Filed under: Activities & Attractions, Family Camping, Family Day Trips, Historic Places & Landmarks, Uncategorized

The Magic of Ledoux Street

Tucked away in a tiny corner of Taos, NM is Ledoux Street.  This quaint and beautiful street, named after Paul Ledoux, one of the first French trappers to settle in Taos in the 1800’s, contains magic that is difficult to find in this day and age. Reminiscent of days gone by, the shops and galleries lining Ledoux Street are contained in some of the oldest buildings in the town; adobe structures that housed some of the earliest residents of Taos. These buildings are lovingly preserved and meticulously cared for. Landscaping is some of the best and most attractive around, replete with roses of all hues and brilliant black-eyed susans and Taos’ characteristic Russian sage.

The town of Taos is centered around a plaza in typical Spanish tradition. However, the Taos  Plaza has moved three times in the past. Ledoux Street was the second location of the Taos Plaza and is located just one block off the current plaza.  It is a very charming street that boasts high quality museums, galleries and shops offering true Taos ambiance

In a town known for its multitude of galleries, one of the largest collections of these is on Ledoux Street. Some of the most popular are the Baumann Gallery, the Inger Jirby Gallery, the Blumenschein Museum and Studio, where yo ucan watch the artist at work, to name just a few. And the  famous Harwood Museum of  Art is located at the very end of the street. Visitors can simply wander from one to the next, perusing the art and pottery selections available for sale or just to look at. There is also a studio or two, at which guests may watch artists at work. To get a feel for the true artist community that is Taos, NM, a trip to Ledoux Street is a must.

The street sparkles even more brilliantly during the holiday season. Farolitos, small luminarias made up of candles set in some sand inside a paper bag, provide the effect of a lantern, line the street. Many townspeople come out to take part in the celebration of “The Lighting of Ledoux” which usually occurs the first week in December. The farolitos stay lit through the entire holiday season so visitors who miss the lighting ceremony can appreciate the special magic of the holidays for approximately a month. If you are in the area of Taos, NM during any time of year, make Ledoux Street a mandatory stop on your journey.

To find your home-away-from-home in Taos, NM, browse Woodall’s listings of New Mexico RV camping resorts.

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