Around this time last year, I spent a few days with my sister in San Miguel de Allende. A friend just decided to go there last weekend and was asking for recommendations so this month I thought I would feature this beautiful town - which in 2008 was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Locals believe the city was built on rose quartz, which is said to be the force of life. That may explain why this city is so exuberant or perhaps it’s just the lively Mexican culture combined with preserved traditions. Whatever the reason, this city is sure to charm you. And only 3 hours from Mexico City by bus ($20 for comfy recliner seats), it’s pretty easy to get to as well.
Top 5 Things to Do in San Miguel
- Wander the Streets: The best part of San Miguel is just wandering through the cobblestone streets, taking in the colorful buildings and beautiful courtyards, passing vendors covered head to toe in dozens
of hats and bags, and stopping into various shops to look at the colorful textiles, artisanal creations, and incredible alebrijes (Mexican spirit animals). Make sure to allocate most of your time to this. - Food, Mezcal/Tequila, More Food! And Sunset Drinks: There are so many fantastic food options from street tacos, to Peruvian at La Parada (great Pisco Sours), to vegan food at Don Taco Tequila. Have coffee and a breakfast bowl at Ki’bok. Overindulge in pastries at one of the many panaderías. Do a mezcal tasting at La Mezcaleria (or almost anywhere) or book a private tasting at Casa Dragones - a local small batch sipping tequila presented in handmade bottles. Their tasting room is located on the grounds of La Casa Dragones, stables which date back to 1671 and housed the Dragones, who led one of the movements that sparked the Mexican Independence. And be sure to catch two very different sunset views from the rooftops of Antonia Bistro and Luna Tapas Bar (top of the Rosewood Hotel).
- Thermal Baths: San Miguel de Allende was founded on the edge of an extinct volcano, which last erupted 12,000 years ago. But this subterranean volcanic activity has resulted in dozens of nearby
thermal baths and hot springs. There are several different options depending on what kind of experience you’re after. - Fabrica La Aurora: Built-in 1902 and once a textile factory, La Aurora reopened in 1990 as a cultural and artistic centre housing art galleries, design studios, workshops, and restaurants, all surrounding
a beautiful courtyard. - Live Music: If you walk through the Jardín - the town’s main plaza - in the evenings, you can count on being serenaded by lovely mariachis. Have a seat at Centro Bar to take in the music while looking at the cathedral. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, check out Bistro Mi Casa in the Instituto Allende, co-owned by perhaps San Miguel's best-known artist, Gil Gutierrez, for a dinner show. Or go to El Tupinamba in the evening for Spanish Tapas and live music.
Travel Tip of the Month
Traveling Comfort Best Practices | Tip #2: Foot Hammock
I saw this thing on an Instagram or Facebook ad and I used it on my last flight from California. It is BRILLIANT. It hooks over the arms of the tray table and creates a hanging footrest. Being able to elevate your legs is not only so much more comfortable but also helps prevent leg, hip, and back pain on a long flight. Best $15 I may have ever spent. If you search airplane footrest, foot hammock, or leg cradle online, you’ll find tons of options.
Wine of the Month
Orange is the New White
Or in this case, it could be the new red. This is a white (orange) wine for red wine drinkers. The extended skin contact (7+ months of maceration) creates a complex wine that if blind tasted, might confuse or surprise you. If you’re looking for a palate altering experience, this is your wine.
Famous for its fascinating and unusual white wines, this region is home to many avant-garde winemakers (such as Gravner and Vie di Romans). Josko Gravner has been heralded as one of the greatest and most influential winemakers in Friuli and beyond. Gravner pioneered stainless steel fermentation and temperature control technology before forgoing technology and chemicals to pursue strictly natural
winemaking. Currently, the Gravner wines are fermented and aged in underground Georgian clay amphorae, which are believed by many to be the first tanks ever to hold wine (more than 4,000 years).
winemaking. Currently, the Gravner wines are fermented and aged in underground Georgian clay amphorae, which are believed by many to be the first tanks ever to hold wine (more than 4,000 years).
This biodynamic, natural wine is made from 100% Ribolla Gialla, which yields opulent and richly layered white wines. These wines are savory (as opposed to fruity) and are fantastic matches for the seafood dishes common to the Adriatic Coast of Friuli.
I don’t normally spend this much money on a bottle of wine (aside from Champagne) but I tried this during a tasting at Union Square Wines and couldn’t resist. I have one of the 2004 bottles which I can’t find online anymore so this one will have to be saved for a very special occasion. You can buy the 2010 vintage at Astor Wines for $80.
