San Pancho: A Little Slice of Paradise: Deserted powdery white beaches and a traditional small-town feel await you at San Francisco, affectionately known as San Pancho. Located in the state of Nayarit, about an hour north of Vallarta along Highway 200 — away from the high-energy experience of nearby Puerto Vallarta — this beautiful town invites rest and relaxation.
Peter Gray: We're fortunate - and it's compliment to Puerto Vallarta - that this self-effacing Brit, who held an impressive job as Latin America's marketing director for Proctor & Gamble overseeing operations in 15 countries, chose to retire here.
Chu: A cuddly lamb named Chu becomes an overnight success, after being discovered in 2006 at a furniture show in Guadalajara! Formerly a member of an eclectic family of stuffies, Chu was first spotted by Make-A-Wish Mexico’s President Bob Mandel, who instantly fell in love with the yellow lamb, after seeing the positive effect that he had on everyone who laid eyes on him at the furniture show.
Al Cardeña: Al Cardeña arrived in Puerto Vallarta with his family in 1969, in an era when the television and the phone still did not exist here, and a at time when only eight cars took control of the few existing streets. A talented and visionary businessman known for his passion at work, he lived here for 38 years until his recent passing.
Robert “Bud” Acord: Many knew Bud Acord from his beloved Hacienda Jalisco. While he himself was not the hacienda, the place was imbued with his loving care and affection. Most may not remember the earlier days when Bud arrived in Puerto Vallarta, a time when the small gringo community was united or, at least, connected.
Ricardo Murrieta: It’s not unusual to arrive at Puerto Vallarta’s Los Mangos Public Library and find director Ricardo Murrieta Grada engrossed in its activities, just as he was when he took over the position seven years ago.
Mikki Prost: Mikki Prost, who arrived in Vallarta by sailboat in 1990, is a singer, dancer, actress, yoga teacher and business owner with seemingly boundless energy and a propensity toward altruism.
Jose Raul Rodriguez: If you want to learn about Mascota’s history, the best place to visit is Jose Raul Rodriguez’s museum. Rodriguez is a Mascota native who has vowed to pay homage to his town’s history and celebrities.
Las Caletas: Sun, Surf and Sea Lions: It’s not that I don’t love working in an office enveloped in artificial light, but as a free spirit and fun-loving, outdoorsy kind of girl, I’m always eager for an adventure that takes me out of the office and into the sunshine — all in the name of research, of course! Sea lions have fascinated me since my childhood, their cute dog-like faces and antics reminding me of a seafaring golden retriever.
Juan Pablo Hernández: Born in Porvenir, Nayarit, photographer, writer and singer Juan Pablo Hernández, came from humble beginnings but never gave up on his dreams.
Yelapa, "A Must," by Sunset Magazine: Yelapa, the fishing village 45 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta by boat, was recently named the number one place that you’ve got to see by Sunset magazine. The top ten list includes the name of exotic destinations such as Malibu, San Francisco, Denver, San Miguel de Allende, among others.
Josef Kandoll: Josef Kandoll is a fine example of a person who communicates with a strong conviction. A former artistic photography student and a participant in several journalism workshops, he has captured creative images since his childhood, through his lens and via his writing.
Recicla Parque, A Special “entreamigos” Project in San Pancho: Recicla Parque is an initiative of the entreamigos (Between Friends) group, to build a playground in San Pancho, Nayarit, which will be constructed almost entirely out of recycled materials.
Readers' Choice Awards 2008 Are Here!:
Welcome to the 2008 edition of Virtual Vallarta’s Readers’ Choice Poll. You have until June 15 to submit your vote. All winners will be announced July 1st.
Please click HERE to launch this year’s poll.
North Shore Restaurants and Their Stories: Fervor for food, family and their special locations on the Riviera Nayarit links eight extraordinary and diverse restaurateurs who have each established unique and beloved eateries. Hailing from as far as New Zealand and as close as Vallarta, each brings distinctive experience and imparts an individual flavor, not just to the fare but to the entire dining experience.
Jorge Dueñas: While a prophet in his own land may expect no honor, that didn’t deter Jorge Dueñas Peña from returning to his native San Sebastián del Oeste.
Bob Price: In 2004, Bob Price moved to Puerto Vallarta, yearning to return to and explore the unique terrain and biodiversity of the mountainous area near El Tuito. This magnificent landscape had been imprinted on his mind from his first exposure to the area some 20 years before.
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.
Manuel Ramírez: Manuel Ramirez Miranda came to Puerto Vallarta 30 years ago to manage the local Lloyd branch. He got the job while vacationing in Guadalajara, after serving for two years in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
Escape to Yelapa: It’s easy to take Yelapa for granted, at least for those who live in Puerto Vallarta year round. After all, seeking refuge at this laid-back village by the sea is as simple as hopping on one of the water taxis that aim for it on a daily basis and enjoying the picturesque 45-minute coastal ride.
