After many years away, my wife and I returned to Taos, NM, to experience once again the magic of Taos Plaza Live. Having lived in Angel Fire for two decades, we spent countless Thursday summer evenings immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved event, enjoying dinner and music under the expansive New Mexico sky. Now residing in Santa Fe, we felt a nostalgic pull to revisit the familiar sights and sounds of Taos Plaza Live. Our visit on August 1, 2024, was a trip down memory lane that rekindled old joys and created new memories.

Arriving in Taos

We set out for Taos on a hot Thursday afternoon, the anticipation building as we drove through the scenic landscapes that once were part of our daily life. The drive from Santa Fe to Taos is always a pleasure, with its sweeping vistas and the ever-changing hues of the high desert. As we approached Taos, the memories of our past visits started to flood back, each landmark along the way stirring a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Pizza at Taos Outback

Our first stop was one of our favorite eateries, Taos Outback, known for its delightful pizzas and relaxed, outdoor dining experience. We arrived in Taos late in the afternoon, just as the monsoon storms began to gather over the nearby Taos Mountains. The clouds rolled in, bringing a welcome coolness to the otherwise warm day. We settled on the patio, the aroma of freshly baked pizza mingling with the earthy scent of impending rain.

The monsoon storms provided a dramatic backdrop, their dark, billowing clouds contrasting sharply with the vibrant colors of the landscape. Lightning flickered in the distance, and the occasional rumble of thunder added a sense of excitement to our dinner. As we savored each bite of our pizza, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the many times we had dined here before heading to the plaza for an evening of music.

Taos Plaza Live: A Vibrant Homecoming

With our appetites satisfied, we made our way to Taos Plaza. The familiar strains of live music greeted us as we approached, the lively rhythms and melodies creating an atmosphere of celebration and community. Taos Plaza Live was already in full swing, with musicians on stage and a diverse crowd gathered to enjoy the show. The plaza was alive with energy, just as we remembered it, and we felt a rush of excitement as we joined the throng.

We began our evening with a leisurely stroll around the plaza, taking the time to window shop and admire the native art on display. The local artists and craftspeople had outdone themselves, their work a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Each piece of art told a story, and we found ourselves captivated by the intricate details and vibrant colors.

Exploring John Dunn Plaza

Our wanderings took us to the nearby John Dunn Plaza, a charming collection of shops and galleries that we had always enjoyed exploring. The plaza was bustling with activity, the shops offering a delightful mix of handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and other unique treasures. We wandered through the shops, chatting with the friendly shopkeepers and marveling at the creativity on display.

One of the highlights of our visit was a small gallery featuring works by local painters. The paintings captured the essence of the Taos landscape, from the majestic mountains to the serene deserts. We spent a long time in the gallery, each painting evoking memories of our time in Angel Fire and the many adventures we had experienced in the surrounding area.

Music and Dance Under the Cottonwood Trees

After exploring the shops, we returned to Taos Plaza, eager to immerse ourselves in the music and dance that had drawn us here in the first place. The musicians were in fine form, their music a vibrant mix of genres that had the crowd swaying and dancing in delight. The majestic cottonwood trees that shaded the plaza seemed to sway in time with the music, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze.

We found a spot near the stage, content to watch the dancers as they moved to the rhythm of the music. The joy and exuberance of the dancers were infectious, and we couldn’t help but tap our feet and sway along with them. The plaza was filled with people of all ages, from young children twirling in delight to older couples dancing with a grace that spoke of years of practice.

As we watched the dancers, we were struck by the sense of community that permeated the event. Taos Plaza Live was more than just a concert; it was a gathering of friends and neighbors, a celebration of life and culture that brought people together. The sense of camaraderie and shared joy was palpable, and we felt privileged to be a part of it once again.

A Heartfelt Farewell

As the evening drew to a close, we took a moment to reflect on our visit. Taos Plaza Live had not lost its magic; if anything, it had grown even more vibrant and welcoming in our absence. The music, the art, the sense of community—all of it came together to create an experience that was both nostalgic and new.

We left the plaza with full hearts, grateful for the opportunity to revisit a place that had meant so much to us. The drive back to Santa Fe was filled with quiet conversation, the memories of the evening lingering in our minds. We spoke of the dancers, the musicians, the art, and the sense of connection that had made the evening so special.

A Lasting Legacy

Our visit to Taos Plaza Live was a reminder of the enduring beauty and charm of Taos, NM. It was a place where the past and present came together, where old memories were rekindled and new ones were made. As we settled back into our routine in Santa Fe, we knew that Taos Plaza Live would continue to hold a special place in our hearts.

The experience also reaffirmed the importance of community and tradition. In a world that often feels disconnected and fast-paced, events like Taos Plaza Live offer a sense of grounding and connection. They remind us of the simple joys of music, dance, and shared experiences, and they provide a space for people to come together and celebrate what makes life meaningful.

Our journey back to Taos Plaza Live was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of the enduring spirit of Taos and the vibrant community that makes it so special. From the delicious pizza at Taos Outback to the lively music and dance under the cottonwood trees, every moment was filled with joy and nostalgia. As we look back on our visit, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with a place that has given us so much. We look forward to many more visits in the future, knowing that the magic of Taos Plaza Live will always be there, waiting to welcome us home.