BIENVENIDOS A

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

Let me show you around town and lead you beyond the general tourist veneer to introduce to some of our extraordinary places and people.

San Miguel has been my home-base since 2005, so it gives me great pleasure to be able to share some of my favorites stops, introduce you to shop owners, lead you to culinary enticements with our great cooks and connect you with people willing to offer experiences you might not find in commercial guides.

This small, colonial mountain town contains a rich mix of Mexicans from all 32 states and a many, many denizens from all over of the world. If you’re the type of traveller who likes to meet local residents, enjoy experiences which fold you into the daily life and leave you feeling like you really got to know the place, then the few links below are a great start.

MESON HIDALGO, an Experiential Retail Guesthouse

One of San Miguel’s latest editions where top designers from Mexico City, New York City & British Columbia have come together under one roof to house their retails shops and a few guest rooms. The space, an enchanted old manor home set in El Centro, offers intimate look at the cross of contemporary with archaic design. Laura Kirar, a top interior designer from NYC, spearheaded this collaboration between four women, a designer, a silversmith, a clothier, and a perfumer whose current projects are rooted in México. Armour Jewelry offers hand-crafted, small batch pieces using semi-precious stones and sterling silver from Taxco. Xinu Perfumery will tease & please your olfactory sense with all the forms in which delightful scents are offered. And, Carla Fernandez, on the forefront of Mexican Fashion, extends her Mexico City based Fashion House exclusively at Meson Hidalgo.

LODGING

Ex-Posada Corazon

The Posada Corazon is a beautiful 6 Room Inn located in the very heart of SMA, 1/2 block from the town center. It is a jewel of a find with it’s colonial arches and 100 year old working organic garden. The large property, draped with small gardens, fountains and a private library was once a private home which converted into a guesthouse open for one of the best garden breakfasts in town. Pura Vida Kitchen’s Market to Meal Class is based in the beautiful, wooden Mexican kitchen of the Posada.

You will not find this gem without some insider knowledge as they do not advertise. Rooms are almost half the price of everything else within the same distance from El Centro. Cash Only. Pay on arrival. Contact Nelly, the manager, to make a reservation by writing her at nuevealdama@gmail.com

SHOPPING

San Miguel is home to many types of craftspersons, jewelers, designers, artists, chefs and innovators who create with their hands and whose creations fill the local shops and galleries housed in the restored colonial buildings and courtyards, the very heart and soul of San Miguel charm.

MIXTA

Just three blocks from the town square, Australian-born owner Anna Sinclair opened the doors to her unique shop with a myriad of offerings of objects, one-of-a-kind jewelry, original fashion, and designer furniture, art, and more. Mixta is set around an old courtyard and is a favorite stop for locals as well as travelers. Anna might be offering a trunk show or be on-sight and able to tell you about where she’s travelled to find her wares. MIXTA is a divine exploration of the eye and senses for those who love design in a “mixta” of styles.

Art Gallery

YAM GALLERY

A visit to YAM GALLERY has many layers to it. Not only is it set inside on of San Miguel’s oldest and most infamous buildings, El Instituto Allende, home to an International Art School where famed Mexican Muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros painted an entire room and where, today, there are many shops and restaurants around its impressive courtyard. At YAM, you’ll find original treasures, mostly, but not exclusively, from Mexico. One of the owners, Adolfo or Marie, will likely be there to show your their extensive collection of contemporary art, many modern publishings, and curated jewelry including designs of the late, renown Taxco-based silversmith' William Spratling whose mid-century jewelry designs have remained wildly popular, ever since. YAM, as well, is they only licensed vendors of his designs, so be sure to stop thru.

YAM GALLERY to get exact location and hours

Dining

RAICES

on Salida a Celaya (extension Ancha San Antonio directly across from Mobil Gas Station)is a local favorite.

Chef Vanesa offers up a huge variety of her super delicious Mexican dishes with a lot of her flair added. Go for Breakfast or Comida, and go hungry!

Open 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Tuesdays

VENENCIA

Zacateros 81B

New fantasitc restaurant of one of our teaching Chefs, Chef Mario, featuring authentic Oaxacan small plates. Specializing in local Mexican wines and artisanal Oaxacan Mezcal. All cocktails use Mexican spirits. A true authentic Mexican experience.

Soon to have a Mezcal & Wine Tasting Room.

Open 5PM to 10 PM, closed Tuesdays

LA MEZCALERIA

Correo 47-A

A great dining experience with a focus on Mexican ingredients made with care and simplicity. A great selection of pulques and aguamiel, agave based drinks.

“Every plate and every glass tells a story of our slightly restless but passionate search for a unique experience.”

9 AM to 11 PM, daily

9 AM to 4 PM, Sundays

EL MANATIAL

Barranca 78

Inside of one of San Miguel’s most traditional Cantinas, since 1920, El Manantial is SMA’s hub for fish tacos and tostados with a great habanero salsa and some of the best Margaritas, including a Mezcal Tamarindo Margarita.