In central Taos is a hill, La Loma Hill. On the top of that hill the Spaniards settled so they would have a strategic place to view whatever might be coming at them - like, for instance, the Taos Pueblo inhabitants, the first owners of this hill and all the space around it from the mountains to the Taos Gorge. It was a fortified plaza, ready for battle.
Nowadays the La Loma Plaza is a historic landmark with current Taos residents living in dwellings surrounding it. They even sit in the very small plaza in the evenings. On the Plaza and flowing down the hill is the Inn at La Loma Plaza about which the Chicago Tribune states it has "An uncommon sense of ambiance and commitment to guest service." USA Today said, "The poshest and most romantic Inn in town." The Inn is AAA 4-Diamond rated. Built in the 1800s as the SE corner of La Plazuela de San Antonio, for which the small chapel on the other side of the plaza at an entrance was also named, the Inn has been beautifully restored.
Inn at La Loma Plaza
Three times I have lived in a small apartment complex the back of which faces the La Loma Plaza and the tiny apartments are clearly remodeled from a fort like structure. Apex Apartments owns the complex and is one of the most trusted landlords in town. Not far from the Chapel is another clearly once fortified structure which has been rennovated and houses several condos which sit on La Loma Road that with a little jog runs into the La Loma Plaza.
If you visit Taos get directions to go see this tiny and very historic place. The current Taos Plaza with lots of stores is great but the old world charm of La Loma Plaza is enchanting, especially on a summer's eve. Be prepared to weave around on roads that were once horse trails to reach it but it is only three blocks from town center. If you can afford the fare, stay at the Inn at La Loma Plaza for a quiet and very lovely vacation stay, and don't forget to eat lunch or dinner at Doc Martin's Restaurant in the Taos Inn, another historic place. They have the strongest Margaritas I've ever tasted in the Taos Inn bar - don't have more than two! You can stroll there from La Loma Plaza easily. At Doc Martin's I suggest you try the crushed pinon nut encased chile rellanos appetizers for sure!
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