Casa Maria Bed and Breakfast

There's another world out there beyond San Miguel

by karenincalifornia

As you can see from this photo, the countryside outside San Miguel appears to be endless.

Bicycle tours are available. Other things to do: explore the pre-Hispanic ruins in the Laja River Basin, visit the Guanajuatan semi-desert and admire the carpets of wildflowers, hike in the Los Picachos mountains. It is hard to believe when you are in San Miguel, but the highest peaks are covered with thick woods, predominantly oaks.

Beautiful 18th century mansions are built

by karenincalifornia

San Miguel experienced its greatest prosperity during the 18th century. During this time, the landed gentry and aristocracy - the descendants of the peninsulares - built even more elaborate residences in baroque and neoclassic style. The residences were painted in beautiful ocre and cafe colors, displayed sculptures such as stone dogs and were adorned with balconies and forged iron hardrails and banisters.

In the 1700s, San Miguel had a strong self-supporting economy, thanks to local textile, ranching, agricultural and mining industries. Its economic independence from Mexico City and the Spanish Crown contributed toward its prosperity, at least for a while during this particular century.

San Miguel de Allende - Worth a Quick Stop

by jungles

I had heard and read quite a lot about San Miguel de Allende prior to our arrival there. I'm not sure what I expected, but I was a little disappointed in what I saw. For whatever reason this town has been chosen by many Americans as a place to retire, and this influx of over-50 expats has certainly changed the character of the town. It's filled with art galleries and private schools where you can learn Spanish along with pottery-making, painting, and many other activities of the type that people take up when they retire. Nick had planned to spend a week here studying Spanish since it was near the beginning of our trip, but once we arrived we quickly realised we didn't want to stay here for a week and moved on.

That said, it's still a beautiful town with some lovely churches to visit, but there wasn't enough to hold our interest for more than a day, and much of that day was spent sitting on park benches, which seems to be a popular pastime. Spend enough time watching pigeons in the square and you might even get a photo like the one above (Nick took this one; it's one of my favourites). If you want to get a taste of real Mexico while you're here, take a day trip to somewhere like Dolores Hidalgo (see my Dolores Hidalgo page).

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

by searcey

"Beautiful San Miguel de Allende"

The jardin (town square) is a lively place day and night. People go to sit, read, enjoy the sun and to people watch. Children play and people actually talk to strangers. I met a wonderful lady who had been a teacher in San Miguel for many years while just sitting on a bench. I learned a lot about life as it was and as it still is in San Miguel. After being in the town for a few days, you start seeing people you recognize and maybe have talked to in restaurants or around the jardin. People are very friendly and want to know about you.

Across from the jardin is the Parroquia (church) that is truly a magnificant structure. At night when the lights are on, it seems magical.

"Christmas in San Miguel"

On Christmas eve my daughter, her boyfriend and I went down to the Jardin to participate in the Christmas Posada. People were carrying candles and singing while strolling around several blocks following a pickup truck with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Angle on a float. After the prosession people gathered in front of the Parroquia and continued to sing songs. Later they had pinata's for the children to hit. It was a very warm feeling to be among strangers on Christmas Eve and feel such love and family unity.