Taos On The Cheap

Book before 15 April, for stays through to the end of May at Inn on La Loma Plaza, and get a 10% discount off regular rates on a 2 night stay, 15% on 3 nights, 20% on 4 nights, 25% on 5 nights, and a whopping 30% off 6 nights or more. Heck, you might just want to move in for a month, especially as rates include full breakfast, afternoon appetizers, evening cookies and milk (aw!), outdoor hot tub, video library, free internet, plus local spa and pool privileges. The AAA 4-diamond historic hacienda Inn on La Loma Plaza is set in walled gardens, just a couple of blocks from Taos Plaza.

A fun free event this Sun April 5, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, as Taos Ski Valley celebrates end of ski season with the Bud Light Pond Skimming Championships. Watch brave (bonkers?) skiers and snowboarders zip down the mountain and try to skim across the 80 foot pond without taking an icy dip. There’s points for best costume too. See previous years’ action: One who makes it in style, and one who doesn’t, followed by another who barely makes it in a fluffy yellow boa.  Now tell me this isn’t a good way to cheer yourself up in tax season.  Free to turn up and watch, at the base of Strawberry Hill.

Meet Carlos Rael, retablos and bultos artist, on Saturday April 4 from noon to 2:00 pm at the Harwood Museum Shop, discussing his work as part of a Shop and Learn Trunk Show. Rael’s work will be on show throughout April 2009.  Free, although nobody can blame you if you shop a little…

Sabroso’s end of ski season Pig Roast party is on Monday April 6, 6:30 – 9:30pm.  I dunno about you, but a $15 cover including buffet, tax, and tip, plus music by the always pumping Jimmy Stadler, sounds like a hog-in-mud deal to me. Sabroso Restaurant and Bar is at 470 State Highway 150, on the left just before Arroyo Seco if you’re heading from Taos. 575-776-3333

April 4, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Free admission for nesty types (it’s spring, who isn’t nesty?) at Taos Home & Garden Expo.  Green Building and Sustainable Living, Interiors/Furnishing, Real Estate, Financing, Construction, Landscaping. If it’s about the home, they say it’s here. At Civic Plaza Drive, Rio Grande & Bataan Halls.

Sleep Sanctuary will pay your sales tax on any product throughout the store till April 19. Save on Vera Wang and Serta mattresses, plus futons, pillows, and bedding. That’ll make you sleep easier, won’t it? Owner Mattress Mary says she’ll extend her annual No Sales Tax offer to selected products in her partner Toto Home store too – e.g.  on Modus and Ramblin Wood Furniture. Just ask nicely and if they can pay your tax for you, they will.  Both in the Albertson’s shopping center.  Offer valid till Sat April 19, 2009.