Best of Taos 2022 by The Taos News

Taos Real Estate

Angel Fire Real Estate

Thank You

FOR MAKING US the BeSt ReAL eStAte AGeNCY IN the BeSt OF tAOS 2022

TOP 50 Award Winning Franchise 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Ste A Taos, NM 87571 O: 575-758-1924 | bhhsTAOS.com ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This is not a solicitation if you are currently working with a real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Simply the Best Kristine Wood, Assoc. Broker · Joel K. Schantz, Qualifying Broker/Owner · Marny Schantz, Owner/Manager · Yvonne Lewis, Assoc. Broker

After forty years in the business, the only thing better than being voted Best Real Estate Agent is the business itself. I like selling the joys, hopes and dreams of home ownership as I work with trusted colleagues and my wonderful team.

Thanks for this special honor, Taos!

JOEL K. SCHANTZ & COMPANY 575-758-1924 call · 575-770-6258 text · jschantz@newmex.com See real-time MLS listings & properties available NOW at: 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Ste. A, Taos, NM 87571 · 575-758-1924 office

SchantzCo.com

©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

THE BESTOF TAOS

Best Place to Read or Buy a Book

OP.CIT.BOOKS

your town, your vote For a small town,Taos has plenty to offer. There are outstanding places to eat, from fine dining to street carts, and tons of bars and venues for live music. And there are places to shop, vendors to help you make your house a home, and all kinds of support services that tie our tapestry together. For more than 20 years,Taos News has been asking its readers to weigh in on who’s doing things right when it comes to services in Taos. Decided by readers just like you, we have put the winners — and runners-up — within reach in our Best of Taos 2022 publication. You may have a different favorite than the ones listed here, and that’s OK. Part of what makes Taos special is its diversity of opinion. But for being in-the-know for great food, drinks, entertainment, shopping, services and things to do, you can’t do much better than this. So live your best life here in Taos, still one of the best-kept secrets around.

FEATURES 14

CHOKOLA BEAN TO BAR

MANTES CHOW CART

KIT CARSON PARK

OP.CIT BOOKS

SCOTT TENNANT

By Michael Tashji Photographs by Nathan Burton

Story and photographs by Will Hooper

By Rick Romancito Photographs by Michael Tashji

By Arielle Christian Photographs by Mike Hawkins

By Dena Miller Photograph by Mike Hawkins

Sugar Three Mountain Ways

Park Sounds

Nooks The Great for Books Next Step

BEST OF TAOS RESULTS

MichaelTashji

Best of Taos 2022 editor

By Virginia Clark

06 BEST FOOD & DRINK 18 BEST ENTERTAINMENT 31 BEST SHOPPING 40 BEST SERVICES 52 WE ASKED

Best Pet Supply Store

BLUE SKY PET & FEED SUPPLY STAFF Robin Martin, owner Chris Baker, publisher John Miller, editor

ON THE COVER: Amanda Powell,

Zoe Urban, graphic designer

TAOS NEWS 226 Albright Street Taos, New Mexico 87571

Heather Owen, digital editor

575-758-2241; taosnews.com

Jewelry by Yoté Jewelry.

Michael Tashji, magazine/copy editor

Chris Wood, advertising director

Tyler Northrop, Kim O'Reilly,

Paul Gutches, production manager

Karin Eberhardt, creative director

Shane Atkinson, sales manager

S’zanne Reynolds, media specialist

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Adrift a Dream Photography, adriftadreamphotography.com.

THANK YOU for

VOTING US

CUEVA LA

LA CUEVA CAFE HAS LOVED SERVING TAOS FOR THE LAST 11 YEARS. THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US IN THE BEST OF TAOS! – Horacio & Juana & all of the Cueva Cafe staff. LA CUEVA CAFE • 135 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE • 575-758-7001 • OPEN 10-8 MONDAY-SATURDAY taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST RESTAURANT

food & drink

Medley. 100 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO / 575-776-8787 / MEDLEYTAOS.COM A medley. trifecta two years in a row! Colleen and Wilks Medley nail it with their “Something good for everyone,” local and round-the-world temptations in “user-friendly” fare, plus specially curated wines from medley. wine shop, uncorked at the table for a wee fee (reserve ahead of time). Enjoy a cool one or two and a few small plates under the limitless views of Pueblo Peak (aka Taos Mountain) — a monthly must-do or more! SECOND PLACE

BEST BREAKFAST

Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 304-C PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE 575-758-4178 / MICHAELSKITCHEN.COM Apple fritters, bear claws, biscotti, Bismarks and brownies — oh my! Oh oh, and cream cheese and fruit danishes! Locals and long-timers know Michael’s many menus. Besides fab meats with and without eggs, every imaginable omelette, chiles, burgers and burritos (don’t forget the eclairs, empanadas, French crullers — oh, and the honey buns — oh, and cream-filled or plain Long Johns!). Plus salads and veggie/vegan delights. New hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, so get goin’!

Lambert’s ofTaos 123 BENT ST. / 575-758-1009

LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM

BEST PATIO

BEST WAITSTAFF

Medley. 100 STATE ROAD 150 EL PRADO / 575-776-8787 MEDLEYTAOS.COM

SECOND PLACE

The medley. patio experience is “clearly” tops with customers who lounge in the plexiglass pods or en plein air, both are warm in winter and classy cool in summer — complete with a call button to summon servers. Bask in 360-Nature surrounds late into the day or evening.

Gutiz 812B PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS

SECOND PLACE

Martyrs Steakhouse

Lambert’s ofTaos

146 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE TAOS / 575-751-3020 MARTYRSSTEAKHOUSE.COM

123 BENT ST.,TAOS 575-758-1009 LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM

575-758-1226 / GUTIZTAOS.COM

Medley. 100 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-776-8787 / MEDLEYTAOS.COM “Are you kidding me? Go here already!” as our hip music columnist Arielle Christian said in last year’s Best of Taos. Just do it!

CONTINUES PAGE 8 6

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Love. Hope. Success. Family. Security. Some things we all have in common. There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®

Wanda Lucero 575.737.5433 wanda@wandalucero.com

Honored to be Taos’ Best Agency 12 Years Running

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

food & drink

BEST COFFEE SHOP

World Cup Café 102-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS / 575-737-5299 FIND ON FACEBOOK Attitude? Yup, with every cup — 35 years and counting, you gotta do World Cup. Some folks (mostly locals) wave at grungy regulars who shrug off mere style, it’s substance they crave and brave opinions of all stripes. Typical Taos does a Central American bold blend, and Mocha Borgia for a sweet hit. Just cuppas and jellied toast (if you get there early). But it’s addicting. So park on the plaza, or along Kit Carson Road, or whatever, cuz there’s only two spots at the front door. No matter. Be Taos. Be World Cup.

BEST BAKED GOODS MADE IN-HOUSE

Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 304-C PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE 575-758-4178 / MICHAELSKITCHEN.COM Told ya they’re the best baked goods in town. Whether you live here or just visit, Michael’s keeps us coming back for more. I mean, who wants to leaven and punch dough when you can pick up the flakiest, yummerlicious loaves, pastries, tarts and tasties (some still warm!) and hike to Williams Lake before the rest of the world stumbles out the door! True. SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Coffee Apothecary 616 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-779-8706 COFFEEAPOTHECARYTAOS.COM

KOKO 1033 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, SUITE H / 575-758-9448 KOKOTAOS.COM

BEST PLACE FOR SWEET TREATS

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

Chokolá Bean to Bar

Mante’s Chow Cart

106-B JUAN LARGO LANE,TAOS PLAZA 575-779-6163 CHOKOLABEANTOBAR.COM For reals, Debi Vincent does it all — right in the shop. They clean, roast, crack and grind organic cocoa beans and then whip out handmade, small batch chocolate quaffs, bars, Madagascar bonbons, mousse, milkshakes and more, all with emphasis on minimal processing, using only cacao and a little raw sugar. True varietal tasting notes give each chocolate a distinct flavor profile in Chokolá’s bean-to-bar romance. Come drown yourself in their cocoa’s bright hints of wine, raspberries, cherries, coffee and citrusy lemon heaven. SECOND PLACE

Mante Chacón really did start out in a bread truck — big as a UPS van. Nowadays, there’s always a line at the drivethru, but it speeds right along. Burgers and New Mexican fixin’s (big fat eggie burritos with bacon or sausage or especially chorizo – yumm) dripping in red, green or Christmas chile. The best. Drive-thru open Monday through Saturday 6 a.m to 9 p.m., with Dine-In Saturdays, 6 a.m-3 p.m. A 30-year Taos love affair you want a part of! SECOND PLACE

Abe’s CantinaY Cocina 489 STATE ROAD 150, ARROYO SECO 575-776-8516 / FIND ON FACEBOOK

The Wake &Take 480 STATE ROAD 150, ARROYO SECO 505-990-0296 SHRUBLIFEFOODS.COM Vegan! Even if you are a huge meat lover, you will rave over The Wake & Take. The Thor Bowl causes yummy food noises while chowing down the smokey tempe, potatoes, fresh avocado, radish roots and a yummy ranch-like sauce all over everything. The craft teas and smoothies are incredibly creative and, BTW, healthy too! Eat inside or in the cute outdoor patio livened by warm sunshine. Come hungry, big servings! SECOND PLACE

Cid’s Food Market 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM

A Salty Little Sweet Shop 105-B QUESNEL,TAOS 575-741-6844 @ASALTYLITTLESWEETSHOP

402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-4855 MANTESCHOWCART.COM

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

CONTINUES PAGE 10

live / laugh / love / sleep / repeat

mattress mary’s

T AO S

L I F E S T Y L E™

Best place to buy Mattresses

18 y e a r s

Best place to buy Home Furnishings

14 y e a r s

taos is your life, live it with style.

815 paseo del pueblo sur | taos, nm 87571 PHOTOS: Bill Curry

taoslifestyle.com

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

food & drink

BEST NEW MEXICAN FOOD

BEST TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe

Guadalajara Grill NORTHSIDE: 822 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-737-0816 CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY

1115 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO / 575-751-1450 ORLANDOSONMAIN.COM/MENU This is down-home Taosfamily all the way. Voted Best of Taos every year since 2005, Orlando’s also slam dunks green, red and Christmas chile (see awards below). And ¡Qué sorpresa! Besides blue corn beef enchiladas, pork tamales and tacos, you’ll find smothered shrimp burritos, Baja fish tacos and more. Avocado lime pie anyone? Or fried ice cream? Stop me now. Insane! Open daily except Sunday and Monday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

SOUTHSIDE: 1384 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-751-0063 CLOSED WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

BEST RED CHILE

BEST GREEN CHILE

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe

1115 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO / 575-751-1450 ORLANDOSONMAIN.COM/MENU

SECOND PLACE

Who let the dogs out ? Hatch Hatch Hatch! The best New Mexican chiles are from Hatch, N.M., and Orlando’s knows how to unleash it.

Ranchos Plaza Grill

Sometimes the green is mas ou menos picante than red, it all depends on how hot the chile is on that day. Ask your waiter. Green is usually menos picante — but not always!

SECOND PLACE

6 STREET FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-5788 FACEBOOK

Ranchos Plaza Grill 6 STREET FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-5788 FIND ON FACEBOOK

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

SECOND PLACE

Ranchos Plaza Grill 6 STREET FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-5788 FIND ON FACEBOOK

GUADALAJARAGRILLTAOS.COM Delicioso — that’s Guadalajara Grill north and south, a little bit Taos Hispanico, Native and TexMex, and a lot rico Mexicana — more veggies, avocado and corn tortillas than Tex Mex. Campechana is a cocktail of octopus, cuttle fish, squid, mussels and shrimp in a homemade cocktail sauce, fresh cucumber, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, onion and chips or crackers — choose it hot, warm or cold. Definitely ¡Buenazo! SECOND PLACE

La Cueva Cafe

BEST PIZZA

Pizaños 23 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-776-1050 / TAOSPIZZA.COM Pizaños name and menu is a Taos twist on New Yorkstyle pizza, as in “pisan” — slangy Italian for countryman, Taos-ized with a Z and an ñ. See shroomy Let It Grow and The Milky Way or veggie Gratitude — three blessings for veganizers. How’s Fire Twirler and White Feather sound? All jazzy-licious, as are the hog, ham, chicks, fish and steak entrees. Dine-in or Take-out Thursday thru Sunday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Killer patio views! SECOND PLACE

Taos Pizza Outback 712 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE TAOS / 575-758-3112 TAOSPIZZAOUTBACK.COM

135 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR TAOS / 575-758-700 / FACEBOOK CONTINUES PAGE 12

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST BURGER

5 Star Burgers

food & drink

1032 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-8484 / 5STARBURGERS.COM Meat lovers rejoice! No factory-farm-harmed meat here. Ethically raised, natural Black Angus is antibiotic free and ground daily. They even offer plant burgers — so vegans can eat too — not just salad or beans ’n’ rice! Try Taos Burger with crispy green chile, BBQ sauce and cheddar; or the 5 Star burger with gorgonzola and applewood-smoked bacon, all chased with beer ’n’ fries. Dine-in or out on a dog-friendly patio and you got it all! SECOND PLACE

The Burger Stand atTaos Ale House

401 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS / 575-758-5522 / TAOSBURGERSANDBEER.COM

BEST ROADSIDE FOOD CART

BEST MARGARITA

Adobe Bar at the HistoricTaos Inn 125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-1977 / TAOSINN.COM The Cowboy Buddha — even the name is tasty. Makes you wanna roll your own buddhas in boots. Nah, this one (among some 12 or so other margs) at the Adobe Bar includes Herradura Silver tequila, Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lime. Locals and visitors alike vote this iconic spot for best margs and free live music since 1999. As musing maven Arielle Christian said in 2021 BOT: Holy cowboy buddha! SECOND PLACE

Medley. 100 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-776-8787 / MEDLEYTAOS.COM

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-770-1170 MARYJANES-HOMECOOKING.COM Hot dogs, burgers, burritos and plates with all the meats (the chicharrón is fire!); even veganizers do la comida de Mary Jane’s — a go-to for those in the know — government, bank, newspaper, construction crews and retail do breakies ’n’ lunchies here. Fast and familia! SECOND PLACE

A La Cart World Street Food 625 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-7503 ALACARTETAOS.COM

BEST BAR

Adobe Bar at the HistoricTaos Inn 125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-1977 / TAOSINN.COM

BEST BREWERY

Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC MESA ROAD, EL PRADO 575-758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM

Been gettin’ best bar or best margarita in Best of Taos survey ever since it began, 1999 — somebody’s doin’ something right. Gotta be the peeps — bar staff and all the action, it’s THE place to people-watch. Smack in the middle of town it’s so chill tossing down Cowboy Buddha margs or beers, jiving to creative crooners de Taos and the Southwest. Plus? They’re pet friendly. No wonder everyone either starts or ends their nights out at the Adobe Bar.

The Mothership out on the Hondo Mesa partakes mouthful mountain views, sunsets and stars, not to mention their specialty brew sent to President Obama, celebrating the establishment of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. TMB hunger has been slaked for two years with draughts and pizza at their in-town location, Taos Tap Room (201 Paseo del Pueblo Sur) while The Mothership gets reconstructed. From ales to stouts, in town or on mesa, TMB’s 12 draughts make moment!

SECOND PLACE

The Alley Cantina

Red River Brewing Company

121 TERESINA LANE,TAOS 575-758-2121 ALLEYCANTINA.COM

217 W. MAIN STREET, RED RIVER 575-754-4422 REDRIVERBREWING.COM

Thank you to the People of Taos!

live . love . indulge

Because of all that smoke you blew up your chimney last winter, we got to earn your 2nd Best of Taos vote!

(575) 425-3001 • thepeopleschimney.com • peopleschimney@gmail.com

Thank you Taos for keeping it local and voting Michelle’s Best Woman’s Clothing Boutique. Wishing everyone a great summer! 1360 D Paseo del Pueblo Norte 575-751-3450 michellestaos@gmail.com michellesbeach

Thank You Taos for 12 Great Years. We look forward to caring for your family.

“Serving the Taos community for over 50 years” TAOS OFFICE 1392 Weimer Rd. Taos, NM 87571 • 575-758-8303

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

Sugar Mountain This award-winning chocolate shop and café is pretty sweet

BY MICHAEL TASHJI / PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATHAN BURTON In a charming little storefront just steps from Taos Plaza is a chocolate and dessert shop that sells an intoxicating array of chocolate offerings — mousse, ice cream, truffles, cakes, brownies, pastries and chocolate bars. A hand-painted sign inside the shop reads, “Love grows in small batches.” Chokola, voted best place for sweet treats in this year’s Best of Taos magazine, is a labor of love for owner Debi Vincent, who opened the dessert shop in 2016.“We try to present chocolate in many ways,” she said. Sprinkled throughout the store are Vincent’s confections, including her bean-to-bar small-batch chocolate bars that have been winning gold, silver and bronze at the annual Academy of Chocolate Awards in London the past few years. Chokola, located at 100-198 Juan Largo Lane between Taos Plaza and the entrance to the John Dunn Shops, is open year-round seven days a week, and offers indoor and patio seating.

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

The space originally included Vincent’s chocolate factory, but after a few new machines were added, she needed to find additional space and move her factory operations there. She found a nearby production space in the building shared by ArrowSoul Trading Post and the thrift store Tuesday Morning. The sweet smell of chocolate hits you before you even open the door to her chocolate factory. Chokola has nine employees (half of them full time) to help the chocolate factory run smoothly. One of its clerks told me their busiest time of year is “definitely the Christmas holidays.” Vincent said she plans to sell her chocolate bars through a network of boutique retail stores in the U.S. and Europe. She said ArrowSoul partner AJ Tracks plans to contribute his artwork for one of her chocolate bar labels. “I think the most important thing is that we are really making Taos chocolate — by doing the whole process here,” Vincent said.

CHOKOLA 100-198 JUAN LARGO LANE 575-779-6163 / CHOKOLABEANTOBAR.COM taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

Three ways to Mante’s Mante’s wins best breakfast burrito

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILL HOOPER

With a menu boasting 20 different breakfast items (and plenty of delicious lunch and dinner items too), it’s no surprise that Mante’s Chow Cart won best breakfast burrito this year. However, due to the expansive menu, the first question some may ask is “what kind of burrito did you get there?” We posed the question to local residents, who gave a range of unique answers.“Easy answer,” said Dianna Sakai. “Chorizo and red chile, drive through, and eat in the car.” MaryDee Garcia agreed with Sakai that the chorizo breakfast burrito with red chile topped the list, but said she preferred “extra onions.” Sama Carey, on the other hand, said they preferred their breakfast burrito with bacon and chopped green chile. Others seemed to prefer a similar burrito construction. “Bacon, green [chile] and eggs on the

run,” added Samantha Ortiz. Wil Burlin echoed the statement: “Bacon green, sausage red,” he said. While some preferred their burritos handheld, others said they like their breakfast on a plate and smothered with chile. Theresa Ann Noedel said her favorite a.m. order was a sausage breakfast burrito smothered with green chile. Nicole Law said she doesn’t even like eggs, but still gets the burritos with bacon, red chile and extra onions. For others, a burrito may not be the way to go. Dorfy Kala, who joked that they often do not wake up in time for breakfast, said they preferred the shredded chicken burrito with green chile, sans beans. Jennifer Romero said she preferred something completely different than most: breakfast enchiladas, which she explained are filled with eggs, bacon or sausage, and come served with beans and potatoes. Other notable breakfast items include various sandwiches and biscuits, including the Trujillo and the Julian, which two people listed as their favorite dishes from the establishment. While this writer normally prefers the egg and sausage biscuit with green chile, a breakfast burrito with chorizo, Christmas chile and extra onions certainly did not disappoint. The eggs were seasoned to perfection while the red and green chile added a distinct Northern New Mexican taste. MaryDee Garcia’s recommendation of extra onions will certainly be a future request. The longtime Taos establishment has been a breakfast staple in Taos since 1973, and has expanded from a simple food cart owned by the late Mante Chacon to two brick-and-mortar stores run by the whole family.

Mante’s Chow Cart 402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-4855 / MANTESCHOWCART.COM 16

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Chacon passed away in November of 2020 and the restaurants shuttered their doors for several weeks. Now, both store locations are opening and booming with business again. A line of cars can often be seen backed up into the street on weekday mornings, with everyone there to get a bite of their favorite version of the best breakfast burrito in Taos.

Thank you Taos For your Support!

Best

Place to

Get Fit 111 Dona Ana | Taos | taosspa.com

2022 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger

14 Years Running!

Thanks for your Vote and See You Soon! 575.758.8484 5starburgers.com 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Best Happy Hour Craft Drafts - 3.00 • Wine - 3.50 • Burger and Pork Sliders 1.65 Lobster Slider - 3.50 • Snacks - 1.25 to 3.50

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST LOCAL MUSEUM

BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN

Gutters Bowling Alley

entertainment

Harwood Museum of Art 238 LEDOUX STREET,TAOS 575-758-9826 HARWOODMUSEUM.ORG Art lovers hit the Harwood. Period. Of course, they do the others, too, but never miss a month at the Harwood — it takes way more visits than that to catch over 4,700 works and 17,000 photographs from the 19th century on. Sit in The Agnes Martin Gallery and disappear — duality drops away. Kinda unbelievable. SECOND PLACE

Millicent Rogers Museum 1504 MILLICENT ROGERS ROAD, EL PRADO / 575-758-2462 MILLICENTROGERS.ORG

520 PLAZA CAÑON DRIVE,TAOS 575-758-2695 / TAOSBOWLING.COM Oops! Gutter ball again. Dang. (Glad you don’t have to be a good bowler to join a league.) The gang hahas, waves forget-about-it and have a Shirley Temple. Besides, it will be time for the live DJs to come on if it’s Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. So get you some bits at Kyote Bites — Chef Ky Quintanilla’s restaurant at the lanes. (MUST DO the blistered shishito peppers or truffle fries — fried mushrooms and parmesan — yumm). This whole place rocks! SECOND PLACE

Taos Ski Valley STATE ROAD 150 RESORT: 800-776-1111 / SKITAOS. COM / VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY: 575-776-1413 OR 800-517-9816 TAOSSKIVALLEY.COM

BEST LOCAL ARTISAN

Ed Sandoval BY APPOINTMENT: 119 QUESNEL STREET,TAOS / 575-770-6360 EDSANDOVALGALLERY.COM “Painting is like ice skating,” Ed Sandoval likes to say — “You move and push the ice around until it becomes a dance, and in painting, you move and push the paint around until it becomes a dance.” (Nice Ed!) His paintings and El Viejito/ the old man, move us front and center into the heart of the Taos Way, dancing and breathing the land of enchantment. SECOND PLACE

Geraint Smith Photography

482 STATE ROAD 150, ARROYO SECO 505-501-4880 / GERAINTSMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 18

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Kit Carson Park 211 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-751-2001 / TAOS.ORG

BEST ANNUAL EVENT IN TAOS COUNTY YOU CAN’T WAIT TO RETURN

Christmas Eve atTaos Pueblo

We’re making noise — as a music town that is! And Kit Carson Park stage is IT. From concerts to multi-day outdoor music festivals, we get national headliners and artists from all over the world. For starters, ZZ Top and Ellie King are on board. Just sayin’. Tickets at the park or online.

TAOSPUEBLO.COM

SECOND PLACE

As Taos Pueblo artist/author Jonathan Warm Day Coming says it: “The holiday festivities are beginning; bonfires lit and soon after ‘Mass’ villagers and visitors will appear from the St. Jerome church where some will be carrying statues of Catholic saints. Awaiting them are blanketed men balancing long torches lighting the way for the procession. Leading them are other blanketed men firing rifles into the evening sky, thick with dark billowing smoke. Accompanying them will be the village children, dancing to the chanting of ancient tribal song … the village has filled with people who are witness to the coming together of beliefs from two different worlds.”

Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership 123 MESA ROAD, EL PRADO 575-758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION

Paddy Mac

KTAOS 101.9 FM

KTAOS-FM 101.9 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-758-5826 / KTAO.COM The low and smooth radio voice of morning-drive host Patrick McCarty, aka Paddy Mac, keeps the morning commute ever-entertaining. He regularly wins this category since arriving in Taos in 2001. He says his style is due to radio individualism “being pretty rare these days.” After a cross-country drive a few years ago, he was like, “This station sounds just like that station!” He wants to hear the true voice of a town. So he’s as local, personal and informational for this town as can be. (P.S. Hey, JaBooty!!!) SECOND PLACE

Brad Hockmeyer

SECOND PLACE

KTAOS-FM 101.9

Las Fiestas deTaos HISTORIC TAOS PLAZA / FIESTASDETAOS.COM

9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-758-5826 / KTAO.COM

9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-758-5826 / KTAO.COM You like Paddy in the morning show? Or Katie at midday. Or maybe Pat on Moccasin Wire Monday? Gotta get you some Johnny Ray Rawhide on Saturdays, right? There’s no end to our faves on this totally solar only-in-Taos radio station for over three decades. Like they say over their solar arraypowered, mountain-topped antenna broadcasting all over Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado — solar radio sounds better! SECOND PLACE

KNCE 93.5 FM 23 ABC MESA ROAD (SILVER TRAILER NEAR TAOS MESA BREWING) 575-737-8326 / TRUETAOSRADIO.COM

CONTINUES PAGE 20

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

entertainment

BEST LOCAL SINGER/ SONGWRITER

BEST LOCAL JAZZ GROUP OR PERFORMER

BEST SPANISH LANGUAGE BAND OR PERFORMER

Jimmy Stadler

Christine Autumn

El Grupo Mezcal

575-776-8234 / JIMMYSTADLER.COM

575-751-1885 CHRISTINEAUTUMN.COM

FIND ON FACEBOOK

Jimmy Stadler is the man — Taos’ musical virtuoso and human jukebox, he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. He’s a consistent shining light of the Taos music scene, whether solo or with his band The Colliders, at his always-mobbed parties, barn dances and benefits. Stadler was named Best Rock Artist in the first Best of Taos poll in 1999 and racks raves ever since. His new album, A Different Light (2020), combines his spacious acoustic sound with a make-you-get-up-and-dance bluesy-rock! SECOND PLACE

Max Gomez

Christine Autumn smiles softly and leans cool against a piano, letting her voice float into the room, singing her ’30s through ’50s classic jazz and blues. The sax slides in and you’re in another time and place. Catharsis and healing run through all her art (singer, writer, painter, potter and fiber artist), she has won this category year after year on her soul-filled journey. SECOND PLACE

Jimmy Stadler 575-776-8234 JIMMYSTADLER.COM

MAXGOMEZMUSIC.COM 20

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

BEST LOCAL ROCK GROUP OR PERFORMER

Katy P and the Business

Just TRY to stay seated while the whole place is up and dancing as Márquez brothers Ernesto (Ernie), Antonio (Archie) and Adonais (Níte) and Rex Martînez start it up. Feet fly and hips swing and eyes are bright. Mezcal are known and loved for their original multi-award-winning Spanish songs inspired by life aquí en Taos. As one of their songs declares, “Siento muy feliz/I feel very happy” and so do we — we can’t help it — when it’s Mezcal time.

Funk, soul and rock-n-roll is this band's mantra, and their large following agrees. Since coming together in 2013, Katy Palmier and her talented trio of musicians have been pleasing Taos crowds from the bar scene to Taos Plaza Live. Besides some original songs, Katy P and the Biz cover Prince, Chaka Khan, Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, Tool, Led Zeppelin, Adele, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Fun, fun, fun!

SECOND PLACE

Taos High School Mariachi ElTigre

Jimmy Stadler

134 CERVANTES,TAOS FIND ON FACEBOOK

FIND ON FACEBOOK

575-776-8234 JIMMYSTADLER.COM

BEST LOCAL COUNTRY BAND OR PERFORMER

The Rifters RIFTERS.NET The Rifters? Oh yeah. They put out more music than should be right for three guys on a stage, they say, “sort of a laidback high-energy gentle-giant old blue-buffalo-grama-grassy, cowboy, folky, shake-a-leg with a smile sort of thing.” Toe-tappin’ Taos music both from the high desert and mountain landscape of home and the background of Hired Hands and the Rounders. No waay you can escape this flurricane! SECOND PLACE

Michael Martin Murphey MICHAELMARTINMURPHEY.COM

CONTINUES PAGE 24

SERVING NEW MEXICAN FAVORITES WITH A

SMILE FOR

3O YEARS!

THANK YOU

for voting us the Best Pet Supply Store!

Pet & Livestock, Feed & Supplies, Dog Bath Suite and more! Great Quality, Great Service! 575.758.1841

VOTED BEST ROADSIDE FOOD STAND FOR 18 YEARS

616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Monday-Friday 7am-3pm || Closed Weekends 575-770-1171

SECOND PLACE

Thank you! We’re proud to serve the Taos community. At Nusenda Credit Union, commitment to excellent member service, care for the community, being an employer of choice, and offering flexible products and services to meet members’ changing needs have always been priorities. All of us at Nusenda want to say thank you to the Taos and northern New Mexico communities. We’re committed to being there for you now, in these challenging times, and in the future.

nusenda.org | Insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

Park Sounds From big name acts to banjo buskers, find it in Kit Carson Park

BY RICK ROMANCITO / PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL TASHJI The bandshell mural painted several years ago by late Taos artist George Chacón just about sums up the vibe in Kit Carson Park on a sunny day. The mural features a variety of musicians playing everything from cumbias to Native American round dance songs. It’s also memorable for other things as well. It has formed the backdrop for numerous concert events in the park, large and small. It’s where the Regeneration Festival brought Native singers to celebrate youth in Taos, and where itinerant buskers might open their guitar case in hopes of gathering spare change while showing off their latest original tunes. At various times in the past it hosted events for the Lilac Festival, the Sabor Cook-off, Taos Pride Celebration, Movies on the Green, and venerable Wool Festival at Taos. Sadly, the latter has apparently chosen to move to a site in Santa Fe.

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

On a bigger scale, the backdrop has found itself embracing the huge crowds packing the park for events involving performers such as Sting, Mumford and Sons, Grand Funk Railroad, The Wallflowers, Michael Franté and Spearhead, Al Hurricane, Los Lobos — and this summer, the likes of ZZ Top, Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Elle King and My Morning Jacket. The park has featured many of these acts as part of the Meow Wolf Taos Vortex, the LMNOC-sponsored Mother’s Day Music Festival, and the longrunning but now defunct Taos Solar Music Festival. While some of these fests have come and gone, the town of Taos has managed to work with AMP Concerts out of Albuquerque to rock our socks off this summer.

If that’s not your style, each September brings a mellower mix of country artists for Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival (pictured left). Here, performers drawn to Michael Hearne’s Southwestern Americana style get folks to scoot their boots on the outdoor dancefloor to music by the likes of Shake Russell, The Lost Gonzo Band, Rodney Crowell, the Rifters and many more at the 2022 event. When not causing your ears to ring, the 19-acre park is generally a mellow place to hang out with a picnic lunch on a Sunday afternoon, play frisbee with your dog (provided you pick up after them), and enjoy the three-quarter-mile walking/jogging path curving past trees, two playgrounds and baseball diamonds. It’s a community gathering place that locals have enjoyed since it was purchased from the state of New Mexico in 1988. Over the past few years there have been efforts to rename the park. Kit Carson has had a rocky history in Taos, ranging from being known as a frontiersman, mountain man and scout that brought a certain measure of fame to this community to being called an “Indian killer” by some Native Americans who recall Carson’s exploits in the 1800s when he was ordered by the U.S. military to violently subdue the Diné tribe and force marched them to Bosque Redondo. As of today, the park still retains his name. The park is also adjacent to the Kit Carson Cemetery where Carson himself is interred along with a few members of his family. Among the gravestones are also the likes of Mabel Dodge Luhan and Father Antonio José Martínez. Luhan was a wealthy doyenne and patroness of the arts from back east who came to Taos in 1917. Here, she ditched her husband and married Tony Lujan, a Native American man from Taos Pueblo, then set about establishing Taos as an arts and literary center. Martínez (1793-1867) was a Catholic priest, educator, rancher, farmer and community leader. He was also noted for establishing the first newspaper here, the precursor to the Taos News called El Crepúsculo de Libertad (Dawn of Liberty). He also established the first co-ed school. Kit Carson Park has shown to be a place to ponder history, groove to the latest tunes and find your muse under the tall trees. It’s a place that might make you want to stay. taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

entertainment

Courtesy Taos Ski Valley

BEST SKI AND SNOWBOARD AREA

BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS

Taos Ski Valley

TaosTennis at Quail Ridge

STATE ROAD 150,TAOS SKI VALLEY 800-776-1111 / SKITAOS.COM Well yaah – TSV’s been No. 1 Best of Taos ski area since BOT began in ’99. And it only got badder when snowboarders finally got on-slope. No two ways about it, this mountain makes other Rocky Mountain resorts jelly. Even just chillin’ at the bottom of Chair 1 on the front side or Chair 4 on the back side after one little green run down to the bar on either side, and you’re so jazzed by the whip and snap of hot skiers it’s totally addicting. Skier, boarder or neither, just do The Mountain your way, you’ll never regret it and never stop.

88 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO 575-776-2585 / TAOSTENNIS.COM If you love tennis, “this is a MUST!!!” posted one reviewer of the Quail Ridge experience last fall. In fact, reviewers voted it one of the top 50 tennis resorts in the WORLD! From beginner kiddos to killer pros, Kurt (Edelbrock) and company coach it all with unlimited tennis or pickleball play, tournaments, swimming, hot-tub time, delicious food and condos just steps away. Between Pueblo Peak on the east and Rio Grande Gorge on the west, Quailridge has more than you even knew you wanted — but now you do.

SECOND PLACE

Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort 5224 STATE ROAD 514, VADITO 800-587-2240 / SIPAPUNM.COM

BEST PLACE TO PLAY GOLF

Taos Country Club 54 GOLF COURSE DRIVE, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-7300 TAOSCOUNTRYCLUB.COM SOAR in the Southwest — that’s golf at altitude and everybody loves it, whether pros or folks who only count the strokes they like (getting a score of 16 boggles real golfers until you tell them you ignored the other 200 strokes). But the greens at Taos Country Club undulate in deep quiet — pristine and wide open to Taos blue skies. Four stars from Golf Digest, the club also boasts fab food, craft drinks and gourmet dishes at The Terrace. An undiscovered gem of the American Southwest indeed. SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Valle Escondido Golf Course

Taos Spa &Tennis Club

28 LODGE ROAD,TAOS 575-758-3475 / TAOSGOLF.ORG

BEST HIKING/JOGGING TRAIL

Williams LakeTrail CARSON NATIONAL FOREST OFFICE: 208 CRUZ ALTA ROAD,TAOS 575-758-6200 FS.USDA.GOV/CARSON He says, she says, we all say Williams Lake Trail — it’s a Taos ritual by now. You gotta do it at least once a year, if not every month. You park at the ski resort parking lot at some 9,000-foot elevation and hike to the lake, up at 11,040 feet. Beautiful columbines, boulder fields and a waterfall are your treats for trekking. SECOND PLACE

Devisadero LoopTrail FROM TAOS,TAKE US 64 EAST ABOUT 3 MILES, OPPOSITE EL NOGAL PICNIC AREA / FS.USDA.GOV

BEST RAFTING COMPANY

Los Rios River Runners 4003 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-776-8854 FIND ON FACEBOOK Want water? Most folks do Cisco Guevara’s Los Rios boats, either fast, fast, in high-water spring or languidly lovely in low-water summer. It’s a total trip in the monsoons around July, with rain and sometimes hail pelting life jackets and helmets. But it’s a blast, whether you do the Taos Box, the Racecourse, or chill out on a Chama run overnight. Just the best! SECOND PLACE

Far Flung Adventures 15 STATE ROAD 514, EL PRADO 800-359-2627 / FARFLUNG.COM

111 DOÑA ANA DRIVE,TAOS 575-758-1980 / TAOSSPA.COM

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BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Congratulations to our Mariachi Tigre!

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entertainment

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

BEST BED & BREAKFAST

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa

50 LOS BAÑOS DRIVE, OJO CALIENTE 505-583-2233 / OJOSPA.COM Lithia. Iron. Arsenic. Soda. Sacred minerals make the sacred springs you can look 137 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS forward to soaking in again. 575-758-1772 / CASABENAVIDES.COM Ojo reopened last summer so relaxation is back. You can “Your front door to the heart of also do pueblo ruins behind Taos” is how Tom McCarthy the property. Sealing the night (and late wife Barbara with a drink from the bar, Benavides McCarthy) set up you’ll sleep sound, thankful for their inn — for visitors to feel the ancient healing properties familia de Taos. Since first the earth offers. opening in 1989, they offer afternoon tea and sweets and they just can’t be beat for their SECOND PLACE “killer” breakfasts — even the locals jump on board here for breakies. Smack in the heart of STATE ROAD 150; TSV RESORT: Taos town, this is where folks 800-776-1111 / SKITAOS.COM stay, every time. TSV VILLAGE: 575-776-1413 OR 800-517-9816 / TAOSSKIVALLEY.COM SECOND PLACE

Casa Benavides Inn

Taos Ski Valley

Adobe & Pines Inn 4107 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DE TAOS,TAOS / 855-828-7872 ADOBEPINES.COM 26

BEST LODGING FOR VISITORS

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

317 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS 575-758-3502 ELMONTESAGRADO.COM

BEST PLACE TO HIT THE JACKPOT

Taos Mountain Casino Río Grande Gorge Bridge TAOS PUEBLO: TWO ENTRANCES BOTH ABOUT 1 MILE NORTH OFF PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE — ONE PAST THE ALLSUP’S CONVENIENCE STORE/GAS STATION; AND ANOTHER OFF THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT HAIL CREEK ROAD. 575-737-0777 TAOSMOUNTAINCASINO.COM

The bussin’ place for so many events — weddings, annual meetings, holiday office Chances are (get it? Banking celebrations — you name it, … chances?) the best bingo Heritage Inspirations hosts it, and slots around are at the indoors or out (if weathering Pueblo’s casino where they be fine). Then there’s the give away thousands of dollars whole wellness thing, like free a week! Bison Rewards Card morning yoga for weekend guests or book private Heritage allows you to accumulate points that lead to more bookings; a full-on service giveaways and prizes. That’s fitness center; an unbelievable mountains of money, people! salt water pool caressed by plants and flowers; plus (yes, more) the Living Spa — worldSECOND PLACE class rejuvenation center at the hotel’s heart — 10 graceful therapy rooms, a sunlit shower 30 BUFFALO THUNDER TRAIL, and a natural waterfall cooling SANTA FE / 877-455-7775 system. UhMAZing! BUFFALOTHUNDERRESORT.COM

BuffaloThunder Resort

SECOND PLACE

Casa Benavides Inn 137 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS 575-758-1772 / CASABENAVIDES.COM

MOST INTERESTING PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS

U.S. HIGHWAY 64 WEST TAOS.ORG Go on, look over the rail, at the Río Grande, 650 feet below. It’s the second highest bridge of the U.S. highway system and fifth highest bridge in the whole nation! It won “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge in the “Long Span” category of the American Institute of Steel Construction — these peeps know exactly what they’re talking about. You’ve seen it in Hollywood’s Terminator Salvation, Natural Born Killers, Wild Hogs and White Sands. Safe for all, just keep kiddos close ’n’ pets leashed. SECOND PLACE

Taos Pueblo 120 VETERANS HIGHWAY,TAOS 575-758-1028 / TAOSPUEBLO.COM

, s o a T u o Y ! 1 k # n S a U h T G N I T O V R O F

M. KAYCI EA

KELLI

IS, R R A .H

IS, D HARR

DDS

1337 GUSDORF RD, SUITE A | TAOS, NM 87571 (575) 751-9661 | KELLIEHARRISDDS.COM MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

R O U Q I L T S BE 28

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

E R O T S

S R A E 5Y

K N A H T . G N I N N U R

U O Y

! S O A T

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

shopping BEST GROCERY STORE

Cid’s Food Market 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS / 575-758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM Goin’ on 35 years now … Wow — they gave us organic, local and gourmet groceries back in the late ’80s when hardly ANYTHING was organic, much less local in Taos. Cid’s kids have grown up with us and their kids and friends call us by name. The cashiers, butchers, stockers and staff always smile at us primos we all really are. Also, these days find sustainable household stuff, natural pet food, five huge aisles of supplements, herbs, incense and body care — plus the newest and best plant-based fare around! Be THERE!

BEST FARMER'S MARKET

Taos Farmers Market

BEST LIQUOR STORE

The Cellar

623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS (BEHIND CID’S FOOD MARKET) TAOS PLAZA, 400 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, 575-758-7445 / THECELLARTAOS.COM TAOS / 575-751-7575 Last year a Miley Cyrus wine TAOSFARMERSMARKET.ORG was mentioned (huh?), but Okay, maybe you don’t need this online reviewer knows any veggies or farmer’s treats, what she’s talkin’ about: but you gotta croon with folksy “Don’t despair! Fine wine, music and fams — I mean, craft beers and spirits are to really, except for Taos Plaza be found in Taos. The Cellar Live, where do you greet the is curated by Sommelier whole valley in the same place? Angelica Robinson, a Every Saturday morning til’ knowledgable and gracious noon, from May to November, host. Go visit and find rustle on down for fresh wonderful wines at all prices produce, bread bats, juices, from the best viticulture areas prep foods, natural soaps; and of the globe. Make note of maybe join the kiddies and the evenings in which they puppers (sometimes even pet conduct tastings.” Also, chickens!) dancing in the grass. peruse the $9.99 rack – A weekly pick-me-up for just TOTALLY chill! what the docktah ordered.

SECOND PLACE

Albertsons Market

Red Willow Farmer's Market

710-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-1250 LOCAL.ALBERTSONMARKET.COM

885 STAR ROAD,TAOS PUEBLO 575-770-8688 REDWILLOWFARM.ORG

SECOND PLACE

Del Norte Liquors

1574 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-8904 FIND ON FACEBOOK

BEST PLACE TO READ OR BUY A BOOK

Op.Cit.Books 124-A BENT STREET,TAOS 575-751-1999 / OPSIT.COM WHY is book buying so big?!! Well, it’s one way to break the blue-light brain-drain of screenie-meanies. My friends have books stacked three and four deep on both sides of their arm chairs. And Op. Cit. in John Dunn Shops has stuff we’d never think of — collectible books, art and dance books, cards and maps and journals. Check out the cookbooks and kiddo kaptivation fodder. Come on down and check out their latest. SECOND PLACE

Taos Library 402 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA,TAOS 575-758-3063 TAOSLIBRARY.ORG

BEST GIFT SHOP

FX18 103-C BENT STREET,TAOS 575-779-5717 / FX18.COM Lookin’ for jewelry? How bout socks? Books? Maybe cards or candles? How ‘bout games or accessories? Well you’ve GOT to shop FX 18. Libby Hill Macalister loves to shop and it shows. I happened in for her new Jellycat plushies — soft, cute and cuddly indeed. And the socks! Oh just try to get outta there with just one pair. Ain’t gonna happen. Get down there stat! SECOND PLACE

At Home InTaos 117 S PLAZA,TAOS 575-751-1486 FIND ON FACEBOOK CONTINUES PAGE 32

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

shopping

BEST WOMEN'S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

BEST MEN'S CLOTHING STORE

BEST PLACE TO BUY FRESH FLOWERS

Michelle’s inTaos

Taos Mountain Outfitters

Enchanted Florist

136-D PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-751-3450 FIND ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @MICHELLESBEACH BOT21 editor says it best: “It’s too easy to fall in love with every single item on the racks, shelves and jewelry stand of this place. Whether it be a flowing fuchsia maxi dress or a cactus-blooming tee or … stylin’ slip-on sneakers, the curation at Michell’s is 1000 percent amaze. As the sign in front of the shop says: ‘Life isn’t perfect, but your outfit can be.’ Preach.” SECOND PLACE

Steppin’Out 120 BENT STREET,TAOS 575-758-4487 STEPPINOUT-TAOS.COM

113 N. PLAZA,TAOS 575-758-9292 TAOSMOUNTAINOUTFITTERS.COM

622-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-3030 TAOSFLORISTREETCOM

Who knew? Guys do. They head to TMO when it’s time to fresh up for spring, summer, fall or winter. There’s so much manimal goin’ on there it’s totally acceptable to be caught shopping and stopping and trying on shoes or sandals, casual and forbidding gear. Whether going to the river, hiking the peak or riding roughshod, TMO’s got it — and you — covered.

There’s nothing like a bouquet of fresh flowers exploding unabashedly or nestling discretely in a tall or small vase. Or graceful corsages or boutonnieres for those other special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, proms and quinceañeras. Every day can be Valentine’s Day so let the artists of Enchanted Florist create anything your heart desires (assuming it’s in season of course), for any occasion. They’ll get it done.

SECOND PLACE

Clarke & Co.Menswear

Taos Farmers Market

120-E BENT STREET (JOHN DUNN HOUSE SHOPS) 575-758-2696 CLARKE-CO-MENSWEAR.BUSINESS.SITE

TAOS PLAZA, 400 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS / 575-751-7575 TAOSFARMERSMARKET.ORG

BEST RESALE SHOP

BEST PLACE TO BUY YARN

CAVThrift Store

Moon Cat Fiber

Community Against Violence

120-B BENT STREET,TAOS 575-758-9341 MOONCATFIBER.COM

1509 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-751-4824 / TAOSCAV.ORG

Gorgeous, glorious fiber fiber fiber — (that includes yarn btw). Moon Cat is fiber-fanatic heaven! Looking for local, hand-dyed, hand-spun yarn and fibers? Get down to the John Dunn Shops on Bent Street and go crazy! Soft, silky and locally lovely, you may even be inspired to raise a few alpacas. Or not. Anyway, just get on down there and get fibrous.

Have you checked out CAV shop’s new digs across from the Sagebrush Inn yet? Just give a gander — lots of beautiful pottery, dishes, pots and pans, jewelry, art work, books, gently used clothing (even some newish seconds!). Oh, and computer stuff too (at least at press time midMay there was). Got extra computer or phone accessories filling up your odds n ends drawer? Bring ’em on down. Tax-deductible donations go to CAV clients or are sold to help fund CAV services for survivors of domestic/sexual violence.

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

VortexYarn (ONLINE STORE) VORTEXYARNS.COM

SECOND PLACE

ReNeux Consignment 126 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA,TAOS 575-758-4460 / FIND ON FACEBOOK

SECOND PLACE

CONTINUES PAGE 36

Thank you, Taos!

Get your COVID-19 Booster: save a life and get back to living yours.

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FIRST PLACE

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FIRST PLACE

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taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

Nooks for Books

Rare and relevant findings for new & used book lovers

BY ARIELLE CHRISTIAN / PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIKE HAWKINS To walk into op. cit. Books in the John Dunn Plaza in Taos is to walk into a light-filled, warm-hued and mazing reprieve of literature. (And cookbooks and cards and calendars, oh my!) With the cozy couch and chairs upstairs for lounging, and the familiar faces of the small staff, op. cit. feels like a book-lined home away from home. We caught up with owner, Noemi de Bodisco, to talk about her journey with the quaint shop that’s been open for eight years come August. So, why a bookstore? I’ve loved books my whole life. As a kid, if I wanted a present, I wanted a present of a book. (Fairytales, specifically.) My corporate career was in IT for 30 years. Even while I was doing that, I was online. I was one of the earliest booksellers on AbeBooks back 20 years ago or so. I was only doing rare books. Over time, what became apparent is that when you go online you find exactly what you’re looking for, but you miss the aesthetics of being in a bookstore. After IT, I apprenticed at a bookstore in San Francisco [where I was living at the time].

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

What did you learn in your time apprenticing? It helped me formulate what I wanted a bookstore to be. I knew I wanted to sell new and used books. As a book nut and collector, I love things that are out of print. Why would I want to sell only new books or bestsellers? I love old books — the bindings, quality. You can look at it and see, wow, someone hand-sewed this, or there’s a piece of old newspaper someone used for the binding. You can tell how much care went into it. How’d you get to New Mexico? Well, I wanted to open a physical bookstore in San Francisco, but it was outrageous. They wanted seven years rent, your first child’s DNA. Then I came out here because I still had my house here [doing work with the state] and I walked into a place and said,“I’m thinking about opening a bookstore,” and it was done on a handshake. We started off very small on Baca Street in Santa Fe. What makes a book interesting? It could be beauty, though we try not to buy a book just because it looks good. There are some people that want to buy books by the foot to use for decoration. At least the books aren’t going to the dump, because we want no homeless books. We’ll never throw away a book unless it’s moldy and unhealthy. We get books that have exciting content and create an exchange of ideas. Right now, there’s a lot of stuff going on about Russia and Putin. We did a dictator window in Santa Fe that provoked a lot of conversation, like — is a dictator a dictator if they only do bad

things? One thing about a bookstore is, it gets people talking and in an exchange of ideas. What books do you make sure to keep around the store? We always look for beautiful books about Taos and art and the southwest — very apropos for the location. We try to keep things regional. We just got the new Mirabai Starr in. Some of our absolute bestsellers are “Blood and Thunder” by Hampton Sides (which is about Kit Carson and the Natives; good nonfiction about the area); the “Taos Hiking Guide,” of course — we sell a million of those; and we just got in the anniversary edition reissue of “Bless Me, Ultima.” We listen to our customers and see what they’re asking for — whether classics or a new translation of “The Iliad.” We have a very engaged customer base. We want to make sure that we have something for everyone. We don’t want to be an elitist bookstore. We should have a book for $1 and maybe there’s one for $500. We don’t mind if you just want to look at the book, to appreciate it in that way. You should feel like you can look at cards or puzzles, or sit in a comfortable seat and look out the window. This is a welcoming place.

OP. CIT. BOOKS 124-A BENT STREET,TAOS / 575-751-1999 / OPSIT.COM

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST SKI/ SNOWBOARD SHOP

shopping

Cottam’s Ski & Outdoor Shop TAOS: 207 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR 575-758-2822 TAOS SKI VALLEY: 101 SUTTON PLACE 575-776-8719 ANGEL FIRE: 40 N ANGEL FIRE ROAD 575-377-3700 SANTA FE: 740 HYDE PARK ROAD 505-982-0495 COTTAMSSKISHOPS.COM

BEST GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY

Petree Nursery & Greenhouse 25 PETREE LANE (OFF BLUEBERRY HILL ROAD) / 575-758-3021 PETREENURSERY.COM Petree’s — for our very own Taosgrown! Woohoo — 35 acres of local and greenhouse-grown, altitude-able trees, greenies, flowers and food. Keeping Taos “green” also means keeping money here in our pockets. So it’s a total must-do come June, to stock up for spring (we usually have one last frost in May, so best to hold off outdoor plantings till June — wink wink!). Volume and growing their own is how they stay so competitive. Joy. SECOND PLACE

Rio Grande ACE

SOUTH: 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-4268 / NORTH: 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS / 575-751-2061 / RIOGRANDEACE.COM

Skiers ’n’ boarders bestie since 1976 is Cottam’s shops in each main snow resort in Northern New Mexico. Family-owned, they are family to their fans and it shows — they’re priced right, locally located and offer mega-wide choice-points. What’s not to love? SECOND PLACE

Boot Doctors 103 SUTTON PLACE, TAOS SKI VALLEY / 575-776-2490 BOOTDOCTORS.COM

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply 214 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-1841 BLUESKYPETANDFEED.COM

BEST HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

Rio Grande ACE SOUTH: 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-4268 NORTH: 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-751-2061

Puppy-breath lovers hit Blue Sky for their fur babies’ best. Baby chick chirps fill the air April through May, so drop in to check on the chicks once or twice a week, (even if you already have all the food, vaccines, grooming and medical stuff you need). OH, and toys! You can never have enough laser mice or chew toys. You can check about training sessions too if necessary. An all-round sure bet for you ’n’ precious.

So nice having north side Rio Grande Ace opposite Smiths Food Market, isn’t it? Park once and walk (or jog) between them for hardware, paint and other home hardware supplies. Granted, it’s got that huge outdoor garden area at the south side and all the knowledgeable home improvement staff that can’t be beat anywhere else on the main drag. It’s dope.

SECOND PLACE

Tractor Supply Co. 121 PASEO PLAZA DRIVE,TAOS 575-758-4685 TRACTORSUPPLY.COM

RIOGRANDEACE.COM

Randall Lumber & Hardware 315 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR 575-758-2271 / RANCH & FEED: 575-776-2556 / RANDALLTAOS.COM

BEST OUTDOOR GEAR SHOP

Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 N. PLAZA,TAOS PLAZA / 575-758-9292 / TAOSMOUNTAINOUTFITTERS.COM Case you missed it, besides Best Menswear this year, gear heads also love TMO for awesome paddling, climbing, camping, hiking — any and all things river, mountain or mesa, in rain, snow or shine. Hop to it and have fun out there! SECOND PLACE

Mudd N Flood 103 BENT STREET,TAOS / 575-751-9100 / MUDDNFLOOD.COM 36

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

CONTINUES PAGE 38

THANK YOU TAOS!

625 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE / TAOS, NM 87571 ALACARTTAOS.COM

THANK YOU TAOS

For voting us the Best Automotive Repair Shop 22 Years in a row!

for voting us best building contractor MAGEE BUILD, INC. Aaron Magee A premier builder in Taos since 2004

575.741.0456 mageebuild.com mageebuild@taosnet.com

1314 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 • (575) 758-1658 • metricmotorstaos.com

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

shopping

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

Taos Lifestyle 815 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-5885 TAOSLIFESTYLE.COM Mary Domito (aka “Mattress Mary”) has been in the home goods biz for almost 20 years with a mission to offer a good sleep and a cozy home. With a furniture piece for every room in the casa, you can decorate to a stellar T, thanks to Mary. SECOND PLACE

Red Arrow Emporium 1405 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, EL PRADO 575-758-0540 / FIND ON FACEBOOK

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

shopping

BEST ART GALLERY

Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS 575-758-3255 / WNIGHTINGALE.COM If art is the heart of Taos, as Rob Nightingale says, then Rob must be its heartbeat. He carries the paintings, sculpture, gold and silver metals, prints, pottery, photography and more of over 35 artists of the area and region; he curates exhibits for Taos art museums, organizes art walks and is a painter himself — not to mention the love of a stray black kitty who just adopted him and Theo, his Siamese feline. If you have a question or need Taos advice, go ask Rob, he’s the king! SECOND PLACE

Jones Walker ofTaos 127 BENT STREET,TAOS / 575-758-7965 JONESWALKEROFTAOS.COM

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

shopping

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOOR COVERINGS

Dan’s Carpet Tile & Window Coverings 7237 STATE ROAD 518 RANCHOS DE TAOS / 575-758-2420 DANSCARPETANDFLOORS.COM

BEST LOCAL JEWELER

Larry Martínez Jewelers 822 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-4169 / LARRYMARTINEZJEWELER.COM Half a century old, our born-and-bred Taoseño Larry Martínez is going on 51 years in jewelry biz — pretty cool for a kid who, as a teen, was into designing futuristic cars. Maybe it was a stint in SoCal in the late ’60s that turned his torch to Mayan, Aztec, intricate Plumed Serpent, and ancient cultures’ invocations of turquoise, coral, jade, onyx, silver, gold and everything in between. He says the pandemic has swamped the shop with orders and repairs, so mosey on down (two doors north of Walmart) and get glowing.

Carpet, tile or wood for that floor? But there’s also vinyl, rugs or stone. And then there’s cabinetry and laminates and windows for new or refurbished rooms. Doing our interiors for 43 years, Dan’s peeps are the bomb. Their Mohawk carpets alone resist life’s spills, stains and high-traffic, not to mention stone, tile or vinyl, all suited to your budget and lifestyle. So don’t put it off any longer — you got this. Go Dan’s! SECOND PLACE

VargasTile Company

BEST LOCAL ROCK SHOP

Taos Gems & Minerals 637 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR TAOS / 575-758-3910 TAOS-GEMS-MINERALS. BUSINESS.SITE If rocks on walks grab you, then get into Taos Gems & Minerals, the oldest rock shop in Taos (and that’s sayin’ a LOT). Familyoperated, they have stones and stone bracelets (no, not “stoned” :D), gems and minerals. Be sure to check out vessels carved from fossil-filled rocks and crystal jewelry too! All priced nicely, it’s hands down a fave gem shop of both visitors and locals.

BEST PLACE TO SHIP A PACKAGE

Taos Crating Co. 1103 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE #1 EL PRADO / 575-758-3587 TAOSCRATING.COM Taos trusts its treasures to Taos Crating’s custom packaging that preserves the quality of fine art, pottery, glassware or delicate metalware. Size is not an issue and they also have supplies for shipping and mailing just in case you do want to try wrapping up that 200-year-old stool (NOT recommended). And they ship worldwide. Let them deal with FedEx and UPS, so you can kick back and enjoy another game — or just shop till you drop! The BEST!

SECOND PLACE

Taos Rockers 229-A CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS / 575-758-2326 TAOSROCKERS.COM

4114 STATE ROAD 68 RANCHOS DE TAOS 575-758-5986 / VARGASTILE.COM

SECOND PLACE

UPS Store 1335 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, UNIT 1,TAOS / 575-758-8647 LOCATIONS.UPS.COM/NEW MEXICO 575-758-2861

BEST PLACE TO BUY A MATTRESS

Taos Lifestyle SECOND PLACE

Maria Samora 824 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-751-7103 / MARIASAMORA.COM

815 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-5885 / TAOSLIFESTYLE.COM

All together now, sleep shoppers and fine furnish-yearners vote for one place all redone into Taos Lifestyle (the former El Taoseño Restaurant and originally Floyd’s Bowling Alley!). It’s big and brand new and beautiful. GOT to see and shop the new digs! SECOND PLACE

Quality Furniture ofTaos 1103 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, SUITE A & B, EL PRADO 40

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Casa Benavides inn

Thank You

for your support, Taos, throughout the years. 137 Kit Carson road, taos

•

575.758.1772

•

CasaBenavides.Com

L A R RY M A RT I N E Z J E W E L E R . C O M 822 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • 575.758.4169 AA Rating

G.I.A. TRAINED

Best Margarita and Best Bar Thank You, Taos!

Historic Taos Inn

“It all happens under our roof” TaosInn.com • 575.758.1977 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Thursday - Monday, 4pm - 9pm taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST PLACE TO PAMPER PETS

10,000 Wags Pet Resort and Bow-wow-tique 24822 US HIGHWAY 64 WEST, EL PRADO / 575-751-9247 / 10000WAGS.COM

services

Happy hoppin’ hounds! Oh, and purring kitty cats too, here at 10,000 Wags. Need daycare (so you can do an all-day river or ski trip)? How ’bout pet preps or baths? These folks love animals and the animals love them back. The cattery has kitty condos with separate litter areas! (Umm, almost better than home in some cases :D). Reviews all say it’s a snap to get set up so give-em a call. Rover and Felix will luv you for it. SECOND PLACE

Unleashed 98 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO / 575-613-7344 FIND ON FACEBOOK OR TAOS.ORG

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Aura Fitness BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

Taos Spa &Tennis Club 11 DOÑA ANA DRIVE,TAOS 575-758-1980 / TAOSSPA.COM Spas are for ahhhhhs caused by massage, or from sinking into hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms. Dedicating the day to spinning, weights and group Zumba is all well and good, but don’t forget to treat yourself to the delicious rest and relaxation of Taos Spa. SECOND PLACE

The Body Shop,LLC 829 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 505-240-3687 / FIND ON FACEBOOK

1337-A GUSDORF ROAD,TAOS 575-758-9733 AURAFITNESSTAOS.COM Dedicated yogis and little grasshoppers alike have voted David and Aura Garver’s Aura Fitness Best Of Taos — again. This sanctuary stretches bodies and inspires growth, either online or with in-person classes or one-onones. The space itself is bliss, just as they intended, “… airy, light, spacious and gorgeous!” Catch up on their special workshops — “truly a fusion mind-body fitness center.” SECOND PLACE

InTuneYoga 216 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, SUITE J,TAOS / 575-779-7839 INTUNEYOGATAOS.COM

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

BEST PLACE FOR HAIR STYLING

Salon Marjorie 237 LEDOUX STREET,TAOS / 575751-7246 / SALONMARJORIE.COM Messy tressie is the new look these days, and the perfect cut makes the imperfect DO look just-outta-bed beautiful. Good thing Marjorie (Olsen btw) gets that. Beyond cuts, she and her salon artisans create luscious coloring, facials, waxing, Ayurveda care and more. Check out the testimonials — they’re so happy, you’ll cry. SECOND PLACE

Shank

109 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS / 575-737-0882 GETSHANKED.COM

CONTINUES PAGE 44

! s o a T , u o Y k n Tha

for Voting Me Best Jazz Performer

Special thanks to Jay Payette,Dan Lizdas and Larry Audette as well as The Alley Cantina for having Jazz Sunday nights at 7pm

“Best Yoga Studio” Sometimes you don’t need a plan... You just need a yoga class. Thank you for your support, Taos! See you on the mat!

AuraFitness

Find online & studio class schedules at AuraFitnessTaos.com 1337 Gusdorf Rd, Suite S • Taos, NM 87571 • 575-758-9733

Assoc.Broker

Diane Enright

Janet Dearing

Luisa Guercini Assoc.Broker

Assoc.Broker

575-779-9315

575-758-5478

469-569-8753

575-741-6534

Brandon Rose

Office Manager

Cyndi Gonzalez

THE DIANE ENRIGHT GROUP Experience, Integrity, Hard Work = Results TaosHomes.com 515 Gusdorf Rd., Ste 4, Taos

575-758-5478

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

services

BEST BARBER SHOP

Jason Montaño’s Barber Shop 1304 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS / 575-741-1064 / FIND ON FACEBOOK Mullets, mullets and more mullets is quarantine stylin’ de riguer Jason Montaño told Best of Taos last year, when he AGAIN won Best Barber Shop. Our local born-and-schooled barber cuts buddies’ and buddies’ babies and buddies grampos’ hair, not to mention in-the-know San Luis and Denver fans. Pre-pandemic, he’d have a line of walk-ins out the door, with a two-hour wait on Saturday mornings. How does he manage? Stretching, coffee and comfy shoes. SECOND PLACE

Hitching Post Shave 218 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE-A, TAOS / 575-779-3208 HITCHINGPOSTSHAVECO.COM

BEST SHUTTLE

North Central RegionalTransit District

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Taos Real Estate

NCRTD.ORG

314-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-1924, 800-530-8899 BHHSTAOS.COM

(aka ‘The Blue Bus’) Keeping us together for 13 years now, The Blue Bus is a fare-free and premium farebased bus transit connecting villages throughout Northern New Mexico, including Los Alamos, Río Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos, plus pueblos of Pojoaque, Nambé, Tesuque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh. Blue Bus riders get connected to New Mexico Rail Runner, Santa Fe Trails, New Mexico Park & Ride, and all over Taos on the RTD Chile Line.

The Roaring ’20s are here again, right on the heels of a pandemic — just like a century ago. This time, home sales are everybody’s bi’ness, all spurred on by WFH gen-Zers and millennials hightailing it out of SoCal, Silicon Valley, NYC (and every other megalopolis) in favor of our rural, and gorgeous Taos. So to help hold onto our hats, we get a Berkshire Hathaway Home Service agent for hire.

SECOND PLACE

Taos Ski Valley Airport Shuttle Service

Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties

800-776-1111 SKITAOS.COM/DISCOVER-TAOS/ AIRPORT-SHUTTLE 44

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

204 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-8673 BLOTATAOS.COM

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Joel K.Schantz 314 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-6758-1924 OR 800-550-8899 EXT. 217 / JSCHANTZ@NEWMEX.COM First-time home buyer or looking for a second home in Taos? Maybe you’re ready to downsize to a condo. Schantz has the expertise to help achieve your lifestyle needs, with secure financial goals and getting the best deal possible. Call Joel, he’ll help you find the perfect Taos buyer or seller possible. SECOND PLACE

Diane Enright 314-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-1924 / TAOSHOMES.COM

BEST LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL

Mayor Pascualito Maestas CITY HALL: 400 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS / 575-51-2002; PMAESTAS@ TAOSGOV.COM / TAOSGOV.COM Pascualito Maestas, 34, the very popular former town councilor, just won by a landslide 494 votes. “I would say that this is a clear mandate that the vision that I have been working on and talking to people about has become a common vision, and the people clearly have entrusted me to make this vision a reality,” Maestas said of his win. Welcome Mayor Maestas! SECOND PLACE

Dan Barrone 575-770-7255

CONTINUES PAGE 46

2022

BEST TAOS of

Cid’s Marketing Director, Josh Cunningham (right) is shown presenting a $500 Cid’s Grocery Gift Certificate to Lorraine Ruiz from Taos. (left)

FIRST PLACE

Lorraine Ruiz won the $500 Cid’s Grocery Giveaway for participating in the 2022 Best of Taos Contest! A special thanks to the 2,799 folks who took the time to vote in this year’s 2022 Best of Taos contest!

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

services

BEST BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Magee Build – Aaron Magee 122 DOÑA LUZ STREET, SUITE A,TAOS 575-741-0456 / MAGEEBUILD.COM “A Magee Build house is a wellbuilt house,” said one reviewer online about Aaron Magee and crew, adding too, “Aaron is also a wonderfully warm and engaging person to be with and work with.” He will follow the drawings but if he sees something might work or look better, he’ll be on the horn recommending the best way forward, treating each house like his own. Congratulations Aaron! SECOND PLACE

Affordable Adobe

BEST PLUMBER

Phoenix Mechanical Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair

1217 GUSDORF ROAD,TAOS 575-758-3027 PHOENIXMECHANICAL.NET

Since 1971, Phoenix Mechanical has employed technicians licensed in natural gas, electrical, plumbing and sheet metal — all the mechanical systems that keep a building operating for its occupants. They also do hot tubs, septic tanks, radiant floor heating, sprinkler systems and any other mechanical thing you can think of — they do it all. SECOND PLACE

A&W Mechanical Inc. 1203 KING DRIVE,TAOS 575-758-1410 AWMECHANICAL.COM

ARROYO HONDO / 575-776-2865 AFFORDABLEADOBE.COM 46

BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

1470 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, UNIT 2, EL PRADO / 575-770-7769 BAILEYSCHIMNEY.COM Bailey’s techs are a special breed. Because so much tech know-how and special physical abilities are required, Bailey’s staff handles insurance companies, creates online slide shows and proposals. The best for their customers is a breeze. SECOND PLACE

The People’s Chimney Service 575-425-3001 / FIND ON FACEBOOK

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Metric Motors 1314 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-613-4395 METRICMOTORSTAOS.COM Eeeeeee those potholes de Taos! Not to mention endless stalled traffic along the main drag, come rain or shine. But Metric Motors techs fix it all, foreign or domestic, diesels, gas and hybrids. They’re voted number one spot in Taos now for 21 years. Nice. SECOND PLACE

Taos Offroad & Performance 1010 DEA LANE,TAOS 575-758-7144 TAOSOFFROAD.COM

BEST INSURANCE COMPANY

Wanda Lucero Insurance Agency, State Farm 211 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS 575-737-5433 / WANDALUCERO.COM “I absolutely love my profession, my team, my clients, my associates and my community,” says Wanda Lucero about her State Farm insurance agency. This year marks the 12th year in a row she’s won No. 1 insurance agency in Taos. Congratulations Wanda. Keep up the good work! SECOND PLACE

Brown & Brown Insurance 627 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-2244 / BBNM.COM

CONTINUES PAGE 48

Thank

T hank You

You TAOS

S O A T

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS, WITH LOVE

Thank You Taos for Voting op. cit. books Best of 2022!

2022

2022 BEST ART GALLERY Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos NM 87571 575.758.3255 • wnightingale.com

124 Bent St. • Taos, NM 87571 • 575.751.1999 • opcit.com

jimmystadler.com

Thank you everyone! I am very happy to call Taos, New Mexico my home — Jimmy

Best Local Singer/Songwriter: First Place Best Local Jazz Group: Second Place Best Local Rock Group: Second Place

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

BEST DOCTOR

services

BEST BANK

Centinel Bank

Lucas Schreiber, MD

MAIN BRANCH: 512 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / 575-758-6700

Schreiber Family Medicine

MOTOR BANK DRIVE-THRU: 508 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-758-6788 NORTHSIDE MOTOR BANK DRIVE-THRU: 707 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS 575-758-6790 CENTINELBANK.COM Centinel’s going on 53 years as our community bank of Taos. That means they are the only locally-owned and -operated bank working with customers, helping open businesses or buying a home, or donating lots of time and money to support people, causes and local municipalities. Since 2016 alone, they’ve awarded over $220,000 to students in Taos County for college tuition and books. Not to mention the $24.5 million in loans under the SBA Paycheck Protection Program they made, saving approximately 3,100 jobs in Northern New Mexico, among many other things they do. SECOND PLACE

Nusenda Federal Credit Union 640 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS 575-776-2703 / NUSENDA.ORG

630 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, SUITE 125, TAOS / 575-751-7430 SCHREIBERFAMILYMEDICINE.COM

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Dr. Kellie Harris, DDS, FAGD Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry 1337-A GUSDORF ROAD,TAOS / 575993-5911 / KELLIEHARRISDDS.COM

Medley. 100 STATE ROAD 130, EL PRADO / 575-776-8787 / MEDLEYTAOS.COM For reals – Best Customer Service has to go to Medley. — voted 2022 Best Restaurant AND 2022 Best Patio AND 2022 Best Waitstaff. Score! SECOND PLACE

Taos Crating 1103 PASEO

DEL PUEBLO NORTE #1, EL PRADO 575-758-3587 / TAOSCRATING.COM 48

BEST DENTIST

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Full-mouth reconstruction is Dr. Kellie Harris’ passion, but general dentistry is what goes on day-in and day-out at the airy, well-appointed Gusdorf office. She and her associates (including daughter Kayci Harris, DMD) continue to expand upon a solid, 20-plus-year foundation of compassionate, professional dentistry. SECOND PLACE

Dr.Justin Nylund, DDS 1392

WEIMER ROAD,TAOS / 575-758-8303 TAOSDENTALGROUP.COM

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Billy Knight Knight Financial Limited 115-D LA POSTA ROAD,TAOS 575-751-3388 KNIGHTFINANCIALLIMITED.COM Yet again voted a knight in shining broker armor, Billy Knight’s socially-responsible investing for long-term sustainable growth wins out over other financial approaches. SECOND PLACE

Scott McAdams KNIGHT FINANCIAL LIMITED 115-D LA POSTA ROAD,TAOS / 575751-3388 KNIGHTFINANCIALLIMITED.COM

A born and bred Taoseño, Dr. Lucas Schreiber followed in his beloved late father’s footsteps (Dr. Larry, who won Best Doctor in the first Best of Taos poll and for many subsequent years). He is committed to continuing his father’s legacy. In his own right, Lucas Schreiber has cemented himself as one of Taos’ favorite physicians. In 2018, he started his namesake practice, Schreiber Family Medicine, LLC. SECOND PLACE TIED

Dr.Jeremy Edmonds,DO SCHREIBER FAMILY MEDICINE 630 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, SUITE 125,TAOS / 575-751-7430 SCHREIBERFAMILYMEDICINE.COM SECOND PLACE TIED

Dr.Joanna Hooper,MD TAOS WHOLE HEALTH INTEGRATIVE CARE 1331 MAESTAS ROAD,TAOS 575-776-7806 TAOSWHOLEHEALTH.ORG CONTINUES PAGE 52

RENEUX CONSIGNMENT

Thank you Taos! For your continuous support -Sandra and John

Thank you to our customers and consignors.

are really the OPEN DAILY 10-5

•

VISIT US JUST OFF THE HISTORIC TAOS PLAZA

•

575.758.4460

BED & BREAKFAST Thanks for voting us

Best Bed & Breakfast 2022!

575-751-0947

Taos

adobepines.com

Del Norte Liquors “Where we know you by name”

Cold Beer, Wine & Spirits • Family Owned & Operated • The Locals' Store 1574 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur • Taos • 758-8904

taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos | BEST OF TAOS 2022

The Great Next Step Scott Tennant teaches his students the true meaning of success

BY DENA MILLER / PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKE HAWKINS A career in education is a noble calling. And ask any teacher what they find most satisfying about their chosen profession and you’ll likely hear something along the lines of having the opportunity to watch children learn and grow, and to make positive societal impacts. For Scott Tennant — named Best Educator in the 2022 Best of Taos rankings — his job satisfaction is for sure rooted in that, but former students approaching him and saying, “Hey, Mr. Tennant; remember me?” are the moments he feels he’s truly achieved success. “They’re genuinely happy to see me, even after years since I’ve had them in my classroom, and that’s a pretty great feeling. It’s awesome.” Tennant has been a middle school teacher at Taos Charter School since 2008 where he teaches seventh- and eighth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies. In a recent sit-down with the Taos News, he was guileless in his surprise at being so recognized by his students.“I’ve always taken a personal responsibility for my students,” Tennant said.

BEST OF TAOS 2022 | taosnews.com/magazines/best-of-taos

Thank You Taos! Voted Best Local Rock Shop It’s a paradigm for education in which he was raised: “My grandmother was a Department of Education official under [President] Reagan; my dad was in special education; and my mom was a school psychologist.” “Middle school years can be the hardest years; you don’t want to lose the kids,” he continued.“My imperative is to make learning engaging and fun.” One example he gave was the mock trial his class conducted into the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. “We had a judge and jury; we called witnesses. An otherwise dry, but significant, historical event became a living thing that was much more relatable to my students.”

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With the summer break looming, Tennant is looking forward to the many outdoor activities in Taos and, hopefully, seeing a return to local stages of Teatro Serpiente, a “guerrilla theatre group” in which he and his wife, Gina Gargone, are active members. They’ll also have plenty of time with his daughters, Sally and Olivia, who live in Minnesota with their mother, Julie Henzerling.

Tennant is also grateful that he and his students weathered the pandemic storm. “It was a difficult time for all of us,” but he also saw it as a time “of building trust, and of teaching kids how to show up socially and emotionally.” In Tennant’s eyes, one can always find the proverbial silver lining.

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In August, he’ll return to Taos Charter School and will undertake his third graduate degree program, this time at UNM–Albuquerque where he’ll begin studies in educational diagnostics. “Continuing my own education is another way I believe my relationships with my students and their families will thrive.” Before that, though, Tennant will attend this year’s high school graduation and cheer on the students who “are taking the next great step towards adulthood.” In the end, he said, “That’s what makes my life’s work so rewarding.”

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Scott Tennant went BIG this year, winning Best Educator, something he’s hankered for a long time. He said he finally knew what he wanted to do when he grew up, after spending post high school years in the school of life — doing some construction, living on a houseboat in Seattle, cooking in Naknek, Alaska, four years in Prague watching Central Europe climb out of Cold War — the list goes on. But now he’s happily ensconced at TCS, with 7th and 8th ELA and Social Studies, and now he’s Numero Uno. Congrats Scott!

Dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and pocket pets get the kindest, sweetest care around. Besides regular appointments, Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic has a veterinarian and personnel on duty six days a week. Besides all the amazing services they offer, they all have pets in their lives. They rescue animals, they place and foster shelter animals and nurse them back to health in their homes. Salazar Veterinarian Clinic is a Taos blessing.

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Stray Hearts is a "socially conscious" shelter and adoption facility reuniting lost pets with their families and providing humane care and shelter for surrendered, lost and homeless companion animals in Taos County. Socially Conscious Animal Community framework is an invitation to members and groups within all communities to collaborate and support people and their pets — including shelters, rescue groups, policy makers, law enforcement, veterinarians, behavior professionals and members of the community. Follow them on Instagram to find a lost pet or a heart warming story. SECOND PLACE

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“Service above self” is the motto of this many-times award-winning organization. Literacy and education are a big part of Rotary International and a major focus of what the Taos club does in Taos and surrounds. Members and volunteers give time to read with Kindergarten through third-graders to raise reading levels; they raise funds and give four-year unrestricted college scholarships to seniors; create and supply free library boxes; distribute dictionaries to county third-graders. Basically, if there’s a need, they’ll address it as much as possible. SECOND PLACE

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taosnews.com TAOS NEWS / 226 ALBRIGHT STREET, TAOS / 575-758-2241 You didn’t think we’d give it away, did you? And it’s OK for us to toot our own horn — ’cuz we still think providing timely, accurate and newsworthy information is what we’re all about as professional journalists. At taosnews.com, locals and visitors are just a click away from finding out everything Taos — from breaking news to weather to nightly entertainment. All our guides and magazines can be found online too. If you live here, you get it. And even if you don’t live here, you still get it. SECOND PLACE

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It’s Thursday afternoon, and Taos Plaza Live is itchin’ to start. Or as BOT 21 editor saw it last year: “Three scruffy men hang in the gazebo talking about Tom Cruise going from Jerry Maguire to Scientology. Tourists bumble in and out of galleries, pop in the rock shop, buy kitschy rattlesnake mugs. In the square, a man spins rope to some Shpongle, looking like a tailless cat gone mad. The next morning, a little crowd relaxes in front of Manzanita Market like they do most mornings, while the sun continues its slow pull to zenith. From World Cup or Chokolá or the Gorge Bar & Grill patio, you’re sure to observe your fair share of entertainment. And come Saturday at the Farmers Market — where little kids march around with toy recorders, and poets click-clack on-the-spot wisdoms from their typewriters, and buskers banjo — the people watching game is prime.” SECOND PLACE

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