Founded in 1541, San Miguel de Allende with its spires and cupolas, centuries-old churches, steep cobblestone streets and stuccoed walls painted in bright tones of terra-cotta and sienna has a very old-world flavor. The March 7, 2005, issue of New York Magazine described this 16th century city as “the closest thing Mexico has to Florence.”Since 1947, when it was established as an art colony, the town has attracted many foreign artists as well as fine Mexican artists. Today, the town of approximately 75,000 people is home to at least 7,000 to 10,000 foreigners from Canada, the United States and Europe. In addition, it is a major tourist destination with Travel and Leisure Magazine listing it as number four in the top ten overall cities in  Mexico, Central and South America in its 2009 World’s Best Awards. In July 2008 San Miguel was named a UNESCO World Heritage site! See the amazing video San Miguel The Heart of Mexico.

On May 22, 2005, The New York Times reported that “Americas searching for vacation homes are increasingly buying up property in the old section of town. But all this investment has not altered the bones of the place: the 300 year-old architecture from Spain, the heavy, carved wooden doors along narrow sidewalks, the explosion of bougainvillea over compound walls surrounding meticulous courtyards. Unlike Cancun or Acapulco, where American fast food joints and discos rule, San Miguel de Allende still feels like Mexico.”

The most recent Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for 2008 ranked San Miguel as the number five city in the Americas as a destination which included Canada, Latin and South America.

Getting to San Miguel

San Miguel is approximately a one hour and 20 minute drive from the Leon, Mexico Airport. This international airport is served by Mexicana Airlines with flights from Chicago and Los Angeles, American Airlines with flights from Dallas and Continental with flights from Houston. There are also numerous flights from Mexico City and other cities within Mexico. The colonial city of Queretaro is an hour away and has a newly expanded airport. Continental has just started service there from Houston and American should follow suit in the near future.

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Casa Sierra Nevada en el Parque. This beautiful spot is a five minute walk from the house towards the Jardine. It is ideal for breakfast or for a drink on the patio. There is music on Sunday afternoons during Comida. 152-7154

La Capilla. Though the food can get mixed reviews, the location is one of the most spectacular of any restaurant we have seen anywhere. Great for lunch on the terrace (check availability as they may not be open currently for lunch). Cuna de Allende 10, around the corner from the Parroquia. 152-0698

Nirvana. Owned by a young couple from Mexico City. The food is really great. They have moved across from the theatre in a wonderful new space with great outdoor seating. Mesones 101 150-0067

Planta Baja Sleek new restaurant with great seafood Canal 28 154-6555

Food Factory Located in the Fabrica l’Aurora or the design center. I like it for lunch however it is also nice in the evening after a gallery opening or after a drink in the attractive wine bar next door.

Harry’s New Orleans Café. A fun place where many Americans congregate. Good food and fun atmosphere. Hidalgo 12 152-2645

Ole Ole Charming restaurant with a bullfight theme. Great local color. Loreto 66 151-0896

Dela’s Ancho San Antonio just south and across the street from the Instituto. This is a wonderful restaurant owned by a Swiss trained Shri Lankan chef. I love the food as have my guests. Try the tuna with curry! Dela is also delightful.

El Pagaso Corregidora 6 A great restaurant near the Jardine frequented by Americans. Good salads, soups etc. 152-1351

Hecho en Mexico Ancha de San Antonio 8. Near the Instituto Allende. Great lunch spot on the terrace with great food and outstanding guacamole. My favorite is the Fish Tostada Salad. You can arrange take out of the guacamole for your home entertaining. 154-6383

Ristorante da Andrea at Hacienda de Landeta Located in an old hacienda a short drive out of town 2.5 km. Great atmosphere. Carr. A Dr. Mora 120-3481

Bugambilia Old-style Mexican cuisine in a nice courtyard atmosphere. Hidalgo 42 152-0127

Rincon de Don Thomas This is a casual Mexican restaurant with great food just on the Jardine. We like it for lunch. Portal Guadalupe 2 on the corner of San Francisco 152-3780`

San Augustin Wonderful spot for churros and hot chocolate. 154 9102 San Francisco 21

Casablanca Great local spot Hidalgo 34 154-6070

Romanos Great roof top terrace with good food. Hernandez Macias #93     152-7454 Owner Dick Weber is American

La Fraqua 3 Cuna de Allende across from the Parroquia. A great bar for an after dinner drink. Often good live music.