There was a discussion on our arrival of taking a day of rest after our journey across two states. What? Yours truly wanted to see and experience as much as possible, and the others were kind and obliged me. We did have a leisurely breakfast (Apple French Toast), and then we were off to Taos.
Our first visit was to St. Francisco de Asis in Rancho de Taos home of the oldest settlement in Taos Valley. St. Francisco de Asis is known as one of the finest examples of Franciscan architecture, and it is a favorite of artist and photographers. Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams are among the many that have painted and photographed this mission.
In the guide, Historic Churches of Taos and Northern New Mexico, we read that this adobe church took 40 years to build. It is 120 feet long, and the walls and abutments are 6 feet thick.
Saint Francisco de Asis is beautiful.
Every year in June, the members of the church join together to remud the entire mission. They had just finished a couple of weeks ago. How gorgeous!
Adobe bricks are made in this area. I found this so fascinating. Please go visit St. Francisco de Asis if you are in the neighborhood. It is located on NM 68 1/2 mile south of NM 518.
Four miles down the road we began some serious shopping. The John Dunn House Shops surround a walkway that links the Taos Plaza with Bent Street. How cute is this? Anything you want, they got it – boutiques, jewelry, pottery, galleries, restaurants, yarn, a bookstore, leatherwork…. Since this was our first stop, we were a little hesitant to begin letting go of our money, but a few things we couldn’t resist.
Not far from the John Dunn House Shops was a wonderful little restaurant called Graham’s Grille by Leslie Fay. This is the El Miramon Combination plate -pork carnitas flauta, chicken and cheese enchilada, tamale of the day, with guacamole, black beans, Mexican rice, and salsa. Yes, it was enough food for a field hand, and I loved every bite of it. (Honestly, friend BB and I shared this plate, and it was still plenty of food.)
The Ensenada Shrimp Salad was a delight to the eyes, and I hear tell that it is also very delicious.
As we walked or should I say waddled around the corner from Graham’s Grille, this is what we saw sitting in front of an art gallery. Sweet Mother of Pearl, doesn’t this lovely lady belong on a postcard for New Mexico? She was the manager of the art gallery.
What a beautiful flower box filled with such vibrant flowers. Yes, I am a push-over for flowers.
More hollyhocks. They were so gorgeous!
I think we closed down the shops, and then we were ready for some rest, relaxation, and a game of cards.
On the way out of town, we passed this cemetery. I had to take this picture through the windshield, but I thought the cemeteries in this area of New Mexico were so intriguing. The brightly colored flowers and decorations give the graves sites a festive air. You can tell their departed ones are not forgotten.
Blessings to you and yours,
P.S. I am having New Mexico withdrawal, so last night Ever-Lovin’ and I watched The Milagro Beanfield War, that was filmed near Taos. The photography is beyond wonderful. If you want to “visit” the Taos area, check out this movie. Oh, and the story is pretty good also.