Whether you are just passing through or looking to experience Southwestern Culture at its finest, the town of Taos is sure to surprise you. When my family and I took our first lap through Taos, we were amazed at the vibrant display of unique culture that comes in stucco formations and flat desert landscaping. Don't let the desert scene fool you, because this low-population town is surrounded by mountains for giants with tons of hidden gems! Take a Gander off the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.The views from the bridge make you feel like you are on another planet. If you stay long enough and watch closely, you can spot this interesting herd of Bighorn Sheep dwell above steep cliff drop-offs that lead into the river below. I kept catching myself dreaming of paddling down the Rio Grande. Grab a Brew from the Mothership.On your way to town from the gorge, stop by Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership for great beer, art, and just a really badass atmosphere. I opted for the Black Widow Porter which hit the spot- not too heavy but still a light coffee aroma. The stage outside had me yearning to drop by for some live bluegrass, and I couldn't stop looking up at the local art inside the craft room. The mothership is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and just friendly all around. Play. Create. Explore.Twirl is seriously the coolest toy shop in the country. Regardless of your age, this place will have you on your hands and knees playing with toys from your childhood past. And we can all learn from the message: Play, Create, and Explore. Isn't that really what life is all about? Dig this place, and the cherry on top- it's a nonprofit. We love Twirl. The Quaintest Book Shop.
Plan Your Next Ski Trip at the Bavarian Lodge.Take a half hour drive through steep canyon walls up to Taos Ski Valley to Après Ski, unless you have more than a day then grab a darned lift ticket and get on the mountain! Snag a couple happy hour pints at the Bavarian Lodge and plan your routes on the Taos Winter Trail Map (Which is both beer and tear-proof). There are plenty of ski chairs around the base area to pop-a-squat and recoup while you reflect on your big day exploring all Taos has to offer. All in a day's journey, you will find yourself pondering on how one small town could hold so many unraveled mysteries. If you seek to know more about Northern New Mexico, consider checking out Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and Red River. You will never run out of new trails, good beer, and unique culture to explore around the Enchanted Circle!
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I have reached that stage of life where every birthday reminds me of one single episode of Friends that will stay with me until the end of times, or 30: I was talking with a friend the other night about life. We talked about how we first met and how life sends you mixed signals in the choices of paths and directions we take. One single choice could have changed everything and who knows where we would be right now. Ya know, the Butterfly Effect. I started dwelling on the past but in a good way. I think it's productive to look at where we've been to better understand who we are and where we have ended up, and also to avoid making the same mistakes. While talking to this friend, I got a wicked urge to hunt down my old high school journal. I had remembered making a bucket list of sorts and wondered what I had and hadn't accomplished as I beam the horizon 2 years away from the deadline on my 28th birthday. My Teenage Bucket List: |
Collin and I had an opportunity to MC the shovel races, and it was an absolute blast. We made new friends with the hosts of Santa Fe Brewery from Albuquerque and spent the day in overalls announcing some of the world's fastest shovel plungers. | SHOVEL RACES 2019With shovels flying down the hill breaking speeds of 60 mph, Collin took a break to enjoy a nice club sandwich. |
AFR is a family-friendly resort, and we dig it.
We took Olin for her first spin up the magic carpet to bag a run down Dreamcatcher. I think she had just as much fun riding up the carpet as she did riding her "no-ma" down the beginner run.
Daddy helped strap her into Burton bindings on her Riglet board. Olin's mimi in Michigan scored a 90s snowsuit at a thrift store, and it was the perfect opportunity to put it to use. We used regular snow boots this run since her feet are growing so fast. Next season, we'll opt in for the Toddler Mini-Grom boots as she takes more runs down the mountain. |
Collin and I took turns catching and releasing Olin on her Riglet. She's not even 2 yet, and she was ripping passed adults in their first ski lesson making me one P R O U D mama.
After each catch & release, Olin would swoop into my arms and say "FUN!" She couldn't stop smiling and neither could we.
Olin took a natural crouching tiger stance and squatted low to gain balance on her no-ma. She leaned effortlessly onto her heel edge and knew when to fall to her butt to stop. Collin and I were beaming with excitement to see our daughter capture a natural love for one of our favorite outdoor sports! Watch a video of her shredding for the first time here!
This little lady impresses us more every day with how much she is learning and growing. She has been asking to ride her bike more and knows how to put her helmet on by herself. Not a lot can top a powder with free refills, but Collin said it best the last time we rode Angel Fire on our parent's date out "The only thing that could top this day is when Olin will be out here shredding with us." |
Every day outside is the best day, especially when spent with fam & friends. Angel Fire Resort is a great place to chill with the family and still grab a cold beer after a long day outside. I am stoked to see what new mountains Olin and I will climb together this summer and all the shenanigans to come as the seasons start to change.
If you enjoy following our journey, please give our Dogs & Diapers Facebook Page a thumbs up!
If you enjoy following our journey, please give our Dogs & Diapers Facebook Page a thumbs up!
It has been a long January. We have wanted to spend every second of every weekend snowboarding and taking advantage of only living two miles from the Chile Express, however, our family has been down with the sickness. We get up, we get down with the sickness. We hoped to take Olin on her first Magic Carpet ride last weekend, however I thought we still needed a couple days to recoup and let her conserve energy. So, we decided to take a family van trip to Red River, New Mexico- just up and over the Bobcat Pass across from Angel Fire.
We started with breakfast at the Old Tymer's Cafe. Collin had the Eggs Benny, and Olin and I split a BEC crossiant with hashbrowns. The food and coffee were both delicious, and the staff was exceptional- not too hovery and always smiling with drink refills. It was the perfect way to start the day in Red River.
The dogs came along on the trip, of course. They hung out in the van, as the temperature was just right to accompany Taco's naturally thick coat, and Dobby's Patagonia vest borrowed from Olin's closet (we were lucky enough to snag one at a re-used gear shop in Jackson Hole last summer for a bargain). We took a loop through the base of the ski resort and got excited at the idea of coming back to ride. The old cat at the entrance makes a great welcome into the unique town of Red River.
Red River Brewing Company
We hopped from door to door, checking out the local shops in Red River. Olin's eyes glazed over looking at all the colorful souvenirs. After burning off a bit of breakfast, we sampled some new brews at the local brewery, Red River Brewing Company. Collin went for the Cat Skinner IPA and I the Midnight Meadows Oatmeal Stout. Both were fresh and delicious. Olin had a refined Dihydrogen Monoxide on the rocks. |
We had such an amazing day and met up with some friends and made some new ones. I learned a Costa Rican expression from our new friends that described the moment perfectly- "Pura Vida!" It was great to explore unfamiliar places with the fam, all within a 40 minute drive from the house.
Oh, and how could I ever forget to mention the Mile High Ice Cream Pie.
We had a very relaxing time in Red River. I can't wait to go back, try new foods, and explore the all-level hiking trails around this sweet New Mexican town. | |
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