The WTA ®
Publication for World TravelersWise of America Members Traveler Volume 146 March 2009 Taos, New Mexico—Where History and Fun Meet IN31540 (03/09) by Charlie Spence, Travel Writer and WTA Member There is a place where you can explore 1,000 years of history while enjoying a summer vacation with the most modern surroundings, or while taking respites from skiing on some of the most feather-like powder you won’t find elsewhere. Taos, New Mexico, is a place for all seasons. High in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos combines natural beauty and fascinating history with modern resorts and exciting adventures. It has more than 300 days of sun a year, and the high altitude makes for cool summers and fine winter sports snow. In 1540, Conquistador Hernando de Alvarado believed he had found the famed City of Gold, but it was the sun shining on the straw in the adobes of Taos Pueblo. Taos Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. It is a sovereign nation within the United States and it was declared a national Taos Pueblo historic landmark in 1965. The multi-story adobe dwellings still have people living Photo credit: Ray Lutz in them today. About 150 people live in them full-time, while others who own the buildings in the Pueblo live in homes closer to their fields or in more modern houses. Two structures—Hlauuma (north building) and Hlaukwima (south building)—are considered the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. In all, there are more than 1,900 Taos Indians living on Taos Pueblo lands. The Pueblo is open daily, except when there are tribal rituals and for about ten weeks in late winter and early spring. Visitors are welcome to tour La Hacienda de los Martinez. You will find it much as it was in 1826, when Padre Antonio Jose Martinez began serving the parish and started the first newspaper west of the Mississippi. An offshoot of that newspaper is still published today. In the Hacienda’s period rooms, you will be transported back to life 200 years ago. Art has long been a vital part of this area, since the time Indians made carvings to the present. In 1898, two artists—Bert Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein—stopped in the area to have a wagon wheel fixed. They found it was such a fascinating area that they decided to stay. Since then, artists have migrated to the area. Museums display many fascinating pieces of their work. The Harwood Museum of Art is where you will see the works of some of Taos best-known artists of the past and present. The building was purchased by Burt and Elizabeth Harwood in 1916 and remodeled into a showplace for local artists, as well as historic 19th and 20th century Hispanic art. There are several other museums to visit. You can purchase one ticket at any museum and use at all five. There are 80 art galleries in the area, plus murals on downtown buildings which depict Taos history. Don Fernando de Taos Plaza is the heart of the Taos area. Spanish colonists built it more than 300 years ago. Today, the plaza is still the center of activity where you will find stores and shops that sell authentic native jewelry, weavings, pottery, drums, paintings and sculptures. You will find old mercantile stores with galleries, shops and restaurants and more along Kit Carson Road, and Bent and Ledoux Roads. Outdoor activities are varied. Mountain bikers will love the 27-mile South Boundary Trail. Take horseback journeys throughout the area. Maybe you and the family would enjoy llama tracking. Follow the West Rim Trail along nine miles of the scenic Rio Grand River. One of your side trips can be
c. Chicago, IL • WTA Group Auto Insurance Key to Answers: 1b, 2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 6b, 7c, 8c, 9b, 10a 9b, 8c, 7c, 6b, 5c, 4c, 3c, 2c, 1b, Answers: to Key • WTA Ski Resort Discounts RV Financing That’s Affordable • WTA Movie Discounts As a member of World Travelers of America, you have access to a highly competitive and reliable resource for your RV financing. WTA’s RV Finance Program, offered through a leading recreational vehicle finance company, is just what you’ve been GOOD NEWS WTA searching for, with rates as low as 6.99%. (At time of this printing.) MEMBERS! In addition to a low financing rate, check out these additional benefits: • Financing for new and used Class A, Class B, Class C, fifth wheels, and travel trailers from $50,000 to over $500,000 in value; • Loan amortizations from 15 to 20 years, depending on the age of the RV and the loan amount available; • Financing for up to 90% of the purchase price including options, tax, tags, insurance and the warranty on new RVs; • Competitive rates and exceptional service with quotes available online or by phone, typically within one business day; • A detailed understanding of the RV financing market; • Fast and simple processing with a one to two business day turnaround for Added benefits when you approval; upgrade your membership! • Refinancing of your current loan. To receive a free, no-obligation quote, simply visit www.worldtravelers.org/ Upgrade your WTA rv_financehome.asp or call toll-free 866-789-4511 to speak with a loan membership and receive a officer. n 3-day/2-night accommodations Travel Discounts Save You Money travel certificate to one of 20 Are you in need of a hotel room and/or rental car for an upcoming trip? Your WTA fabulous destinations. membership entitles you to discounts at a wide variety of hotels and car rental companies nationwide and even worldwide! Continue to enjoy your WTA To check rates at multiple properties or car rental companies at one time, use the member benefits by upgrading WTA Online Travel Booking Service at www.worldtravelers.org/travelservices.asp. for only $10 – almost 50% Discounts are also available at Days Inn (800-268-2195), Howard Johnson savings off the regular (800-769-0939), Knights Inn (800-682-1071), Ramada (800-462-8035), Travelodge membership fee. (800-545-5545) and Wingate Inn (877-202-8814). To make a reservation at any of these properties, call the appropriate toll-free number and give WTA discount code Upgrading is easy: Go to #60093. www.worldtravelers.org/ Discounts are also directly available at Avis (800-331-1212, ID B853102), startupgrade.asp and follow Budget (800-455-2848, ID Y194902), Enterprise (800-593-0505, ID 07A1001) and the prompts. Hertz (800-654-2200, ID 1294401), or access online at www.worldtravelers.org. n