THE PLAZA AND HOTEL LA FONDA DE TAOS
Taos is a charming artist’s hub that attracts lovers for it’s gorgeous adobe architecture, beautiful sunsets and landscapes, galleries and museums, hidden gems found down each winding side street, and unique spots for cozy dates. You find yourself walking hand in hand, just meandering and stopping at your newest find … a sweet cafe, one-of-a-kind shop featuring local artists, or a gaze up to the clear New Mexican sky. The main 400 year old Plaza, known as the heart of the town, is a great place to begin, take in the curio stores and historic Hotel La Fonda (“The Inn” in Spanish). Be sure to check out the R C Gorman artworks and ask the concierge about the risque “Forbidden Art Collection” by D. H. Lawrence. The Plaza Cafe has three intimate alcove booths called love shacks — perfect for coffees, a wine mojito, sharing a luscious almond flan, and snuggling. Website
parCht +Bottleshop + Bites
parCht wine and tasting bar makes for a delectable, unique date spot right on the main Plaza. Select your custom tasting board from cheeses and charcuterie on the day’s menu. Order a glass of wine and take a tasty trip together around the world with Spanish cheeses, truffled white cheddar, honey parmesan, pork rillettes, serrano hams, all carefully chosen from their constantly changing menu. If you like variety and finger foods for feeding little nibbles to each other, this is your kind of place. ParCht is also a retail venue where you can buy favorites from your tasting and grab a bottle of wine to take home and continue your date night. (tip: do not leave without their house chutney) Website
ROMANTIC FINE DINING
THE LOVE APPLE Located in an adobe chapel built in the early 19th century, this is a place for romance and special occasions. Regional organic home cooking and fine dining are at its best, and after sunset the dining room glows from warm candlelight and softly lit vintage chandeliers. Ingredients are locally sourced and everything is made with love. (tip: before your reservations, stop by nearby Taos Clay Studio for current exhibits) Article
LAMBERT’S OF TAOS and upstairs lounge. Located a short walk from the main Plaza, this casual-elegant place is a favorite for lunch or dinner dates where you are likely to leave exclaiming “That was the best (fill in the blank) I’ve ever had.” Cozy up together in one of the inside dining areas or the darling enclosed outdoor patio. Then walk upstairs to the Treehouse Lounge to sit close, flirt, and order a handcrafted cocktail. (tips: excellent wine list, and their crispy chile Relleno (pictured) is the one we measure all others by. Also, Lambert’s notorious Thanksgiving Day menu is so popular that reservations fill up in June.) Website
El MEZE is considered to be one of the finest restaurants in the entire Southwest. A fascinating fusion of elevated rustic Northern New Mexican cuisine, the menu is an exquisite selection of mainly local ingredients. They have created a romantic world with two dining rooms insulated by two-foot-thick adobe walls, divine food, low lighting, with kiva fireplace burning that ignites all the senses for falling in love. Article
EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT AND SPA
The most luxurious place to stay in Taos with an award-winning eco-conscious spa. This is a place to be pampered and rejuvenated. The Unity Couples Massage is designed to balance the yin/yang polarities with precious essential oils. Many rooms have natural waterfall cooling systems and sunlit showers. Couples rooms are candlelit. Afterwards, you will both feel peacefully in-tuned with each other and the universe. (tips: arrive early to relax in the lounge area. Ask the concierge about their revolving art gallery and artworks displayed in the hotel.) Website
TEA TASTING FOR TWO AT TEA.O.GRAPHY
There is something so intimate about sharing a hot cup of tea together, then selecting the ones to take home to enjoy again as a reminder of your romantic visit. Another addition to the growing food scene and tasting venues of Taos is Tea.O.Graphy where unique blends of high-quality teas are offered for sampling and purchasing. (tips: located across from the Plaza, past the Kit Carson house, down a hidden alleyway. The Chocolate Rose Oolong (pictured) is a romantic blend and good for circulation) Website
CHOKOLA FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVERS
All you need is love and chocolate, and this hand-crafted bean-to-bar boutique is serving the most decadent organic confections made from the highest quality beans, roasted each morning. What could be more romantic than sharing a cup of house chocolate mousse or artfully crafted bonbons while sitting at one of their outdoor cafe tables? (tips: The mousse is a must. Also, ask about their Monday pop-up dining events by The Shed Dinner Project, described to us as one of the most exciting regional pop-up experiences in all of New Mexico.) Website
PICNIC AT THE RIO GRAND GORGE
Located a short 15-minute drive from Taos, the Grand Gorge is a breathtaking place where you can walk across the bridge and peer down 564 feet to the Rio Grande. Before setting out from Taos, stop into Cid’s Market for organic gourmet picnic goodies. Picnic areas are situated along the west side of the bridge with stunning views of the gorge. This is a fantastic spot for couples photos, with the Taos landscape in the background. (tip: after your al fresco dining for two, you’re only a short drive from the famous Earthships.) Link
MUSEUMS
HARWOOD (pictured) The second oldest art museum in New Mexico. Their permanent collection has over 1,700 works of art, and 17,000 photographic images, including a wide range of Hispanic works and visual arts from the Taos Society of Artists, Taos Moderns and contemporary artists. (tips: located walking distance from the Plaza along historic Ledoux Street. After your visit, walk across the street to the Black Mesa Wine Tasting Room.) Website
FECHIN (The Taos Art Museum) The former residence of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin, now a museum exhibiting works from the Taos Society of Artists, as well as revolving exhibits. Fechin’s wood carvings are found throughout the house, and original rooms of the family are open for viewing. (tips: located near Kit Carson park for a lovely hand-in-hand stroll. Also near the famous Taos Labyrinth, to walk and re-align.) Website
MILLICENT ROGERS houses the collections of Standard Oil heiress, Millicent Rogers who was a prolific collector of Southwestern art, Native American jewelry, ceramics and weavings. A multicultural representation of art that should not be missed. The intimate adobe house itself is a romantic work of art. Be sure to explore every room, including the collection of Native American chief blankets and Maria Martinez pottery. (tips: located in Northern Taos, only a short drive from the Plaza. Excellent gift shop. On the drive back, stop in all of the fun unique pottery and gift stores along the Paseo Del Pueblo Norte) Website
NIGHTCAP AT THE ADOBE BAR, TAOS INN
As the sun sets, the adobes begin to glow like luminarias and people gather at what the locals call ‘The Living Room Of Taos.’ The historic Taos Inn is home to a hotel, Doc Martin’s Restaurant, and the Adobe Bar … a lively spot for after dinner drinks around the indoor fountain and sunken kiva fireplace area. Listen to live music (featured every night), and enjoy signature tequila cocktails. (tips: we recommend anything from the Legendary Margaritas menu, especially the Cowboy Buddha, and El Chupacabra with pepper infused tequila.) Website
Wishing you great romantic discoveries of Taos, warm Southwestern sunsets, and lots of snuggle time!
xo Amy & Mr.D
If you liked this article, you may also like:
El Meze Of Taos Has Us Asking All Sorts Of Questions
4 comments
How beautiful and charming, and am ready to pack my bags right now and drive to Taos.
June, we think of that every week. Such a special place.
We’ll be dreaming of Taos until our anniversary trip. Thank you for the wonderful “snuggle time” suggestions. 🙂
Hi Hungry! So glad you’re feeling our snuggle time Taos vibe. Happy Anniversary, and please send pics if you visit any of these amazing venues!