Taos, NM

If you see a guy over 50 who doesn't have a long grey ponytail, then it's a sure bet he doesn't live in Taos. All the great artistes from this place sport one. I love this town!

There's historic Ledoux Street (where arts and style come to live). In the winter, Taos Ski Valley offers lots of activity. Some extol it as "the Soul of the Southwest."

We stayed at The Historic Taos Inn. Every room is decorated differently. All with so much charm. It was such a welcome relief after the usual motor inn chains at which we had been staying the past two weeks. Although we were only there one afternoon and evening, we made good use of our time. Visited quite a few shops with wonderful art and gifts. But, clearly, with 600 businesses and lots of sites we didn't see in Taos, we need to schedule more time and come back.

In the lobby of the Inn, for the cocktail hour, there was a terrific trio, playing western music: a lady bass player who also sang, and two fellows who played guitar, one also playing the mandolin. I wish I gotten their names. They were from another part of the state but drop by for an occasional gig here. Usually I like to hear recognizable songs...but there was probably one one song out of the hour-plus set that I knew. It didn't matter...they were thoroughly entertaining.

Since we had gotten up and wanted to leave early before the dining room was open, we asked some locals for breakfast recommendations. Michael's Kitchen provided a great morning walk. Oh my, if we hadn't been eating cinnamon rolls almost every day at the breakfast buffets provided at all of our stays, we could have partaken of the wonderful bakery items they had on display. Couldn't even apply them directly to the hips. There was no room. They have over 250 menu items to choose from for breakfast and lunch.

If you love Santa Fe, you should check out this enchanted town too.