Best of Taos 2020

RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING CAREERS AS TAOS EDUCATORS We are proud to recognize three distinguished faculty members who have recently earned emeritus status from the university – an honor that allows them to retain their titles post-retirement.

Congratulations and thank you for your years of service to UNM-Taos.

ONCE A LOBO ALWAYS A LOBO Larry Torres Associate Professor Emeritus Foreign Languages | 1993

Jean Ellis-Sankari

James Rannefeld

Associate Professor Emeritus Human Services | 1998

Associate Professor Emeritus Construction Tech | 1994

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

3

BEST OF TAOS 2020

best of taos 2020 features

poll results

we asked, you answered

26 petree nursery

6 food and drink

40 the historic taos inn

18 entertainment

16 24 38 58

42 à la carte

30 shopping

44 mudd n flood

48 services

what’s the hot issue in taos county? you know you’re in taos when... what industry would you like to see in taos? what’s another word for taos?

46 overland sheepskin co

welcome

STAFF

Robin Martin, owner

Editing the Best of Taos 2020 has been both an honor and a challenge.

How to convey the enormous weight of the moment – a watershed moment for humanity – while tipping our proverbial hats to the ones who are, once again, back on the front lines?

Traditionally, it is usual for the entertainment industry, with all of its arms and legs, to do well during times of crisis. People want to remember that last good time, forever. And in an evening of revelry, it can be easy to forget that the world is still with us. So as we learn new codes of behaviour, we simultaneously want to escape. The Depression brought an end to Prohibition, which had led to bootlegging and the Jazz Age. One wonders what the era of coronavirus will bring?

People are struggling everywhere, as they try to find their footing in this new normal. We struggle to find language to convey feelings without hurting others.

We struggle to share hopes and fears for the future

as we are being kept apart. Our diverging views and divisive beliefs are being shed like the skin of a snake, as we find ourselves in this together.

Chris Baker, publisher Lynne Robinson, tempo editor

I thought images of Taos’ past events were relevant in retrospect. A sort of remembrance – because even as we honor the choices made by our community, some businesses have sadly closed, or postponed events, due to COVID-19. The images used are also meant to trigger other memories of loss, a reminder that so many people have passed on in so short a time. The world has changed, and so has Taos.

Staci Matlock, managing editor

But we still have so many things to be thankful for, and you’ll find a whole lot of them in this issue.

Amy Boaz, copy editor

Hope you enjoy it!

Stay safe.

4

Chris Wood, advertising director Sean Ratliff, production manager

Morgan Timms, photographer Tamra Testerman, contributing writer

LYNNE ROBINSON, tempo editor

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Karin Eberhardt, creative director

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Virginia L Clark, contributing writer

T H A N K YO U ,

TAOS Lisa Davis Best Real Estate Agent Who you choose to BUY or SELL your property with MATTERS. Thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs.

575-770-2983 Mobile 575-224-6848 0ffice TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

V I E W N M .C O M 5

BEST OF TAOS 2020

2020 Best of Taos Results

Best Brunch

Best Coffee Shop

Gutíz

Coffee Apothecary

812-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1226

COVID-19 Update: Business operations may be affected due to ongoing precautionary measures; contact businesses directly for updated hours and availability.

gutiztaos.com Gutíz has earned best brunch accolades for six years running, offering handmade chocolate truffles by Jennifer Loves Chocolate and a menu of fused Latin and French cuisines. Gutíz pastry chefs show off their skills in the kitchen with everything from the chocolate croissants to the eggs Benedict topped with homemade Hollandaise and an impressive selection of sandwiches. The atmosphere in this well-regarded café is often described as “serene” and “pleasant.”

food and drink

616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 779-8706

coffeeapothecarytaos.com An apothecary is a person who prepares and sells medicines. Coffee is one of humanity’s favorite remedies because it both stimulates and relaxes the mind and body. Since opening in 2017, this is its second Best of Taos blue ribbon.

The Coffee Apothecary roasts in small batches, on-site from sustainable and ethically sourced beans. The café works with local suppliers for the freshest, highest quality milk and teas, and provides multiple nondairy alternatives.

It makes its own chocolate and syrups and offers a rotation of house-roasted, single-origin espresso, pour-overs and cold brews.

Farmhouse Café and Bakery 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 758-5683

World Cup Café

farmhousecafeandbakery.com

102A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-5299

Best Breakfast Burrito

Best Breakfast

Manté’s Chow Cart

Taos Diner

Location 1: 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 758-3632; Location 2: 1541 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 758-4855

North side: 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos; (575) 758-2374 • South side: 216 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 751-1989

Find on Facebook

Taos Diner consistently ranks high in this annual survey for the best place for breakfast.

The Charles Breakfast Burrito, the Copper John, homemade corned beef hash, large, house-made biscuits and daily specials are just a few of the mouth-watering reasons the first-place vote is true. And good coffee brings it all together. The “Diner” is no secret to locals (who many like to call “the Diner in-crowd”) when it comes to morning fare in this homey and casual favorite.

Ah, the breakfast burrito – a much-loved New Mexico favorite traditionally made with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, potatoes and red or green chile, all rolled up in a big, warm tortilla.

The survey says no one makes a better breakfast burrito in these parts than the folks at Manté’s Chow Cart. Many moons ago, this humble Taos favorite started out as a food truck, hence its name. In the first Best of Taos issue in 1999, Manté’s won this category. The love continues.

taosdiner.com

Michael’s Kitchen

Coffee Apothecary

Abe’s Cantina y Cocina

304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos; (575) 758-4178

489 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-8516

michaelskitchen.com

Find on Facebook COURTESY PHOTO

BEST OF TAOS 2020

6

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

7

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Red Chile

Best New Mexican Food

Best Baked Goods Made In-House

Orlando’s New Mexican Café

Chokolá

Orlando’s New Mexican Café

Orlando’s New Mexican Café

1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, El Prado (575) 751-1450

1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, El Prado (575) 751-1450

Michael’s Kitchen 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178

Find on Facebook

Find on Facebook

A question often asked by waitstaff at local eateries is “Do you want red or green or Christmas (combination of both) chile?” At Orlando’s, with either choice you can’t go wrong. Orlando’s uses only Hatch chile that they prepare in their own special way, which becomes united with enchiladas, burritos and rellenos.

Chile is a powerful ingredient and the folks at Orlando’s know how to unleash it.

Want to know what true New Mexican food is? Then head to Orlando’s, which has been voted Best New Mexican Food in Taos County since 2005 due to the perfect infusion of New Mexican and Native American ingredients. Orlando’s serves up mouthwatering, authentic cuisine in a cozy, colorful space with an open kitchen. The house-made sangria is a popular accompaniment to meals.

Great food and service and a fantastic bakery, so you can also take great pastries home. Breakfast is a favorite, usually with a long but fast-moving line to get in. The green chile-cheese bread is absolutely delicious. And be sure to have one of their humongous cinnamon rolls, delicious foccocia and other specialty breads.

Ranchos Plaza Grill

Ranchos Plaza Grill

KOKO

6 St. Francis Court, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

6 St. Francis Court, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite H, Taos; (575) 758-9448

Find on Facebook

Find on Facebook

kokotaos.com

Best Green Chile

Best Traditional

Best Place for Sweet Treats

michaelskitchen.com

Mexican Food Orlando’s New Mexican Café

Chokolá Bean to Bar Guadalajara Grill

1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, El Prado; (575) 751-1450

Northside: 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos; (575) 737-0816 • Southside: 1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 751-0063

Find on Facebook

food and drink

See Best Red Chile above – ditto here.

guadalajaragrilltaos.com A true taste of Mexico right here in Taos is the Guadalajara Grill. The Mexican roots in this fare isn’t limited to just succulent shrimp, meaty fish and fried ice cream.

The extensive menu includes American-, Latin- and Mexican-style creations made with steak and chicken. There are tasty options for vegetarians as well. The “Guad” can get crowded due to popularity, however the order line is a well-oiled machine and the service is quick.

Ranchos Plaza Grill 6 St. Francis Court, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

Find on Facebook

Orlando’s New Mexican Café 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, El Prado (575) 751-1450; Find on Facebook

BEST OF TAOS 2020

8

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

106B Juan Largo Lane, Taos Plaza (575) 779-6163

chokolabeantobar.com Oh, for the love of chocolate. The master chocolatiers at Chokolá focus on small, handmade batches of perfected sweetness using only organic ingredients. Here, they do the cleaning, roasting, cracking and grinding of the beans. Taos-based chocolatiers of Chokolá are husband-and-wife team Javi Abad and Debi Vincent, who besides creating many varieties of yum, offer specialty chocolate-drink elixirs, bonbons, bars, chocolate mousse, pour-over coffee, milkshakes, gelato and sorbet.

Michael’s Kitchen 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178

michaelskitchen.com

Thank You Taos, for Voting Us # 1!

Kellie A. Harris, DDS • Kayci M. Harris, DMD FIRST PLACE

.

NORTHERN

NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY

(57 5)7 51-96 61 1337 Gu sd o r f Rd, Suite A M o st insur a nce a cce pted

kellieharrisdds.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

9

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Place

Best Pizza

Best Burger

to Eat Your Greens Pizaño’s

5 Star Burgers

taospizza.com

1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484

Pizza is a passion food. And the thin crust, hand-tossed, New York-style pizza at Pizaños (pie-zahn-yoz) is a longstanding favorite among Taoseños and visitors alike. Pizaños, presented by Scott Barady and Charley Galer, (“two guys from Utica, New York”) puts a twist on traditional pies or you can create your own. But try the Taoseño (pepperoni or Italian sausage, mushrooms and green chile), Up-Stream (garlic oil instead of marinara, smoked salmon, spinach, capers, fresh tomato, onion, mozzarella and smoked gouda) and the Fire Twirler (pepperoni, Canadian bacon, green chile, jalapeño and pineapple). Pizza by the slice is also available, along with much-loved salads and spectacular mountain views.

Five Star Burgers doesn’t make a typical burger with typical ingredients. Their Black Angus beef is all natural, antibiotic free and comes from ethically treated animals. The meat is ground daily. If you’re craving a burger and want a relaxed, yet more upscale atmosphere than a fast-food joint, then head to 5 Star. An example of choices includes the popular Taos Burger with crispy green chile, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese, or the 5 Star Burger topped with Gorgonzola cheese and applewood-smoked bacon. The patio is dogfriendly with free, organic non-GMO bones made in-house.

23 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 776-1050

Salad Bar at Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148

cidsfoodmarket.com Yet again Cid’s runs away with this category. This organic, locally owned, full-service food market consistently gets rave reviews for its hot and cold, in-house prepared food offerings.

Organic is the operative word at Cid’s, so if you’re looking for a tasty, healthy place to “eat your greens,” look no further than the tempting soup and salad bar. Cid’s also offers freshly made packaged salads. Indoor seating is available.

Taos Pizza Outback

Farmhouse Café and Bakery

712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-3112

1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 758-5683

taospizzaoutback.com

5starburgers.com

The Burger Stand at Taos Ale House 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5522

taosburgersandbeer.com

farmhousecafeandbakery.com

Best Roadside Food Cart

À La Cart World Street Food 625 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-7503

food and drink

alacarttaos.com “Fast, fresh, affordable and mostly organic!” is their moniker. Inspired by “world street food” – Mediterranean, Moroccan, Slovaki, Cuban, Mexican, Thai and good old American classic cuisine sourced seasonally from small local farms – serving free-range beef and chicken, and ham and bacon that are uncured.

Coffee is organic fair trade from a small Colorado roaster and breads are non-GMO.

5 Star Burgers

Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 770-1171

maryjanes-homecooking.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

10

TAOSNEWS.COM/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. ®

Honored to be Taos’ Best Agency 10 Years Running.

Wanda Lucero 575.737.5433 wanda@wandalucero.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

11

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Timmie Hoffman, Rolling Still Lounge

Best Happy Hour

Best Patio

Best Bartender

5 Star Burgers

Lambert’s of Taos

1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484

123 Bent Street, Taos; (575) 758-1009

Timmie Hoffman, Rolling Still Lounge

lambertsoftaos.com

110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 613-0326

In addition to 5 Star’s award-winning burgers is its popular happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, featuring its take on “sliders,” starting at $1.65 each. Also offered are discounted tap beers, house wines and appetizers such as Crispy Green Chile Strips and Frickles.

Good stuff. No wonder it keeps winning this category.

Quality fine dining in patio nooks and nichos, Lambert’s is a sanctuary for delicious food, wine and cocktails. Well-known for outstanding service and stellar fresh cuisine, all are offered in an elegant, warm and unpretentious atmosphere. Whether indoors or on the patio, Lambert’s is the perfect place for any occasion when you want a fantastic meal.

Timmie Hoffman at Rolling Still Lounge became a familiar and best-loved fixture behind the bar at Taos’ newest watering hole, which opened for its first year of business in 2019. Lounge owner Liza Barrett said Timmie was just excellent, great with customers and is passionate about craft cocktail creation.” Since the Lounge’s temporary closing for COVID-19, Hoffman has moved on to cocktail pastures south. She will be missed.

Treehouse at Lambert’s of Taos

Common Fire

123 Bent Street, Taos (575) 758-1009

88 State Road 150, El Prado (505) 803-9113

lambertsoftaos.com

taoscommonfire.com

5starburgers.com

Taos Mesa Brewing Company

Best Margarita

Best Bar/Nightlife

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233

food and drink

taosinn.com The Adobe Bar isn’t referred to as “the living room of Taos” by chance.

This popular, historic inn is known for free, nightly local music. The bar area was once a family home built in the 1800s. Known for its margaritas, the Cowboy Buddha is one of the best in town. It should come as no surprise that the Adobe Bar started racking up first-place votes beginning with the first Best of Taos poll in 1999.

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233

taosinn.com Year after year “the living room of Taos” is the place to get a fiesta in a glass. Soaking up the free live music and eclectic vibe of this Taos landmark just wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the bar’s famous margaritas.

The most popular on the margarita menu is the Cowboy Buddha, a timeless cocktail of top-shelf Herradura Silver tequila, Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lime juice – a great option for those who prefer a less sweet margarita, as it calls for no sweet-and-sour mix.

Treehouse at Lambert’s of Taos

The Alley Cantina

rollingstill.com

Stephen Montoya, Hotel Don Fernando de Taos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 1005 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-4444

Best Brewery

Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900

taosmesabrewing.com “TMB” hasn’t drifted far from its award-winning recipes since its inception in 2012. The 10-barrel, all-grain infusion-mash brewhouse installed in early 2016, and by April that year was pouring 100 percent of TMB-made beers. The improved brewing system allows the master brewers more time to experiment with new recipes – music to the ears of beer lovers. With 12 distinct house beers on draught at all times, the brews can be enjoyed at two locations: the Mothership and Taos Tap Room, 201 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos.

Red River Brewing Company

121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121

123 Bent Street, Taos; (575) 758-1009

217 W. Main Street, Red River (575) 754-4422

alleycantina.com

lambertsoftaos.com

redriverbrewing.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

12

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

THANK YOU TAOS for voting us Best Place for Sweet Treats 2020!

2020

BEST NEW MEXICAN FOOD / BEST RED / BEST GREEN

THANK YOU TAOS for Voting Me Best Jazz Performer

Thank you Taos and the Alley Cantina Hang in there!

Jazz is great because of Dan Lizdas and Larry Audette.

1114 Don Juan Valdez Ln

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

13

BEST OF TAOS 2020

751-1450

Best Ambiance

Sabroso Restaurant and Bar 470 Highway 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-3333

sabroso.com Sabroso means “delicious” and that’s what you get at this locals-favorite dining spot. Dining out is about eating unique dishes that you just don’t make at home like Sabroso’s Lemongrass-Ginger Pork Belly, Crispy Duck wings with sweet and spicy Thai chile sauce or Fried Portobello Mushroom Strips with green-chilebuttermilk-herb dipping sauce — the list just goes on and on. That, plus entertainment in the outdoor patio, all combine to make one-of-a-kind dining at its best with a refined, engaging atmosphere to match.

Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050

theloveapple.net

Best Waitstaff

food and drink

Best Restaurant

Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent Street, Taos; (575) 758-1009

Lambert’s of Taos

lambertsoftaos.com

123 Bent Street, Taos; (575) 758-1009

To be a highly acclaimed restaurant, the service must match the caliber of the cuisine and refinement of the atmosphere. The waitstaff consistently lives up to that challenge. “Flawless” is a common review of the service at Lambert’s of Taos.

lambertsoftaos.com Lambert’s, on historic Bent Street, once again garnered the most votes in the Best Restaurant category. For about 30 years, Lambert’s has been a New York City-caliber restaurant minus the NYC attitude. The executive chef consistently pleases the palates of visitors and locals in a relaxed and discriminating ambiance known for perfected fresh fare, exemplary service and beautiful presentation.

medley.

100 State Road 150, El Prado; (575) 776-8787

medleytaos.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

14

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

medley.

100 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 776-8787

medleytaos.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP! WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

We do more than sweep chimneys: We install, inspect, troubleshoot, restore and build chimneys and fireplaces. We also sell high quality wood stoves, gas stoves, and fireplaces.

SAFETY

•

VALUE

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

•

15

PROFESSIONALISM

BEST OF TAOS 2020

We asked, you answered

WHAT’S THE HOT ISSUE IN TAOS COUNTY?

Plague! No surprise here. THE number one issue is the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic. Reopening Taos County (much less the rest of the world), is actually causing more concern than the lockdown orders of March 11. As we go to press, saving human lives trumps saving the economy. Taos conservatives and progressives are united over this hot button issue – though a universal basic income is being reconsidered by some to get us back on some kind of postpandemic economic track.

Water came in as the second hottest issue, stressing the “Water is life/ Agua es vida” emphasis of Native and acequia traditions here. Though Best of Taos voting ended April 12, and the two recent town of Taos water outages April 22 and May 7 had not yet happened, locals’ concerns and values about life-giving waters in Taos Valley were clearly expressed in Best of Taos ballots.

Third hot button issue? Potholes. Yup – always high on the list every year – potholes and roads.

BEST OF TAOS 2020

16

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Open Mon-Sat 10am - 7pm

R O U Q I L T S BE

E R O T S

S R A E 3Y

K N A H T .

G N I N N U R

623 B Paseo Del Pueblo Norte (Behind Cid’s Fod Market) 575.758.745

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

17

BEST OF TAOS 2020

U O Y

!

S O A T

2020 Best of Taos Results COVID-19 Update: Business operations may be affected due to ongoing precautionary measures; contact businesses directly for updated hours and availability.

entertainment

Best Annual Event

Most Interesting Place

in Taos County

to Take Visitors

Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo

120 Veterans Highway, Taos (575) 758-1028

120 Veterans Highway, Taos (575) 758-1028

taospueblo.com

taospueblo.com

Consistently voted Best Annual Event in Taos County, the Taos Pueblo Christmas Eve procession is filled with tradition, faith and fires – gunfire, holiday bonfires and fiery torches. Former Tempo editor Rick Romancito says the procession is “an expression of hope that connects our collective past and the present, a visual cue that all is still vital and well in the world – and a spiritual jolt to the senses that makes real the sacred, pagan, Native and secular bond between us all.”

Hands down, Taos Pueblo is always ranked No. 1. The multistoried adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for approximately 1,000 years standing as a remarkable testament to the history, culture, art, faith and daily living of the Red Willow people. The Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.

The PASEO Project Sept. 18-19, 2020; paseoproject.org

U.S. Highway 64 West; taos.org

Best Weekend Getaway

Best Local Museum

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs & Resort Spa

Harwood Museum

50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (505) 583-2233

ojospa.com A singular resort destination in Northern New Mexico that honors and shares the land’s sacred springs while providing genuinely gracious hospitality. Ojo offers authentic guest experiences for healing mind, body and spirit naturally for centuries. It’s the best place to soak your bones, your soul and anything else the pains of life have agitated. Ojo also offers a casual bar, restaurant, nicely appointed cabins and hiking trails if one day there isn’t enough to do.

Taos Ski Valley

238 Ledoux Street, Taos (575) 758-9826

harwoodmuseum.org This consummate museum showcases a permanent collection of more than 4,700 works and an archive of 17,000 photographs from the 19th century onward. In the early part of the 20th century, many artists – such as Agnes Martin – were drawn to Taos to pursue a new, truly American art devoid of industrial influence, inspired instead by New Mexico’s landscape and light, and the traditional Native American and Hispanic cultures of the region.

The Harwood Museum collection brings to the public a unique record of this artistic convergence from its beginnings to the present day. Truly an art lover’s destination.

Millicent Rogers Museum

State Road 150; Village of Taos Ski Valley; (575) 776-1413 or 800-517-9816; or contact the resort: (800) 776-1111

1504 Millicent Rogers Road, El Prado (575) 758-2462

taosskivalley.com | skitaos.com

millicentrogers.org

Taos Pueblo COURTESY PHOTO

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Río Grande Gorge Bridge

18

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Thank You Taos!

For naming Rio Grande Ace Best of Taos Again, and Again, and Again!

And thanks to our entire team of local heroes that keep us #1.

Cristian Aragon Albert Armijo Phillips Babby Ismael Bailon Jordan Banks Danette Bearman Lyle Beers Alan Best Daria Branchal David Branchal Jr. James Coca Barbara Coca Dennis Coca David Cordova Jarrod Cordova William Cordova Debrah Dubay

Keith Van Dykman Ken Ebert Frank Ford Andy Garcia Charles M Garcia Scott Geertsen Michael Gomez Cecile Gomez Ronnie Gomez Andrew Gonzales Leroy Gonzales Guido Gonzales William Griswold Carla Isely Emily Johnston Emmitt Jones Blanca Lauricella

William Lee Salomon Lopez Adrian Martinez Carla Martinez John Martinez Diane Medina Rebecca Medina Aries Miera Dylan Milligan Jerry Mondragon Patricia Moore Keegan Moran Oscar Munoz-Armendariz Johnathan Olivas Anthony Ortega Pacifica Ortega Hector Pacheco

Tommy Pacheco Gabriella Perez Ella Rael Rachel Rael Victoria Rivera Anthony Romero Brenda Romero Roberta Romero Savannah Romero Jim Ross Aleksander Rost Eunique Salazar Mary Sandoval Sterlin Sandoval Christofer Savage Hilario Serrano Paul Serrano

Christine Sherwood Fredrick Sweetwater Anthony Tafoya Andrea Trujillo Angelo Vigil Cassandra Trujillo Isaac Trujillo Isaiah Trujillo James Trujillo Victor Urbano-Marquez Francisco Vigil Izaah Vigil Robbie Vigil Sean Walker Mary Ward Carmella Weathers Nina Wood

Locally Owned for 49 years 1381 Paseo del Peblo Sur, 575-758-4268 | 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, 575-751-2061 | www.riograndeace.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

19

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Place to Hit the Jackpot

Best Place to Dance

Best Jazz Group or Performer

Taos Mountain Casino Taos Pueblo. Two entrances — past the Allsup’s Convenience Store and gas station and the other is off Hail Creek Road, both off Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

Take either entrance and proceed north approximately 1 mile.

(575) 737-0777

taosmountaincasino.com As the saying goes, sometimes the best things come in small packages. It may not be the largest place to play games of chance in the state and certainly has proximity on its side, but the quaint, nonsmoking, 21+ Taos Mountain Casino is where bingo lovers and slot fans around here head to most often. The casino runs an array of promotions throughout the year, with thousands of dollars given away weekly. The Bison Rewards Card is the direct avenue to winning at Taos Mountain Casino, allowing players to accumulate points that lead to giveaways and prizes.

Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership

Christine Autumn

20 ABC Mesa Road; (575) 758-1900

(575) 751-1885

taosmesabrewing.com

christineautumn.com

It stands to reason that the Best Live Music Venue (see the Mothership above) has the best dance space — and in this case, it’s more than one space.

With her soulful voice and classic song list from the 1930s through ’50s, Autumn has been voted Best Jazz Singer for many years in a row. She can be heard every Sunday night at The Alley Cantina’s Jazz Night. Catharsis and healing themes run through all her artwork, whether it be a painting, pottery, fiber or soul-filled music covers. After surviving a tragic car accident in ’96 that left her with broken legs and crushed knees, she started taking her life in new directions.

Old Martina’s Hall 4140 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-3003

Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino

oldmartinashall.com

30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe; (877) 455-7775

buffalothunderresort.com

Big Swing Theory

Best Local Singer/

BigSwingTheory@gmail.com

thebigswingtheory.com

Songwriter

Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234

Best Spanish Language Band or Performer

jimmystadler.com

entertainment

Jimmy Stadler is the man – Taos’ “musical virtuoso … human jukebox” and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, said entertainment writer Laura Bulkin for Tempo: “Stadler has been a consistent shining light of the Taos music scene, whether solo or with his band The Colliders, at parties, barn dances, benefits or his always-mobbed Wednesday nights at Sabroso Restaurant and Bar in Arroyo Seco.” Stadler was named Best Rock Artist in the first Best of Taos poll in 1999 and has continued to rack up entertainment honors ever since.

Once again, El Grupo Mezcal has been named the Best Spanish Language Band or Performer by Best of Taos poll. The group has stood at the top in this poll for 20 of the past 21 years. Mezcal formed in the late 1980s and solidified as a band with brothers Ernesto (Ernie), Antonio (Archie) and Adonais (Níte) Marquez and Rex Martinez in the mid-1990s. They are known for their original Spanish songs written by the Marquez brothers and inspired by life aquí en Taos.

Max Gomez

Darren Córdova

maxgomezmusic.com

Find on Facebook

Jimmy Stadler

BEST OF TAOS 2020

20

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

El Grupo Mezcal Find on Facebook

Best Local Rock Group

Best Local Radio Station

Best Live Music Venue

or Performer

Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234

jimmystadler.com See Best Local Singer-Songwriter entry.

Katy P and The Business Find on Facebook

KTAOS-FM 101.9

Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership

9 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 758-5826

20 ABC Mesa Road; (575) 758-1900

taosmesabrewing.com

ktao.com The voice and music of Taos gets their energy and staying power from the popular DJs, national and local news, a diverse music mix and, of course, solar power. This Taos broadcast institution follows an “adult alternative format,” that includes everything from honkytonk to the Foo Fighters. Music programming is flexible at KTAOS and they diligently listen to the pulse of the listener.

Best Local Country Band

KNCE-FM 93.5

or Performer

20 ABC Mesa Road (silver trailer near Taos Mesa Brewing); (575) 737-8326

truetaosradio.com

On the way to the Gorge Bridge, in mesa land, is the local fave for local and national performers on one indoor and two outdoor stages with plenty of room to shake, rattle and roll most nights of the week. A converted airplane hangar houses the indoor stage fitted with “acoustic purity.” Add to the experience great food and excellent handcrafted, in-house brewed beers – cheers to a fun night out.

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233

taosinn.com

Michael Hearne michaelhearne.com | bigbarndance.com Those who know two-steppin’, guitar pickin’ and his distinctive voice know Michael Hearne and his band South

by Southwest. Hearne is pretty much a household name not only in Taos, but just about the entire Southwest. A consistent winner of Best of Taos awards over the years, Hearne’s brand of “Southwestern Americana” can be heard woven through songs he’s written for the likes of Jerry Jeff Walker and others. He’s also the chief promoter of his annual, three-day Big Barn Dance Music Festival.

The Rifters rifters.net

Best Local Radio Personality

Best LGBTQ-Friendly Hangout

Paddy Mac KTAOS-FM 101.9 9 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 758-5826

The Alley Cantina

ktao.com

121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121

Morning drive host Patrick McCarty, better known around these parts as Paddy Mac, has regularly won this category since he came to Taos 19 years ago. In a past Best of Taos issue, Mac described his DJ style and mission: “The individualism of radio stations is pretty rare these days. I took a [cross-country drive] a few years ago. I was like, ‘This station sounds just like that station.’ ... When I’m driving, I seek out these tiny individual stations, and I want to hear the voice of that town. ...

I’m going to be as local and personal and as informational in this town as I can be.”

alleycatina.com If you’re looking for a fun night where the locals are more into music, craft cocktails and dancing than passing judgments, then head to The Alley, voted the most LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere going. Long a haven for artists and free spirits, Taos is typically known for its cultural and gender diversity, and The Alley is the gay-friendly fave place in 2020.

Gutters 520 Plaza Cañon Dr, Taos (575) 758-2695

Howie Roemer KNCE-FM 93.5

taosbowling.com

20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 737-8326

truetaosradio.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

21

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Hiking/JoggingTrail

Best Ski and Snowboard Area

Williams Lake Trail Carson National Forest; Office: 208 Cruz Alta Road; (575) 758-6200

Los Rios River Rafting

Taos Ski Valley

Best Place for Family Fun

Gutters Bowling Alley

fs.usda.gov/carson

State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (800) 776-1111

Maybe this trail wins every year because it’s easy to find, you don’t have to be an expert hiker to take it on, dogs love it and the scenery is beautiful. Or maybe it’s the trail’s proximity to New Mexico’s highest point, Wheeler Peak, that gives it the most thumbs-up. The trail is a 4-mile-roundtrip trek that starts at the Village of Taos Ski Valley. This Carson National Forest trail, which has some steeper points mixed in with mostly level stretches, climbs more than 700 feet in elevation gain per mile. At its culmination, Williams Lake sits at 11,040 feet. Along the way, outdoor adventurers are rewarded with beautiful columbines, boulder fields and a waterfall near the lake.

The granddaddy of all the ski and boarding areas in this part of the state is the annual favorite, having won the first Best of Taos poll in 1999 and never looking back. With a vertical drop of 3,281 feet, 110 total trails, 14 lifts and a mix of terrain, this alpine ski haven in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the southern Rockies provides a fun and challenging European-esque winter experience for all levels of skiers and boarders.

520 Plaza Cañon Drive, Taos (575) 758-2695

taosbowling.com

Devisadero Loop Trail

Gutters is a beautiful 12-lane bowling alley with a modern chic design and state-of-the-art Brunswick machinery and scoring systems. Its restaurant features a real wood-fired brick oven for authentic and delicious pizzas. Gutters hosts fun events like cosmic bowling, Monte Carlo night, live DJs and community events.

Bowling leagues at Gutters have lots of participation, with over 300 league bowlers in their first year.

From Taos, follow U.S. Highway 64 approximately 3 miles east. Parking is along the highway at the El Nogal Picnic Area.

skitaos.com

Sipapú Ski and Summer Resort 5224 State Road 514, Vadito 800-587-2240

sipapunm.com

fs.usda.gov

Best Place to Take a Dip Best Rafting Company

Los Rios River Runners

entertainment

4003 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos; (575) 776-8854

Find on Facebook For over 40 years, Los Rios River Runners has led the field in developing river rafting in Northern New Mexico. Rafting access to these spectacular river canyons is severely limited by the Bureau of Land Management in order to preserve the wilderness, and Los Rios has more access to more stretches of river than any other company. People trust themselves and their family to New Mexico’s oldest, largest and most experienced rafting company.

Twirl Play and Discovery Space 225 Camino de la Placita (another entrance is on Teresina Lane just off the northwest corner of Taos Plaza) (575) 751-1402

Taos Ski Valley

Far Flung Adventures 15 State Road 522, El Prado; (800) 359-2627

farflung.com

twirltaos.org

BEST OF TAOS 2020

22

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (505) 583-2233

ojospa.com “Ojo” isn’t just fabulous springs and quintessential Northern New Mexican views. Accolades consistently pile up year after year for this legendary and popular oasis, which has an extensive array of therapeutic massage and body work choices such as deep tissue to hot stone.

And with add-on therapies that focus on everything from feet to hair, rejuvenation is certain.

John Dunn Bridge County Road B007, Arroyo Hondo.

Cross the Río Grande near the confluence of the Rio Hondo.

THANK YOU TAOS FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN & 2ND IN BEST LGBTQ-FRIENDLY HANGOUT!

$5+tax GAMES!

(PER PERSON & INCLUDES SHOE RENTAL)

575.758.2695

520 PLAZA CAÑON DR

12 - 10PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

TAOSBOWLING.COM

KEEP TIME WITH TAOS ARTS

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

23

BEST OF TAOS 2020

We asked, you answered

YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN TAOS WHEN...

“You see the mountain” and “you hit a pothole” were head-to-head on this question – a straight-up tie. Any local can totally relate to both – how seeing the mountain lifts your spirits off planet, only to be jolted to pieces the next second by the incomprehensibly rutted roads of Taos.

Funny? Maybe. Unnerving? Absolutely!

Seeing the Río Grande Gorge and hearing the Taos Hum carried a few folks away, but potholes and Taos Mountain brought most voters back to their senses.

BEST OF TAOS 2020

24

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Thank you!

BEST WAIT STAFF

BEST RESTAURANT

Best of Taos 2020

BEST PATIO

BEST HAPPY HOUR & MARGARITA (2nd Place)

OF TAOS 2020 25 NMBEST www.lambertsoftaos.com 575.758.1009TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS 123 Bent Street Taos,

Best Garden Center and NurseryÂ

Sylvia Petree in the greenhouse at Petree Nursery.

petree nursery and greenhouses 26 BEST OF TAOS 2020

26

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

HUGE SELECTION, ALL LOCALLY GROWN

by VIRGINIA L CLARK

photos MORGAN TIMMS

THE HARDEST THING about lockdown this spring was being unable to see and touch our babies in the nurseries. So we settled for calling in and curbside delivery to start getting our green on.

Taos gardeners voted Petree Nursery and Greenhouses as the Best Nursery in 2020’s Best of Taos survey, which is where a whole lot of Taos gardeners go, because everything is locally grown, so the money stays in Taos. All Petree’s fans were itching to get into that 35-acre operation and see what Sylvia and Mike Petree and staff had worked on over the winter.

Finally, on May 16, 2020, the gates were thrown wide and we finally could shop to our hearts’ content – with coronavirus precautions, of course.

Mandatory masks and directional

traffic flow keep people and wagons apart, going “down” the sidewalk and “up” the driveway. Customers can still get curbside delivery/pickup if they so desire – you have to email or phone your order in and arrange a pickup time once the order is filled, a definite time investment, but available nonetheless.

Now the lockdown against cruising Petree’s huge growing operation is basically over. And just in time. By mid-May a tidal wave of blossoming pink peach trees flowed exuberantly from the top of the nursery all down along the row of stock greenhouses.

Customers can see for themselves now, every 3-inch, 6-inch, gallon pots, 12-inch baskets and so much more that fill the greenhouses and outdoors.

Here you can get your perennials and annuals, all grown aqui en Taos, plus soil amendments and nutrients, often at the lowest prices in the valley – not to mention exquisite ceramic, stone and metal pots, statuary, fountains and more.

“We have 10 greenhouses, five for sales and five for production,” co-owner Sylvia Petree said by phone May 9. “Besides the greenhouses, we have 35 acres with trees – fruit trees, evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs, plus all the soft fruits like blackberries, raspberries, currants, choke cherries, strawberries – all the usual suspects.”

And blueberries?

“Oh no, those are gone already,” she said.

The amount Petree grows is really stunning. A brief perusal of their new website, being updated daily to match

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

27

what is actually available and ready to plant this season, is worth every gardener’s attention.

It’s impossible not to click “Look” on the plants with photos – like perennials Mesa Bright Bicolor Blanket Flower gaillardia, Ka-Pow Pink garden phlox, Rosyjane gaura or Big Twister Corkscrew Rush grass, to name just a few. I loved Rainbow Rhythm Primal Scream hemerocallis – got to find a place for that.

Then it’s on to annuals, veggies, herbs, grass seed, shrubs and vines, soft fruit, bulbs, trees, mulch, compost, amendments and fertilizers.

People do buy out of town, say online or as a promotion for a garden club, but as the Best of Taos survey itself shows, people who care about keeping Taos “green” picked Petree for its locally grown, best selection – thus keeping money in the community, supporting local jobs and reducing the carbon footprint of hauling goods across state lines.

Even with lockdown in effect on Mother’s Day, Sylvia Petree said their 400 or so roses went “super fast” – which is quite a feat, considering their relatively small staff having to drag all those pots of roses for mom, up the sidewalk for curbside deliveries.

Volume and growing their own is how they stay so competitive, Sylvia says. They also grow for a Los Alamos place. “We deliver there about two times a week, selling out before it’s even off the truck. A lot of their inventory is already gone.”

g

BEST OF TAOS 2020

MORGAN TIMMS/TAOS NEWS

g THEY’RE DOING ABOUT 1,700 baskets per year and their annual and perennial production stays huge, hence the five production greenhouses. Petree also supplies town of Taos landscaping – all the bushes, trees, shrubs and soils, except for the 100 flower baskets hanging on town light posts the past few years.

“We just don’t have room in the greenhouses to allow for a dedicated private production,” Sylvia says. “There’s only so much greenhouse square-footage.

Black Gold, Berger (pronounced bearzhay) and Happy Frog Soil Conditioner are all outstanding amendments.

Petree Nursery is adjusting to the new normal.

Happy Frog says, “Don’t Treat Your Soil Like Dirt!®” Every bag has finely screened, pH-balanced, aged forest nutrients, earthworm castings and bat guano, plus a bazillion beneficial microbes stimulating root development, reducing the need for heavy, expensive inputs of nitrogen fertilizers.

Adding such soil amendments stimulate symbiotic and free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria (also fixing atmospheric nitrogen) supplying, in many cases, up to 75 percent of a crop’s needs. F

What a great time to be a gardener.

For more info, visit the nursery at 25 Petree Street., 1.5 miles north of Lower Ranchitos Road on Blueberry Hill Road.

Call (575) 758-3021 and see petreenursery.com.

BEST OF TAOS 2020

28

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

THANK YOU TAOS! Have you checked your financial health lately?

Have you checked your financial Taos is unique andhealth speciallately?

- just like our clients and we love

serving and working with each and every one!

Our clients have helped us realize our vision of being recognized as the preferred resource in Taos County in the Financial Services Industry. They have told us how grateful they are to have us in the community and available as their financial resource, especially now. Our office continues to grow because of the confidence our clients have in us and in Edward Jones. We appreciate your referrals. They are proof of the trust you have in us.

You have questions. We can help you find your answers!

You have questions. We can help you find your answers!

Paul M Sands

Paul M Sands

Paul M Sands

1103 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Financial Advisor Suite 4 A 1103 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte o Del Pueblo Norte El Prado, NM 87529 Suite 4 A El Prado, NM 87529 NM575-737-5772 87529 MKD-8652B-A

MKD-8652B-A

Advisor

772

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

ands

www.edwardjones.com

575-737-5772

www.edwardjones.com 1103 Paseo DelMember Pueblo Norte SIPC Suite 4 A El Prado, NM 87529 575-737-5772

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

29

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

BEST OF TAOS 2020

www.edwardjon

Member SIPC

2020 Best of Taos

Best Farmer’s Market

Best Grocery Store

Taos Farmers Market

Cid’s Food Market

Taos Plaza – 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-7575

623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148

Results COVID-19 Update: Business operations may be affected due to ongoing precautionary measures; contact businesses directly for updated hours and availability.

taosfarmersmarket.org

COVID-19 precautions to minimize community spread include: four public hand-washing stations on the plaza; masked vendors and customers; vendor-booth distancing 8-10 feet apart; and customers should not touch booth products.

As of press time, no sampling is allowed.

All vendors have a bottle of hand sanitizer and no vendors or visitors who are sick may attend the event.

For 33 years, independently owned Cid’s Food Market has been providing Northern New Mexico with organic, local and gourmet groceries. Cid’s is a full-service grocery store touted for its knowledgeable staff and the best selection of natural and organic food in town. In addition, Cid’s offers an extensive selection of environmentally friendly household products, natural pet foods, a wide variety of supplements, herbs, incense and body care products. This Taos institution has been repeatedly recognized

by Best of Taos survey respondents as the one to beat in this category.

Red Willow Farmers Market

Smith’s Food & Drug

885 Star Road, Taos Pueblo (575) 770-8688

224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711

Taos Farmers Market has been at the forefront of the local sustainable food movement since its inception in 1973, offering locally grown produce, plants, cut flowers, baked goods, hot food and local music.

shopping

cidsfoodmarket.com

redwillowfarm.org

Best Place to

Best Place to

Read or Buy a Book

Buy Fruits & Veggies

Taos Public Library

Cid’s Food Market

402 Camino del la Placita, Taos (575) 758-3063

623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148

taoslibrary.org Even with information and downloadable books readily available, the library is a multiyear, first-place vote getter. The mission of the Taos Public Library is to provide and facilitate freedom of access to informational, recreational and educational materials for everyone and that is exactly what it does.

The often busy library is known for its excellent children’s section, friendly staff and free internet access. Special events are often held there. Call for current hours.

cidsfoodmarket.com It stands to reason that the store voted the best place to get organic, local and gourmet groceries has the best fruits and veggies.

See previous entry for more information.

Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza – 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-7575

taosfarmersmarket.org

The Brodsky Bookshop 226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 758-9468

Taos Farmers Market

BEST OF TAOS 2020

30

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

FIRST PLACE

taosnews.com/register

Thank You, Taos!

Join Our Drop-Ins, Clinics, and All Around Play.

We Now Have Pickleball!

88 STATE ROAD 150 Reservations QUAILRIDGETAOS.COM 575-776-8833 TAOSTENNIS.COM 575-776-2585

taosnews.com/register

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

31

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Gift Shop

Best Place to

Best Women’s Clothing

Best Ski/

Buy Fresh Flowers

Boutique

Snowboard Shop

Taos Farmers Market

Francesca’s Clothing Boutique

Cottam’s Ski & Outdoor Shop

492 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-8776

Taos: 207 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 758-2822 • Taos Ski Valley: 101 Sutton Place; (575) 7768719 • Angel Fire: 40 North Angel Fire Road; (575) 377-3700 • Santa Fe: 740 Hyde Park Road; (505) 982-0495

FX 18 103 Bent Street, Taos; (575) 758-8590

Find on Facebook This is not your run-of-the-mill gift shop.

Here you’ll find funky jewelry, fabulous clothing, accessories, books, candles, games, gifts galore and so much more. It’s easy to see why this store is consistently one of Taos’ favorite places to shop.

Taos Plaza – 400 Camino de la Placita; (575) 751-7575

taosfarmersmarket.org

Enchanted Florist

488 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575)776-8806

622A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3030

Best Place to Buy a New Mexico Souvenir

Arroyo Seco Mercantile 488 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575)776-8806

secomerc.com Stepping over the threshold into the main room of this 121-year-old building feels like you’re walking through a time warp into the distant past. It’s filled with lots of here-and-now and sooner-or-later. Which is exactly what the Mercantile is all about, says owner Jeanie Clinton. “New stuff, old stuff and stuff you need.”

Going on 21 years, Francesca’s offers a large selection of women’s clothing and accessories in her cute little store in cute little Arroyo Seco village.

Clothes are stylish and trendy with something for every body type. There is definitely a special find for all ages, and customers notice — Francesca’s has topped this category for 19 years.

See Best Farmers Market, page 30.

Arroyo Seco Mercantile secomerc.com

Find on Facebook

taosflorist.com

Michelle’s in Taos

Best Place to Buy Yarn

136 Paseo del Pueblo Norte #D, Taos (575) 751-13450

Find on Facebook

Mooncat Fiber Best Men’s

mooncatfiber.com

tuesdaymorning.com

Overland Sheepskin Co.

Outdoor Gear Shop

Overland Ranch Complex, 1405 U.S. 64, El Prado (575) 758-0540

shopping

overland.com

Mudd N Flood

Summer is here, lots of cotton shirts, and fabulous shoes, Blackstone oxfords and slip-ons and Olu Kai sneakers and flip-flops and tons more. If the high quality clothing and accessories were not enough, the staff’s services get rave reviews all on their own. “Short answer, if you don’t live nearby, it’s 1,000 percent worth the drive,” says one delighted customer online. “One stop shop for literally anything and everything leather.”

103 Bent Street, Taos (575) 751-9100

Clarke & Co. Menswear

32

muddnflood.com An awesome selection of clothing, footwear and accessories for hiking, camping, climbing, paddling — basically any and all things on the mountain or in the river, rain or shine.

Mudd N Flood folks know Taos and can get you into our beautiful backyard with everything you need, and happily point you in the right outdoor-adventure direction.

Taos Mountain Outfitters

120E Bent Street (John Dunn House Shops), Taos; (575) 758-2696

113 N. Plaza, Taos; (575) 758-9292

clarke-co-menswear.business.site

taosmountainoutfitters.com

FX-18 BEST OF TAOS 2020

bootdoctors.com

Best

Tuesday Morning 104 Cam De Santa Fe, Taos (575) 758-7709

Boot Doctors

Clothing Store

Knitters and multimedia artists can find buffalo, yak, alpaca, llama, polworth and targhee fiber. Mooncat’s also offering hand-knitted, crocheted, felted and woven garments and accessories, as well as knitting and crochet accessories.

105 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-7654

Northern New Mexico’s favorite family-owned ski shop has supplied ski gear rentals, equipment sales, outerwear, gear upkeep and repair service since 1976. Patrons point to Cottam’s customer service, the convenience of four locations, prices and wide selection as reasons they keep coming back snowfall after snowfall.

103 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2489

120B Bent Street, Taos (575) 758-9341

Made in New Mexico

cottamsskishops.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Thank You Taos!

LODGING BATHS

Thank You Taos

I am so proud of the residents of Taos and how they have come together to fight Covid-19. Your concern for one another has been demonstrated by the precautions being taken.

This meThe greatVoters joy and to know the individuals I Would Like Togives Thank ofsatisfaction The Town of Taos, that My Supporters, IThose represent are genuine and caring.

This makes this nomination of the Elected Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time &Best Energies Official that much more rewarding.

Thank you Taos for being the awesome people and Especially AndTown A Very Special Thank You To My I Would My LikeFamily To Thankand TheFriends.

Voters of The of Taos, My Supporters, Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies WifeThose Della,Who Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without All of You, that make our town so great. andOutcome Especially of MyThe Family andMayoral Friends. And A Very Special To My The Taos Race May HaveThank BeenYou Different.

Wife Della, Without Whom, Have Done It. Without All of You, StayI Couldn’t safe.

Stay strong.

The Race Is Over Now The Work Continues.

The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different.

The Race Is Over - Now Dan The Work Continues.

– Your Mayor, Barrone

LODGING Thank You Taos BATHS

Thank You Taos for 10 Great Years.

“Working Together “Working Together

We look forward to caring for your family.

We Made A Difference” We Made A Difference”

DANBARRONE BARRONE DAN INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING

INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING

Paid By Political Advertisement • Paid forBarrone

by Dan Barrone Paid Political Advertisement The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer

“Serving the Taos community for over 50 years”

Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer

TAOS OFFICE 1392 Weimer Rd. Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-8760

OVER 32 YEARS SERVING TAOS!

Thank You!

1st place Best Place to Pamper Your Pet

Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Eleven Years in a Row

Thank you, Taos, for letting us care for your fur babies!

DAYCARE

DAYCARE

7 DAYS 7 DAYS A WEEK A WEEK

FUN

FUN

Your safety is our #1 priority.

Serving our customers by taking all necessary precautions during this time.

Dan’s

Flooring & Window Coverings

follow us @10000wags

follow us @10000wags

HARDWOOD • CARPET • TILE • CABINETS • AREA RUGS WINDOW COVERINGS • CORK • LUXURY VINYL PLANKS Ranchos de Taos • 7237 Highway 518

WWW.10000WAGS.COM • 575-751-9247

WWW.10000WAGS.COM • 575-751-9247 TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

575-758-2420 • danscarpetandfloors.com • dansflooring1@gmail.com 33

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Art Gallery

The Cellar

Ed Sandoval Gallery By appointment.

119 Quesnel Street, Taos (575) 770-6360

edsandovalgallery.com Sandoval says, “Painting is like ice skating – 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.”

Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3255

Best Garden

Best Hardware and

Center and Nursery

Home Improvement Store

Petree Nursery and Greenhouse

Rio Grande ACE

25 Petree Lane (off Blueberry Hill Road), Taos; (575) 758-3021

South: 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4268 • North: 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 751-2061

petreenursery.com

riograndeace.com

Petree has done it again. Voters chose Petree Nursery and Greenhouses as number one in 2020’s Best of Taos survey. Here you get all your perennials and annuals, all grown right here in Taos, plus low-priced soil amendments and other nutrients. Keeping Taos “green” means best prices and selection, keeping money in the community, supporting local jobs and reducing the carbon footprint of hauling goods across state lines.

Petree is Northern New Mexico’s largest and oldest nursery.

This retailer-owned cooperative seemingly has just about every hardware and home repair/improvement item known to man.

Fortunately, the red-vested staff at both Taos locations will point you in the right direction and offer advice if needed. In 1970, it was opened as a family-owned building material retail store. Río Grande Ace Hardware won first place for Best Lumber/Hardware Store in the inaugural Best of Taos poll 21 years ago and has won many times since.

wnightingale.com

Rio Grande ACE South: 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4268 • North: 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 751-2061

Best Local Artisan

riograndeace.com

Best Liquor Store Ed Sandoval By appointment.

119 Quesnel Street, Taos (575) 770-6360

edsandovalgallery.com

The Cellar 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (Behind Cid’s Food Market) (575) 758-7445

thecellartaos.com

Geraint Smith Photography

shopping

482 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (505) 501-4880

Best Pet Supply Store

Randall Lumber and Hardware South: 315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2271 • North: Ranch and Feed, 14 State Road 150, El Prado; (575) 776-2556

randalltaos.com

Best Resale Shop

Blue Sky Pet and Feed Supply

CAV (Community Against Violence) Thrift Store

214 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1841

1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-4824

Taos’ newest liquor store has quickly become its most popular. The Cellar features a huge selection of craft beers, wines and spirits, and a very well-versed staff to help in the decision-making. In just two years of operation, The Cellar has impressed voters, awarding it with first-place honors both years. The goal all along was to offer selections that weren’t in Taos. While some of their line can be found elsewhere in town, most are at The Cellar only.

Like its website says, Blue Sky offers everything you need for your fur babies and barn babies. Livestock, dogs, cats, birds — they got it all. Check out the frozen and refrigerated dog and cat food, bird seed and food, vaccinations, medical, training and grooming supplies, leashes and collars, carriers, toys (lotsa toys!) food dishes, plus, DIY pet washing.

Del Norte Liquors

Taos Tack and Pet Supplies

Find on Facebook

710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-9798

1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos; (575) 758-8904

taostackandpetsupply.com

Find on Facebook

taoscav.org Donated items go to CAV clients or are sold to help fund CAV services for survivors of domestic/sexual violence.

Visit the CAV Thrift store to buy your unique Cows Against Violence T-shirts (long-, short- and baseball-sleeved), coffee mugs, hoodie sweatshirts, baseball caps, magnets and more. Proceeds support CAV services.

Habitat for Humanity Restore 16 State Road 522, El Prado (575) 776-2165

taoshabitat.org

BEST OF TAOS 2020

34

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

P a t a g o n i a

•

P r a n a

•

K u h l

•

To a d

&

C o

•

S m a r t w o o l

•

I c e b r e a k e r

Thank you Taos, for voting us Best Outdoor Gear Shop!

FIRST PLACE

MUDD-N-FLOOD MOUNTAIN SHOP

103 A Bent St. (near Taos Inn) • Taos 575-751-9100 • muddnflood.com Ospre y

•

Bl a c k

Di a mond

•

Ma r mot

•

A solo

•

Mer rel l

•

THANK YOU TAOS

Oboz

•

Hyd rof l a sk

…for your business, your loyalty and your trust, year after year!

Row 1: Owners: Marny + Joel K Schantz-QB, Joyce Tafoya, Janet Dearing, Dawn Grainger, John Johnston-QB, Brandon Rose, Diane Enright Row 2: Yvonne Lewis, Kristine Wood, Doug DeCoursey, Associate Chicken, Luisa Guercini, Brent Knox, Jamie Clifford Row 3: Cyndi Gonzalez John Phillips, Alex Schoenfeld, Kiva Harris, Mark Carroll, Liz Jamison, Ross Burns

BHHSTaosRealEstate.com • 575-758-1924 • 314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos NM 87571 © 2020 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 HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

35

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best

Best Place to

Home Furnishings

Buy Floor Coverings

Best Local Rock Shop

Taos Gems and Minerals Mattress Mary’s Mountain Lifestyle 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7730

Larry Martinez Jewelry

637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3910

taos-gems-minerals.business.site

Established in 1988, Dan’s is consistently ranked at the top among Best of Taos voters when it comes to all things for floors and windows, having won the honor 10 years in a row. Why Dan’s? Expert advice, professional staff, courteous and reliable service, large selection and reasonable prices that are comparable to big-box stores. Dan and his staff are a pro’s pro.

Taos Gems and Minerals is the oldest store of its kind in town. This well-established, family-operated treasure trove opened more than 45 years ago. The shop offers beautiful minerals and related items – such as dishes carved from fossil-filled rocks – and a healthy selection of jewelrymaking supplies. One reviewer said it all: “Everything you can imagine if you are an artist using gems and minerals. Fun place to browse and nice pieces for sale.

Very knowledgeableknowledgable owner, good prices.”

Mattress Mary’s Taos Lifestyle

Vargas Tile Company

Taos Rockers

710C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-0800

4114 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5986

229A Camino del la Placita, Taos (575) 758-2326

vargastile.com

taosrockers.com

Best Local Jeweler

Best Place

mattressmary.com

Mattress Mary’s Mountain Lifestyle

Dan’s Carpet Tile and Window Coverings

Mary Domito (aka “Mattress Mary”) began her business life in Taos by opening Sleep Sanctuary in 2004 with a mission of offering a warm, friendly sleep shop in an otherwise rather nondescript industry. Sixteen years later she’s expanded to two home furnishings and mattress stores in Taos and another in Alamosa, CO.

taoslifestyle.com

7237 State Highway 518, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-2420

danscarpetandfloors.com

Best Place to Buy a Mattress

to Ship a Package Larry Martinez Jewelers 822 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4169

Mattress Mary’s Mountain Lifestyle 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7730

mattressmary.com

shopping

You don’t use the moniker “Mattress Mary” if you don’t know a thing or two about a good night’s sleep. For more on Mattress Mary, see the previous listing.

Mattress Mary’s Taos Lifestyle 710C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-0800

larrymartinezjeweler.com In a town known for its many talented artists, Larry Martinez consistently tops the jewelry mountain. He is best known for his complex, museum-quality pieces that are “inspired

by Native America,” he says. Exhibited in museums around the country, Martinez also has an impressive selection of vintage pieces.

9-5 Ship and Print 925 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1313

9to5taos.com When needing to carefully package and mail a treasured heirloom or that special gift, which may have taken several hours searching to find, Taoseños say they turn to tried-and-true 9-5 Ship and Print. A box full of pottery chards that was once a whole pot?

Bad. USPS, DHL and FedX? Good.

Maria Samora 824 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-7103

mariasamora.com

taoslifestyle.com

United States Postal Service 318 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos; (800) 275-8777 • 110 Bertha Street, Taos; (575) 758-2081 • 4 San Francisco Road, Ranchos de Taos (800) 275-8777

tools.usps.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

36

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

live . love . indulge

Come rain, come shine, come COVID one-nine . . .

We are here to take care of you!

Offering telemedicine for: • Same day urgent visits • Routine follow-up • Pulmonary consultations • Annual Wellness Visits THANK YOU, Taos! for voting us #1

630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 125 575-751-7430 schreiberfamilymedicine.com

BED & BREAKFAST Thanks for voting us

Best Bed & Breakfast 2020!

Stay Safe Taos · 575-751-0947 · adobepines.com

Thank You, Taos! for voting us Best Food Cart

Salon Marjorie - Best of Taos 2020 Thank you Taos, for voting for us!

LOCATED NEXT TO CIDS 575.758.7503 | 625 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR

575-751-7246 salonmarjorie.com

ALACARTTAOS.COM

Photo by Marjorie TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

37

BEST OF TAOS 2020

We asked, you answered

WHAT INDUSTRY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN TAOS?

“None!” was third on the list, with some folks aiming to keep Taos rural.

Tied for first place, was Target (huh?) and film (understandably).

Huge runner-up was the return of recycling (presumably the glass and plastics variety), followed by tech (like Silicon Valley one wonders?); then manufacturing; then by solar; and, finally, by Trader Joe’s (!) and a Super Walmart (!!).

Reimagining postpandemic Taos was barely 30 days old by the time Best of Taos balloting closed. Most people were navigating stay-athome, and many 24/7 with kids, too, much less trying to imagine a new Taos or even one that would exist in 2021.

So hear! hear! to all the imaginative voters opting for more jobs and shopping choices in Taos, like the NFL commercial says: “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

BEST OF TAOS 2020

38

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Best Local Singer/Songwriter Best Local Rock Group/Performer FIRST PLACE

Please look for my new CD release this September

FIRST PLACE

THANK YOU

to all our Patrons and a special thanks to all who voted for us!

AFFORDABLE ADOBE TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

39

We believe living in a traditional adobe home should be available to everyone.

Call us at 575-741-6040.

affordableadobe.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Margarita

Best Bar/ Nightlife

adobe bar at the historic taos inn

40 © KATE RUSSELL BEST OF TAOS 2020

40

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

WHERE HISTORY AND ART COLLIDE

by TAMRA TESTERMAN

Crooked and Cracked perform at the Historic Taos Inn.

IN THE HISTORIC TAOS INN, on 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, is room 102 one of 45 unique guest rooms only this one has a silver Nambé star nailed to its door. It was the space reserved for Washington D.C. writer Dee Strasberg whenever she came to town. Which turned out to be twice a year, spring and fall, starting in 1951 until failing health kept her away. She transitioned in 2013 and asked for her ashes to be buried in the Inn’s courtyard. Between her yearly Taos sojourns Strasberg left her old heavy typewriter behind so housekeeping could set it up in room 102, with fresh flowers, a bottle of wine and candies, before her arrival.

The iconoclastic writer penned many of her 70 plus Gothic Romance and Horror novels in room 102 under the pen name Daoma Winston.

This attention to detail, wonderful food, music, cheerful staff and historic

MORGAN TIMMS/TAOS NEWS

ambiance have been attracting writers, artists, movie stars and Taoseaños to the Inn for decades. Referred to as The Living Room of Taos, a name given by former owner Feeny Lipscomb because of the eclectic melting pot of conversation and local camaraderie on any night.

The story of the Inn begins near the turn of the 19th century when Dr. Thomas Martin learned Taos was without a physician. In response, he and his wife Helen bought a sprawling adobe near the plaza and he devoted his life to taking care of the locals. He was the trusted family doctor in Taos.

Helen was an artist and sister-in-law of one of the Taos Founders. She supported her fellow artists in town by helping found the Taos Society of Artists in the Martins’ dining room in 1912. Later, she offered housing for rent to writers and artists.

Doc Martin died in the mid-30s, the same year Taos’ only hotel burned down. Helen bought the property surrounding the courtyard and in 1936 opened The Hotel Martin. It became a favorite watering hole for artists, musicians, politicians and an occasional movie star.

The Taos Inn’s current operations manager, Julie Sena described how experiencing the seasons at the Inn is always special, “Whether its lighting a fire in our lobby on a winter evening, walking the property seeing the flowers blooming and the great smell of our beautiful lilacs. The adobe patio filled with people sipping on our famous margaritas on sultry summer days, or just sitting in our courtyard when the leaves change color in the Fall.”

Sena has been working at the Inn for several years. She said it is a pleasure to work there because “it’s a beautiful historic property with lots of character.

Everyday we are meeting visitors from near and far. I enjoy working with the staff – they are my family – and interacting with locals. Sena said the classic neon Thunderbird sign was installed

in 1946 and it is the only neon allowed in the historic district. “We added eight additional rooms to the property around 2006. The most recent addition is called Helens House, named after the late Helen Martin who was the wife of the late Doc Martin.”

You can tell a lot about a place by how it treats its staff. Sena said there are a handful of employees who’ve been with the Inn for many years. “Douglas Maclennan has been working for the Taos Inn since May 1988. He was the food and beverage manager for many years and the bartender for the Adobe bar. Jessie Sanchez is our Maintenance Manager and has been working for the Taos Inn for 14 years.” Sena has been with the Inn for 13 years. She started as a housekeeper, worked her way to the front desk and now is the Operations Manager.

Under COVID-19 guidelines The Taos Inn is offering 20 rooms from full beds to suites. Discounts are available for New Mexico residents. If you’ve already booked a room, don’t cancel.

Postpone your trip for another time. F

It all happens inside the Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

41

BEST OF TAOS 2020

COURTESY PHOTO

Best Roadside Food Cart

à la carte world street food MORGAN TIMMS/TAOS NEWS

42 COURTESY PHOTO BEST OF TAOS 2020

42

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

THANKS TAOS FOR THE VOTE OF BEST VETERINARIAN!

FARM-TO-TABLE ON THE FLY

by LYNNE ROBINSON

I F YO U A R E WO N D E R I N G where to eat something fresh and fast, affordable and mostly organic in Taos, À La Carte is a best kept secret no longer.

Offering farm to table, global cuisine, À La Carte World Street Food serves food made with mostly organic and local ingredients — quick, easy-to-eat, on-the-go meals, inspired by “world street food and American classics,” said owner Louise Desmarais.

Mediterranean, Moroccan, Cuban, Mexican, Thai, the aforementioned American classics and more — you’ll find them here.

Creative and eclectic, this little eaterie next door to Cid’s Food Market, on Paseo del Pueblo Norte, is actually more than a food stand. You can sit down and eat inside (during normal times) or out on the patio. Taos locals come here regularly for breakfast and lunch. There are plenty of options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. In fact, À La Carte strives to make certain there is something for everyone.

Taos News checked in with a couple of die-hard regulars to see what they had to say about “the cart,” as they fondly call it. “ I think they do their best to cater to vegans and vegetarians,” a girl named Sue said. She was masked and said that because she was “faceless, I’d prefer to be nameless, too.” But,” she added, “my name really is Sue. “I’m mostly vegan and they make a vegan/vegetarian soup daily, and have an awesome veggie pita with avocado, roasted peppers and onions, olive tapenade and salad greens, microgreens, tomato, cucumbers drizzled with homemade balsamic vinaigrette with or without feta cheese, that’s to die for,” she said.

“They also have lots of salads always made with organic greens and other ingredients. I never go hungry here.” À La Carte buys from small local farms in season. The coffee they serve is organic fair trade from a small Colorado roaster.

For the meat eaters among us, free-range beef and chicken are used exclusively, and all bacon and ham is uncured. People swear by the pulled pork with award-winning barbecue sauce on Telera roll with spicy slaw.

“I’ve eaten the food there too many times to count now,” another masked and anonymous regular “cart” customer said. “Each meal has been absolutely exceptional — it is for sure the best barbecue in Taos.”

Another friend insists the gazpacho is “the best, anywhere, ever.”

The breakfast crowd provide their own accolades, and the coffee really is that good. They offer both drip and espresso drinks.

Hungry yet? You should be — and might we add, the service is equally excellent. The owner and her crew are doing their best to keep their customers safe during these trying times.

This is a perfect spot for a breakfast or lunch, and simply one of the best options for a quick bite in Taos. F

SALAZAR ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC

DR. KIM SIDES • DR. TRISHA ALBIN • DR. KIM HERNDON DR. HOLLY JOHNSON • DR. OLIVIA LOVE

FIRST PLACE

758-9115 • 1025 Salazar Rd. Taos, NM 87571

ThankYou Voters!

FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Best Annual Event in Taos County: Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo FIRST PLACE

Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors

COURTESY PHOTO

Serving breakfast and lunch Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Vegan and gluten-free options available. Full menu available at the drive-through express window and online at alacarttaos.com.

625 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, right next door to Cid’s. (575) 758-7503O.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Monday-Saturday 8am – 4:30pm, Sunday 8:30am – 4:30pm · 120 Veterans Hwy · 575-758-1028 · taospueblo.com

43

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Outdoor Gear ShopÂ

mudd n flood

44 BEST OF TAOS 2020

44

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

EARTH AND SKY STAY SUSTAINABLE

by TAMRA TESTERMAN

photos MORGAN TIMMS

teacher: learning and keeping abreast of the latest developments in gear, clothing, and restorative agriculture, and sharing this knowledge with our community. We are passionate about the outdoors and restoring the earth, and all the wonderful ways to explore it, through hiking, backpacking, gardening, skiing, river trips, rock E L A N A L O M B A R D A N D climbing, snowshoeing, and much Christopher Pieper, the owners of more. We are excited to share this love Mudd N Flood Mountain Shop, of the outdoors and help you to be discovered Taos twenty-three years better prepared and more comfortable ago and fell in love. Soon after they on your next adventure.” quit their jobs as high school science The impetus for get into the busiteachers and made the move. In 2001 ness was Elana’s mother. She was they bought Mudd N Flood Mountain a serious mountaineer, She started Shop. “We lived in a teepee with our taking Elana on backpacking and baby and toddler, built our straw bale backcountry ski trips when she was 6 house, and started a little organic years old. farm. Phew! That was a big year!

Both Chris and Elana have been Now we enjoy being both student and passionate about the outdoors all their

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

45

lives and enjoy sharing this knowledge with customers. “We love having the shop. It has enabled us to get to know our community and support its nonprofit organizations.”

Lombard said they are “dedicated to old fashioned customer service.

We special order items we don’t carry.

We make a point of getting to know our customers and attempt to greet them by name.” They inherited the name of the shop from the previous owner. “Tony was a musician and guitar builder. One day he had the inspiration that Mudd N Flood Review would be a cool name for a band. The band didn’t materialize, but they started building backpacks and thought, let’s use the name for our pack and outdoor shop business! I think it fits. It’s quirky, like Taos. And in the spring we have a mud season and some creeks flooding.”

Their clothing and equipment line emphasize socially and environmentally ethical business practice. “We are proud to carry Kuhl, Aventura, Sherpa Adventure Gear, and Toad and Company clothing. These companies make stylish and durable clothing that they stand behind. Darn Tough makes socks in Vermont and they warranty their awesome socks for a lifetime! For gear, we really respect Outdoor Research and Osprey who build packs and outdoor equipment with an unlimited lifetime warranty.

When you buy from companies like these, you are supporting the planet, your pocketbook, and people working in decent factory conditions.”

Lombard said for over two decades,

BEST OF TAOS 2020

“we have weathered difficult economic times, while other outdoor shops have changed hands. During this time we have gotten to know Taos and what Taosenos and visitors need and want for the outdoors. Excellent customer service is our priority. We are friendly, knowledgeable, and offer a great selection of gear and clothing at reasonable prices for both technical users and the Taos lifestyle.”

Lombard said the best part of the business is the staff who are regarded as family.“They are all super friendly, knowledgeable, and loyal. Tamara, who is a full-time nurse, has worked with us for 8 years and does an amazing job making the shop look great.

Michelle grew up in Taos and joined our crew 2 years ago. Besides providing excellent customer service, she helps me with all things technological, and shoppers love her wonderful dog Luna.

Liz, our newest employee, is a mountain bike racer and yoga instructor par excellence, and takes care of my book keeping on the side. We are very fortunate to have such an awesome staff.” F

ws

ent is a s alike, for

Best Men’s Clothing Store

overland sheepskin co

46 COURTESY PHOTO BEST OF TAOS 2020

46

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

LOCKDOWN OR NOT, SPRING STOCK GONE

BY SUMMER

by VIRGINIA L CLARK

A S K A G U Y, A N Y G U Y who knows Overland Sheepskin Co., and he’ll veritably croon. Voted number one for Best Men’s Clothing Store in the 2020 Best of Taos poll, Overland is as much a man cave as it is a mecca of the highest quality treasures of leather and other signature-style products.

“We have lots of new men’s merchandise,” said Taos store manager Julie Leavenworth by phone May 8. “Beautiful mens’ cotton shirts, lots of new styles – madras, stripes and plaids as well as linens; real classics. Plus our lightweight leathers, vests and jackets. Lots of shoes, Blackstone oxfords and slip-ons, and OluKai sneakers and flip-flops.

“Oh, and we have fabulous straw hats and other great men’s hats, as well as leather, suede and cloth newsboystyle and baseball caps. Everything a man needs to complete his summer wardrobe.”

As the name says it, for almost half a century Overland Sheepskin has expertly provided luxurious sheepskin and cowhide pelts for rugs, and exquisitely created jackets, fur coats, slippers, shoes, handbags, travel bags, briefcases and various other leather and wool outerwear and accessories — even the odd fox-fur teddy bear now and then.

Expert craftsmanship and a company-wide satisfaction guarantee, plus free shipping, is just what “quality” should mean and it does at Overland Sheepskin Co., because that’s how Leslie and Jim Leahey set it

up in 1973, right here in Taos, before moving out into the nation and later creating an online store as well.

“Over 45 years, 16 stores, and one thriving web business later, Overland continues to flourish,” writes co-owner Roger Leahy on the website. Jim and Leslie Leahy arrived in Taos with “a bale of sheepskins, a sewing machine and a notion that if you did something right, the rest would take care of itself,” Jim’s brother Roger notes.

The fledgling operation grew quickly, and the rest of the Leahy family joined up to handle the impressive success of the new business, sited on a meadow at the base of Taos Mountain’s Pueblo Peak. They created their first catalogue in 1975 and the rest is Overland history.

“Our product line has grown from a handful of sheepskin coats to over 1,000 styles of quality sheepskin, leather and fur products all with the Overland stamp of excellence,” Roger continues. “Our small familyshop atmosphere will always remain the backbone of our business. We are pleased to offer quality, lasting products, in timeless designs and sustainable materials, with exceptional personalized service.”

Overland reopened its doors on Saturday, May 16, in accordance with state and local requirements for easing COVID-19 safety measures, per New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s public health orders.

“Overland will follow current restrictions required by state health officials,” Leavenworth added in an

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

47

email May 9. “Employees and customers will be wearing masks. We will also provide hand-sanitizing at the door.

We will limit numbers as needed and be practicing social distancing because there is often more one-to-one assistance finding the perfect product for each person.”

And dedicated customer service is maybe the biggest draw creating avid Overland return customers. Online reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp include innumerable comments about

MORGAN TIMMS/TAOS NEWS

BEST OF TAOS 2020

the willingness and knowledgeability of the staff. With 16 stores nationwide, all staffed and ready at a phone call or email, if one store doesn’t have an item, another store inevitably will and will ship it out, often the same day.

As this Falls Church, Virginia, customer notes in October 2019 on Yelp, it really is the staff that makes all the difference: “What a great find! It’s not just the merchandise (which is wonderful — style, quality, great range). It’s especially the staff and the company values that they reflect. The staff went out of their way to help us find what we needed (even when we were not sure exactly what that might be).

Hands down the best place to get all things leather. They have every color, texture and thickness you can possibly think of. They have full cowhides in many different sizes at amazing prices, if looking for a cowhide rig, come here first, I guarantee they will have the best price and the biggest variety … Short answer, if you don’t live near by, it’s 1000 percent worth the drive.

One stop shop for literally anything and everything leather.”

The Taos Overland Sheepskin Co. is located in the Overland Ranch Complex at 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte in El Prado. Hours of availability are 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sundays through Thursdays. For more information, see overland.com, find on Facebook or call (575) 758-8820. F

2020 Best

Best Real Estate Agency

of Taos

Best Place for Hair Styling

Results

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate

COVID-19 Update: Business operations may be affected due to ongoing precautionary measures; contact businesses directly for updated hours and availability.

314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924, 800-530-8899

berkshirehathawayhomeservices taosrealestate.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate and its brokers are regularly recognized for their knowledge, accessibility and professionalism, and considering the buying or selling of property can be formidable at best, it’s a time when a little hand-holding is very much appreciated. The team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate has represented buyers and sellers of all types of properties for more than 30 years.

services

Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties 204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-8673

cblotataos.com

Best Real Estate Agent

Lisa Davis, CRS, GRI New Mexico Real Estate Group (575) 770-2983

nmrealestategroup.com Hugely popular with folks selling or buying property, Lisa Davis tops the list for Best Real Estate Agent. She provides comprehensive resources for access to current real estate information in Taos, and vicinity. Home, condominium, townhome, land, ranch and commercial property information is at your fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Diane Enright 314 A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924

taoshomes.com

Salon Marjorie PHOTO: MARJORIE OLSEN

BEST OF TAOS 2020

48

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Salon Marjorie 237 Ledoux Street, Taos; (575) 751-7246

salonmarjorie.com A hair salon can be more than just a place to go to get hair cut or styled. At Salon Marjorie, it’s an oasis of pampering and a rare opportunity to tune out a hectic schedule. Marjorie Olsen opened her salon in 1996 and built its reputation by teaching her staff French haircutting techniques. “Taking care of the clients is what makes a salon good or not,” Olsen says. “As artists, we celebrate the beauty of the individual … We find out what their wants and desires are.”

Shank 109 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-0882

getshanked.com

Best Barber Shop

Johnny’s Barber Shop 308A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4286 The main man at Johnny’s Barber Shop is Ruben Graham — a craftsman with scissors and a razor, a barber’s barber for more than 50 years. Not to mention, he’s one of most genuinely pleasant people you’ll ever meet. There’s often a wait – but not terribly long – at this classic two-man barber shop on Taos’ main drag. Graham is the reason why.

For years, Taos men have been saying any wait time is worth it; Johnny’s has won the Best Barber accolade since the first Best of Taos in 1999. Working alongside Graham at the iconic shop is Questa’s master barber Jerome Ortega.

Carlos’ Barber Shop 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos Appointment only: (575) 758-7187

T H ANK YOU, FOR VOTING US BEST BANK! Your local community bank is invested in community, and invested in YOU!

Thank you for voting us the Best of Taos!

Best Civic Organization Thank you Taoseños

for Voting us #1 Civic Club!

Taos Milagro Rotary Club

FIRST PLACE

Come join us in making Taos a better place to live.

The Best of Taos County: People’s Choice Awards are selected annually by the readers of The Taos News, the weekly newspaper of Taos County and surrounding areas.

CHRIS BAKER, PUBLISHER

Meetings Every Wednesday For information on meetings contact us at: info@taosrotary.org

Email: bank@centinelbank.com

Pnone: 575-758-6700

Website: www.centinelbank.com

THANK YOU TAOS for making us

Best Plumber, 2020!

We Value Your Support

Thank you Taos Community for your continued support. And thank you for staying home & keeping our community safe.

“Serving Taos Since 1971”

758-3027 rmdraper@laplaza.org

FIRST PLACE

214 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Taos, NM 87571 | 575-758-1841

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

49

BEST OF TAOS 2020

FIRST PLACE

Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road License # 61030

Best Bank

Best Yoga Studio

Best Place to Play Tennis

Centinel Bank

Shree Yoga Taos

Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge

Main branch: 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 758-6700 • Motor bank drive-through: 508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos; (575) 758-6788 • Northside motor bank drive-through: 707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos; (575) 758-6790

112C Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-8014

88 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 776-3447

shreeyogataos.com

taostennis.com

To the uninitiated, a yoga studio is a yoga studio is a yoga studio. But for Taos yogis, Shree Yoga is one space dedicated to form and grace, and once again it walks away with first-place honors. The studio is warm and inviting, and the instructors go out of their way to inspire a sense of freedom. It’s a serious practice, but it doesn’t feel that way. “Relax, breathe and indulge.”

Voted by guests as one of the top 50 tennis resorts in the world, this beautiful resort sits across the meadow from Taos Mountain on the way to the Taos Ski Valley. It boasts condo rentals, casual and fine dining, and is just a heartbeat away from hiking and skiing at the ski valley, or historical looks back into Taos Pueblo, Numerous attractions in Northern New Mexico and along the Enchanted Circle are nearby.

centinelbank.com “We believe in the customer, in the business and in the community,” says Centinel Bank’s chairman of the board and CEO Angel Reyes.

“I really feel good about knowing that we want to support the underdog.” Started by the Romero family more than 40 years ago, Centinel Bank is miles apart from its larger “too-big-to-fail” national counterparts. This community lending institution operates on a kind of closed system, lending only to borrowers in area counties. That, and the fact that Centinel Bank is completely local, are some of the reasons why it is regularly awarded Best Bank by the people.

AuraFitness 1337S Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-9733

aurafitnesstaos.com

Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980

taosspa.com

Nusenda Federal Credit Union 640 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 776-2703

Shree Yoga Taos

nusenda.org

Best Plumber

Phoenix Mechanical 1217 Gusdorf Road, Taos; (575) 758-3027

phoenixmechanical.net

services

Plumbing issues happen and many Taoseños are in agreement that Phoenix Mechanical can handle most any job that any structure requires. Since 1971, the company 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 service hot tubs, septic tanks, radiant floor heating, sprinkler systems … you name it.

Bond Plumbing and Heating 1001 Energy Drive, Taos; (575) 751-0060

Best Place to Get Fit

Best Place to Play Golf

Taos Spa and Tennis Club

Taos Country Club

111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980

54 Golf Course Drive, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-7300

taosspa.com

taoscountryclub.com

Pick your exercise poison — Taos Spa and Tennis Club has what you’re looking for with plenty of free weights, cardio machines, ellipticals, rowers, recumbent bikes, adaptive motion trainers and free-motion machines. Also offered are specialty classes. Taos Spa has racquet ball and tennis courts, two swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam room, spa services, therapy and trainers. It’s all here and for years it has been voted Taos’ favorite place to get in shape.

Watch drives travel farther than ever before, thanks to a little help from the altitude. Taos Country Club sits at 7,000 feet in elevation and holes range from 5,336 to 7,300 in yardage.

This par-72 layout’s Bermuda fairways route their way through low sagebrush.

Frequent sand traps guard the undulating Bent grass greens. This favorite course, designed by Jep Wille, was awarded a four-star rating by Golf Digest.

The Terrace serves drinks, craft beers, snacks and gourmet dishes.

High Altitude Health and Fitness

Valle Escondido Golf Course

1307 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 751-1242

28 Lodge Road, Taos (575) 758-3475

high-altitude-health-fitness.business.site

taosgolf.org

bond-plumbing-and-heating.business.site

BEST OF TAOS 2020

50

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Best Lodging for Visitors

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos; (575) 758-3502

elmontesagrado.com Locals recommend El Monte Sagrado (the sacred mountain) to their friends and families because it has solidified itself as the premier luxury resort in Taos. It features beautifully appointed themed rooms amid inspiring views of Taos Mountain. And it’s just a few blocks from Taos Plaza. El Monte Sagrado also offers numerous services from spa treatments to meetings and weddings.

Visitors can expect a taste of the local, seasonal flavors that make the region unique at De la Tiera restaurant, or dine al fresco in The Gardens. The Anaconda Bar offers a creative menu and signature margaritas.

Casa Benavides Inn 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos; (575) 758-1772

casabenavides.com

Best Bed and Breakfast

THANK YOU TAOS!

Casa Benavides Inn 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos; (575) 758-1772

casabenavides.com

An accommodation trifecta, Casa Benavides is consistently the reader’s choice in this category due the longstanding property’s close proximity to downtown Taos, the homemade breakfast and a choice of 37 distinctively styled rooms decorated with “artistic treasures.” After a morning of exploring Taos, guests can have afternoon tea complete with sweets. Casa Benavides prides itself on its “killer” first meal of the day. Loyal customers come back again and again from Colorado, Texas, Mexico and Albuquerque.

“It’s a family business in the truest sense,” says owner Tom McCarthy, who started the inn with his late wife, Barbara Benavides McCarthy, in 1989.

FIRST PLACE

Adobe and Pines Inn 4107 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos; (575) 751-0947

adobepines.com

FOR VOTING US THE BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP IN 2020 BEST OF TAOS 20 YEARS IN A ROW!

1314 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571 • (575) 758-1658 • metricmotorstaos.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

51

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Insurance Company

Wanda Lucero Insurance Agency, State Farm 211 Kit Carson Rd., Taos (575) 737-5433

wandalucero.com Business, community, life and a genuine mission of helping others all intertwine for Wanda Lucero and the State Farm insurance agency she has run for the past 17 years.

Because of this, the Wanda Lucero Insurance Agency has been named Best of Taos 2020 – the 10th year in a row she has been awarded the top spot. “Although I enjoy most aspects of owning a small business, I absolutely love my profession, my team, my clients, my associates and my community.” Lucero was featured as a Mover and Shaker in the Taos News’ 2019 special section edition of Taos Woman.

Wanda Lucero Insurance Agency MORGAN TIMMS/TAOS NEWS

Brown and Brown Insurance 627 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2244

bbnm.com

Best Chimney Sweep

Best Auto Repair Shop Best Building Contractor

Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning and Repair

Metric Motors 1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 613-4395

1470 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Unit 2, El Prado (575) 770-7769

baileyschimney.com

services

The staff at Bailey’s professionally handles interactions with insurance companies, creation of online slide shows and proposals, sales, service and installations. Because of the knowledge required, the necessary physical abilities and the technological knowhow it takes, techs at Bailey’s are a special breed.

Terry’s Chimney Service 314D Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1825

metricmotorstaos.com Dang those Taos potholes and that everturning mileage counter. Everyone dreads car trouble, but whether you drive a foreign or domestic-made vehicle, Metric Motors’ certified techs can fix it and fix it right. They also work on diesels. And along with being Taos’ only “green” auto repair shop, Taos has chosen Metric Motors No. 1 for 19 years in a row. That’s saying something.

Affordable Adobe Arroyo Hondo; (575) 741-6040 (575) 776-2865

affordableadobe.com Affordable Adobe is all about sustaining traditional building. Proprietor Andy Romero and his two sons, Jose and Andres, use traditional adobe bricks made by hand in the labor-intensive building of exterior-frame and interior walls. They install Thermopane windows, radiant floor heating, basic electricity and plumbing, brai roofs and tongue-andgroove and viga ceilings.

Taos Offroad and Performance 1010 Dea Lane, Taos (575) 758-7144

terryschimney.com

Magee Build Taos; (575) 741-0456

mageebuild.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

52

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

Best Place to Pamper Pets

10,000 Wags Pet Resort and Bow-wow-tique 24822 U.S. Highway 64 west; (575) 751-9247

10,000wags.com

FIRST

FIRST PLACE PLACE

When it comes to pet grooming, boarding, training and daycare, Taoseños regularly put 10,000 Wags at the top of the list. And if pets could vote, they would too. Pet owners are more than comfortable leaving their dogs and cats at 10,000 Wags, whether for a cut and shampoo or for a weeklong stay.

The staff takes great pride in developing relationships with every pet and every human.

THANK YOU!

FOR VOTING US #1 SHUTTLE SERVICE! We are proud to serve the people of Town of Taos, Taos County and all of north central New Mexico.

The Blue Bus is working hard to keep you safe!

Unleashed, An Enchanted Place for Pets 98 State Road 150, Unit 5, El Prado; (575) 613-7344

Find on Facebook

With 27 of 29 routes fare-free, save money & enjoy the ride!

Best Day Spa/Massage

RidetheBlueBus.com Toll Free: 866-206-0754

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente; 800-222-9162

ojospa.com “Ojo” isn’t just fabulous springs and quintessential Northern New Mexican views. Accolades consistently pile up year after year for this legendary and popular oasis, which has an extensive array of therapeutic massage and body work choices such as deep tissue to hot stone. And with add-on therapies that focus on everything from feet to hair, rejuvenation is certain.

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos; (575) 758-3502

elmontesagrado.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

53

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Kellie Harris

Best Dentist

Best Educator

Best Local Elected Official

Kellie Harris, DDS, FAGD Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

Larry Torres, Associate Professor Chair: Linguistics, Foreign and Sign Languages

Town of Taos Mayor Dan Barrone

1337A Gusdorf Road, Taos ; (575) 993-5911

kellieharrisdds.com

Dan Barrone

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-year foundation of compassionate, professional dentistry – all in the name of making Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry the office of choice among Taoseños who need dental care; even the dentist cowards agree.

Justin Nylund 1392 Weimer Road, Taos; (575) 758-8303

University of New Mexico-Taos, Klauer Campus; (575) 737-6215; lartor@unm.edu An esteemed storyteller and keeper of local culture, history and ways of healing, Torres is a prolific writer, quirky thinker, world traveler, Roman Catholic Church deacon, and has long-held the unofficial role of spiritual leader in the folk traditions of Northern New Mexico.

Torres was selected as an Unsung Hero in 2017.

On top of all that, Torres has established his place as a one-of-a-kind educator, teaching thousands of young people in Taos across over a four-decade career. He won Best Teacher in the first-ever Best of Taos poll 21 years ago when he taught at Taos High School. He retired from UNM-Taos in 2019.

City Hall: 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos; (575) 751-2000 dbarrone@taosgov.com

taosgov.com “Dan, Dan, the lumberman” has won the hearts of Taos voters with his signature folksy and gregarious personality since taking office in 2014. Mayor Barrone is a leader within his religious community and is a visible politician who consistently attends all town proclamations. Possibly his most favorite act among Taoseños started four years ago when he put together the New Year’s Eve free barbecue event on Taos Plaza. In 2016, Barrone — alongside family members — started a free pancake breakfast on the plaza for the Fourth of July as well. It's all continued in his second term.

taosdentalgroup.com

Nathaniel Evans (575) 434-5784

Nathaniel Evans (575) 434-5784

evans fortaos.com

Best Doctor Best Veterinarian Lucas Schreiber, MD Schreiber Family Medicine 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 125, Taos (575) 751-7430

schreiberfamilymedicine.com

services

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, Schreiber has cemented himself as one of Taos’ favorite physicians. In 2018, he started his namesake practice, Schreiber Family Medicine, LLC. Schreiber is a born and bred Taoseño who is often described by his patients as “compassionate” and “exceptional.”

Jemery Kaufman, MD Taos Medical Group

Best Financial Adviser Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic 1025 Salazar Road, Taos; (575) 758-9115

salazarroadvetclinic.com Pet owners from every neighborhood will tell you that Drs. Trisha Albin, Kim Sides, Olivia Love and Kim Herndon are excellent vets, skilled surgeons, extremely personable, passionate and compassionate about your pet’s well-being. They all have their own pets in their lives. They rescue animals, they place and foster shelter animals, and nurse them back to health in their own homes. That’s commitment.

That’s love.

Taos Veterinary Clinic, P.C. 41 State Road 522 north, El Prado (575) 758-7310

taosvetclinic.com

1399 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-4903

1103 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Suite 4A, El Prado; (575) 737-5772 An Edward Jones financial adviser, Paul Sands says online it’s important to invest his time to understand what people are working toward before they invest their money. “It’s also important to understand the level of risk you’re comfortable accepting when investing so we can balance it with the steps necessary to reach your long-term goals.” Whether its plans for retirement, savings for college or other goals, Sands works together to develop strategies to achieve your goals, dedicated to providing top-notch client service.

Billy Knight, Knight Financial Limited 115D La Posta Road, Taos; (575) 751-3388

knightfinanciallimited.com

taosmedicalgroup.com

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Paul Sands

54

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

FIRST PLACE

Christy Schwathe won the $500 Cid’s Grocery Giveaway after completing 100% of the 2020 survey!

A special thanks to our more than 1,700 folks who took the time to vote in this year’s Best of Taos.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

55

BEST OF TAOS 2020

Best Shuttle

Best Civic Organization

North Central Regional Transit District (aka “The Blue Bus”)

Taos Milagro Rotary Club

1327 N. Riverside Dr., Españols 866-206-0754

taosrotary.org

Stray Hearts Animal Shelter

“Service above self” is the motto of this many-times-awarded organization. Literacy and education are a big part of Rotary International and the local club in Taos. With a common goal to make life better for those around them, 50 or so TMR members and other volunteers read to kindergarten through third-grade kids who are reading below their grade levels. TMR raises funds for four-year, unrestricted college scholarships to area seniors; create and supply 15 free library boxes; distributes dictionaries to Taos third-graders, and contributes to international projects in underserved countries. TMR donates prosthetics to Not Forgotten Outreach; and supports Heart of Taos and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

1200 St. Francis Lane, Taos (575) 758-2981; info@strayhearts.org

ncrtd.org

Taos Milagro Rotary Club

Cid’s Food Market

Based in Española, the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) has been in service for 11 years, providing fare-free and premium fare-based bus transit connecting communities and pueblos throughout the counties of Los Alamos, Río Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos, as well as the pueblos of Pojoaque, Nambé, Tesuque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh. The signature RTD Blue Buses provide riders with connections to New Mexico Rail Runner, Santa Fe Trails, New Mexico Park and Ride, Los Alamos Atomic City Transit and Red River Miner’s Transit.

NCRTD also provides service throughout the town of Taos on the RTD Chile Line.

Taos Ski Valley Airport Shuttle

info@taosrotary.org

Taos Lions Club, President Cindy Atkins (210) 288-9336; catkins58@gmail.com

(800) 776-1111

skitaos.com/discover-taos/airport-shuttle

Best Local Nonprofit Best Customer Service Community Against Violence Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148

cidsfoodmarket.com

services

Cid’s is a full-service grocery store touted for its knowledgable and exceptionally helpful staff and the best selection of natural and organic food in town. In addition, Cid’s offers an extensive selection of environmentally friendly household products, natural pet foods, a wide variety of supplements, herbs, incense and body care products.

Smith’s Food and Drug 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711

BEST OF TAOS 2020

physicians and other professionals offer their services at no cost or reduced rates, and many businesses donate their services and goods to this important works organization.

945 Salazar Rd., Taos; 24-Hour Hot Line: (575) 758-9888 (collect calls accepted) Office: (575) 758-8082; info@taoscav.org

taoscav.org Community Against Violence (CAV) has been providing services for children and families affected by domestic and sexual violence in Taos County since 1978. CAV has won this category many times; the staff’s dedication to their mission and help in the community is appreciated by Taoseños. CAV’s expansive array of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence include advocacy and case management services; crisis intervention and safety planning; counseling and support groups; parenting classes; Batterer’s Intervention Programs; and prevention and educational programs for the community. In addition, counselors, attorneys,

56

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

strayhearts.org

Best Local Website

taosnews.com The Taos News - 226 Albright St., Taos (575) 758-2241 Is it wrong for us to toot our own horn — again? We still think not, because providing timely, accurate and newsworthy information is at the forefront of what we do 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 of our guides and magazines can be found online as well. Smart phone usage increases every year, making improvements a constant priority. Since 2017, there is no app required for access – just enter taosnews.com on your phone’s browser. If you live here, you get it. And even if you don’t live here, you still get it.

taos.org Town of Taos Official Travel Site (575) 737-5849

5:29pm,Summer 2014, Wild Rivers Recreation Area, Questa Laid back, free-spirited, artistic, quirky, and scenic, Northern New Mexico is one of the most unique places in the world. Known for its live-and-let-live attitude, small-town mountain charm where unforgettable moments arise from a landscape unmatched anywhere on Earth.

2020 SUMMER MAGAZINE FIND YOUR COPY IN THE JUNE 25 EDITION FIND IT ON TAOS.ORG TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

57

BEST OF TAOS 2020

We asked, you answered

WHAT’S ANOTHER WORD FOR TAOS?

Home is hands-down the one word that means Taos in 2020’s survey.

“Home sweet home.” “Home is where the heart is.” “There’s no place like home.” “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.” Whatever “home” means to you, for the vast majority of Best of Taos voters, home is THE word for Taos.

A handful of skier/hiker types said steep, almost as many said beautiful and heaven and unique; followed by enchanting, peace, magical, soul, and, finally, weird.

But when the “stay-at-home” order came down, to most Best of Taos voters that means Taos – the safest, most nurturing, welcoming and restorative retreat in all the world.

BEST OF TAOS 2020

58

TAOSNEWS.COM/BEST-OF-TAOS

2019 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger

12 Years Running!

Thanks for your Vote and See You Soon!

575.758.8484 5starburgers.com 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Best Happy Hour 7 Years Running!

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