For baby boomer travelers visiting Taos, a stay at Casa Benavides Historic Inn is an introduction to the art, history and culture of north-central New Mexico. Antiques, handmade furniture, and Native American rugs decorate the rooms of the inn’s six individual homes clustered on five acres in downtown. Original art hangs on the thick, adobe walls of the main building, the site of Taos’ first art gallery.
Did I mention that Casa Benavides makes for a romantic getaway after driving the high road from Santa Fe to Taos?
On our visit to Casa Benavides, Alan and I enjoyed a breakfast served in the large dining room overlooking a courtyard, where the complementary meal included an egg dish. I thought their specialty, a quiche topped with red or green chili sauce, was especially tasty. Homemade tortillas, waffles and homemade granola completed the meal.
Casa Benavides makes a convenient headquarters for exploring Taos and the surrounding area. From here, art-loving boomers walk the streets of downtown Taos, browsing the many galleries and shops. Of course the short drive to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for a lesson in Native American history and culture. And a day’s drive along the 84-mile Enchanted Circle, a National Scenic Byway, will introduce you to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the artsy community of Questa and the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the rustic town of Red River.
Be sure you make it back to Casa Benavides for afternoon tea. In the dining room, choose from homemade chocolate chip cookies, lemon chess bars, Mexican wedding cookies and chocolate cake to accompany a cup of coffee or tea. We took our plate of goodies and cup of coffee to the living room for a peaceful snack amidst the vivid collection of paintings and Native American art.
Looking for more New Mexico Road Trip ideas? You’ll find a fun itinerary in our ebook, New Mexico Backroads Weekend Adventure.
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