A Taos winter - Taos, New Mexico - includes travel information

Sunset, Dec, 1999 by Dale Conour

Most pueblos do not charge admission to dances, though some charge for parking. If photography is allowed, there may be a fee - at least $5 per still camera, more for video cameras.

At Taos Pueblo, Christmas Eve vespers are followed by a lighted procession; dances are the next day. At Picuris and San Juan pueblos, Matachine dancers hold forth on Christmas Day.

January is popular for dances, particularly on New Year's Day and Kings' Day (January 6). San Ildefonso Pueblo usually holds a deer or buffalo dance on January 22 and 23.

Dance schedules are subject to change. To confirm dates and whether visitors are permitted, call the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council at (505) 852-4265 or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 843-7270.

- Jeanie Puleston Fleming

RELATED ARTICLE: Taos travel planner

Area code is 505 unless noted.

Attractions

Taos Indian Horse Ranch. Varying rides, locations, and experiences, depending on riders' abilities and the season. (800) 659-3210.

Taos Pueblo. The national historic monument has been the home of the Tiwa people for more than a millennium. The pueblo charges visitor and camera fees. 2 miles north of Taos, off U.S. 64; 758-1028.

Taos skiing and other outdoor recreation. The area offers five ski resorts - Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu Summer & Ski Resort, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski Resort, and Ski Rio - for downhill fun, as well as cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. For more details, as well as a list of outfitters, contact the Taos Visitor Center; (800) 732-8267 or www.taos.org.

Museums

Ernest L. Blumenschein Home and Museum. Meticulously restored house and studio. 222 Ledoux St.; 758-0505.

Fechin Institute. This was the home of Russian artist and emigre Nicolai Fechin. 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte; 758-1710.

Harwood Museum. 238 Ledoux; 758-9826.

Millicent Rogers Museum of Northern New Mexico. Navajo and Pueblo jewelry, Navajo textiles, Pueblo pottery, Hopi and Zuni kachina dolls, and basketry from a number of Southwestern tribes. 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd., 4 miles north of the plaza, off U.S. 64; 758-2462.

Dining

Fred's Place. Popular with both visitors and locals, it's the best place in town for straightforward, reasonably priced dishes of northern New Mexico. 332 Paseo del Pueblo Sur; 758-0514.

Joseph's Table. Contemporary American, with a menu that changes nightly. Locals keep an eye out for the white truffle gnocchi served in a balsamic browned butter sauce. 4167 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos; 751-4512.

Lambert's of Taos. Eclectic cuisine is served in a setting of white linen and candlelight. 309 Paseo del Pueblo Sur; 758-1009.

Momentitos de la Vida. L.A. chefs and restaurateurs Chris and Kelly Ma. her escape to the Southwest, snag Jason Fitzgerald from the kitchen of Doc Martin's, crank out their version of the New American cuisine, and immediately generate buzz from the funky hamlet of Arroyo Seco, just north of town. 474 State 150; 776-3333.

Trading Post Cafe. With a reputation that has spread beyond its native state, the cafe prepares excellent international dishes. Ranchos Trading Post, 4179 State 68, Ranchos de Taos; 758-5089.