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Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate

4.5 (40)
Taos, US
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Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate

4.5 (40)
Taos, US
Share
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Immerse yourself in the eclectic artistic community of Taos on the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate. Explore the historical context of the town as you weave in and out of winding alleyways, encountering the local art scene. Taos has been a renowned art colony since the late 1800s, and you can experience the remarkable art brought to life by this dynamic community. Discover downtown's rich art history while enjoying a mix of old and new. And to top off your tour, indulge in a Chocolate Elixir at Chokola, where owners Deb and Javier are passionate about their decadent chocolate creations. This is the perfect way to celebrate the finale of your immersion into the world of Taos artisans. Don't miss out on this unique and enriching experience.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Learn about the founding fathers of the Taos Artist Society
  • Meet artisan Rich Nichlos in Ernest Blumensceins Art Studio
  • Discover the WPA commissioned frescoes painted by Taos Artist Society Members
  • Experience the rich history of native textiles in Tres Estrellas Gallery
  • Experience Guide
  • Hot or Cold Sipping Chocolate Elixir
  • None
  • Gratuity for Guide
  • Sunscreen & Hat for Sun Protection

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More about this experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art community of Taos with the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate. This unique tour takes you on a journey through the winding alleyways and historical streets of Taos, where you can explore the eclectic art scene that has made this high desert mountain town famous. Taos has been a haven for artists since the late 1800s, and this tour gives you the opportunity to experience the ethereal light and vivid landscape that has inspired generations of creatives.

What to expect?

During this 180-minute tour, you will discover the fascinating history and culture of Taos while meeting local artists and artisans. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the historic areas of Taos and the Taos Plaza, sharing stories about the founding fathers of the Taos Artist Society. You'll have the chance to visit Ernest Blumensceins Art Studio and meet artisan Rich Nichlos, who will provide insight into his craft. Additionally, you'll explore the WPA commissioned frescoes painted by Taos Artist Society Members, showcasing the talent and creativity that flourishes in this community. One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to Tres Estrellas Gallery, where you'll meet owners Chris and Carla. They will take you on a deep dive into the history of native textiles in the northern New Mexico and Mexican region. You'll learn about the churro sheep and the weaving techniques used to create stunning handwoven shawls and blankets inspired by the region's native textiles. Carla will even demonstrate the art of weaving, showcasing her passion for preserving the rich weaving traditions of Taos. To wrap up the tour, you'll indulge in a decadent Chocolate Elixir at Chokola, a local chocolatier. Owners Deb and Javier are dedicated to every step of the chocolate-making process and offer a delightful selection of sipping chocolate, truffles, mousses, and tarts. It's the perfect way to celebrate the finale of your journey through Taos' artisan community.

Who is this for?

The Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate is designed for art enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone curious about the unique creative community of Taos. Whether you are an experienced traveler or new to the art scene, this tour offers an immersive experience that will expand your understanding and appreciation of the artistic traditions rooted in this mountain town. It caters to individuals who seek a deeper connection with local artisans and want to discover the rich history and vibrant culture that make Taos a renowned art destination.

Why book this?

By booking the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate, you'll have the opportunity to explore Taos' art scene in a way that goes beyond the surface. This tour takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to discover hidden gems and meet talented artists who call Taos home. The combination of art, history, and local insight makes this tour a truly immersive experience. From learning about the founding fathers of the Taos Artist Society to witnessing the weaving techniques used to create beautiful textiles, every moment of this tour is filled with inspiration and creativity. The grand finale of indulging in exquisite chocolate at Chokola adds a deliciously sweet touch to this already unforgettable experience.

Good to know

The Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate has a total duration of 180 minutes, providing ample time to delve into Taos' art history and engage with local artisans. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the beauty and artistry you'll encounter along the way. Be prepared for the changing weather conditions of Taos' high desert mountain town. The tour includes multiple stops at various locations, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the art community and engage with the artists and owners on a personal level. You'll leave with not only beautiful memories but also a deeper understanding of Taos' art scene and the local artisans who contribute to its vibrancy.

Reviews

Feedback from individuals who have experienced the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate highlights the tour's exceptional quality and immersive nature. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who bring the history and artistic traditions of Taos to life. Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to meet and interact with local artisans, gaining insights into their creative processes. The tour is praised for its balance of information, exploration, and leisure, creating a well-rounded experience that caters to a wide range of interests. Participants commend Chokola's chocolate elixirs as the perfect way to end the tour, describing them as both heavenly and decadent. Overall, reviewers express immense satisfaction with the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate, recommending it to anyone seeking an enriching and inspiring exploration of Taos' artistry and culture.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Heritage Inspirations

(Pass by)

Journey with your guide throughout the historic area of Taos and the Taos Plaza.

The Couse-Sharp Historic Site

Learn about the founding fathers of the Taos Artist Society

Admission Included

Blumenschein Home & Museum

Meet artisan Rich Nichlos in Ernest Blumensceins Art Studio

Admission Included

Taos Plaza

Discover the WPA commissioned frescoes painted by Taos Artist Society Members

Tres Estrellas Design

Meet owners Chris and Carla at Tres Estrellas Gallery for an in depth experience to learn about native textiles of the northern New Mexico and Mexican. Dive deep into this rich history of our Rio Grande Blankets and the churro sheep introduced to provide some of the finest weaving materials. Enjoy a weaving demo by Carla who is passionate about sharing her handwoven shawls and blankets that use hand-died yarns inspired by our native textiles of Taos Region.

Reviews

(40)

4.5 (40)

Karen K

We had a great visit toTaos with a wonderful guide, great stories and a chance to meet and interact with artist in their studios…the chocolate tasting was a pleasure to experience at the end of an amazing afternoon!

H9242XPjulieb

I’ve booked a lot of tours and this is the only one I would say was very disappointing. Just walked us in and out of galleries for the most part. One gallery was skipped because the owner was not available so it was closed. The tour guide or the employees at the galleries didn’t add much content to the gallery tour. In the end it was just a waste of time and money.

Sightseer18877875315

This tour made us fall in love with Taos! We did the artisan walking tour. Our tour guide, Leslie, had lived in Taos for 25 years and had a wealth of art knowledge. She knew the artists in town and was able to introduce us to a lot of great people and places. Our favorite part of the tour was visiting one of the artists in his studio and hearing his passion for art and Taos. We learned so much about art, history, and the city from her. She also gave us great food/drink/shopping recommendations for the rest of our visit. Leslie made our visit to Taos so special and walking around the city with her was like learning from a fun friend! We can’t wait to do it again!

amy a

My daughter booked this tour because she knows how much I love chocolate and it sounded interesting. It was a truly phenomenal experience! We had an immersive introduction to the art scene and the history of textiles and weaving in Taos. Our fabulous guide Lizzy shared her passion, knowledge, and personal connections to the artists and artisans we met along the tour. The pace was relaxed and the people she introduced us to along the way were fascinating. We might have wandered into some of these places on our own but we never would have seen Taos the way we did without Lizzy. She recommended Medley for dinner and we had a memorable and fabulous foodie experience. At the chocolate shop we had drinking chocolate for the first time! A must do experience! Well worth

AprilMI

Fabulous art-focused tour with our incredible guide Leslie! Leslie gauged our interests and toured us accordingly. We were exposed to all kinds of art from painting to jewelry to weaving and beyond. Along the way she sprinkled in history, architecture, offered suggestions for additional points of interest and dining recommendations. She gave generously of her time yet kept us on track for all the places she wanted us to visit. A lovely human being with whom to have spent an afternoon. And all of it topped off with a chocolate tasting! A memorable adventure!

jameelc2020

This walking tour was led by Lesley who was a wealth of information from Taos history to the current art scene in town. Each gallery we went to, the curator was kind enough to give us special attention. We really enjoyed her her warm and fun presence. She went above and beyond in giving us tips on what to do for the rest of our trip as well. The chocolate is a must!

Jackie_S

Lewis was personal and knowledgeable but the tour was WAY over priced! We could have done it one our own.

Jon_P

Wonderful mixture of art and local history. Awoke a newfound appreciation for Southwestern art, and the pivotal place Taos holds in development of contemporary art. Well worth the money and time! One minor disappointment: one of the three museum/studio visits listed required substitution due to illness at the museum. Explanations of the artwork (in many media!) were superb. We looked forward to this particular stop- only to find out about the substitution at the time for the last stop. Unavoidable, but a bit disappointing. Suggest covering any variances from the published itinerary at the start. Wound not hesitate to recommend this tour, the operator Heritage Inspirations, or our guide Lewis!

Julia L

Very interesting tour. Guide was great and the galleryies we toured were excellent. Esp. loved the sipping chocolate at the end of the tour!

nancykN2119IA

Shane was an excellent guide and the guide makes the tour! He delivered the perfect blend of history, art and Taos tips. He was engaging and personable. Our favorite stops were the weaving gallery and studio and Max’s gallery. The owners of both were charming and engaging. They didn’t deliver a presentation, but offered a conversation. The chocolate shop was fabulous and when the name of the sipping chocolate is New Mexico Spicy—they mean it. It was a surprise, but I loved it. Shane offered dining tips for Taos as well, and we really appreciated his thoughtfulness, time and effort throughout the tour.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-29 18:00