Dunn Deal

Take a charmed shopping excursion in the heart of historic Taos

By Josephine Ashton

“The time has come,” the walrus said, “to talk of many things: of shoes and ships — and sealing wax — of cabbages and kings.” But then, bless his mathematician, logician, imaginative, 1832-1898 author’s heart, Lewis Carroll had never enjoyed a summer stroll through the John Dunn Shops in downtown Taos.  

Visitors enjoy a warm day at the John Dunn/Bent Street shops in Taos, New Mexico, Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

Had the time come, however, and the author of “Alice in Wonderland” had set foot in Taos sometime in 1887 or so, he might have gotten there by way of ship, train and — from the railroad station at Las Piedras — hailed a wagon or burro, or maybe hitched a ride with a local bringing the mail down from the railroad stop at Tres Piedras. And that driver might have been John Dunn himself.

Dunn made his own rascally way down to Taos from Elizabethtown and Eagle Nest — then called Therma until its 1930s re-naming, due to the completion of the Eagle Nest Dam, the name of which likely resulted from the eagles nesting there. 

Nathan Burton/Taos News

Dunn had not come to New Mexico for turquoise or gold, but he did have an eye for golden opportunities, and soon discovered that gold garnered from transportation, saloons, gambling and bawdy houses could line the pockets of his velvet jackets. 

But though the two men may have disliked one another on sight — the Englishman who had already seen the publication in 1871 of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the mid-westerner from Texas, who would not see his many shifty businesses survive — they both had a destiny in common. They would both leave gifts for the future; Carroll, magical literature; Dunn, a 10-room home on Bent Street that would eventually be transformed into several small shops. 

Nathan Burton/Taos News

Today, a whole street will charm you; tempt you to have lunch, buy a book, sip coffee, and browse — and buy — in the John Dunn Shops. 

If your approach via Taos Plaza toward Bent Street, your first adventure will be op.cit (yes, small ‘o’) bookstore. Oh, those steps! If needed, there’s a ramp on the side of the building and a doorbell. Formerly Moby Dickens Books, the store has a twin sister in Santa Fe. 

Just inside the front door, you’ll find a long table filled with books about New Mexico, and books by New Mexicans. Toward the back, by the stairs, a shelf brimming with books by Taos County authors. You’ll find new best-sellers, used and collectible books, journals, maps and gift items. Then, take a deep breath, up the double staircase: two rooms full of new books, with the larger room doubling as an author book talk venue. 

David Perez works on putting books away at op.cit. bookstore, Photos by Jane Phillips/for the Taos News

Next, you’ll want to visit Coyote Moon gallery and shop. If not traveling, owners Luis and Cristina Garcia may be there to greet you. Luis’ beautifully crafted southwestern themed jewelry and etchings on wood, as well as works by Zuni, Pueblo and Navajo artists will immediately demand a close look and maybe a purchase for yourself or a gift.

Coyote Moon Indigenous & amp; imported from Mexico work is one of the John Dunn Shops in Taos, New Mexico. Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

The Garcias have also reached out to local artists who show paintings, prints, pottery and Folk Arts from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Part of the success of their more than 35 years in business is due to the fact that they travel several times a year to meet old and new friends — artists and artisans in other countries, bringing back unique and giftable samples of their jewelry, pottery, fabric and decorative arts.  

Ana Pacheco rings up a customer at Coyote Moon, Indigenous & amp; imported from Mexico work, in Taos, New Mexico. Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

Just a few steps more, across the narrow walkway, stop in Café Sagrado for a coffee, latte, frappe or hot or iced tea. The coffees and teas: “all organic and fair trade.” There are a few tables inside, or grab a pastry or vegan, gluten-free cookie and sit outside. In warm weather the benches near the fountain area provide a pleasant respite.  

People take a break at Cafe Sagrado,Coffee House, in Taos, New Mexico, Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News
From left, Grace Jones of Kokopelli Flutes of Taos, plays a few tunes for Robert Calvillo, on her beautiful hand carved tribal flutes. Paul Jones works in the background. Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

Continue down the street. A shop that will surprise you is the flute-maker’s table outside. Cold or warm weather, Kokopelli Flutes of Taos owners Paul and Grace Jones love meeting out-of-town visitors. “We’ve been placing Paul’s flutes in the hands of global visitors for more than twenty years,” Grace explains, processing a client’s charge card, while Paul continues carving his latest flute.

“It’s a gift for my daughter,” the buyer says. “She’ll love to play this flute. But, really, it’s a work of art.”

Grace Jones and her husband, Paul of Kokopelli Flutes of Taos work on their beautiful hand carved tribal flutes, Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

You’ll encounter many shops in this short, easy-to-traverse passageway, but towards the end and slightly around a corner, do visit Las Comadres, a local women’s co-op gallery showcasing seven members’ paintings, prints, cards, fabric art and designer clothing. 

From left, Jennifer Forbes and her daughter, Emily Roecker, cq,18, shop at Las Comadres Gallery, a women’s co-op, Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News

The members volunteer at the shop, and one such watercolor artist, Karin McCurtain-Blair, may be there to show not only her own paintings and cards, but also provide a quick tour of the small, color-filled gallery and shop. 

You’ll find scrumptious fooderies at both ends of the John Dunn Shops, and entry-exits that will take you to the parking lot and convenient public restrooms, to Bent Street shops and parking, or to Taos Plaza. Happy strolling, happy browsing and shopping.

From left, Cathy Kaplan of Dallas and her daughter Carly of Los Angeles shop at Las Comadres Gallery, a women’s co-op, Photos by Jane Phillips/ For the Taos News
op.cit Bookstore 
124A Bent Street, Taos
johndunnshops.com/project/op-cit-books
575-751-1999 

Coyote Moon
120 Bent Street, Suite C, Taos
johndunnshops.com/project/coyote-moon
575-613-6716  

Café Sagrado 
124 Bent Street, Suite F, Taos
johndunnshops.com/project/cafe-sagrado  
575-758-2840 

Kokopelli Flutes of Taos 
120 Bent St Taos
taos.org/places/kokopelli-flutes-of-taos
575-377-5017

Las Comadres  
120 Suite G, Bent Street, Taos 
johndunnshops.com/project/las-comadres-gallery
575-737-1023