging if one so inclined. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, each unique, with different types of mineral waters feeding them. It is a glorious place, and if at all liking this type of thing, not to be missed.
Back in town, a drink or meal at the El Monte Sagrado, directly off Kit Carson Rd, maybe .4 miles east of the plaza, could be in order. They offer expensive lodging as well. But it is a unique and lovely place, and worth the visit.
Indeed, 'worth the visit' would sum up a good deal of Taos. Some are going to find it an alternately dusty and muddy place. Anything but polished and the Ritz. They will look elsewhere. But many absolutely love the place, in part because it can be so funky and authentic, with many unique locals liking it just that way. And, if looking just within past the old weathered wooden doors and adobe one can find an unexpected warmth and elegance. By any other name: Enchantment.
We drove up from Abq yesterday morning for a quick 2 day getaway in Taos. Usually go through Espanola but took the high road for a different drive. It snowed most of the time and was gorgeous but for about 10 miles around the summit the road was quite difficult to drive so if you go this way be careful.
Always stay at different places here, this time we are at this terrific little lodge 4 minutes drive from the square called San Geronimo. It has about 24 rooms, was built in the 20's and the owners are fantastic. Rooms have kivas and are quite large, comfortable and clean. Loving it.
Idunn's post is fantastic and sorry nobody is doing anything comparable for Santa Fe. Personally, I haven't eaten or shopped at any of the places you mentioned. For the restaurants, you might use the search function -- a fair number of restaurants have been reviewed in the Santa Fe restaurant thread. For chocolate I like CG Higgins, but I don't know that it is any better.
One thought. You are coming at a busy time and might anticipating some traffic. You'll be here in the ski season, tourism will be picking up and the Christmas shoppers will be out. Coming down from Taos you'll go through Rancho de Taos with a fair number of stop lights and it can be a mess. Maybe somebody can tell you how to avoid it.
Then the low road is fine until you hit Espanola and more lights and construction. Weekends and evenings are okay, but on a Monday the road may be down to one lane both north and south -- it could be a tie-up. Consider -- weather permitting -- using the high road.
If you want to see the best of the low road, but avoid Espanola, then consider driving down the high road (68) to Embudo -- then back up a little to 75 -- take that east to 76 south (high road) to Chimayo, then 520 south to 503, 503 east to 84/285. It is longer, but you'll get great views of the Sangres and the Nambe Badlands and you won't spend your time sitting in traffic in Espanola.
A suggestion in addition to or instead of the five and dime -- is the gift shop on the Pojoaque Pueblo. They have excellent prices and stock both what they Southwestern novelties -- the sfuff made in China and India etc -- and genuine Indian made items from a wide variety of tribes -- various pueblos, Navajo, etc. The Inidan made items range from fairly inexpensive -- e.g., inexpensive earings -- to signed pieces that take your breath away.
Several of Pojoaque Pueblos commercial enterprises are not so great -- IMO -- but the gift shop is a definite exception with a helpful friendly staff -- most of the time. Actually all of their enterprises have a helpful friendly staff -- just sometimes the products are not that great.
You'll go right past it on your way from Taos to SF -- High Road or Low Road. Going south on 84/285 turn left at the first light after the Los Alamos exit. Then immediately turn right on the frontage road past the O Restaurant and past the Nambe Shop and the Pojoaque gift shop is on your left -- a long low building called various things -- Information Center, Gallery.
I'm still reading! Thanks so much for letting me know about that place. We will definitely try to make it a priority, it sounds really neat! I love looking at all the handmade stuff. There are some amazing artists/artisans out there!!
Kakawa chocolate house. My wife and daughter went there a few months back.Fairly spendy. I had the Aztec drink. Very bitter!!! Very small and pricey forthe size. But given it's historical hype and resulting bitterness. That's a good thing. Size not price. Not for the unadventurous type. all their chocolates were dark. So not a big variety.needed some milk type to round out their selection. But very tasty none the less. My wife and daughter had assorted stuff dark clt pyramid with almonds, rose petal rose water nugget etc ,More hype than not. Also parking Was limited. But thats Santa fe.
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