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Taos
Taos, New Mexico, is a busy destination year-round. While winter draws skiers and snowboarders, and summer is popular for river rafting, hiking, and strolling through the town's art galleries, fall is a particularly appealing time to visit. The autumn shoulder season brings eye-popping fall foliage to the Taos Ski Valley, mild weather perfect for outdoor adventure, and an array of seasonal events.
Fall is festival time in Taos. From September 29 through October 16, Taos' artistic side is highlighted with the Taos Fall Arts Festival, featuring art exhibits from more than 100 local artists, as well as gallery and museum openings, and an arts and crafts fair. Art lovers should also note that admission to the Taos Art Museum is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item in November.
For nearly 1,000 years, Taos has been home to the Pueblo tribe. On September 29 and 30, the tribe hosts San Geronimo Eve vespers and San Geronimo Feast Day, popular events complete with an arts and crafts fair, footraces, and ceremonial pole climbing.
October 6 through 8 is the Taos Mountain Film Festival. Dubbed "the film festival for mountaineers, mountain lovers, and mountain characters," the festival showcases films that highlight all aspects of mountains. The Wool Festival at Taos, an event featuring all things wool, takes place October 7 and 8 in Kit Carson Park. Late October brings the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally, with tethered balloon rides, a balloon parade, and a nighttime balloon glow.
To get to Taos, visitors fly into Albuquerque, then drive the two hours and 15 minutes to Taos (or drive from a neighboring state). Southwest serves Albuquerque and has periodically offered sales, including departures to Albuquerque, throughout the summer. Taos has dozens of B&Bs, some of which offer cheaper fall rates. Other properties keep the same rates year-round, sometimes well under $100 per night, while still others raise prices only around the December holidays. By traveling in Taos' shoulder season, I found savings of up to $50.
| Room type | Hotel | Off-peak rate | Peak rate |
| Jacuzzi suite | American Artists Gallery House | $185 (October 23 to December 21, 2006) | $205 (December 22, 2006, to January 7, 2007) |
| Standard room | Hotel La Fonda de Taos | $119 (May 26 to October 31, 2006) | $169 (December 23, 2006, to January 1, 2007) |
| Studio apartment | Dobson House | $118 (January 2 to December 22, 2006) | $140 (December 23, 2006, to January 1, 2007) |
To plan your trip, visit the Taos Vacation Guide website.
