Things To Do
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest tourism event in New Mexico, and it lasts for about a week at the beginning October. It is the largest balloon festival in the world, and has been hosted in Albuquerque since 1972. Connor and I have attended together (almost) every year since 2015! Disclaimer: This event brings in a lot of people from all over the world, and travel to New Mexico at this time is busier than usual. We recommend considering travel options a bit further in advance, particularly flights and rental cars if necessary. You can check out their schedule for planned mass ascensions and nighttime balloon glows, weather permitting! This year, the Balloon Fiesta will be after our wedding, October 7th - 15th, if you decide you would like to stay in the Land of Enchantment a little longer.
Downtown Taos Historic District
Just a half-mile from the venue is the downtown Taos historic district, with plenty of shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, and museums to enjoy! History of Taos settlement dates back to 1796, and the Taos plaza as we know it now dates back to the 1930s. Taos is a family favorite, particularly for Connor's mom, Jacki, and dad, Joe, who enjoy traveling up to Taos every year for birthdays and anniversaries!
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo belonging to the Puebloan people as early as the 11th century. About 150 people currently live in the Taos Pueblo, and tourists are welcome to come visit most of the year. You can take a look at their website for listed ceremonial events and extra information, including COVID-19 restrictions.
Angel Fire Resort
A 45 minute drive away from downtown Taos is Angel Fire ski resort, and offers great outdoor activities in the fall including golfing, hiking, biking and more! Over the years Emily has enjoyed skiing and hiking up in Angel Fire with family. If you are an avid golfer like Connor, let us know if you would be interested in participating in a scramble at Angel Fire or another nearby course before the wedding!
The Living Spa
If you’d prefer to stay and relax at El Monte Sagrado, you can enjoy the Living Spa, recently rated one of the Top Spa Resorts in America by Forbes Magazine! It is very highly recommended by Connor’s mom, Jacki!
Rio Grande Gorge
The Rio Grande Gorge bridge is one of the tallest bridges in the United States. There is a great walking trail along the rim that starts at a parking lot on the west side of the bridge so you can enjoy the cliffside views of the Rio Grande!
San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church
Active since the 18th century, San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church is certainly a favorite spot when we visit Taos! The parish is popularly photographed by Ansel Adams and painted by Georgia O'Keefe, and is one of New Mexico's National Historic Landmarks.
Ranchos Plaza Grill
Right across the street from the San Francisco de Asís Church is the Ranchos Plaza Grill, one of the Hopkins' favorite places to take out of town guests! According to Emily's aunt and uncle, Kristie and Jeb, the chile rellenos are to die for!
Santa Fe Plaza
The Santa Fe plaza is certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Mexico! If you haven't been and would like to see Santa Fe, this would be a great place to stop on the way from the Albuquerque Sunport or the Santa Fe Regional Airport.
Wheeler Peak
If you enjoy hiking, Wheeler Peak is a great place to see the fall colors and enjoy the Rocky Mountains. Wheeler is the tallest peak in New Mexico (13,161 ft) so the hike is very difficult, and has large elevation gain. This may not be for all hikers, however, there are lots of pretty trails in the Wheeler Peak wilderness area around the base. Emily's sister, Katie, and boyfriend, Wyatt, enjoy hiking up to the peak in the summer!
Taos Country Club
