on my radar: san miguel de allende

My upstairs neighbor is a spunky, energetic retiree who loves to travel. I remember her telling me a few years ago about her love for a place in Mexico called San Miguel de Allende. She had visited more than once and was on her way there again. At the time, I had never heard of it, but as the years have passed I've seen it pop up in magazines. I became curious. Typically, people go to Mexico for the beaches, but this town is completely landlocked in the Central Highlands. What could it be about this place that makes people go crazy for it?

I started paying more attention and learned that this town has been an artist's haven and home for expatriates for years. This colonial town was founded in 1542 by Father Juan de San Miguel, a Franciscan missionary from Spain. Many of those who fought for independence from Spain (achieved in 1821) were born here. After the Mexican Revolution ended in 1917, the town was all but a ghost town. However, the people decided to invest in the arts and recreate a flourishing community. They also protected the historic architecture of the neoclassic and baroque structures which the town is famous for by having it a nationally registered landmark. In the 1930s, a Mexican opera singer and movie star, José Mojica, visited the town and told his Hollywood friends to visit. This began the surge of artists and celebrities converging on the area and buying homes and opening art schools. Today, expats not only live there, but they open businesses there.

My greatest take away from my research is that this a friendly place where people talk to one another on the street and get to know you. There is a wonderful sense of community and willingness to protect what makes this place so special. Here is a photo of the beautiful Parroquia de San Miguel - one example of the architecture you get to experience:

southern living

This is the inside of the Santuario de Atotonilco:

This town also has lots of shopping, galleries, restaurants (a diverse selection), bars, and music. Here are some of the hotels I've been hearing about. I'm sure there are many others, perhaps smaller bed and breakfast style, if that suits you better. There are also many house rentals available, if you're interested in spending more than a weekend. I look forward to experiencing this place someday soon.

Hotel Matilda
Aldama 53
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Casa de Sierra Nevada
Hospicio 46 Col. Centro
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Dos Casas
Quebrada 101
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico