We at Live Taos are happy to have Mumford and Sons performing tomorrow (June 6th, 2013) in our wonderful little mecca, but we also understand that for some non-music (or non-Mumford, or non-large-crowd) enthusiasts, the whole ordeal is simply a nuisance.

If you’d prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle here in town, we have come up with a few activities and getaways for you to enjoy whilst avoiding the crowds.

If you don’t leave town, just remember to be nice to all the out-of-towners — we need their money 🙂 Also, it’s probably a good idea to look at this Traffic Diversion map — Bent Street, Martyrs Lane, Civic Plaza Drive, and the stretch of Paseo that runs between them will be PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC ONLY from noon on.

1 – Day trip to Dixon

Dixon and the Embudo Valley are home to two wineries, a microbrewery, a number of galleries and artist showrooms, a great little Health Food market, a bakery, fruit stands, a thrift store and unprecedented small-town charm.

Leave early and miss the crowds:

I recommend taking the High Road through Penasco to get to Dixon (see map). On an average day this beautiful drive takes a longer than Highway 68 south through the Rio Grande canyon, but the 68 canyon is likely to be slow-going with the influx of Mumford fans.

Once in Dixon, stop by Zuly’s Cafe for a great breakfast/lunch. Their New Mexican inspired cuisine will be a delightful surprise.

After your meal drive to the Catholic church and find a parking spot. There is a great thrift store tucked behind the church, (unfortunately the thrift store is only open on Saturdays…) as well as one of Dixon’s newest ventures, a local bakery. If you’re interested in fine art, the Metier Studio Gallery is also right next to the church. The gallery features the paintings, weavings, and mixed-media work of several local artists. From there, feel free to walk around and say hi to any locals you might see. It’s possible that you’ll end up in conversation with the most interesting person you’ve ever met.

It’s now about time for some booze. Head over to La Chiripada Winery, Vivac Winery, and/or Blue Heron Brewing Co. and get your drank on! La Chiripada is the region’s oldest winery and is still owned and operated by the Johnson family. Vivac is the region’s newest winery, established in 2003 by brothers Chris and Jesse Padberg. If you’re feeling frisky and you want to keep the wine tour going, get back in the car and drive about 7 miles south of Dixon to Black Mesa Winery’s tasting room in Velarde. Blue Heron Brewing Co. is another great stop located just outside of Dixon off Hwy 68. Stop in for some microbrews, more wine, and charcuterie.

While in Dixon, it is also worth stopping by the Dixon Cooperative Market for some road snacks. The market is a mix between a little health food store and a classic bodega.

If at the end of the day you’re having a great time (or you’re simply wine drunk) and would like to stay the night in Dixon, we recommend the River’s Edge Guest House or Rock Pool Gardens B&B.

NOTE: Tune into 96.5fm, Dixon’s local low-powered radio station. If you ask me, it’s the best station in the state. Nowhere else will you hear Hank Sr. and the Beastie Boys back to back.

2 – Go camping by some water

A nice little camping trip is a great way to enjoy nature and avoid the crowds. Here is a list of several places that are just far enough away that they shouldn’t be impacted by the Mumford fans, and close enough to be convenient. All campgrounds are located near a lake/water source.

NOTE: Be sure to call the campgrounds ahead of time to ensure availability.

Eagle Nest Lake

31 Miles from Taos

Phone Number: (575)377-1594

Heron Lake

94 Miles from Taos

Phone Number: 575-588-7470

Storrie Lake, NM

71 Miles from Taos

Phone Number: (505)425-7278

Hopewell Lake

50 miles from Taos

Phone Number: (435)245-6521

Morphy Lake State Park

54 miles from Taos

Phone Number: 575-387-2328

NOTE: Check out Kelly Tredwin’s piece on Hooper Pool, near Sand Dunes National Monument for another great aquatic destination!

3 – Go see a movie

Haven’t been to the theater in a while? Now might be the perfect time… Check out the showtimes at the Storyteller 7: http://www.storyteller7.com/Showtimes.html

4 – Have a game night BBQ!

If the smoke clears up, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend. This is a perfect chance to grab some friends, some tofu dogs, and some beers, and get together for a little quality time. We recommend Catchphrase, Pictionary, and a growler from Taos Mesa Brewing.

5 – Other events in Taos

Lastly but not leastly, here is list of establishments that will remain open late into the night on June 6th, as well as a list of everything else going on today and tomorrow.

Places Staying Open Later than Usual:

Anaconda Bar at El Monte, 317 Kit Carson Rd. 12am
Alley Cantina, 121 Teresina Ln. 1am
Casa Los Cordovas, 330-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur 1am
Downtown Bistro, 233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 1am
Dragonfly Patio, 402 Paseo del Pueblo Norte 12am
El Camino Cantina, 122-C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, 2am
Eske’s Brew Pub, 106 Des Georges Ln. 1am
Gorge Bar & Grille, 103 E. Plaza 2am
Graham’s Grill, 106 Paseo del Pueblo Norte 12am+
Lambert’s, 123 Bent St. 12am+
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 112 South Plaza 12am+
Sagebrush Inn Cantina, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 1am
Taos Ale House, 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte 1am
The Bar at Quality Inn, 1043 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 1am 

Other Events: