The arts have long been a major part of the allure of this fabled Northern New Mexico town. From the Native American culture dating back more than 1,000 years, to the Hispanic Santos of the last 400 plus years, to the Taos Society of Artists and the Taos Moderns of the last 100 years, art has played an integral part in the daily lives of the residents of this picturesque valley.

Most everyone in Taos is fluent in the language of art. You'll find nearly 100 art galleries in the area along with arts festivals springing up in public parks and galleries on most weekends. You'll see the art in restaurants, churches, and gardens. Artists represent the Native American, Spanish and Anglo culture of the area. You can even arrange art tours of the area through Artours/Taos Travel, Ltd. (800-582-9700 or 505-758-4246), 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos.

Here are some galleries not to miss: Wilder Nightingale Gallery, (800- 845-4173 or 505-758-3255; http://www.wnightingale.com), 119-A Kit Carson Road; Navajo Gallery, (505-758-3250; http://rcgormangallery.com), 210 Ledoux; Brazos Fine Art, (505-758-0767; http://www.brazosfineart.com), 119 Bent Street; Weaving Southwest, (505-758-0433; http://www.weavingsouthwest.com), 216 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, and Taos Drums, (800-424-3786 or 505-758-3796; http://www.taosdrums.com), Hwys 68 and 570.

The Visitor's Center (800-816-1516; http://www.taoschamber.com/index.html), at the Corner of Hwy 64 and Hwy 68, also presents changing exhibitions of area artists.