Cake by Courtney Travels: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Located in the hills of central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende isn't necessarily the first destination you think of when you're planning your getaway to Mexico. There's no beaches around. It's not even that easy to get to. However, once you visit this charming town, you'll fall in love and be looking for your next opportunity to return. In fact, many visitors become permanent residents, they love this town so much. (About twenty percent of the population is expatriates!)
It didn't take long to see why this town is becoming more and more of a tourist destination. It's filled with rich history, architecture, culture, cuisine, and art. It's also small enough that you can walk everywhere and don't need a car. Just be prepared to walk up a few hills here and there since this town was built on the hillsides of Central Mexico.
Here's a look at our three days in San Miguel de Allende, along with the incredible wedding of my best friend. Make sure you get to the end of the post to see my quick video of the city and to get my list of food and activities!
During our first day in San Miguel, we walked outside of the city to the Botanical Gardens. Of course, all our walking and hiking meant that we totally deserved to load up on pastries at Cumpanio as soon as we got back into town!
I'm not sure what this brioche/fresh toast/pastry was called but it was AMAZING. Get it!
We also joined friends poolside at the Rosewood Hotel, one of the nicest hotels in town. If you don't have $400/night in your budget to spend on lodging, consider Airbnb. Ryan and I had a great experience with our host Polly, who moved to San Miguel 40 years ago and has since been married and raised her kids locally. She had great recommendations for food and activities.
Our first evening was spent on the rooftop of the Rosewood for the rehearsal dinner. Over my shoulder is the Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel, the town's tallest building made of pink limestone.
Because food is never far from my train of thought, we spent the next morning at Lavanda, indulging in guava jam, french toast and poached egg dishes. I'd eat here every morning if I was a local!
Friday was Mandy and Scott's big day, so after breakfast at Lavanda, I joined the bride and the other bridesmaids to get ready. Just a little background, Mandy has been one of my best friends since we were 14-years-old. She's always been like a sister to me, and her family, my second family.
Following Mexican tradition, after the wedding ceremony, the happy couple and the entire wedding party and guests paraded down the streets of San Miguel de Allende to the reception site, all while being accompanied by a mariachi band!
As far as details go, this wedding didn't miss on anything. It was all perfection! Every detail was so thought out and meaningful
After a late night of dancing, Ryan and I slept in on Saturday morning, strolled the town, spent time with friends and then found our way to San Augustin's Chocolate and Churros, a food stop that can't be missed during your visit!
If it weren't for the long travel day to and from San Miguel (about 12 hours from SLC, including the drive from Leon to town), I'd be returning to this inspiring town as frequently as I could. It's truly magical!
My amateur video montage of San Miguel de Allende :)
Best Places to Eat
Lavanda: the best breakfast in town. Get the guava jam with toast, a poached egg dish and french toast!
Cumpanio: a delicious little pastry shop just a couple blocks from the main square. It's attached to a restaurant but we didn't even make it that far once we saw all the incredible pastries. Grab your pastries to go and walk down to the steps of La Parroquia.
El Pegaso: enjoy the Chilis en Nogada and enjoy the Mexican folk art covering the walls around you.
San Augustin's Chocolate y Churros: melt-in-your-mouth churros and hot chocolate. We got the Spanish Hot Chocolate (dark and bitter) and the Marmalade Hot Chocolate (milk chocolate swirled with white chocolate, very sweet), alongside a chocolate stuffed churro and a caramel stuff churro. Heavenly! Make sure you have pesos. They don't take credit card.
Street Tacos: a must! Andy's tacos are the most famous in town. Chef Andy was actually written up in the New York Times about a year ago.
La Grotta: an intimate and cozy Italian spot known for their homemade pastas.
Rosewood Hotel: if you have the chance to stay here, sit poolside with fish tacos, chips and guacamole!
Things to Do
Jardin Botanico Reserva Natural: this botanical garden is about 1.5 km outside of town and serves as a wildlife and bird sanctuary. You can walk pathways through wetlands and areas of cacti and native plants. The canyon also has a large freshwater spring called Charco de Ingenio. You can walk to the gardens, grab a taxi or there's a complimentary bus service that leaves Calles Mesones in front of Plaza Civica at 9:30 a.m., returning at 1 p.m.
Canada de la Virgin: an archaeological site located about 25 kilometers west of San Miguel de Allende. You'll probably want to do this one with a guide since there's so much history there.
Mayan Baths: San Miguel's private hot springs are located just 15 minutes outside of town, and are a sanctuary of natural thermal mineral waters where you swim through underground candlelit quartz and crystal grottos to outside pools. Reservation only. Call ahead.
La Gruta: this hot springs has three outdoor pools of varying degrees of heat. Welcome to children.
Shopping at the Mercado Deartesanias: the artisan market is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Each stall is overloaded with handcrafted items and trinkets.
Art: San Miguel de Allende has become one of the most popular art towns in Mexico. Wander the streets and stroll into galleries on nearly every street.