SanMiguelLive.com
Reader’s Pick: San Miguel de Allende
Cobblestone streets, colorful markets, chocolates and churros, San Miguel de Allende shines at 6,234 feet in Mexico’s verdant central highlands. Travelers flock to the UNESCO World Heritage city, an ex-pat haven, including islanders Teddy Lynch and Connie Crutchfield Pittard (also of Rancho Sante Fe, California). They’re drawn to the city’s sunny days, cool nights, lush vegetation, and vibrant cultural scene.
Bird Lynch
Lynch grew up going to Mexico with her parents, Sonny and LaRue Taliaferro. One of the founders of Frederica Academy and long-time educator, Mrs. Taliaferro started a Mexican exchange program, first at Plymouth Meeting Friends School in Philadelphia, where they lived before moving down to St. Simons Island, and then at FA. “Mrs. T” continued the exchange for many years, inviting guest teachers down to the island. (Remember Señor Carlos, anyone?)
“My mother wanted people to experience other cultures – especially young people. I traveled back and forth to Mexico many times with them on exchanges, made lifelong friends in the country, and even lived in Cuernavaca with my son Bird for a couple of years. I promised myself that one day when I retired, I would live down there.”
—Teddy Lynch
Lynch recently travelled to San Miguel with Crutchfield Pittard, a Global Luxury Advisor with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, to sign on the dotted line. Lynch bought a place in the center city, “with a lovely pathway through a garden to a home filled with Mexican tile floors, a fireplace, and custom architectural elements.” Lynch adds, “I love the people – and the food! I’ve also found a church, St. Paul’s San Miguel de Allende, which is very important to me.”
Connie Crutchfield Pittard
Teddy Lynch in her new casa
Often called the “most beautiful city in the world,” the city has a European feel with cafés on every corner with traditional Mexican flare – and the festivals are a huge draw.
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Connie Crutchfield Pittard
“Hearts are everywhere,” says Crutchfield Pittard. “And the hand door knockers are a symbol here, too. The doors in this city are amazing – unique and gorgeous with floral decorations around the border.”
“My first trip was in March 2021. March is a wonderful time because the purple Jacaranda trees are in full bloom, and it’s gorgeous. We had such a great time we went back for Dia de las Muertos in October 2022. The celebrations are incredible.”
—Connie Crutchfield Pittard
Connie Crutchfield Pittard
Getting There
Two airport options: Léon/Guanajuato International Airport (BJX), approximately 50 miles away, offers plenty of international flights, including directs from Atlanta, or Querétaro International Airport (QRO), approximately 41 miles away, the closest and most modern airport with easy transport to the city.
Stay
Mesón Hidalgo, a “more-than-boutique” hotel, with colorful rugs, throws, and handwoven textiles. Casa No Name, an 18th century mansion with just six rooms, built for a bishop in the historic district. Antiqua Capilla Bed and Breakfast, with a stunning rooftop terrace, fountains and gardens, a short walk from the city center. Book a villa through Vacation Homes San Miguel. (Crutchfield Pittard recommends “Casa Glenville”.)
Meson Hidalgo
See
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the city’s parish church with soaring “wedding cake” towers. El Jardin, San Miguel’s main plaza, the “Zocalo,” ideal for people-watching, giant mojiganga papier-mâche puppets dancing around the square, wedding parades, shops and food, food, food! “SMA has (approx.) 625 restaurants for a population of 170,000 (approx.),” says Lynch. “We love to eat!” Walking tours by San Miguel de Allende Tours. “Almost all of the streets are uneven cobblestones so wear flat comfortable shoes,” advises Crutchfield Pittard. “The woman who founded Charleston Shoe Company did so after visiting San Miguel and realizing the need for her type of shoes!” Museo Historico de San Miguel de Allende (Casa de Ignacio Allende), showcasing SMA’s tumultuous history of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries and the fight for Mexican Independence from Spain. Museo Casa Diego Rivera, birthplace and home museum of one of Mexico’s most famous and beloved artists.
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Bird Lynch
Eat + Drink
Lavanda Café de Especialidad (Café Lavande), a cozy café with the best Mexican coffee, breakfast, and brunch. Mi Bistro, on the picturesque Quebrada Street (steps from Lynch’s new home), a fusion Mexican-Mediterranean eatery, serving fresh ceviches, ribeye tacos, juices, and craft cocktails. Atrio, Crutchfield Pittard recommends a reservation for a rooftop table to see the lights of the Parroquia at night – also a lemon dessert that’s “beautiful and delicious.” Drinks at Rosewood’s Luna Rooftop or No Name Hotel’s “Casa No Name” – spectacular views, craft cocktails with fresh juices, tapas. After dinner must: Chocolates y Churros San Agustín for a steaming cup of hot chocolate and plate of churros, fresh, hot, and ready to dunk. “There can be long lines (particularly after dinner), but it goes quickly,” says Crutchfield Pittard.
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