Press Release

2009 Summer of Love Events feature 40th Anniversary of Dennis Hopper’s Film Easy Rider and a groovin’ online travel sweepstakes.

Travel is not just about the destination.  It’s about the journey. This summer, the Town of Taos, New Mexico, will celebrate the 2009 Summer of Love featuring the 40th Anniversary of actor Dennis Hopper’s 1969 classic film, Easy Rider, the quintessential American journey story.

The 2009 Summer of Love, in Taos, will feature a variety of art and film shows, festivals, concerts and other special events from May through September.  Hopper’s own art will be featured at the Harwood Museum of Art.

Cathy Connelly, the town’s public relations manager, recommends families planning a summer vacation visit the Taos Vacation Guide for last-minute lodging deals and weekend getaway packages.  The town is also sponsoring a 4-day travel sweepstakes for two. It includes two roundtrip airfares, three nights lodging, meals, recreational outings, spa treatments, a gallery shopping spree, museum tickets, and a Harley-Davidson guided tour from Ride the Dream.

Enter the Taos Travel of Love Sweepstakes at www.taossummeroflove.com

“If you’re looking for something different and relaxing this summer, then Taos is the place to be,” said Connelly.  “We’re offering visitors the positive, authentic Taos vibe, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience they can’t get anywhere else,” she said. 

All of this summer’s events are posted on the town’s Calendar of Luv and include:
•    A Spring Arts Celebration in May and June featuring art, sculpture, and pottery from local and international artists.
•    Cruising motorcycles during the Memorial Day motorcycle rally in Red River. An annual event that attracts thousands to the small mountain town of Red River.
•    Sipping regional and international wines during The SW Wine Competition and Toast of Taos,)a benefit event for  Holy Cross Hospital.
•    Watching traditional dances at the Taos Indian Pueblo Festivals and Pow Wow.

Summer visitors always enjoy great outdoor recreation activities including:
•    Splashing and dashing with White water rafting trips under the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
•    Taking a Llama Adventure Trek in the wilderness for lunch.
•    Taking a challenging mountain hike or pedaling from town to the Taos Ski Valley.
•    And, even hot air ballooning before brunch.

In honor of Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper is exhibiting his photos and artwork at the Harwood Museum of Art.  “Hopper at the Harwood” will also feature an exhibit of artists who came together in the ‘60s. Artists featured this summer at the Harwood Museum of Art include:

•    Larry Bell www.larrybell.com
•    Ron Cooper www.charlottejackson.com/artists/ron_cooper.htm
•    Ronald Davis www.irondavis.com/a_art/a60_ptgs/a6_works_indx.htm
•    Ken Price www.kenprice.com
•    Robert Dean Stockwell

“Taos appeals to everyone,” said Connelly.  “The Taos Pueblo, a world heritage site by UNESCO and a national historic landmark, has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years.” Tourists may decide to visit ancient Indian grounds just outside of Taos where they will enjoy soaking at Ojo Mineral Springs Resort and Spa.
Whatever your vibe, people in Taos are living the high life as they relax, rejuvenate and recharge during the 2009 Summer of Love.

Taos Travel Resources:

•    Taos Vacation Guide:  www.taosvacationguide.com
•    Taos Summer of Love: www.taossummeroflove.com
•    Twitter: www.twitter.com/taostourism
•    Taos Lodging Deals:  www.taosguide.com/hotel-search
•    Harwood Museum of Art:  www.harwoodmuseum.org/index_f.php
•    Easy Rider on the Web: www.taossummeroflove.com/easy-rider
•    Summer Recreation:  www.taosguide.com/categories/view/summer
•    High Resolution Photos: www.destinationconnectionteam.com/hires.html