LODGING SERVICES
El Monte Sagrado
317 KIT CARSON ROAD,TAOS 575-758-3502
ELMONTESAGRADO.COM
There’s good reason El Monte Sagrado keeps winning Best of Taos. Eat, drink and be merrily pampered at this exclusive Taos lodging experience. Surrounded by waterfalls, ponds and cottonwoods, El Monte Sagrado is a high desert oasis offering award-winning dining in its De La Tierra Restaurant and signature drinks at the Anaconda Bar. Their state-of-the-art spa and wellness center includes hydrotherapy tubs and a saltwater pool. For big parties or events consider the 2,400 square foot Rio Grande Ballroom or either of their two wedding venues, perfect for indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
PHOTO BY DANIEL PEARSON / TAOS NEWS
SECOND PLACE
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley
116 SUTTON PLACE, TAOS SKI VALLEY
855-385-0437
SKITAOS.COM/STAY
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
50 LOS BANOS DRIVE, OJO CALIENTE
877-977-8212
OJOSPARESORTS.COM
Oh, to be at Ojo! Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is a special destination, and many Taos visitors are sure to bookend their trip to the high desert with at least one day in its healing, tranquil waters. Sitting cliffside, Ojo Caliente’s many pools include soda, lithia, iron, arsenic, and mud. Visitors can soak in public pools or can rent their own for a more private atmosphere. Their healing waters aren’t the only draw: The springs are a minute’s walk from the award-winning Artesian Restaurant and beautifully designed lodging that lures some guests to stay for days, even weeks.
SECOND PLACE
Santa Fe
SANTAFE.ORG BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Berkshire HomeServicesHathaway –
Taos Real Estate
314-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS
575-758-1924
800-530-8899
BHHSTAOS.COM
With over 37 years of listing and selling homes on the Taos real estate market, Berkshire Hathaway remains locked in at number one. From in-person to virtual tours, Berkshire Hathaway features classic to luxury Northern New Mexico properties perfect as a first home or vacation home. Their listings include unique pueblo-style homes, mountain and offgrid homes, ranches, farms and commercial properties. Whether you’re wanting the grit of high desert mesa living or a luscious mountainside dwelling, the Berkshire Hathaway agents will make sure you’re taken care of.
SECOND PLACE
Jones West
208 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR #601, TAOS 575-737-WEST (9378)
BEST BUILDING CONTRACTOR
Magee Build –
Aaron Magee
122 DOÑA LUZ ST, SUITE A, TAOS 575-741-0456
MAGEEBUILD.COM
A leading custom home contractor in Taos, Magee Build comes from generations of builders. Contractor Aaron Magee worked on his first full house at the tender age of 15. Fast-forward to today and his skills as an expert finish carpenter and job site foreman laid a solid foundation toward establishing his own construction company in 2004. Magee Build works with local materials, adobe, rastra, frame and pumice-crete incorporating local styles such as pueblo and territorial on projects ranging from small remodels to luxury estates over $1 million. Operating in partnership with his wife Lisa, Magee Build knows how to bring to fruition what you’ve been dreaming about.
SECOND PLACE
Magee Design Works –Jed Magee
122 DOÑA LUZ ST, SUITE A, TAOS
BEST BANK
Centinel Bank
MAIN BRANCH: 512 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS 575-758-6700
CENTINELBANK.COM
The Taos-founded Centinel Bank is a safe and trusted independent community bank. Founded in 1969, the bank’s mission is to enrich and support the Taos community through equal access, local insight and personalized financial services. They specialize in real estate and mortgage loans, payments, debit card services, and community investment projects. “Your partner for all things small business,” showcases their focus on you and your business, from past and present to future.
SECOND PLACE
Nusenda Federal Credit Union
640 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS 575-776-2703
NUSENDA.ORG
Ted Schupbach cares for Taos — and Taos pets
BY HAVEN LINDSEY
If you agree with the adage, “it feels good to do good,” then Dr. Ted Schupbach must himself feel good indeed. The local veterinarian — who has consecutively won the Best of Taos award for Best Veterinarian — has served the animal community since 1979 and is recognized as a community supporter and dedicated volunteer.
bach treated small and large animals,
but now that large animals and livestock have more options, his practice specializes in primarily cats and dogs. Dr. Schupbach moved to Taos after graduating from Oklahoma State University and understands the importance of supporting our local community. “Local business owners are my clients too and we support one another. I shop and buy locally — it helps our economy.”
Schupbach goes well beyond shopping locally; he is on the board of trustees at the Millicent Rogers Museum
museums like the Harwood and Taos Art
Museum — I try to support the arts, including the culinary arts program at Taos High School.”
He is also a dedicated volunteer at the Shared Table, which helps feed Taoseños facing food insecurity. Most individuals who have met him know that Schupbach is a staunch supporter of his alma mater and has played an integral role in the Doel Reed Center in Taos which extends Oklahoma State University’s reach to regions in Northern New Mexico. “The Dole Reed Center offers credited and non-credited courses,” added Schupbach who is on the board of directors. It is with the same passion —and compassion — for his community that Dr. Schupbach brings to his practice within the Taos Veterinary Clinic. “I had planned to become an architect,” he explained, “but I got a job at a vet clinic in high school. I really liked seeing animals get better and that led to becoming a veterinarian.”
Taos Veterinary Clinic (a.k.a. Taos Vet) is nearly always busy yet the animal-loving staff always seem to have time to listen with a compassionate and understanding ear. According to Schupbach, a pet owner, “I’ve got three dogs right now, but I’ve had between two and six dogs since moving here.” It is this understanding of being a pet owner that helps Schupbach and his staff deliver quality care — effective and efficient with empathy and sensitivity, especially when a pet is unwell.
Schupbach has created a legacy of compassion with his commitment to his community (of both two-legged and four-leggeds). “I’ve probably seen 100 patients a week for the last 30 years,” he responded when asked about the number of animals he has treated.
Schupbach employs between 10 to 12 staff including one additional veterinarian. Located at 41 North Highway 522, Taos Vet is open Monday through Friday and offers after-hours emergency services. For more information, visit taosvetclinic.com or call 575-758-7310.
Grand slam
Quail Ridge serves up aces
BY JEANS PINEDA / PHOTOS BY JEANS PINEDA
It may be the only legitimate tennis game in town, but Taos Tennis at the Quail Ridge is a very wellthought-out and all-inclusive tennis club that’s been recognized not only as the Best Place to Play Tennis in Taos, but also numerous times from U.S. Tennis Association for its facility and tennis programs.
Anyone with a passion for the game can find themselves in the thick of a back-and-forth rally in no time. At Quail Ridge, which is highly visible from State Road 150 in El Prado, all it takes is a quick walk to the pro shop from the parking lot to access one of their nine hard courts. You can “dropin” for doubles action or learn some fundamentals with the “shot of the day” clinics. Two of those hard courts
were resurfaced last year and another two courts will be resurfaced before tournament play begins.
Taos Tennis is an active facility that seems to never take a break, there’s a clinic or drop-in every day of the week. Tequila Tuesdays for the ladies and Thirsty Thursdays for the boys adds a little libational excitement into the course of a group lesson.
At Taos Tennis, a unique blend of local and out-of-town clients creates a welcoming atmosphere for both regulars and visitors.
“The blend is really nice because of the low general population of the area,” says longtime owner and operator Kurt Edelbrock. “We have a high percentage of great athletes because of skiing and river rafting. And that’s including the tennis here at Taos, and
with that combination and bringing people in from outside, it’s just a very enjoyable atmosphere.”
Tournament time is when locals are most likely to play against top-notch, out-of-town talent from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Alamosa, and even further out. For the major Taos Open (July 12-14) you’ll want to register for a USTA account in advance. The annual grudge match series provides locals with a chance to claim bragging rights against those who reside in Angel Fire.
When the summer sun is roaring, there just so happens to be an exceptional pool within sight. Instead of using chlorine they use bromine which keeps the water chemistry more balanced and is gentler on the skin.
For more details and a schedule of tennis happenings at Taos Tennis: taostennis.com/ tennis
“We’ve had a few Olympic swimmers come up here and just work out because they’re in town, because it’s almost as long as the town pool but it’s outside,” says Edelbrock.
DOUBLE WINNER
Moriah Stanton champions Taos artists
Her own jewelry makes MoMo a fabulous find
BY VIRGINIA L. CLARK / PHOTOS COURTESY MOMO TAOS
Afull-time single mom, running two galleries and making jewelry, Moriah Stanton was shocked and delighted to win two Best Of categories in 2024 Best of Taos survey.
“Best Gift Shop and Best Woman-Owned Business – wow!” said MoMo Taos and MoMo Santa Fe owner Stanton about this year’s honors.
To be absolutely correct, however, she says her MoMo stores are actually more carefully curated galleries than gift shops, featuring her own works and unique Taos artists, including artisan textiles from around the world. Pointing to the beautiful jewelry cases holding her own and other Taos artists’ work, she concedes they, of course, make wonderful gifts. Ditto for horsehair ceramic wallhangings, turquoise and silver key chains and bracelets (by her mentor, jewelry teacher Rick
Montaño), beautiful bolo ties or glorious Peruvian pyrite stone hearts — all would make great housewarming, Christmas or really any kind of gifts.
“Beautiful things for people with discerning tastes,” she says, reiterating her website motto. “I have lots of one-of-a-kind stuff. People really appreciate it if they get a MoMo’s box or gift — it is a great ‘gift shop’ for the person who has it all,” she adds with a big smile.
“Everything I bring into the gallery has to have some kind of consciousness behind it,” she told Tempo in 2021. “I’m a maker, I’m a jeweler, I’m an artist. I know the sacrifice it takes to put in to hone your skills.”
Raised in Taos (notably in an off-grid old school bus with her brother Rede and her dad Ed), Stanton ultimately traveled much of the world — New York City, Northern California, Spain, Mexico, Martha’s Vineyard and more. Most of her textiles are from around the world, but all either handwoven and/or of small batch production.
Stanton celebrates eight years since
opening MoMo Taos in 2016. Two years ago, she opened MoMo Santa Fe.
“I’m like a crusader for Taos artists in Santa Fe,” she says. Taos artists at MoMo Santa Fe include Eli Walter, Gretchen Ewert, Sasha vom Dorp, Serit del Bosque, Rachel Donner, Rick Montaño, Schuyler Blanchard, Alma de Luna, David Michael, Joshua Tate, Chad Manley and Stanton’s work as well.
She loves, too, the Best Woman-Owned Business award because being raised in this town, being a mother, an artist and an entrepreneur, she says she cares a great deal about our community.
“I help to elevate the artists by having this gallery and they help elevate the community being represented here,” she adds about the gallery. Granted, in just a walk down Bent Street alone she counted at least 17 women-owned businesses, noting too, “it’s certainly an honor to be recognized in a town full of female entrepreneurs.”
She says she works to stay on top of things, to keep the gallery fresh and all well-curated — “I’m very selective. The cool thing here is, to find a gift, I have such a vast collection to choose from, whether you’re liking turquoise, or more modern works. If you’re shopping for a gift, you’re coming here for that ‘special person’ gift.”
MoMo Taos 133 Bent St., Taos 505-690-7871 momotaos.com
Whether you’re looking for yourself or another, MoMo Taos has fine-line artwork, celestially-inspired necklaces, ceramics, oils, handmade wooden MoMo Home furniture and more. She knows what works.
“I really appreciate that I won these awards,” she said, “[and] people recognizing the dream that I’ve made for myself.”
Mornings with Howie
Local DJ helps Taos start each day
BY RICHARD AUFRICHTIG / PHOTO BY RICHARD AUFRICHTIG
For the last seven years, Howie Roemer has been the host of the Morning Show on KNCE 93.5 FM. Also known as True Taos Radio, the station embodies the DIY and bohemian ethos of underground Taos, featuring a constantly rotating roster of volunteer DJs who revel in the station’s freeform approach.
Running 7 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, Roemer’s Morning Show is the station’s proverbial town square. The show’s three or so guests a week range from nonprofit leaders talking about the good works they’re doing to musical artists promoting their upcoming concerts in town. Roemer has an effortless interview
style that brings out the best in his local subjects.
In addition to the one-off guests, Roemer has a series of regular segments bringing useful information to locals. Year round, he has a segment called Garden Talk Mondays at 7:40 a.m., and every weekday he reads selected news headlines from the Associated Press at 8 a.m. In the summertime, there is also a Fishing Report that runs Fridays at 7:40 a.m., and a daily River Report from Los Rios River Runners in conjunction with the 8 a.m. news broadcast.
Having grown up in New Jersey in the heyday of FM radio in the ’70s and ’80s, Roemer first landed in Taos 30 years ago as a self-labeled ski bum.
“Radio has always been a passion,” Roemer says, “and before the station was started almost 10 years ago, I never
thought I’d get to do it myself. It was only because they asked me to do the Grateful Dead show [Fire on the Mesa, Sundays 3 to 5 p.m.] that I even considered it. Because it was so grassroots and small and I knew everybody, it was an obvious path. I’d like to keep doing it as long as I can.”
Also a musician, Roemer can currently be seen performing around town as a part of three local bands: Desert Prose, Last To Know, and the Roots and Wires All-Stars.
Describing the mission behind the show, Roemer said, “Y’know, it’s just to keep people entertained and informed on their way to work or school. A big part of it is the calendar, keeping people up to date with what’s going on, but it’s more about sharing music that I like, and hopefully the listeners like, too.”
Newcomer tops Best Breakfast
Family-run Golden Piñon offers breakfast all day
BY CINDY BROWN / PHOTOS BY CINDY BROWN
At Golden Piñon New Mexican Restaurant, a huge burrito comes hot out of the kitchen. It is stuffed full of scrambled eggs, home fries, pinto beans, bacon, and cheddar, smothered in red and green chile, and topped with cheddar and feta cheese. It is called the Taos breakfast burrito and it is the most popular item on the menu — for good reason. The burrito is a perfect combination of spicy and savory flavors that melt together in your mouth.
Golden Piñon has only been open for about a year-and-a-half and it is already the Taos favorite for breakfast. Although there are other good restaurants that serve Mexican, Southwest, and American favorites, there are some things that make Golden Piñon stand
“We have a wide variety of food. There is a lot to choose from,” says Jaime Daniel Saenz, son of owner Jaime Saenz. “We believe in being kind to our customers. The restaurant is wide open and there are great views from inside and our patio, too. We really appreciate the community and our staff.”
Saenz said they were surprised but happy that they won the coveted Best
Breakfast category since Golden Piñon is relatively new to the scene. In addition to the Taos breakfast burrito, there are many favorites on the breakfast menu, which is served all day, including the chile relleno burrito, stacks of golden pancakes, and specials like waffles with strawberries. Lunch choices include sandwiches, enchiladas, tacos, and juicy burgers served with fries. Salads are crisp and fresh. On the large menu, there are vegetarian options, and many items can be prepared gluten-free.
The patio is open for warm-weather months and dinners enjoy the fragrant purple lilacs and fruit trees that surround restaurant tables. Red umbrellas protect diners from sun and rain and create a colorful, relaxed setting that frames beautiful views of Taos Mountain and El Salto to the east.
Owner and chef Jaime Saenz became well-known when he cooked at Orlando’s and the northside Taos Diner, the latter of which closed in fall 2022. Saenz brought all his skill to create Golden Piñon with his family. In addition to his son, his wife Ruby cooks alongside Jaime, too. The family runs the restaurant taking obvious enjoyment in creating delicious food for its customers.
Diners at Golden Piñon say they return again and again for the breakfast and lunch menu because the food is consistently good and the chile is just right: spicy without being too hot.
Golden Piñon owner and chef Jaime Saenz in his kitchen.
GOLDEN PIÑON PATIO VIEW SMOTHERED BREAKFAST BURRITO
GOLDEN PIÑON PATIO
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