San Sebastian: A World Away in 15 Minutes: Until recently, I hadn’t had the pleasure of knowing this neat, former silver-mining town in the mountains that’s as pretty and peaceful as I’d imagined real traditional Mexico could be.
San Sebastian del Oeste, A Mountain Renaissance: For decades, visitors braved hours of perilous travel along rutted dirt roads to reach the largely unspoiled paradise we call San Sebastián del Oeste, a former silver mining town. A landing strip suitable for small aircraft moderately increased exploration possibilities, but it wasn’t until the completion of a paved road connecting Puerto Vallarta with Talpa de Allende.
Mexican Bullfighting Trivia: The word "bullfighting" raises controversy around the world, but there seems to be agreement on one fact: once you’ve been to a bullfight, chances are you will no longer be neutral about the sport. Either it’s an event that you’re passionate about and will go to numerous times in the future, or your first event will be your last.
Join the Remote Control Flying Club in Banderas Bay!: A remote control flying club meets every Saturday, in a two-hectare space located in San Vicente, Nayarit, a little town along Banderas Bay. Previously, this club met in Rincon de Guayabitos, but will continue to meet in San Vicente. Flying remote control airplanes is a very involved hobby and is not only about flying.
Expanding Our Maritime Terminal: If you think Puerto Vallarta’s increasing parking problems have been limited to our city streets, you’ve been missing the bigger picture. All around the world, business is booming for the cruise industry.
Duck Invitational: While chicken is a mainstay of many a diet, my own included, I rarely treat myself to duck, considering it a special occasion poultry. And, truth be told, when I do indulge it’s either in Peking Duck or Duck a l’Orange – not only because I love them both, but until recently they were the only duck dishes I knew!
Hot Spot: Lázaro Cárdenas: Bucerias may mean “place of the divers,” but along Lazaro Cardenas in this fun town on the Riviera Nayarit it should mean “place of the diverse!” The avenue runs parallel to the ocean, a block to the east, and both daytime and evening offer many attractions.
Discovering Off-Malecon in Vallarta: Every city has its hidden corners, its unseen treasures. While sculpture is featured on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, those who know the city suggest that you not stop there. In fact, some of the more interesting corners are off the main drag. This piece focuses on Vallarta’s off -Malecon sculptures, as well as tidbits and stories related to them.
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.
Jogging in Paradise: Not only is Puerto Vallarta a great destination for enjoying beaches, nightlife and art, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy exercising! Both early in the morning and late in the afternoon, it’s quite common to see people running along the Malecon, whether on their own, as couples, in groups or with pets.
El Tuito: Small-town Charm Just an Hour Away: With the advent of spectacular restaurants such as Le Kliff and outdoor activities such as those offered at Canopy Tours Los Veranos and the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, an increasing number of visitors and locals are stretching their boundaries and exploring all the wonders our South Shore has to offer.
39 Vallarta Essentials: You cannot visit Paris, no matter how brief a stay, and miss the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, or spend any time in San Francisco without succumbing to the temptation of crossing its majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Each popular world destination has its very own list of must-see/must-do items and Puerto Vallarta is no exception.
Hot Spot: El Pitillal Plaza: Thanks to modern conveniences, most of us today can tootle along major supermarket aisles and shopping centers finding just about every item we could possibly require on a day-to-day basis. This was not always the case, however, as exemplified today by the small-town charm of Pitillal Plaza.
Surfing: For decades, surfers of all ages have flocked to Mexico’s Pacific coast, long considered to be a destination of choice, in order to benefit from its more than 1,500 miles of beaches, points and reefs. Well-known surf spots from the northern state of Sinaloa all the way down to Oaxaca are awaiting exploration year round.
La Piñata: The soul of a Mexican fiesta: Piñatas are the very soul of children’s parties in Mexico. All youngsters wait impatiently for the moment they can try to break this model made of papier mache and metal, its belly a clay pot filled with candies. This folk art attracts not only children; adults also fall under its colorful spell when it appears at a Christmas party or even sometimes at a wedding.
The Huichol Universe: They are easily spotted at diverse shops around town, painstakingly attaching multi-colored beads to hand-carved wooden sculptures depicting a variety of fantastic creatures.
Hot Spot: Olas Altas: Bustling with activity day and night, this trendy street has such a formidable draw that many tourists and locals actually refer to the entire neighborhood by its name. Saunter about and you will be delighted to have scheduled ample time to discover its many restaurants, gift stores, outdoor cafés and nightclubs.
Ultimate Tour: Tequila Tour: Tequila is more than just a liquor – it’s a destination! And now you can discover the soul of Mexico and its national drink with a trip to this classic town, designated a “Pueblo Mágico,” or “Magical Town,” nationally.
Head to the Mountains!: If you are new to Banderas Bay or on a short-term vacation, chances are that you will want to remain fairly close to your home or hotel, as you will find a plethora of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and its immediate surroundings.
Hot Spot: Pulpito Street: A funky South Side block with a bohemian feel stretching, for the sake of argument, from landmark beachfront restaurants El Dorado and La Palapa to happening Olas Altas and Picnic restaurant 21 stairs above it, this place to see and be seen offers a bit of everything.
