ARROYO SECO
A good thing in a small package
Though cacelled for COVID-19 precautions this year, the tiny community of Arroyo Seco fills up fast right before the annual Fourth of July Parade and is a must-stop on the way to Taos Ski Valley. Taos News file photo
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH Arroyo Seco – at elevation 7,634 feet. As legend would have it, Taos Valley is flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the east, a desert guarded by the plumed serpent on the west and by the ruined houses of La Llorona on the south.
You can always feel the sense of community and creativity brimming at the shops, boutiques, galleries and eateries lining the main street of Arroyo Seco, the picturesque village located on State Road 150, on the way to Taos Ski Valley. As coronavirus safety measures progress, the foothills may once again echo with the global sounds of Seco Live and Roots & Wings presenting Celebrate Seco, a spate of free summer shows in the heart of town outdoors.
For updates on scheduled events, visit secolive.org.
Ryan Perry of Homemad Jamz Blues Band walks through a pre-pandemic crowd gathered at Scott Carlson’s Pottery Gallery in Arroyo Seco during a free Seco Live concert in 2015. Currently oh hold due to COVID-19 precautions, hopes are high for a return of this annual event, sooner than later, but safety comes first. Katharine Egli/Taos News
ARTIST STUDIO
Melinda Littlejohn began her fine art career as a minimal abstractionist, but was drawn to the style of 17th-century Spanish Bodegón still-life paintings.
By appointment: thelittlejohnstudio@gmail.com
LODGING
Offering authentic Northern New Mexican accommodations such as the adobe brick home Casa Miguel and Casa Kachina in Arroyo Seco’s distinct residential community Los Altos.
State Road 150; (800) 987-8423
Fully furnished, wood fireplace, stocked kitchen, bath and linens. Hot tub on the upper deck and free Wi-Fi.
585 Hondo-Seco Road; (575) 776-2540
Sometimes referred to as a ski lodge with campsites, the concept of the SnowMansion is based on the hostel. For many years, the SnowMansion has been a popular, comfortable and cozy, budget-friendly place to stay.
476 State Road 150; (575) 776-8298
The Snow Mansion Taos Hostel. Taos News file photo
MERCHANTS
The 1895 building houses antiques, American West vintage items, gifts, santos, Indian trade blankets and much more.
Daily; 488 State Road 150; (575) 776-8806; Find on Facebook
Owner and award-winning sculptor and painter, Claire Haye’s sterling silver, bronze and gold pieces “speak universally to women of all ages and walks of life.” Her online store is active and effective for sales and new information.
Friday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; 482A State Road 150; (575) 776-5175
Film industry writer, producer and director Jack Leustig’s print studio is open for reduced hours at this time. He produces prints for local artists in small to large formats as a premier publisher of Southwest art and photography.
Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 482 State Road 150; (575) 776-3899
Francesca’s offers a large selection of one-of-a-kind women’s clothing and accessories. Clothes are stylish and trendy with something for every body type.
Francesca’s has topped the “Best Women’s Clothing Boutique” category in Taos News’ “Best of Taos” survey for more than 10 years.
Daily 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 498 State Road 150; (575) 776-8776
“Logan Wannamaker stands at a whirling pottery wheel and effortlessly shapes a ball of black clay into a cup in seconds. That moment—throwing a pot—is probably the easiest part of his creative process. Behind it are hours of digging, sieving, mixing, hammering, chopping and burning that finally culminate in a one-of-a-kind work of art that uses native materials to mirror the dramatic Northern New Mexico landscape,” wrote J.R. Logan for Taos News.
Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 482A State Road 150; (575) 770-4334
Parse Seco is an experimental creative space that provides a platform for artists, musicians and creators to present experiences in an intimate setting or, in other words, “using art to reform the social norm.” Check the events calendar on Facebook.
Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. or by appointment; 487 State Road 150; (312) 593-3948
Rottenstone Pottery specializes in unique ceramic art made in the ancient tradition of wood-firing. Scott Rutherford’s wares combine an Eastern Wabi Sabi aesthetic with the functional formal considerations of American folk craft pottery. His pieces are either fired in an electric oxidation kiln, a salt kiln or in an Anagama wood kiln.
Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 486 State Road 150; (575) 776-1042
Santos y Mas is where to go for the area’s best selection of handcrafted Northern New Mexico folk art and colorful, whimsical gifts and collectibles. You can’t help but smile.
Daily 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; 484 State Road 150; (575) 776-2088
Locally made jewelry at Claireworks in Arroyo Seco. Courtesy photo
RESTAURANTS
This decadeslong, family-owned and -operated establishment is a local favorite serving up some of the best enchiladas, chicharrones, tamales and empanadas (especially the pumpkin!) in Northern New Mexico. The historic tavern currently is only open for to-go liquor sales. It’s a great place to hear some gossip, if you’re hankering for a little local liveliness.
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; 489 State Road 150; (575) 776-8516
ACEQ is only doing takeout and delivery in a 15-mile radius, from the Taos golf course in Ranchos de Taos, north to Arroyo Hondo and northeast, up to Taos Ski Valley. No dine-in at press time, but as soon as safety is assured, they will once again offer the fare and atmosphere that consistently gets rave reviews, presenting comfort food that utilizes local, wild and farm-fresh ingredients. Check the online menu for to-go orders.
Sunday-Thursday 4-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 4:30-9 p.m.; 480 State Road 150; (575) 776-0900
Sabroso is American and global cuisine and has been offering to-go meals. Once inside and patio service is established, it typically provides a fully stoked bar and wine cellar. The hand-squeezed fresh lime margaritas are some of the best in the Southwest. Live music on the patio may still be an offering, as per COVID-19 safety measures allow. The patio and bar have frequently been referred to as “Seco’s living room.”
Wednesday-Monday 4 p.m.-close; closed Tuesday; 470 State Road 150; (575) 776-3333
Country-style natural foods market and café offering an informal, friendly atmosphere aiming to use natural organic and local ingredients whenever possible.
MARKET: daily 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; CAFÉ: food to-go only, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 591 Hondo Seco Road; (575) 776-5765
Heavenly, award-winning ice cream offering classic and unique rotating flavors such as Piñón Caramel and Chocolate Río Grande. But this quintessential food cart also has an espresso bar and serves bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos and its famous egg sando. Outdoor riverside seating.
Daily 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; 485 State Road 150; (575) 776-5640
The Wake & Take Café is home to Shrub Life Foods, a vegan and plant-based food company located in the village of Arroyo Seco. They offer to-go, tasty and affordable options for anyone who wants to level up their health and the planet.
To-go daily: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Wednesday; 480 State Rd 150, Suite A; (505) 990-0296; Instagram @TheWakeandTake
Courtesy Sabroso
