Dunn Deal Take a charmed shopping excursion

The time has come,” the walrus said, “to talk of many things: of shoes and ships — and sealing wax — of cabbages and kings.” But then, bless his mathematician, logician, imaginative, 1832-1898 author’s heart, Lewis Carroll had never enjoyed a summer stroll through the John Dunn Shops in downtown Taos.

Had the time come, however, and the author of “Alice in Wonderland” had set foot in Taos sometime in 1887 or

BY JOSEPHINE ASHTON

and Eagle Nest — then called Therma until its 1930s re-naming, due to the completion of the Eagle Nest Dam, the name of which likely resulted from the eagles nesting there.

Dunn had not come to New Mexico for turquoise or gold, but he did have an eye for golden opportunities, and soon discovered that gold garnered from transportation, saloons, gambling and bawdy houses could line the pockets of his velvet jackets.

But though the two men may have disliked one another on sight — the Englishman who had already seen the publication in 1871 of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the

Texan, who would not see his many shifty businesses survive — they both had a destiny in common. They would both leave gifts for the future; Carroll, magical literature; Dunn, a 10-room home on Bent Street that would eventually be transformed into several small shops.

Today, a whole street will charm you; tempt you to have lunch, buy a boo sip coffee, and browse — and buy — in the John Dunn Shops.

If you approach from Bent Street toward Taos Plaza, your first adventure will be op.cit

Oh, those steps! If needed, there’s a ramp on the side of the building and a doorbell. Formerly Moby Dic Books, the store has a twin sister in Santa Fe.

Continue down the street. A shop that will surprise you is the flute-maker’s table outside. Cold or warm weather, Kokopelli Flutes of Taos owners Paul and Grace Jones love meeting out-of-town visitors.

“We’ve been placing Paul’s flutes in the hands of global visitors for more than twenty years,” Grace explains, processing a client’s charge card, while Paul continues carving his latest flute.

“It’s a gift for my daughter,” the buyer says. “She’ll love to play this flute. But, really, it’s a wor of art.”

You’ll encounter many shops in this short, easy-to-traverse passageway, but towards the end and slightly around a corner, do visit Las Comadres, a local women’s co-op gallery showcasing seven members’ paintings, prints, cards, fabric art and designer clothing.

The members volunteer at the shop, and one such watercolor artist, Karin McCurtain-Blair, may be there to show not only her own paintings and cards, but also provide a quick tour of the small, color-filled gallery and shop.

You’ll find scrumptious fooderies at both ends of the John Dunn Shops, and entry-exits that will take you to the parking lot and convenient public restrooms, to Bent Street shops and parking, or to Taos Plaza. Happy strolling, happy browsing and shopping.

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

120 BENT STREET, SUITE C, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/COYOTE-MOON 575-613-6716

124 BENT STREET, SUITE F, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/CAFE-SAGRADO 575-758-2840

120 BENT ST TAOS TAOS.ORG/PLACES/KOKOPELLI-FLUTES-OF-TAOS 575-377-5017

120 SUITE G, BENT STREET, TAOS JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/PROJECT/LAS-COMADRES-GALLERY 575-737-1023 he Town of Taos Tourism and Marketing Department has partnered with New Mexico United on a project melding art, fashion and sports within and beyond the Taos community.

We offer a curated selection of unique antiques, art, jewelry, African beads, books, records, collectables, rare mineral specimens, handmade textiles, select pottery, all-natural local soaps, salves, balms, and essential oil based incense and perfumes. We also carry select antique and imported furniture and rugs.

New Mexico United announced the partnership on Saturday March 25 at the annual Black and Gold Bash hosted at Electric Playhouse in Albuquerque in front of a dedicated fan base, revealing the new Visit Taos x New Mexico United Velocity Kit. The turquoise-colored apparel is grouped collectively as “Turquoise Takeover,” which is a celebration of one of New Mexico's crown jewels.

“The Town of Taos is honored to partner with an organization that believes in the power of community and embraces the unique culture and people of Taos and New Mexico. This partnership allows Taos to share our stories with the rest of New Mexico and the expansive world of soccer. We look forward to 2023,” said Karina Armijo, Town of Taos Marketing and Tourism director.

The promotional video for the “Turquoise Takeover” makes nods toward certain Taos County landmarks, both physical and cultural: Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, The Greater World Earthship Community and the junior varsity Taos Tigers soccer team all make appearances in the under-2-minute promo video. Head coach Hafid Valencia makes a cameo in the video, along with other known Taos residents, and lends his visage on the seller's website, where he dons a New Mexico United monogrammed hoodie.

Former Taos Tiger Wyatt Lawson Hall, who is now the production manager at Electric Playhouse, produced all the sounds in the video, save for the vocal parts. Hall was asked by someone in the organization if he could make the music for it since he’s originally from Taos.

“I feel so much gratitude. To have grown up in Taos, and to see this imagery, with these people, for this cause and with this organization ... this moment in time is unreal to me,” Hall said. "To be included in a project with such a hard-working and talented team will forever be a blessing.”

To check out the Taos inspired apparel: shop.newmexicoutd.com/collections/turquoise-takeover.