Santa Fe:
After 400 years, Santa Fe continues to endure as a wonderful place to explore, visit and rediscover as many visitors do. What was it that drew people to this enchanting land? Originally, it was the promise of the Seven Cities of Cibola purported to be made of gold that drew the first settlers here from Mexico in 1598. There was no gold, but the Spanish remained and are now celebrating their 400th anniversary in this arid land. Later, it was the fresh clear air that brought so many tuberculosis victims to Santa Fe to heal in the many sanatoriums which sprang up here around World War I. Many of the infirm were prominent artists, writers and architects and, after healing, remained to make Santa Fe home.

Today, Santa Fe is one of the most vital and important art centers in the United States, and is home to many world class galleries and museums. The art scene in Santa Fe is diverse, alive and dynamic, offering a variety of styles in all media.

Santa Fe is a walker's city. Within an eight block radius of the Plaza lie its most interesting buildings, charming hotels, stylish boutiques, distinct restaurants, historical sites and world class galleries. And, like other charming walking cities such as Kyoto or Salzburg, Santa Fe's attributes of great location, distinct architecture and brilliant cultural life make it a world-class destination.

Within this site, you will find everything you need to know about Santa Fe lodging, dining, shopping, exploring and sourcing home furnishings to have an absolutely enchanting experience in this wonderful city.


Taos:
Today's traveler, arriving from the south, follows the Rio Grande north, and after many twists and turns, gets a glimpse of the magnificent Taos Valley. A feast for the eye, the Taos plateau and the breath-taking Rio Grande Gorge, carved out by the river itself, fill the horizon, with the majestic Taos mountains towering in the distance. Taos has a long history, a history that began with the ancestors of today's pueblo Indians. The Taos Pueblo with its multi-storied buildings and its setting in the shadow of the great mountains, remains the link from these early inhabitants of the valley to the still-living native culture. There is evidence that man has lived in the Taos area as far back as 3,000 B.C. and actual prehistoric ruins dating from 900 A.D. to 1300 A.D. can be seen throughout the Taos Valley.

Probably the best known of the pueblos in New Mexico, the Taos Pueblo is laid out according to a somewhat unusual plan. Taos Pueblo, with two compact units separated by a plaza, is and was the most famous exception to the conventional pueblo plan.

Today, Taos is a center for artists and the arts, and has been home to Ernest Blumenschein, D. H. Lawrence, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mabel Dodge Lujan, and many other well-known artists and art patrons.

The Taos Ski Valley is the most popular ski area in New Mexico and is truly a skier's paradise: deep desert dry powder, varied and challenging terrain, alpine vistas, southwest sunshine, no crowds, no lift lines. For the most up-to-date information about Taos Ski Valley, visit www.taosskivalley.com.

And besides the beautiful scenery, history and art to be seen in Taos, you will also find unique shopping, home furnishings, restaurants and lodging.

Within this site, you will find everything you need to know about Taos lodging, dining, galleries, shopping, home furnishings and exploring to have a horizon-expanding experience in this wonderful, historic town.