Best New Maritime Adventure: Sea Lion Encounters: The Vallarta area is well known for animal adventures such as swimming with dolphins and whale watching, but you may not know that you can now interact with sea lions and even go snorkeling with them.These grand whisker-faced creatures are extremely social, comical and mischievous by nature. They love to interact and play with humans, and being close to them is an exhilarating experience.

Best New Animal Conservation Group: Guacamayas Siempre: Guacamayas are as emblematic in Mexico as bald eagles are in the United States. Can you imagine Mexico without the guacamayas (Military Macaw)? Well, neither can Bob Price, founder of the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, or any of the other members of the newly formed conservation group Guacamayas Siempre (Guacamayas Forever).

Best Nautical Shopping: Zaragoza Marine: “Like being a kid in a candy store” is the feeling marine enthusiasts experience when they step into the new Zaragoza, which has been described as the most extensive chandlery (marine supply store) on the west coast of Mexico. Starting as a hardware store more than 40 years ago, Zaragoza has almost anything a maritime aficionado could desire and is a proverbial “nautical Wal-Mart.”

Best Nature Contributor: Petr Myska: Originally from the Czech Republic, Petr Myska arrived in Vallarta for the first time in 2000. He was joyously overwhelmed with the multitude of plants and animals he encountered in our diverse ecosystem; however, he found it challenging to identify many of them, as there were no comprehensive field guides available.

Best Local Young Actors: Young, yet experienced, these four Puerto Vallarta residents are part of our city’s Municipal Theater Group, directed by Alberto Fabian. Combined, they have spent decades on stage, garnering awards both in and out of Puerto Vallarta. What are their goals and role models?

Best Karaoke Bar: La Regadera: Who could forget Cameron Díaz’s memorable performance at a karaoke bar in the romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding”? Since then, many of us have chosen to belt out our favorite songs while gathered with friends at the local karaoke bar, a perfect way to kick off a lively evening. In Puerto Vallarta, the best place to indulge is La Regadera at Morelos 666, El Centro.

Best Festival Graphic Designer: Vallarta Wine Fest, Jalisco and Nayarit: Both elegant and convincing, the visual concept Vallarta Wine Fest implemented during its first two years has been pivotal in bringing the event to the forefront of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary activities. The campaign was designed by Cadena + Asociados Branding, under the direction of Ignacio Cadena’s son, who anchored the concept under a unifying theme: “A Cultural Fiesta.”

Best Example of Neighborhood Empowerment: Pat may and Her Sewing Group: Hidden away in the traditional Mexican town of Jarretaderas, just minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, is an unsung hero named Patricia May. For the past six years, she has been bringing bolts of donated fabrics, sewing machines and notions from the USA to give to local women. Every Saturday afternoon, they meet at May’s house for a sewing class, where they learn new skills.

Best Do-It-Yourself Class: Tile Mosaic at A Broken Art: Tile mosaic artist Christy Beguesse found her niche. Just this season alone, approximately 300 individuals walked through her Bucerias studio doors, participated in either a half-day or a two-day course, leaving with a finished project in their hands. “The most empowering part,” Beguesse glows, “is having learned that a couple of my students went back home to Canada and opened their own mosaic art studios!”

Behind the Scenes at a Tortilla Factory: Few things in Mexico are as emblematic and timeless as the humble corn tortilla. Made by hand since pre-Columbian times, this thin, unleavened flat bread is the star ingredient in popular dishes such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas and tacos. The process of making tortillas has remained essentially the same since its origins. Corn kernels are soaked in limewater, causing their skin to peel.

"Lifestyles" Cover Art Now Limited-Edition Print: Talented artist Laurie Chase was inspired to paint “Beach Club Punta de Mita” because it epitomized to her the “essence and beauty of the Vallarta playa.” This enchanting painting was featured on the cover of the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of this publication. Subsequently, Chase produced a limited edition of 95 signed and numbered Giclée prints.

Hot Spot: El Anclote: El Anclote means “the small anchor,” and this special neighborhood at the entrance to Bahía de Banderas on the exclusive Punta de Mita peninsula does indeed fulfill its name, serving as the “town” and focal point for activities and dining outside the nearby fashionable hotels and estates.

Great Markets Around Vallarta: Colorful and chaotic, the market, also known as el tianguis, is one of the most important shopping venues in Mexico, as in many parts of the world. Whether you need hair ribbons or a lethal machete, an embroidered tablecloth or a set of tires, a live chicken or the pot to cook it in – it’s likely to be at a local tianguis.

Best Way to Discover Restaurants: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week: The 4th Annual Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week is coming May 15 - 31, 2008. This 15-day festival featuring over 30 restaurants in and around Puerto Vallarta is eagerly anticipated by those who have experienced it in previous years!

Best Free Nighttime Entertainment: The Malecón: Here in Vallarta, some of the best things in life truly are free! Visit the Malecon at night and immerse yourself in a beehive of activity and entertainment without needing to spend a peso. Experience a romantic sunset with a magnificent unobstructed view of the western sky. Nightly entertainment at Los Arcos Amphitheater includes hilarious clown shows and, from time to time.

Best New Art-related Event: Puerto Vallarta: Arte Contemporáneo Extended Borders: Shifting Cartographies: Downtown Puerto Vallarta will come alive with contemporary art May 28 to June 1, 2008, for the first annual “ Puerto Vallarta: Arte Contemporáneo” festival. With the theme Extended Borders: Shifting Cartographies, this unprecedented event will bring international artists together to participate in special exhibitions, public art demonstrations and panel discussions.