A Self Guided Walking or Driving Tour of Lilacs Blooming in the Taos Historic District
Robert Cafazzo
Two Graces
105 Barela Lane in the Taos Historic District
575-770-5580
It’s May 1, 2025, what better way to enjoy a day out and about then to go in search of lilacs in bloom. The arrival of spring in Taos brings with it the blossoming of lilacs everywhere. Lilacs in springtime are ubiquitous in Taos, they are as iconic as the Hollyhocks of summer. Whether set against a Taos blue sky, an adobe wall, or draping over a coyote fence, lilacs are a much loved sight in Taos.
This past winter season has been quite dry, spring time rains haven't appeared yet either, I was truly hoping that a bit of rain and moisture would bring forth lovely bouquets of lilacs all along the streets of Taos. Lo & Behold the lilacs are appearing without a drop of moisture in sight, they continue to persevere and are currently in bloom everywhere. Small businesses in Taos have also been persevering, through one of the worst years most of us have ever seen 2024 into the spring of 2025 has been rough with most of the small businesses reporting to be 40% down in sales if not more. Yet, most of us continue to keep our doors open through the worst of it, some will tell you business during the pandemic was better than it is right now! We remain hopeful and truly want your experiences, all of them whatever you choose to do, that you enjoy what we have to offer here in Taos. So, please pop into our shops with a cheerful Hello, and be supportive, (we thank you).
The artist Rebecca Salsbury James began a campaign in the 1940’s to plant Lilacs as a way of beautifying Taos Plaza. Rebecca had accompanied Georgia O’Keeffe for their first visit to Taos, remaining here throughout her life. Her home La Casa Feliz is located at the end of Bent Street, where you can still see her lilacs as they bloom each year.
The Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos, encourages gardeners in Taos to plant more lilacs. Lilacs have a typical blooming period of up to three weeks. Many of these brilliant bushes and hedgerows of blossoms can be found while driving the side roads of Taos.
Here is my route suggestion of a scenic walk or safe drive for viewing lilacs in the Taos Historic District:
Start at the northern end of Salazar Road, head to La Loma Plaza at Valdez and Ranchitos Road, drive on to La Loma Street. Over to the next block onto Valverde Street, there are also some lovely lilacs in bloom on Geronimo Lane near the Hanuman Temple. On Valverde Street you’ll pass behind the Taos Library and Town Hall to reach the Taos Living Center where you can see from the road beautiful lilacs in bloom.
From Valverde St. cross over Camino de la Placita to Lund Street, there you’ll also find Lilacs in bloom on Theodora Street, Sierra Vista Road, and Hinde Street.
The Sierra Vista Cemetery (505 Paseo del Pueblo Norte) is awash in lilacs, stroll around to see for yourself. Lilacs are commonly planted in cemeteries as they need little, to no upkeep. Lilac colored clothing was considered proper mourning attire, the flowers were worn as a sign of a lost love.
North onto Paseo del Pueblo Norte turn left onto the northern end of Camino de la Placita and keep an eye out for all the lilacs in bloom that you can see from the roadside until you arrive at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Once again walk around to see the gardens there. Continue on up ‘Placitas’ turn onto Ledoux Street and right onto Ranchitos Road then up on over to Quesnel Street where you’ll see the Couse Meadow and more lilacs all around you.
Cross Kit Carson Road to Morada Lane up to the Mabel Dodge Luhan Home (240 Morada Lane), from the large parking area you can view hedges and rows of more lilacs in bloom. Back onto Kit Carson Road drive east, quickly turning left onto Las Cruces Lane, where you will see some of the very best gardens proudly on display. Back to Kit Carson Road heading east drive to the Thom Wheeler Studio Gallery (939 Kit Carson Rd.). From here, turn back towards Taos until you reach Burch Street turn left here, right onto Los Pandos, then right onto Montoya Street and left back onto Kit Carson Road notice more lilacs at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site (146 Kit Carson Rd.). Turn north onto Paseo del Pueblo Norte to see the lilacs at Kit Carson Park & Cemetery, the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House (227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte) and the El Pueblo Lodge (412 Paseo del Pueblo Norte).
As lilac season begins to fade in late May, many areas will be past their prime. Lilacs on Bent Street are always worth seeing.
This route is meant to show you lilacs in bloom right now in the Taos Historic District.
Lucy McCall, a Taos herbalist and Associate Instructor at UNM said, “People are just coming into consciousness of foraging for edible flowers, herbs, and plants. I’ve used lilacs as a febrifuge to reduce fever by steeping lilacs in warm water to make a tea. Not too hot or you’ll lose the lovely aroma. They also have astringent qualities. Lilacs used as a flower essence open up all the chakras for those who practice Kundalini.” Aromatherapy usage of lilacs also helps to ward off depression, creating an uplifting emotional and spirituality quality.
Lilac flowers may also be used to make a simple syrup to enjoy as a refreshment with sparkling water or they can be made into a vodka based beverage much like a homemade limoncello.
Here is my recipe for a delicate and not too sweet,
Lilac Shortbread Cookie
1 Stick of Unsalted Butter
1/4 Cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar
1 Cup Flour
2 Tspns Blueberry Syrup
1 Tspn Vanilla
1/4 Cup Dried Lilac Flowers
Cream the Sugar and Butter
Add the rest of the ingredients, adding the Lilacs last
Roll the dough out between sheets of Parchment Paper to 3/8 inch thick
Use a simple cookie cutter or slice into wedges
Place onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet
Bake in the oven at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes until they begin to brown at the edges.
British artist David Hockney has said: “Do remember they can’t cancel the Spring.”
I hope this encourages you to go out for a walk or drive, and take in the
scented air of Lilacs blooming in Taos.
I've previously written about Lilacs in Taos on a post in 2012. This one includes the best areas in the Taos Historic District to see lilacs blooming right now in May 2025. All photographs posted here are my own.
