| Bulletin Board |
 |
| Spotlight Destination |
Cozumel
|
 |
| Images |
|
|
|
|
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
LOCATION:
San Miguel De Allende is located 180 miles northwest of Mexico City and 75 miles east of Guanajuato.
HISTORY:
A Franciscan monk, Fray Juan de San Miguel, founded San Miguel El Grande (as it was originally called) in 1542 . In 1826, the name was changed to San Miguel de Allende in honor of Mexican independence hero, Ignacio Allende who was born here. San Miguel de Allende was declared a national monument in 1926. In 1955 a Spanish garrison was built and soon San Miguel became an important commercial center. There are 18th century mansions, fountains, churches, monuments, and cobblestone sidewalks. The Instituto Allende, founded in 1951, has drawn artistically inclined foreigners for decades. The town was named after
WEATHER:
San Miguel enjoys a moderate year round climate. Average daytime temperature in the summer months is 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter months are cool enough to require sweaters and jackets in the evenings and mornings with temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Theres every type of accommodation in San Miguel; inns, motels, hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts. Several places offer rooms on a monthly basis. The Casa de Sierra Nevada has two restaurants; one formal and one informal, limo service, a full spa facility, an equestrian center, and a 60-foot heated swimming pool. Rates range from US$30 to US$400.
RESTAURANTS:
There is a restaurant for every taste, style, and budget in San Miguel. With fierce competition between eateries, restaurants offer elegant settings, décor, and menus. At the more upscale restaurants, ties, jacket, and reservations are required. There are also many cafés, bakeries, and pastry shops.
NIGHTLIFE:
Restaurants offer live bands, music and dance shows. Several restaurants have a certain type of music show on a certain day of the week. Jazz, salsa, rock, and blues are some of the types of music they feature. Bars, clubs, and discos open and close with great frequency, so check the local paper for a calendar of events. The Cine Bar shows American films and the US$4 admission includes a drink and popcorn. Waiters bring menus to your table.
SHOPPING:
Since San Miguel is a town of artists, youll find all types of art for sale everywhere; galleries, offices, restaurants, and other public areas. Shop hours are generally Monday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. There are two public markets where you can find everything from fresh flowers, meat and produce to crafts, gifts, jewelery, and souvenirs.
CUISINE:
Although there is every type of cuisine available, you will find an abundance of restaurants serving international fare in San Miguel. Italian, French, seafood, Mexican, American, and vegetarian are also served.
SERVICES:
Banks: There are several banks and money exchange desks located in and around the plaza. Hours are generally Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Most banks cash travelers cheques.
Internet: Several cafes offer access to the internet and e-mail. The average rate in US$4 per hour.
Transportation: There are car rental agencies located around town and in hotels. Buses run frequently around town and to surrounding villages. Public transportation is a fast, efficient, and inexpensive way to travel.
SURROUNDING AREA:
Dolores Hidalgo: There are many factory warehouses in Dolores Hidalgo. Shoppers come from many areas to browse and buy the fine pottery made here. Dolores Hidalgo is located 25 miles northwest of San Miguel.
La Taboada & La Gruta: Located just 5 miles outside of San Miguel these areas have thermal mineral hot springs that have been made into public baths. |
| WHERE TO GO: |
Bellas Artes: Once the Royal Convent of Conception, this is now
a school that offers studies in dance, music, and visual arts.
Casa de Ignacio Allende: The birthplace of one of Mexicos
independence heros now houses a museum and gallery.
El Charco del Ingenio: With more than 1,500 species of succulents
and cacti and 5 miles of walkways, this botanical garden is open for
viewing from sunrise to sunset.
Iglesia de la Concepcion: Ceferion Gutierrez designed this church
which has one of the largest domes in Mexico and Corinthian columns.
Iglesia de San Francisco: Built in the 18th century this church
is noted for its elaborate decoration on the façade. There is a crucifix
and sculptures of Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint John.
Instituto Allende: Founded in 1951 this school is located in
the former country estate of the Count of Canal. Thousands of people
from around the world come to take classes in social studies, Spanish,
and art.
Lavanderia: Local women gather on a daily basis at this outdoor
laundry to catch up on news, gossip with neighbors, and of course, do
their wash.
El Mirador: A bronze statue of Ignacio Allende is located at
this lookout where tourists and locals gather for a stunning view of the
city, the mountains, sunrises and sunsets, and the reservoir.
Oratorio de San Felipe Neri: This chapel was built by local
Indians in 1712. In 1734 the Count of Canal had the Temple de Santa
Casa de Loreto added on. The Count and his wife are buried under heavily
gilded altars.
La Parroquia: Designed in the late 19th century by self-taught
Native Ceferino Gutierrez, this parish church was styled in European
Gothic.
|
| Top |
WHERE TO EAT: |
Despite its size, San Miguel is home to an amazing amount of restaurants,
cafés, food stands, and bakeries. Due to the increase in Canadian and
American tourists and travelers, San Miguel has seen an influx of health
food and vegetarian restaurants. The top end hotels generally have a
restaurant inside serving Mexican, international and regional dishes.
Bugambilia, an extremely popular restaurant, opened in 1945 and has earned
itself a reputation for serving exquisite traditional Mexican dishes.
Candle lit tables, classical guitar music, and attention to detail and
service gives this eatery an air of sophistication and romance. The Fonda
Meson de San Jose serves an assortment of different cuisines such as
vegetarian, German, and Mexican. Locals rave about the delicious foods
served at this well-established restaurant. For a change of pace, head
to Mama Mias where the atmosphere is relaxing and pizza and pasta dishes
are served. In the evenings a folk trio serenades diners. La Buena Vida
has freshly baked item daily such as cookies, flavored scones as well as
having a breakfast menu. You can eat breakfast and lunch either in or
outdoors at the Café de La Parroquia. Full meals, an entrée, soup or
salad, coffee and dessert, are reasonably priced and keep this place busy. |
| Top |
| WHAT TO DO: |
Festivals: There are approximately 30 to 40 festival every year.
During these festivals there are bands, music, dances, plays, and
fireworks. They may last a day or a week.
Studying Spanish: The Instituto Allende is the most popular
institute in San Miguel. Students can study weaving, music, art,
Spanish, sculpting, photography, and ceramics. The Academia Hispano
Americana and Inter/Idiomas are also good schools. Notice boards
advertise local families offering accommodations to students.
Mountain Biking: Aventuras San Miguel services and rents bikes to
explore San Miguel.
Horseback Riding: The Casa de Sierra Nevada, a 500-acre ranch,
offers riding lessons, horse rentals, and carriage rides.
Bullfighting: There are several events each year at the Plaza
de Toros Oriente.
|
| Top |
| WHERE TO SHOP: |
San Miguel is an artists town and as such you will find art for sale
everywhere. Some of the best inexpensive, colorful, and original
handicrafts come from San Miguel and its surrounding areas. Extend your
trip to these areas to see just what Mexico has to offer. Shopping
hours are generally Monday to Saturday from 9am to 2pm and 5pm until 7
or 8pm, and only half days on Sunday. The majority of shops, stores,
and boutiques accept major credit cards. The Mercado Ignacio Ramirez,
a traditional Mexican market, has items like fruit and vegetables, toys,
music tapes and crafts. The Mercado de Artesanias sell work from local
artists in tin, brass, glass, clay, papier-mâché, and iron. There are
several specialty shops in San Miguel such as Rates de Mexico, in
business for 40 years, which sells and produces traditional crafts,
ceramics, and furniture. Several shops sell traditionally styled,
antique, and modern furniture. Casa Maria has an eclectic collection of
lamps, glassware, furniture as well as items made from glass, wood, tin,
and iron. The Plateria Cerroblanco designs and makes its own gold and
silver jewelry and can also arrange tour to the workshops. |
| Top |
|
|
| Weekly Feature |
Costa De Oro
|
|
| Images |
|
|
|
