Last summer’s vacation to Mexico was such a blessing. We were able to enjoy a little bit of everything Mexico has to offer. We went diving, enjoyed the beach, visited the Capital City, got to enjoy time with our dear friends and family and even had the opportunity to visit an old colonial town. The town: San Miguel de Allende. Where past and present magically collide and create the perfect atmosphere for a wonderful vacation spot.

We actually drove down to San Miguel while on our way to Mexico City. It is about two and a half hours away from DF. I remembered visiting San Miguel with Bruce and my family a few months after we got married and was so happy to be able to come with the boys and my dad. Evan and Josh were obviously excited to be in a new place where they could explore and I was eager to show them around this charming small town that shouts Mexican culture.

A few meters from our hotel was the main square where a gorgeous coral-tinted parish adorns the scenery. The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons and I was so excited to find a few Mexican delicacies in the form of street food.

As we started walking around town we enjoyed looking at the architectural details and appreciated the small town feel. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta and even my parents’ hometown. As we perused the streets of San Miguel we stopped to shop for hay hats, eat a few Mexican snacks and window shop for souvenirs. I had already decided I would leave most of my souvenir shopping to Mexico City since it has one of the best handicraft market I’ve ever seen in Mexico. The boys enjoyed running down the sidewalks and stopped at some steeps that called their attention. Many of the doors and window sills were so unique that the boys actually stopped to look at them, at least for a second.

Although San Miguel is not very big, we were able to discover a few small plazas where the benches and pigeons were too inviting to ignore.

Naturally, we had to try one of the most famous restaurants there: Churros and Chocolates San Agustin. And yes, the churros are definitively some of the best I’ve ever tried. This was the first time eating churros for both of the boys and Josh enjoyed more than Evan did. Evan doesn’t really have a big sweet tooth unless it comes to chocolate.

One night in San Miguel was enough to give us a taste of old Mexico and a prelude of what was to come as we drove further south. I was very happy to see the boys enjoying themselves so much and was excited to think about coming back in the future when the boys are older. It is so important to me to let the boys get soaked in a bit of Mexican culture at least once in a while and it is my hope that in the future they can be proud of both their heritages.

As in every trip with my two little monkeys there were tears, screams a couple of fights but lots of love and laughter. I am so blessed to be able to enjoy time with my amazing family and hope the boys grow up to appreciate and cherish each other as we travel together.

San Miguel is fabulous place for families young and old. If you are not far from San Miguel I cannot recommend enough that you include at least a short stop in this gem of a city.

Tips

1. There are many cute little hotels and fondas. I would recommend you check TripAdvisor and consider what your priorities are. Some are right by the main plaza, but might be noisy due to the church bells. Some have spas but are further out. Over all, just make sure to determine what are the deal breakers for you. There are many suites and mini apartments so I am certain you will find a good fit for your family.We stayed at La Morada Hotel and loved it. We got a two bedroom suite and it was perfect for the 5 of us. My dad and Evan shared a room with 2 twin beds and Josh slept with mom and dad in a king bed in the other bedroom.
2. Be adventurous with your meals. There are so many restaurant options. From vegan to super authentic Mexican, food in San Miguel is fabulous. Dare to try the street food, too. Our family favorites are steamed corn and home-made ice-cream or nieve de garrafa.
3. The streets are not very stroller friendly so if you bring one, make sure it’s light weight and easy to move up and down the sidewalks.
4. If you are not going to Guadalajara or Mexico City, San Miguel is a great place for souvenir shopping. Be ready to bargain if you are buying a lot.
5. Enjoy! This is a very authentic place and you won’t regret visiting!