After heavily lobbying D. H. and Frieda Lawrence to visit Taos, society doyen Mabel Dodge Luhan finally got her wish in late 1922. The controversial British author visited Taos, and Frieda traded the San Cristobal Ranch for the original manuscript of Sons and Lovers. D. H. satirically called Taos “Mabeltown” after his host.

This full-day excursion, led in conjunction with the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, experiences the Lawrences’ time in Taos. Led by author, historian, and tour guide Garrett Peck, we visit the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, the D. H. Lawrence Ranch, and more. A picnic lunch is included.  Stops include:  

• San Francisco de Asís Church: Arguably the most famous church in New Mexico for its rounded, abstract buttresses that attracted artists such as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe.

• Mabel Dodge Luhan House: D. H. and Frieda Lawrence stayed in the Pink House guest accommodation in 1922, as did Willa Cather (1925) and Georgia O’Keeffe (1929). We will do a self-guided tour of the amazing Luhan house. 

• D. H. Lawrence Ranch:  The Lawrences lived at this ranch near San Cristobal three times, and Willa Cather and her partner Edith Lewis visited them at the ranch in 1926. Both D. H. and Frieda are entombed there. 

  We will meet at Santa Fe Community Convention Center (Marcy Street entrance) at 8:45 a.m. for a prompt 9:00 a.m. departure; returning by 4:00 p.m.