Things for Families to Do in Nm That Are Wheelchair Accessible
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I fell in love with Taos and Santa Fe when I first visited my brother in New United mexican states in the mid-1990s. He moved to Taos on a whim and never looked back, and with each successive visit, I sympathise exactly why. Though I've remained firmly physically ensconced in Chicago, my heart belongs to Taos and Santa Fe.
The confluence of Castilian and Mexican history, architecture and nutrient have come together to create something uniquely New Mexico. The stunning Sangre de Cristos, the piñon scented air, and the abundance of adobe construction remind me that I'k not in Kansas (OK, Chicago!) anymore. Green chile tops everything — and endless sunshine, blue skies, men wearing cowboy hats alongside women in jeans, tank tops and hiking boots without a business arrange or sheath dress in sight. The stress just melts away.
True, both cities have their challenges when information technology comes to accessibility, merely much has been done right to enable a wheelchair user to accept a great visit. Join me, won't you?
Taos Plaza and Taos Pueblo
Taos Plaza began equally a Spanish fortified walled plaza in the tardily 18th century to proceed out armed invaders. It was the key meeting place in the Taos Valley for socializing, trading, and community events. Today a ring of shops surrounds a park, anchored by the opens in a new windowHotel La Fonda de Taos. Shops characteristic Northern New Mexico goods like leather, pottery, jewelry and artwork. Curb cuts surroundings the plaza and ramps serve various levels, but take intendance, some of the ramps are pretty steep.
From May to the end of Oct on Saturdays the plaza comes alive with the local farmers market place. Dozens of vendors sell local produce, flowers, prepared foods, fabulous breads, gelato in flavors like watermelon or milk and honey, and wonderful face creams and lip balms made with local herbs and flowers. Attempt a delicious breakfast burrito filled with eggs, potatoes and green chiles while you browse.
The rich history of Taos is everywhere. Cheers to the Spanish heritage of the region, Catholicism has an equal identify alongside the Native American spiritual traditions, and a key slice of Catholic history is Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), just west of Taos Plaza. Built betwixt 1801 and 1802 as a Franciscan Mission of San Geronimo parish at the Taos Pueblo, information technology has since been rebuilt and is all the same an active church with daily masses in English and Spanish.
Side by side, visit the Kit Carson House and Museum. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963, it is at present a museum defended to Carson's life and contributions to New Mexican civilisation. Built in 1825, the museum served as Carson'southward home from 1843 until his decease 25 years subsequently. Today, the four-room house contains original artifacts, period furnishings, and photos of Carson and his family unit as well as letters and documents from his life. Admission is $vii for adults, $6 for seniors and $v for kids. The firm is attainable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
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For a glimpse into the Native American cultural traditions of Taos, visit Taos Pueblo. Over 1,000 years old, the Taos Pueblo consists of five stories of adobe construction, with living spaces built 1 on height of another and no electricity or running water. Home to the Tiwa Indians, the Pueblo currently houses about 150 people, with a few hundred more maintaining homes there for the ceremonies. Though many of the ancient buildings are not attainable to wheelchair users, in that location is a walking tour through the Pueblo, and the grounds are packed dirt — relatively easy to navigate on wheels. You lot tin can take a guided bout or wander the grounds on your ain. Pueblo residents and artisans volition oftentimes share their stories and history. Admission is $16 for adults, $fourteen for seniors and students. Children ten and under are gratuitous.
If you're in boondocks during July, the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is a gorgeous display of indigenous culture with dance, drumming, music and vocal. Dancers and drummers of all ages share their cultural traditions in full costume. Admission is $15, and accessible parking is bachelor just outside the grounds.
Nearby Twenty-four hours Trip
If yous get the itch to absorb natural beauty, bulldoze west on U.Southward. Highway 64 from Taos to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. This 1,280-human foot long bridge hovers 650 feet to a higher place the Rio Grande, with stunningly breathtaking views of the mountains and the river beneath. Dedicated on September x, 1965, it is the 2nd highest bridge on the U.S. highway system and the 5th highest in the United States.
The bridge was famously featured in the films Natural Built-in Killers and Twins. It has physical sidewalks on both sides to allow pedestrians, including wheelchair users, to cantankerous. There are several lookouts for viewing and photo opportunities, and at the stop, you'll usually find several vendors selling handcrafted leather bracelets, silvery jewelry, and pottery.
On your drive dorsum to Taos, follow the signs to Millicent Rogers Museum, to relish the lovely collection of Native American and Hispanic art. Rogers collected more than 5,000 pieces of Native American and Hispanic art throughout her lifetime and was a talented artist in her own right. The museum, established to celebrate her contributions to Taos and New Mexico in 1956, features galleries filled with jewelry, pottery, baskets, tinwork and textiles. It is accessible for wheelchair users, and a must-run across for the jewelry collection alone. Admission is $10 or less for all ages. Taos County residents are always admitted free.
On to Santa Iron
When yous've had your fill of Taos, take Highway 64 south to visit celebrated Santa Atomic number 26, the land capital, nigh an hr-and-a-half bulldoze. Like the residual of New Mexico, here you'll detect Mexican, Castilian and ethnic influences in compages, art, food and culture.
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In one case you get in, savor a late breakfast or lunch at opens in a new windowTia Sophia's, a local, family owned institution since 1974. Whether you social club my favorite bluish corn huevos rancheros or a breakfast burrito of eggs, salary and green chile, your breakfast comes with a basket of sopapillas — pillowy breakfast breads served with butter and honey. Coffee is strong, delicious and plentiful.
Then it'south off to the opens in a new window Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Born in 1887, O'Keeffe is widely renowned as one of the most influential artists of our fourth dimension. Her career evolved from realism to abstraction, and she ultimately became enthralled with the architecture and mural of New Mexico. She spent much of the 1930s and 1940s living and working in the country, finally settling in Abiqui in 1949. She continued to live there, traveling and painting, until her expiry at the age of 98 in 1986.
The O'Keeffe Museum houses her entire drove — 981 works: paintings, drawings, sculptures, sketches and photographs. The museum as well features photographs taken of O'Keeffe by other photographers, giving an outside perspective into the life of this vitally important artist and her identify in New Mexico history. Adult access is $13, students $xi. The museum is accessible to wheelchair users and those with express mobility.
Adjacent end, the opens in a new window Loretto Chapel. The history of the Chapel dates back to 1850, when Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy was appointed past the church building to spread the faith in the New Mexico Territory. The Sisters of Loretto opened The Academy of Our Lady of Light (Loretto) in 1853, a residential schoolhouse for girls. The Chapel was congenital in 1873, incorporating both local sandstone as well as stained drinking glass windows imported from France into the stunning case of Gothic architecture.
Though the unabridged Chapel is gorgeous, to me the near hit feature is the "Miraculous Staircase." Said to have been constructed around 1877, the 33 steps rise over 20 feet alpine, making two complete 360-caste turns with no visible means of support. It is closed to pes traffic. Today, the Loretto Chapel is both a museum and a wedding destination.
The Plaza and More
Don't miss a chance to stroll around Santa Atomic number 26'south Plaza, where y'all'll find dozens of indigenous artisans selling silver and turquoise studs, cufflinks, hammered leather bracelets, amethyst pendants, and more. I've washed lots of Christmas shopping in this very spot. You'll also detect many galleries on and around the Plaza featuring pottery, sculpture, photography, painting, and artists more than willing to share their stories with yous.
When you need a break, visit "Santa Atomic number 26's Famous Cart" for a Frito pie. Y'all'll get New Mexico chili poured inside a bag of Fritos, topped with sour cream and shredded cheese that you tin eat as y'all stroll. Heaven in a bag!
Next, head to opens in a new window The Museum of Indian Arts and Civilization, created from the merging of The Museum of New Mexico (founded by anthropologist Edgar Lee Hewitt) and the Laboratory of Anthropology (founded by John D. Rockefeller). The Museum is known for having the most complete collection of indigenous New United mexican states ceramics anywhere in the world, besides as millions of archaeological artifacts. Information technology pays homage to the past simply also welcomes the hereafter of ethnic art through featuring current artists like Jody Naranjo, a Pueblo potter from Santa Clarita, and Frank Buffalo Hyde, a painter and sculptor whose works correspond the span of Native American culture from the aboriginal to the modern. Access is $7 for NM residents and $12 for non-residents.
At twenty-four hours'south cease, terminate in at i of my Santa Atomic number 26 must-visits, opens in a new windowLa Boca, for some tapas and a drink. My favorites are jamon iberico, a traditional Castilian ham made from acorn and olive-fed black pigs, manchego cheese, salary wrapped dates, fried Brussels sprouts and patatas bravas, potatoes in spicy tomato sauce. Order a glass of Spanish cava (sparkling wine) and settle in for a live music set. Y'all'll hear everything from Spanish guitar to country to jazz.
If y'all want something more traditionally New Mexican, head to opens in a new windowThe Pinkish Adobe. Opened in 1944, the Pinkish Adobe was named for the colour of the adobe used to build it. I honey the warm colors and kiva fireplaces — information technology'south like having dinner at a friend'south house. While you tin can enjoy terrific salmon or steak, I prefer the native New Mexican favorite, Enchiladas Pink Adobe, which comes with your choice of red or green chile, rice, beans and posole.
When you're ready to turn in, there are many lodging options to choose from. 2 of my favorites are correct about or on the plaza: opens in a new windowThe Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is a gorgeous luxury accommodation. Located walking distance to galleries, museums and dining, it offers accessible Southwestern mode accommodation, several dining options from casual to fine dining, and a lovely patio where you can people watch and enjoy a drink.
If you prefer to be right on the plaza, the opens in a new windowLa Fonda On the Plaza is the identify to exist. The site has continuously hosted an inn since the 1600'southward. There's some rumor of ghost appearances — not so unusual for New Mexico — but I hear they're friendly. The spacious guest rooms characteristic kiva fireplaces, paw-painted furniture and art from local artists. The Bell Tower Bar on the rooftop is my favorite place to bask a stunning Santa Fe sunset.
Whether you savour art, history, dining, or outdoor activities, Taos and Santa Fe are perfect holiday destinations. Beautiful weather condition, arable sunshine, and friendly people no affair where you go are certain to go out you heading habitation relaxed, refreshed and ready for your return to the Country of Enchantment.
Taos Dining
To get your day started, endeavor opens in a new window Michael's Kitchen, a locally endemic favorite since 1974. They have succulent huevos rancheros, but one of my favorites is the Poor Homo's Eggs Benedict — eggs with shaved ham, chile and cheese on a toasted English muffin. And grab a cream puff from the counter bakery for later.
At the opens in a new window Taos Diner, try Copper John's Eggs — two eggs scrambled with light-green chiles and cheese, habitation fries and a homemade biscuit, and bottomless coffee.
At lunchtime, head to another Taos institution, The opens in a new window Alley Cantina, located in the oldest edifice in Taos, with two original walls from the 16th century construction still remaining. Here locals and tourists alike savor live music, pool tables and shuffleboard, and an outdoor pet-friendly patio. You tin't miss with the green republic of chile cheeseburgers or dark-green republic of chile stew, served with a huge flour tortilla for dunking.
For a dinner of quick, inexpensive Mexican food, you can't shell opens in a new window Guadalajara Grill. My favorite is the Guadalajara shrimp, marinated in butter, chile and garlic table salt, served with rice, beans and tortillas. Their burritos, tacos and enchiladas are delicious, too.
If you feel like something a little fancier, head on over to opens in a new window Lambert's of Taos. Built in typical Southwestern adobe style, Lambert's has a cute outdoor patio with the main level fully accessible. Endeavor the green republic of chile stew appetizer, or if you want something lighter, the watermelon salad is amazing. For dinner, fresh trout or duck breast are succulent. A wonderful vino list and delectable desserts similar seasonal fruit cobbler or housemade water ice cream brand this one of my favorites.
Taos Accommodations
Taos has accommodations to fit every budget. Here are two possibilities:
opens in a new window El Monte Sagrado Resort is a high-end luxury property with gorgeous grounds and wonderful amenities, including the Anaconda Bar where you can savor cocktails and a light bite, as well as an honor-winning restaurant, De La Tierra. A total-service spa will leave you lot pampered and relaxed, or you can savor a dip in the pool. Accessible accommodations can be establish across room types and price ranges. My favorite is the Native American Suite, a room with a private balcony overlooking a babbling brook in the center of the property that simply whispers you to sleep.
opens in a new window The Sagebrush Inn is a more moderately priced accommodation, with typical Southwestern knotty pine compages and Mexican style furnishings. Here you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, dinner at the Sagebrush Grill or happy hours and live entertainment in the Cantina make this a great spot to spend your fourth dimension in Taos. There are v wheelchair accessible rooms, but only one has a roll-in shower.
Resources In and Around Taos:
• Taos Plaza, 800/732-8267; opens in a new windowtaos.org/what-to-do/landmark-sites/taos-plaza
• Taos Pueblo, 575/758-1028; opens in a new windowwww.taospueblo.com
• Farmer's Market, opens in a new windowwww.taosfarmersmarket.org
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Church building, 575/758-9258; opens in a new windowologtaos.com
• Kit Carson House and Museum, opens in a new windowkitcarsonmuseum.org.
• Rio Grande Gorge Span, opens in a new windowtaos.org/what-to-practise/landmark-sites/rio-grande-gorge-bridge/
• Millicent Rogers Museum, 575/758-2462; opens in a new windowmillicentrogers.org
• Michael'due south Kitchen, 575/758-4178; opens in a new windowmichaelskitchen.com
• Taos Diner, 575/758-2374; opens in a new windowtaosdiner.com
• The Alley Cantina, 575/758-2121; opens in a new windowalleycantina.com
• Guadalajara Grill, 575/751-0063; opens in a new windowwww.guadalajaragrilltaos.com
• Lambert's of Taos, 575/758-1009; opens in a new windowlambertsoftaos.com
• Hotel La Fonda de Taos, 575/758-2211; opens in a new windowworld wide web.lafondataos.com
• El Monte Sagrado Resort, 575/758-3502; opens in a new windowelmontesagrado.com
• The Sagebrush Inn, 800/428-2636; opens in a new windowwww.sagebrushinn.com
In and Around Santa Fe:
• Santa Fe Plaza, opens in a new windowwww.nps.gov/nr/travel/amsw/sw53.HTM
• The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, 505/946-k; opens in a new windowokeeffemuseum.org
• Loretto Chapel, 505/982-0092; opens in a new windowwww.lorettochapel.com
• Tia Sophia's, 505/983-9880; opens in a new windowtiasophias.com
• Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, 505/476-1269; opens in a new windowindianartsandculture.org
• La Boca, 505/982-3433; opens in a new windowlabocasantafe.com
• The Pink Adobe, 505/983-7712; opens in a new windowthepinkadobe.com
• The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, 888/767-3966; opens in a new windowrosewoodhotels.com
• La Fonda on the Plaza, 505/982-5511; opens in a new windowlafondasantafe.com
Source: https://newmobility.com/accessible-travel-new-mexico/
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