How wonderful to have some more time to visit in and around Taos.  Okay, I am beginning to feel like I am forcing you to see my vacation pictures.  If you go to Taos, just know that The Mrs. knew where to take us.

This is the Rio Grande Gorge about 10 miles northwest of Taos.  Suddenly we were in the desert, and then seemingly out of nowhere there was this gorge.  Amazing and breathtaking!

Vendors are parked on the side of the road by the bridge.

Our next stop was the village of Arroyo Seco – known as Seco to the locals.  This little village is immediately below Taos Mountain.  Julia Roberts lives here – NO, we did not see her.  But we enjoyed shopping and dining at the Taos Cow.  The sandwiches were delicious, but the homemade ice cream really stole the show.

Let it be known that the ice cream was yummy.  They sold out of the lavender (which sounded interesting to try), but I’m here to tell that the Mexican chocolate, the cherry with chunks of chocolate,  and the cinnamon were knock-your-socks-off wonderful.

The next stop was the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos.  From the outside it looks small and one wonders what to expect.  Oh Sweet Mother of Pearl!  Millicent Rogers, an heir of a founder of Standard Oil, majorly collected southwestern art, Hispanic religious art, artifacts, pottery, textiles, baskets, and JEWELRY.  The entire museum is astounding.

This is just one case of many displays of her outstanding collection of silver and turquoise jewelry.

Millicent Rogers designed these squash blossom necklaces.

There were several cases of Maria Martinez pottery.  Maria Martinez and her family from the San Ildefonso Pueblo are considered THE master potters.  They achieved worldwide fame and recognition for their black-on-black wares.

This is a small sampling of the Navaho rugs and textiles on display.

One gallery in the museum features Hispanic religious art.  Love it!

The Millicent Rogers Museum is important as a resource for studying southwestern art and design.  In my book, it is highly recommended.

To top off this wonderful day, we enjoyed dinner and a jam session with friends of the Master of the Cabin and The Mrs.  To my delight, I learned to try to play a dulcimer while others played sticks, shakers, dulcimers, and guitars.  Of course, the harmonica playing was the best part.

From what I hear if you live in this area, you are expected to develop your artistic talents.  It is a good feeling.

Blessings to you and yours,