Taos: New Mexico's Culture Capital

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

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Ranked number two in Smithsonian magazine’s 2012 list of Best Small Towns in America, Taos is one of New Mexico’s best destinations. In the winter, Taos Ski Valley lures snow-sports enthusiasts from around the world who want to tackle the southern Rockies.

Year-round, Taos attracts visitors intrigued by the town’s famous pueblos (adobe dwellings), southwest art scene, and spicy Meixcan food.

Rent a car and drive the 86-mile scenic route known as the Enchanted Circle. Don’t miss the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, America’s second-highest suspension bridge.

Where is it? North of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fly into Taos Regional Airport (check prices), or into Albuquerque International Sunport (check prices), which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Taos.

Where to Stay? In traditional adobe-style architecture at El Pueblo Lodge.

What Else Should I Know? Renting a car is the best way to get around the area, although there are also public buses.

Who’s it For? Artists, skiers, Mexican food fans.

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