I’ve been going to Taos for as long as I can remember. My parents, Roger and Nancy, relocated to New Mexico from California to help with the accounts for our growing family sheepskin business, which was founded in 1973. Overland started with just a single bale of sheepskin and a second-hand sewing machine in a tiny pueblo-style (thick mud walls, high-desert design) adobe in the historic central plaza, so the town has always been deeply tied to our family story. By the time I was three, I’d even modeled in one of our catalogs and at 19, I joined my grandmother Marge on my first buying trip—and I’ve been working for the company ever since. The mountains that surround Taos have become such a symbol for me—they’re the backdrop of our original location and feature in the Overland logo. Some of my favorite memories are of time spent with family and in nature.
I live in Austin now with my three boys and our miniature Australian Shepherd, but I try to make it back to Taos at least once a year, usually in July. Sometimes I fly into Santa Fe, or I’ll drive to Taos from Texas; I find the last stretch into town really beautiful—the mountains themselves are extraordinary, and the skies and sunsets are some of the most stunning in the world. I think winter is equally beautiful, too (and it’s always a nice opportunity to wear Overland sheepskin coats). Over the years I’ve found that Taos hasn’t really changed, apart from a few recent developments in Ski Valley; the town itself seems very much the same: small, slow-paced, beautiful and a little funky. Here are some of my favorite addresses in Taos—from where to find the best sopapillas, the wooded mountain trails for horseback riding, and the best outfitter for fly fishing.
STAY
Taos Inn – I always stay at the apartment above our store, but when I don’t, the Taos Inn is conveniently located just a block from the plaza and has a cute patio with great margaritas and live music.
Hotel Monte Segrado – Only a few blocks from Taos’ historic plaza, they have a great on-site restaurant.
The Blake – I’ve heard good things about it; it’s over at Ski Valley.
Many Feathers Ranch – Ten miles north of Taos, this former ranch is now a guesthouse at the base of Taos Sky Valley. The porch off the main room is a prime birdwatching spot with ravens, swallows, owls, hawks and hummingbirds to look out for.
Earthship Biotecture – You can stay in one of the off-grid Earthships on a mesa just outside of Taos. Architect Michael Reynolds developed the concept, using solar panels, rainwater collection and recycled materials to create homes designed to be self-sufficient.
EAT & DRINK
Manzanita Market – They have great sandwiches. It’s hard to choose between the beef bánh mì made with braised local grass-fed beef, red chile, oregano and cinnamon, escabeche, avocado, preserved lemon aioli and lots of cilantro, and the warm turkey sourdough with spiced fig jam, creamy local rosemary chèvre and balsamic mixed greens.
Lambert’s of Taos – The location is nostalgic because it used to be a restaurant called the Apple Tree (there was a literal apple tree in the courtyard where they now have outdoor dining). The bison relleno and their house-made bread with whipped salted butter and roasted garlic are highlights.
The Love Apple – I always order the organic pan-seared duck with a green chile tamale, mesquite red chile crème fraiche and guacamole. Make note that they only take cash!
Tomorrow and Tomorrow – Strong coffee by day, natural wine by night. All their breads and bakes are naturally leavened with sourdough.
De La Tierra Restaurant – I love this restaurant inside Hotel Monte Segrado. They also have a courtyard space.
Medley Taos – Really good food and great cocktails on their outdoor patio.
For traditional New Mexican food, there are tons of good choices. Get everything with chilis—green, red, or “Christmas” (green and red). I usually order chicken enchiladas with Christmas chilis. Farm-to-table Farmhouse Café, is on the Overland property and they offer outdoor eating with stunning views of the Taos mountains. Orlando’s is another restaurant that is quite popular for New Mexican food, and Guadalajara Grill has good food too, affordable but with a bit less ambience. I love Michael’s for the sopapillas with honey butter!
Cid’s Market – Usually where I go for groceries when I first get to town. It’s a local health food market that I love, and there’s also a small location at the Ski Valley now as well. They have a great bulletin board with local events, including lots of live music and health practitioners. They have some cool local coffees, including one with piñon flavor and also very good local salsas. My guilty pleasure when visiting Taos is Barbara’s jalapeño cheese puffs! You can get those anywhere, but it’s a tradition of getting them at Cid’s, as I don’t eat them at home.
SHOP
Overland Sheepskin Co. – Our Taos store moved from its original plaza address in 1976 to a ranch-like compound just north of town near Taos Mountain, the Taos Ski Valley, and the Taos Pueblo. It carries our sheepskin coats, leather jackets, accessories, and homewares, and is in the first town we had a store in, playing a key part of Overland’s story. (Our store on the Santa Fe plaza has been there for 50 years.)
The Indigo Market – Cute gift shop on the plaza that I discovered a few years ago. They have so many entertaining gifts and also some unique health items. I could spend a long time in there!
Monet’s Kitchen – They have a nice selection of kitchenware.
The Plaza – The Plaza normally has a great farmer’s market, but they are currently going through renovations and fundraising while they move to a location across town. One to keep an eye on for wherever they land!
MoMo – A rotating edit of textiles, jewelry, hand-crafted furniture, fine art and ceramics in a 19th-century historic hacienda-style adobe.
DO
Zia Fly – My oldest son, Julian, and I did a half-day lesson a few years ago, and it was great! If you’re not a fly fisher, there are several local lakes and rivers and a trout hatchery in the area too.
New Mexico River Adventures – Depending on the route and water level, the intensity varies. I went this summer with a great guide named Zach, and it was more of what I’d describe as a float trip, but it was very beautiful and peaceful.
Red River Stables – They have all different types of trips, but last time I was there, I went on a two-hour ride (which just ended up being private) on a beautiful wooded mountain trail. They have access to the national forest. It was the first time riding a mule for me.
Rent a pontoon boat at the lake in Eagle Nest Lake State Park. You can also rent a fishing boat; it’s a great place to picnic. In the winter, they have ice fishing!
Hiking – There are so many great hikes and trails around. I love the route to Williams Lake.
Picnics – There’s a great spot that my family always went to for picnics up in the meadows of the mountains called US Hill.
Ojo Caliente – A great place to visit to soak in the hot springs and get a massage! As a heads-up, they are only open to ages 13 and over if you’re wanting to bring kids.
Rio Grande Gorge – Find the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail for a four-mile hike loop that dips beneath the bridge, poised high at 650 feet above the river.
Gallery hop – Taos is famous for its art community; there are tons of galleries, and R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery is one of the most notable Taos artists. My friend Miller Heritage, who started working for Overland in 2014 at our Breckenridge location and went on to manage our store in Park City, and then relocated to Taos, has become a full-time artist and paints beautiful, colorful Taos landscapes. His work is displayed at several local galleries, including the R.C. Gorman gallery on the plaza. I was excited to purchase one of his original pieces this summer that is hanging in my living room.
The Harwood Museum of Art – A Taos treasure, with a gallery dedicated to American artist Agnes Martin that features seven of the abstract painter’s works.
Taos Art Museum at Fechin House – An adobe Pueblo and Mission Revival building—and the former home and studio of Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin—filled with intricate hand-carved sugar pine and poplar woodwork, original artworks and a mix of Southwestern-Russian details.
Mabel Dodge Luhan House – The famous New York socialite bought this home in 1918, where she welcomed her artsy friends (Georgia O’Keeffe to Carl Jung, Willa Cather to DH and Frieda Lawrence); Today it’s an inn and arts center, usually occupied by the attendees of their creative workshops.
Taos Ski Valley – I always love to stop at the creek on the way there and dip my toes in the water. Ski Valley has developed a lot over the years—I’ve been there on and around the 4th of July in recent years, and they have a lot going on then with live bands, great food, and they have a fun rubber duck race “raffle” down the creek to win a large cash prize. You can ride the ski lifts up the mountain for a scenic view, which I did with my boys when we were there (but unfortunately none of our ducks won!). Arroyo Seco is a cute little town on the way to the Ski Valley with several shops and galleries. I had dinner there this summer at ACEQ restaurant, and it was really delicious.
For winter skiing, Taos Ski Valley is a very steep and challenging mountain. Taos was also one of the last resorts in the country to allow snowboarding (which is what I used to do!). So I’ve been planning to take my boys skiing at Angel Fire Resort, which is only about 40 minutes away and much more family friendly/easier for beginners.
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