Taos, an eclectic little town in northern New Mexico, has a name bigger than it actually is and with good reason. Nestled on a high plateau, beneath the the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is the home to Taos Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited village in America and was founded long before the crazy lost pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. A blend of Hispanics, Natives and Anglos, Taos is unique in its creative collective community. It’s a little hard to get to, but most gems are not easy to find.
HOTELS AND ACCOMODATIONS RESTAURANTS AND DINING AREA MAP
Weather
It’s in the desert and it’s hot, right??? Not Exactly. Taos is located at 7200 ft. above sea level, beneath snow capped mountains. The high dry mountain air brings cobalt skies, champagne snow, weezy lungs and sunburn. Last year, on the first day of the fest we had 3 inches of fresh snow fall. The next day, blue skies and by the final day, we were in T-shirts and shorts. Expect the gamut. Snow, Hail, Warm, Sunny. But most always, FREEZING AT NIGHT ( 25-32 degrees), Cool in the Day (45-69 degrees). But regardless of the weather. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Prepare for the Altitude! Take it easy when you first get here. Acclimitize a bit. Don’t miss the films sitting in a hotel room with Altitude Sickness.
Dressing for the Fest
No Tux or Gown needed here. Casual Creative is the norm with a little bit of freaky thrown in. Just about anything goes for style, but layering is Best (See Weather above). Scarfs, Wraps, Shawls, Light Coats are the norm, with wool hats and gloves on standby. Long underwear under jeans is common local attire while sitting by a piñon kiva fire. Leave the suit and tie and high heels at home, they only get stuck in the mud and cobblestones. Sunglasses are almost required!
Driving / Rental Car Information
For discounted rental cars:
contact Pia Hosick
phosick@hertz.com
505-217-5376
mention Taos Shortz Film Fest
From Albuquerque: I-25 to Santa Fe; exit on 599 north to by-pass Santa Fe; Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 68 to Taos.
From Arizona: I-40 to Albuquerque; I-25 to Santa Fe; Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 68 to Taos.
From Denver: I-25 to Colorado Springs to Walsenburg; Hwy. 160 to Fort Garland; Hwy. 159 and Hwy. 522 to Taos.
From Durango: Hwy. 160 to Pagosa Springs; Hwy. 84 to Chama; Hwy. 17 to Antonito; Hwy. 285 to Tres Piedras; Hwy. 64 to Taos.
From West Texas: I-40 to Clines Corners; Hwy. 285 to I-25 to Santa Fe; Hwy. 285 to Hwy. 68 to Taos.
Flying
Taos does not have a major airport and it best to fly into Albuquerque SunPort (ABQ). There are daily flights from most areas of the country. Santa Fe has a smaller airport and sometimes a bit more economical .
There is also a small air service TaosAir that flys directly to Taos. Give them a try. Reasonable prices from a few select places.
Taos is 3 + hours from ABQ and 1.5 from Santa Fe through some of the most beautiful areas of the planet.
There is a shuttle service directly to Taos from Twin Hearts Shuttle Service (mixed results) or it is possible to take a shuttle or RailRunner train service to Santa Fe and then transfer to the Taos Express. These services DO NOT run at night so please try to schedule your flight to arrive in ABQ early
Another option to rent a car at the ABQ airport. As the airport is small, this an easy and economical way to fully enjoy the beauty of the region. Use the Taos Shortz Film Fest AVIS partner codes: AWD#: Z692950
Taos Shortz Shuttle
During the festival, Taos Shortz will be a running an impromtu van service to the airport and around town. As this is a very limited service, please give us a call if you want to take advantage of this.
Filmmaker Giorgio Litt, , Waking Marshall Walker, shot and edited after the screening of his short film at Taos Shortz Film Fest 2015
