Taos Bed and Breakfast

The McCarthy family has been in business in Taos since 1904.Barbara's family came from Northern Spain in 1630. Her father, Carlos Benavides, was a master carpenter who built most of the beautiful older lodging in Taos. Barbara's mother, Ruth, was of Irish-English descent from Erie, PA. She drove to Taos when she was 17 years old, alone, and knew not much more than how to start and stop a car! She met Carlos and decided to spend the rest of her life here.

Barbara was a cheerleader, honor student, president of a sorority and a college beauty queen. She has a degree in Home Economics (which is apparent in the wonderful food and exquisite ambiance at Casa Benavides Lodging) and Physical Education. Barbara taught physical education at Taos Junior High until she and Tom opened the Old Mexico Shop, Village Weavers, and bought the McCarthy family business, El Mercado.

Tom's grandfather, J.H. McCarthy and family came to Taos from Chicago and started the Bond-McCarthy Co. Tom follows his grandfather and father, John Francis, with his Taos lodging business. He was born at home, across the street from the Taos Inn. The house is still in the family; aunts Eileen and Loretta still live there.

Tom graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas (childhood home of his mother, Nan). He coached 12 years, won 3 New Mexico State basketball championships and was a New Mexico "coach of the year" 3 times!

Tom and Barbara both grew up on Kit Carson Road and knew each other from childhood. Barbara hated Tom when they were young. They knew each other their whole lives. Tom would throw apples or snowballs at her, depending on the season. Now they are married and have 3 wonderful children, Dr. Tom Jr. (an optometrist), Ruthann (she's an actress), and 11 year old Jason! They are also very proud grandparents of Adam & Ryan (Tom and his wife, Shawn), and the new baby of the family, Travis (Ruthann and her husband, Tevor).

Casa Benavides is named for Barbara's parents, Carlos and Ruth. Carlos built 3 of the homes which are now part of the B&B Lodging. The McCarthy family home is also a part of Casa Benavides.

Casa Benavides was opened in 1989. Barbara wanted to buy the Lewis Art Gallery because her father had built it. So they did, on a whim, and turned it into one of the most elegant Bed & Breakfasts offeriing Taos Lodging in Northern New Mexico