A browser’s paradise, this section offers a vast collection of articles, primarily taken from our print publication Vallarta Lifestyles, on virtually every topic covered in this website, including dining, recipes, shopping, activities, art, nightlife, kids’ and family activities, getaways, people profiles and real estate. So sit back, take a few minutes, and enjoy some of the finest writing about Puerto Vallarta and environs available online.
Five Minutes with Abelardo Favela: We had the opportunity to spend some quality time with this talented, charming and renowned Mexican artist during a visit in February for an exhibition of his canvases and sculptures that took place at Galeria Contempo. Enjoy a five-minute video glimpse into his life and work.
Fandango: A Skeptic’s Review: Fandango, the original musical/dance tribute to Mexico’s native and folkloric traditions created by the production company behind Teatro Vallarta, is back home, after two years of touring, triumph, and turmoil. Is it worth the admission price? Managing Editor Paco Ojeda provides the answer!
General Outline for the new immigration law of Mexico: In May of 2011 Mexico’s Immigration law was reformed. Some of the reform entered into effect immediately while other parts did not enter into effect until the corresponding Rules to the Law were published, which did not happen until the 28th of September 2012. In short, we are just now starting to see the Immigration authorities push for the full application of the new law.
Understanding Mezcal: Once considered rural and primitive, mezcal is experiencing a surge in popularity, reaching gourmet status in Mexico City and other cosmopolitan destinations, Puerto Vallarta included. Read more about this legendary agave underdog!
Explore Isla Río Cuale: When was the last time you walked Isla Rio Cuale from end to end? If you are visiting our destination for the first time, we won’t hold it against you if you have not. For that matter, you may not even be aware that Puerto Vallarta is divided, by the Cuale River, with the island, a long and narrow stretch of land.
Two Minutes with Act II Entertainment: Two of Act II Entertainment's founding members, Elizabeth Ensor and Danny Mininni, stopped by our offices to let us know what they have been up to, and their plans for the near future, hoping to attract even more locals to become involved with their upcoming productions.
Specialized, a Hub for Local Cyclists: Almost a year after opening its doors at Puerto Vallarta’s popular shopping center, Galerías Vallarta, Specialized has become a must-visit spot for local amateur and professional cyclists. A very popular brand in the United States, Specialized franchises their bicycle and accessory lines to many countries, worldwide.
Six Tips for Memorable Restaurant Week Dining Experiences:
Year after year, we receive positive feedback from diners that dine out during Restaurant Week. That said, there is always room for improvement! Here are some tips we’ve assembled to ensure that your Restaurant Week experience in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will be amazing.
VirtualVallarta.com’s Guide to Peregrinaciones: Cultural, colorful, chaotic. The time to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe is upon us. This is a very important religious celebration in Mexico, so those of us that live here year-around, learn to cheerfully adapt our rhythms and schedules as needed during the first 12 days of December. Discover our tips!
Performing Arts Blossom in Puerto Vallarta: Learn about Puerto Vallarta's increasing performing arts options, from new and renovated venues to the latest proponents to join forces as our destination becomes so much more than simply a vacation beach town.
Puerto Vallarta’s Visual Arts Scene Today: Intrigued about Puerto Vallarta's art gallery scene? Looking to invest in an painting or a sculpture? This introductory article gives you a quick outlook of what to expect while exploring the local art galleries.
Edible Flowers in Jalisco: While we usually consider dried hibiscus flowers as the main ingredient in agua de jamaica, a refreshing beverage, they can also be used as a savory taco filling! Learn more about them, along with other savory flowers available locally.
Guadalajara Through the Mountains: It is not uncommon for Puerto Vallarta locals and visitors to consider an occasional getaway to Guadalajara. Of the three highways that take you there—the toll road, the old highway, and the mountain highway—we present you with the virtues and advantages of the latter. If you are not in a rush, it is the way to go!
Basic facts about Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit: What you should know or might be interested in knowing about Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Tequila!: Considered North America's first indigenous distilled spirit, tequila production originated in the 16th century near the town of Tequila, Jalisco. It is made from agave, a plant considered sacred by the Aztec, who used it to produce octly, a fermented beverage now known as pulque.
Hike from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas: The small fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán is Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore water taxi departure point, with small motor boats or “pangas” traveling regularly to some of the most secluded beaches in the bay, including Las Animas and Quimixto.
Trip Report: Mayto Revisited: Intrigued about visiting Mayto, a pristine beach two hours south of Puerto Vallarta in Cabo Corrientes? We were there for a weekend getaway a few days ago, after not having visited the region since 2010. Has much changed there? Is the road easier to drive? Read our updated trip report!
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 7-7): Restaurant Week 2012 began three days ago, as we wrap our preview of the 45 participating restaurants. We present you with the final six restaurants that are participating in Restaurant Week for the very first time. Welcome newbies! And if you've missed previous installments, the links to our Countdown articles can be found at the bottom of the article page.
14 Reasons That Make Vallarta Special!: Vallarta is many things to many people. Here are a few of the reasons, in no particular order, that keep visitors returning year after year, and make first-time vacationers fall in love with the destination on the spot.
Vallarta Info 101: Here are some last-minute details you may want to keep in mind as you prepare to discover paradise!
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 6-7): Here are the newbies! Thirteen restaurants are participating for the very first time in this year’s edition of Restaurant Week, offering foodies all over the bay excellent reasons to try out new restaurants and explore their enticing discounted menus, May 15 - 31. We present seven of them here, and wrap up our countdown next week.
6 Ways to Search for Real Estate in Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit: Not everybody searches for real estate in the same manner. Not everyone is familiar with the regions, or have used an MLS search engine before. To provide search for everyone, from really easy to a bit more advanced, we offer six different ways to search for real estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 4-7): Without counting restaurants participating for the first time, this year’s Restaurant Week, May 15 - 31, will feature 12 restaurants offering three-course menus at $189 pesos per person. In the fourth of a seven-part feature, we focus on the first group of $189-menu restaurants, wrapping up the series with all restaurants participating in Restaurant Week for the first time.
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 3-7): In the third of a seven-part feature, we focus on the final group of $299-menu restaurants that will participate in this year’s Restaurant Week, May 15 - 31. We will continue with the $189-menu participants and wrap up the series with all restaurants participating in Restaurant Week for the first time. Did you miss the previous installments? Look for a link at the bottom of the page!
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 2-7): In the second of a seven-part feature, we continue focusing on the $299-menu restaurants that will participate in this year’s Restaurant Week, May 15 - 31. We will continue with the $189-menu participants and wrap up the series with all restaurants participating in Restaurant Week for the first time.
Countdown to Restaurant Week 2012 (Part 1-7): In the first of a seven-part feature, we take a closer look at the 45 restaurants that will participate in this year’s Restaurant Week, May 15 - 31. We begin with the $299-menu participants, continue with the $189 participants, and wrap up the series with all restaurants participating in Restaurant Week for the first time.
Tahéima Wellness Resort and Spa: As the first full ownership luxury condo-hotel in Mexico to be registered under Canadian Securities regulations, and as the fastest selling project in the Bahia of Banderas for 2008-2009 as reported in the Multi-Dev Vallarta, Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa offers a unique investment and lifestyle opportunity for Baby Boomers.
Puerto Vallarta: Three Essential Cocktails: Regardless of the food specialties you choose to savor at the local restaurants you visit during your Banderas Bay vacation, we recommend stopping by the following three eateries, where we found cocktails that were unique, surprising and absolutely memorable. ¡Salud!
Behind the Scenes: EntreAmigos: Is it trash or treasure? At EntreAmigos in San Pancho, everything has possibilities. That said, recycling glass is not as simple a process as one would imagine, as exemplified with this 360º panoramic image of the community center's dumping area.
Behind The Scenes: Daiquiri Dick's: Supervised by chef Ignacio Uribe, Daiquiri Dick's kitchen is, without a doubt, one of the busiest and most successful in town. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the popular beachfront restaurant has been known to handle as many as 450 sittings on special occasions such as New Years' Eve dinner. Enjoy this 360º panoramic image of Daiquiri Dick's kitchen!
