Personalized Trip Planning in Taos, New Mexico
What is there to do in Taos? --- I'll be there a week; is there enough to do? We'll be there two nights. I'm afraid there's too much to do and we'll miss something! --- There's so much to do and see; I'm overwhelmed!
The Artful Traveler, an arts-oriented personal travel service, is based in Taos, New Mexico. Owner Polly McCord provides custom itineraries for individuals or groups interested in the history, fine arts and letters of northern New Mexico. The unique services provided by The Artful Traveler appeal to independent travelers who prefer to be their own guides and want to go beyond the tourist stops. Polly specializes in trip itineraries including the Four Corners area (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado) as well as the exploding art community of Marfa, Texas.
No matter how much time you are planning to spend in Taos, Polly can fill it with as little or as much activity, adventure and excitement you seek. The wise traveler will include some down time for just breathing in the fresh mountain air, watching the sun set in a blaze of fiery color, or getting lost in the endless views. Alma del Monte—Spirit of the Mountain is a perfect base for all your northern New Mexico travels.
Customized itineraries, pre-planned packages or consulting services are available for trips lasting a few days or a few weeks. The Artful Traveler coordinates specialized and often off-the-beaten path experiences that visitors might otherwise miss.
The story of one man’s vacation may be of interest: Roger is a gallery owner who had been injured during a renovation of his office. The ceiling fell on him and he required spinal surgery. When he was well enough to travel, he decided to spend two weeks "relaxing, resting, and healing." A detailed interview to discuss his interests and activity level, was the next step in the planning.
Roger spent the first night in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Tourists driving by on the interstate might not see it, but Las Vegas, New Mexico has some of the finest territorial style architecture to be found anywhere. Las Vegas boasts over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a mere six miles from the Montezuma Hot Springs.
After a morning soak in the natural spring water, he drove to Taos, where he spent several days. He enjoyed a Myofascial Release massage, shopped in local galleries, visited local museums, toured the Taos Pueblo, walked across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and visited nearby towns. One side trip included purchases from the Pink Schoolhouse Gallery in Tres Piedras, which offers a wide collection of contemporary and Spanish colonial art.
The next stop was Abiquiu, home to Georgia O’Keeffe’s favorite mountain Pedernal. From there it was a short drive to the mineral baths at Ojo Caliente, the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Ghost Ranch, where he viewed in person the fabulous scenery painted by Georgia O’Keeffe and often used as a location for movies and music videos.
Leaving Abiquiu was difficult, but Roger wanted to see Chaco Canyon and tour Acoma Pueblo's "Sky City.” He also poked around neighboring towns including Cuba, and visited El Malpais National Monument, and Inscription Rock at El Morro National Monument.Then it was back to Ranchos de Taos for a couple of nights, while he explored more of Taos, enjoyed hot stone massages, and toured the High Road towns of Chimayo, Truchas, and Las Trampas.
The Artful Traveler planned the entire trip, made all the reservations, provided maps and narratives, and helped make contacts in each location to make sure that the trip was exactly what he was hoping for. Roger went home with a truck load of art, lots of good memories, tons of photos, and a big smile on his face. Roger calls it “the best vacation of my life.”
New Mexico has so much to offer and all of it isn't in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, or even Taos. Every small town has something unique and sometimes getting off the beaten path is half the fun.Let The Artful Traveler plan a vacation you’ll always remember!
