For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende Mexico Announcements & News


San Miguel de Allende Mexico / For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende 

For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende Announcements & News San Miguel de Allende Mexico

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San Miguel de Allende -- Today is Saturday, September 04, 2010 12:03 at our loyal server in the USA
from MexicoDiscovered.com which also has a Discover Mexico magazine.

San Miguel de Allende and Pozos

Mexico's most cultured retirement haven - and most popular artistic destination, was declared a Mexican national Monument in 1926. This meant that while other towns pulled down heritage buildings and replaced them with glass and steel boxes San Miguel was off-limits to that form of modernization. Without this single gesture, San Miguel may have become just another slightly decaying backwater - that time and the major highways left behind - instead of the architecturally pristine city we love.

But what a National Monument! Its proximity to the nearby silver cities of the Bajio meant that by the eighteenth century it was an important way station en route to Mexico City and an agriculture centre supplying the needs of the burgeoning city of Guanajuato. Spaniards, wealthy from extracting silver, built magnificent palaces here and then enhanced their already enormous fortunes farming the surrounding countryside through huge estates with equally magnificent haciendas as their centrepiece. Further enhancing the architectural splendour are ornate churches and oratorios that owe their existence to the patronage of these wealthy patrons - and the sweat and slave-like servitude of indigenous Indians. Despite the fact that many of the palaces and haciendas were gutted and plundered during the Mexican Revolution in the second decade of the last century, the basic structures were still extant in 1926.

It was this slightly scarred and somewhat neglected eighteenth century architectural masterpiece that so enamoured the few foreigners who ventured through here in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Set in the pastoral rolling hills of the Bajio, watered by natural springs, enjoying a spring like climate all year and suffused with a light beloved by artists, how could they resist. One such person was American, Sterling Dickinson who, recognized the possibilities, and founded the now internationally renowned Instituto Allende in 1938 as a place of study for fellow ex patriots. This was the second pivotal action that ensured San Miguel de Allende's future for, with the end of World War II came the United States GI Bill that supplied education grants to returning servicemen. These GIs soon discovered their limited funds went farther in San Miguel and the Institute thrived. A vibrant artistic and cultural society grew up around a still small but permanent expatriate community that serviced their needs. Many of these visiting students never left, instead they became the kernel of a growing artistic community that, generations later, continues to be supplemented by new infusions of artistic talent that also fall in love with San Miguel's special "light". At the same time, many of the wealthy tourists originally attracted by the town's reputation, returned to reside here on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Attracted by this charming and safe city with a perfect climate they, in turn, became the basis of the well-heeled semi retirement community that San Miguel is today. At the same time other less wealthy (or merely more ambitious) visitors saw the opportunities afforded by this influx and opened even more businesses to serve this expanding tourist and residential market. These North Americans had the desire and the funds to restore the many badly neglected buildings - in accordance with the strict 1926 guidelines - that, today, the town is effectively an eighteenth century wonder with electricity and running water!

Well, not quite. The ubiquitous internal combustion engine knows no limits and San Miguel is no exception. Her narrow, winding and often very steep cobblestone streets can soon get jammed with noisy diesel spewing trucks and buses as well as the latest gas guzzling SUVs. Ironically perhaps it is the modern SUV that is the most appropriate vehicle to ply the uneven 200 year old cobblestone streets. Certainly, its 4 wheel drive capability comes in handy when the summer rains hit and the more steeply sloped streets become slick and traction becomes your number one priority. If it isn't, you will soon get used to walking that little bit extra just to avoid the problem of finding that most rare of things in downtown San Miguel - a parking spot.



The relationship between the expatriate and Mexican communities is remarkably cordial. One even gets the impression there is only one community. This is born of the fact that the two live side-by-side and both benefit from the other despite the fact that (with the notable exception of a comparatively small number of middle and upper class Mexicans) most expatriates are wealthier than their neighbours. Poverty and crime do exist in the peripheral Mexican areas of town but a strong tradition of volunteer work within the expatriate community has ameliorated many of the resentments such an "invading army" of privileged foreigners could have engendered. Certainly, San Miguel attracts relatively wealthy people, but they don't flaunt it. That is not what San Miguel is about. Any such wealth is generally hidden behind the enclosed walls and high gates of the town - for this is a town that values and encourages cultural and social endeavours above overt displays of wealth.

Members of the expatriate community who operate businesses here is one reason the town works so well. They have created jobs and so generated a higher standard of living and quality of life for all San Miguel residents. I was fortunate to meet a number of them - mainly in the real estate and hospitality fields - and was struck by the fact that many of them put as much time and energy into their social and charitable concerns as they did into their commercial pursuits. Dotty Vidargas of Vidargas Real Estate, for example, has lived in San Miguel for 40 years and is one of the driving forces restoring the nearby Santuario at Atotonilco. In contrast, Lane Simmons at Remax Colonial Real Estate became so involved with helping the town's poorer families and abused children that he and his wife have legally adopted two of the children he "rescued". Interestingly, most of San Miguel's realty companies are long established concerns. They know the San Miguel housing market inside out. As part of San Miguel society for decades they are able to impart to potential purchasers that they are buying into a community not just a home.

But whether they are house-hunting or just passing through, visitors need somewhere to stay. On the face of it that should not be a problem in San Miguel where the number of hotels, inns and B & Bs must exceed that of any town of comparable size in Mexico. Most, however, are small - with as few as 3 rooms - so don't be too confident you'll find a room without booking ahead! Old favourites in the deluxe class, such as the Casa de Sierra Nevada and la Puertecita must now compete with the intimate luxury of small exclusive enclaves such as Casa Quetzal among many where American amenities meet the best of Mexican design and influence, while less expensive old time landmark hotels such as the Mansion del Bosque remain perennial favourites.

Some San Miguelites have "discovered" a new San Miguel at Mineral de Pozos just 45 minutes from San Miguel. Popularly called Pozos it is a protected old silver mining town where many of its old mansions are being lovingly restored. In the main square are two hotels adjoining one another. The Casa Montana is the more recent addition but, even newer is the recently opened Real de Minas B&B. Both are American owned and are just two of the gringo vanguard already settled with established businesses here. Many more will come!

In central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is virtually the only place where you will find English spoken so massively that you will not have to learn how to say two words in this beautiful language. If the rest of central Mexico looks interesting then you are going to have to get bilingual and learn to speak Spanish.

What happened in San Miguel is beginning to happen where my wife and I have lived since 2003. Gentrification is happening at such a high rate of speed that I see Guanajuato turning into an other San Miguel in less than five years. The locals are beginning to sense the handwriting on the wall and are scrambling to hire Mexicans that are bilingual to accommodate the Americans and other English only speakers who are moving into Guanajuato.

This is how it began in San Miguel de Allende. When the word got out that it was cheap to live in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, the Americans swarmed in like locusts. They ran up the prices of everything you can imagine. And soon, the locals became bilingual. They had to in order to offer their services to the Gringo population that now numbers in the tens of thousands. That’s why you can go to San Miguel and live perfectly well (that is if you are Bill Gates rich) and never have a problem with the language.

That’s happening now in Guanajuato.

There are real estate agencies that are scrambling to hire bilinguals. There is also a fellow, with a website, who will, for a price, negotiate anything and everything for you since he is bilingual. If you do not speak a word of Spanish (a tragedy) and want to move to Guanajuato (an even bigger tragedy) then this guy is your man and he will take care of all of your Spanish needs.

I list him for you as a matter of courtesy. I do not know him.

All I know is that he offers this service:

Want to Buy a House in Guanajuato City?

Don’t have any ideas how to approach and deal directly with Mexican People?

Afraid of being "abused" because you are not familiar with Mexican and Guanajuato Business Culture, Laws, Locations, Neighborhoods, and Language?

Don't worry!, we have the solution for you by offering:

REAL ESTATE CONSULTANCY

(We are NOT a Real Estate Agency, We work FOR You) Our Services Include:

· Arrangement of appointments, directly with Owners.

· Visits to the properties.

· Simultaneous Interview Translation (English to Spanish and Spanish to English). You can ask about anything that concerns you.

· Assessment on area or neighborhood growth potential, accessibility, communications and services. · Assistance in value assessment.

· Price Negotiation assistance and advice.

· Information concerning repair and remodel.

· Advise on Security and Safety issues in relation to locations.

· Services for coordinating purchase and the legal process.

Price:

Free initial interview (10 to 15 minutes). $15 US Dollars per hour, a partial hour counts as an hour, cut off on a daily basis. $15 US Dollars per week to local phone calling to coordinate appointments and search properties. Taxi fees when necessary. (From $3 to $6 US Dollars one way trip).

Payments must be made on Fridays.

We accept U.S. Dollars, Euros and Travelers Checks, no personal checks nor credit cards.

Special rates apply for written translation and other services, please ask.

Contact: Hugo Rodriguez. / Phone: 73 22383 (Within Guanajuato City) 011 52 473 73 22383 (From The U.S. & Canada) (+) 52 473 73 22383 (From Other Countries)

English, French and Spanish Spoken.

We accept U.S. Dollars, Euros and Travelers Checks, no personal Checks nor Credit Cards.

I imagine more and more of these services coming up in the weeks and months ahead. I was told recently that the list of gringos waiting for properties is longer than the available supply. It is sad. What will happen is the same identical thing that happened to San Miguel de Allende. The culture will be transformed by most rich monolingual Gringos who cannot, because they want not, to learn Spanish.

The wife and I are looking for a place where Gringos would fear to tread as a new home.

It ought to be very interesting.

by Douglas Bower

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
From the Vip Club Newsletter for San Miguel de Allende with information on restaurant discounts available for club members who have purchased the VIP Club Discount Card
  • Alfredo's: 1520072, Inside Posada San Francisco Hotel. Fine dining, international cuisine, lunch and dinner, 1 - 10pm daily, closed Mondays. 20% discount for cash.


  • BBQ Bob's - Salida de Celaya #6, 152-0807.
    (10%) ($100 pesos minimum).


  • Berlin - (10%) ($100 pesos minimum, cash)


  • Buen Café - Jesus & Cuadrante, 152-5807.
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays. (20%) ($100 peso minimum)


  • Bugambilia - Hidalgo #42, 152-0127.
    Lunch and dinner. Traditional Mexican dishes. (20%) (no credit cards for discount).


  • Café San Francisco, Posada San Francisco - Plaza Principal 2, 152-0072.
    Courtyard and street side dining, full menu, Mexican cuisine including seafood and full bar. (20%.)


  • Casa Blanca - Hidalgo #34, 154-6070. Famous for crepes, pizza and international cuisine. (15%) ($100 pesos minimum)


  • Casa Montana Hotel Restaurant, Pozos - Jardín Principal, 01 (442) 293-0032 International and national dishes in the midst of a one-time old ghost town in a small luxury hotel. (20%)


  • Casa Payo - Zacateros #26. 152-7277.
    Landmark San Miguel Argentinean steak house. (10%)


  • Don Quijote - Prolongación de Pila Seca #55, 152-0807. Bar and Grill, famous ribs and burgers, lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays. (20% cash, 10% credit cards)


  • El Asador Catlán - Km. 9 Salida a Querétaro, 120-8118 Open 1 until 7pm. Closed Mondays. Renowned traditional Spanish fare. 15% cash, 10% credit card


  • El Correo Restaurant - Correo #23, 152-4951 Good traditional Mexican food, full bar, closed Tuesdays. (15% cash, 10% credit card)


  • El Puente,Canal 48, 154-8466, open everyday, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8:30 - 11:30 pm, featuring seafood and molés.(10%)


  • Finnegan's Restaurant, two entrances, off Codo or off Zacateros. Full menu, live entertainment, Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with a live Sunday Jazz session from 3-5pm. The menu is a mixed bag including Mexican dishes and some of international fame. (10%)


  • El Tomato, Mesones #62, 151-6057, Open, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. All natural food restaurant, mostly vegetarian dishes and sandwiches, salads fruits and vegetable juices. 10 %, not valid for daily special.


  • Hacienda los Laureles: Open 1-11pm, everyday but Tuesdays. Indoor and outdoor seating. Full bar, extensive menu traditional Mexican foods, Sunday buffet. (20%)


  • Harry's New Orleans Cafe and Oyster Bar - Hidalgo #12, 152-2645 for dinner reservations. New Orleans Cafe, Fresh sea food, cajun and creole dishes, extensive wine list, open 7 days a week. (10%, Cash only)


  • La Fragua - Cuna de Allende #3, 152-1144
    One of the most traditional restaurants in San Miguel, chef Fernando is your host with special recipes, full bar. Closed Mondays. (10%)


  • La Boca: Hernandez Macias #88, open everyday except Mondays, tasty sandwiches, pastas, soups and salads, along with other specials. they sport a full bar open 'til midnight weeknights and 1 a.m. (15%)


  • L'Escargot, Hernandez Macias #66, 154-9024.
    Authentic French cuisine Lunch and dinner, specialties like Beef Wellington, Oyster Rockefeller and escargot. Closed Mondays. 15% discount.


  • La Puertecita - Santa Domingo #75 , 152-5011.
    Rated internationally, as one of the top 100 small luxury hotels in the entire world. (20%) (no discount on buffets)


  • La Princesa - Recreo (20%)


  • La Toscana, Hernandez Macias #83, 154-9608,
    open daily 1 p.m. until midnight, closed Tuesdays. Full bar and menu: Salads, a variety of pastas with various sauces, beefs, poultry and salmon. Wines from Italy, Spain, France, Argentina and Chile. 15% discount Cash only. $100 peso minimum.


  • La Vista, Vista Real Hotel Restaurant: Callejón de Arias #4, 152-3984. Hotel restaurant, International dining room and exquisite view of San Miguel. (20%)


  • L'Invito (Instituto Allende) - Ancha de San Antonio #20, 152-7333. Serving authentic recipes from the north of Italy great ambience. (20%) (Instituto Allende)


  • Los Famosos De Pozos - Hidalgo #10B, Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato. 01 442 293 0112, quaint seeting retaurant in the so called ghost town of Pozos offering a full menu and bar while serving traditional Mexican food.


  • Manolo's - Corner of Pila Seca and Zacateros 152-7277
    Intimate sports bar, appetizers, full meals, draft beer, Sporting events, satellite direct TV. (15%)


  • Market Bistro & Petit Bar - Hernandez Macias #95, 152-3229. Country French cooking. Imported wines. Daily until 11pm, midnight on weekends. (15%, $100 peso minimum at bar)


  • Mesón Castellano - Salida a Celaya #57.
    Spanish restaurant featuring paella. (15%)


  • Mesón de San José - Mesones #38, 152-3848.
    Located back in a courtyard off Calle Mesones, Homemade soups and fresh salads. (20%) ($100 peso minimum)


  • Olé Olé - Loreto #66, 152-0896. The best fajitas en the region, (10%)


  • Pueblo Viejo - Umarán #6, 152-4977. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Traditional Mexican and international dishes. (20%)


  • QUANDO foods, vacuum-sealed, frozen, comfort foods easy to prepare while placed in boiling water. Quando sells gourmet type food products that includes, soups, main dishes and deserts. Some of their selections are: Mushroom chicken roll, potato chicken roll, Coq au Vin with risotto, Chinese ribs, Lisbon, French and Valencia pork dishes, Toas chicken, chicken pot pie, meat loaf and much-much more. For club members this is a DELIVERY SERVICE ONLY. The 10% discount offered to members is NOT INCLUDED at retail outlets where they also market Quando products. There is a 30 peso delivery charge. Members can call 152-5153, 152-0038 or 044-415-153-3444 for immediate delivery. Ask for Pam or Cindy.


  • Punta Sush Ingo: Hildago #23, 1521619. Combination sushi bar and internet cafe. Open seven days a week. (10%)


  • Sierra Nevada - Hospicio #35, 152-0415. San Miguel's prestigious hotel, all three of its charming restaurants are available.
    Also try Sierra Nevada on the park, just below the Chorro, one of San Miguel's most beautiful settings. 15% cash or credit card (all three locations)


  • Tapas y Tinis: Umaran #36, Modern bar and restaurant, intimate atmosphere, serving tapas, serves late (10%)


  • Ten Ten Pie Restaurant: Corner of Cuadrante and Cuna Allende, Small, clean and resonable prices, local restaurant, open seven days a week, serving breakfast lunch and dinner, serves late (10%) (20% off spirits)


  • Tio Lucas: Mesones #103, 1524996, Hallmark San Miguel steakhouse, plus. Open seven days, serves late, nightly entertainment. (10%)


  • Villa Rivera Hotel Restaurant, Cuadrante #1, 152-2289. Behind the Parroquia. Inside and outside dining. International menu, wonderful ambience, Breakfast, lunch and dinner. (20%)


  • Villa Mirasol; Inside Villa Mirasol Hotel, open for breakfast and lunch in garden setting. (10%)

New restaurants are added frequently, and occasionally restaurants drop out of the program with 60 days notice. Ask for the bi-monthly restaurant club newsletter at authorized outlets for detailed information on restaurants and the current list of participants. All participating restaurants are under contract with the San Miguel Restaurant Club to provide the same fine service as they would to patrons who walk in off the street. Discounts are waived during happy hours, 2X1 specials or other special events in which the restaurant is offering discounts to the public at large.

Notice: Certain Restaurants and Businesses may have restrictions that do not appear on this website. Please contact The Restaurant Club directly for a complete list of participating businesses and restrictions.

From the Vip Club Newsletter for San Miguel de Allende with information on discounts available for club members who have purchased the VIP Club Discount Card

November 30, 2006

Greetings:

VIP Club participating bar, EL PETITE, Hernandez Macias #95, reopens with an inauguration gala, tonight, November 30, with a special reception and live music from 6-8pm. The attached Market Bistro Restaurant will reopen sometime in December. Good luck Daniel.

BTW: Right next door in Romanos, they have a dinner show in the back patio every Thursday night, with Parker and Young playing from 8-10pm. Also, on Wednesdays, Frederico plays Latin folk from 8-10pm.

Also, entertainment wise, VIP participating restaurant La Frugua wants member to know about their weekly line up of entertainment:

  • Tuesdays; 8pm, Tango Nights, with "Rio Negro,"
  • Wednesdays; 8pm, Blues with "Robert Kaplan and & Joe,"
  • Thursdays; 9:30pm, Pop, Salsa, Cumbia etc, with "Rossalba,"
  • Fridays & Saturdays; 10:30pm, "Maria,"
  • Saturdays; 3pm, Mexican Trio Music, with "Los Padrinos,"
  • Sundays; 8pm, Bohemia with "Pepe Cordoba."

Card Member Keith Thompson is no longer at Finnegans but has opened the Long Horn Texas BBQ, behind La Palapa. Because of the price structure, the card does not apply but consider giving Keith's new place a try.

Card Member, Donna Drinnon, of the Drinnon Art Gallery, Sto. Domingo 42B, is having a mixed media show on Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3, from 12-5pm, featuring wall art of women and children

Card Member Beatriz Orvananos is moving her VIP Club participating Ritmos Latinos dance lesson studio from Zacateros to La Carpa. Classes will resume January 8, 2007. Contact La Carpa for the new schedule.

Club members Mort and Norma Erlick are having a garage sale, at their home, Cuesta de San Jose #29, on Saturday, December 16, 9am-1pm. They will be selling off Mexican antiques-Santos', Textiles, Folk Art, Oriental Rugs and many one of a kind items. Club members can come a week early if they call first at 152-8180.

It was brought to our attention that a notice was posted on the "not-so-cool" list, a good idea gone bad where there is mostly whining, griping and back biting, and someone was braying the propane gas company does not show when called. I had a casual conversation with Jesus from Noel Gas and asked him if there was a problem. Do know, especially if it a large tank delivery, that if the trucks can't find a parking spot they cannot deliver. They do try coming back often during the course of the day but if they can't park they can't deliver.

We would like to remind members that the VIP card does not apply to cover charges for entertainment. We post this information in our brochures and on our webpage but some members overlook the rule and occasionally they give door men a hard times. Stop it! The Club rules are but few but each member should know them. Restaurant wise the card is valid for food and drink off the menu; tobacco products, t-shirts etc. are never included as part of the discount.

A member called our office and all the girls could make out is them saying they lost their card. They could not understand who they were because they were sneezing and coughing the whole time. But do know, if you misplaced or lost your card, contact us here for immediate replacement, no questions asked.

BTW: with flu season upon us, know that VIP Club Members get a 20% discount at Chelos Faracia , off of pharmaceuticals and 15% off their retail products.

Many members have written in for updates about member Arden O'Rourke who was in a bad accident up near the border. Seems our prayers and good wishes were answered. She is out of trouble, has come out of the coma, and has been taken off the respirator at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She has a long way to go to be her old self but she is doing better everyday. Arden and her family thank you all for your concern and prayers.

The holidays are coming: Be nice to one another.

Thank you for your continuous and loyal support.

Your San Miguel VIP Club
San Miguel de Allende


(Historical perspective taken from a 1998 AAA guidebook--interesting to see what is the same and what has changed in 2007)


The city is located about 170km south of San Luis Potosi. Driving time is about 2 hours. The city has an elevation of 6,134 feet.


San Miguel de Allende traces its history to the immediate aftermath of the Spanish conquest. As mines began to exploit the rich gold and silver deposits of Mexico's central highland region, mule trains were formed to carry the bounty back to Mexico City. These caravans, however, passed through territory occupied by the Chichimeca Indians, and many a skirmish erupted. The village of San Miguel was founded in 1542 by the Franciscian monk Juan de San Miguel, who established a mission to evangalize the Indians and also to teach European weaving and agricultural techniques.

The settlement prospered, becoming the local market center for surrounding haciendas trading in cattle and textiles. It also went through several name changes, including San Miguel de los Chichimecas and San Miguel el Grande. It was here that the native son Ignacio Allende, along with Father Miquel Hidalgo from the neighboring town of Dolores Hidalgo, planned the initial uprising that led to the 11-year War of Independence. "Allende" was added to the town's name in 1826 to honor the freedom fighter.


San Miguel entered a period of decline following the war. Its opulent churches and mansions fell into decay, and poverty set in as mining operations subsided. But in 1926 -- a century after it became offically at city -- the Maxican government declared San Miguel a national historic monument. Modern contruction was prohibited in the city center to preserve the atmosphere, and the old buildings were restored. Foreigners began moving in during the 1930s, and today there is a well-established permanent community of North American expatriates, augmented by teachers, artists and writers who call San Miguel home for up to 6 months each year.


Away from the carefully preserved downtown section there's an everyday scruffiness, with the drab adobe huts lining dusty streets. San Miguel also has experienced growing pains due to an increased number of tourists. While agricultural exports, particulary vegetables, bring in revenue, the growth in population and industry has put a strain in the available water supply.


Visitors gravitate downtown, where coats of arms are carved over the doorways of houses that formerly belonged to Spanish aristocrats; they prospered from the Zacatecas-Guanajuato-Mexico City silver route that once ran through San Miguel. Inner patios shelter fountains, trees and flowers. Some of these handsome buildings now house commercial banks.


Make your first stop the main plaza, located between calles San Francisca and Correo and commonly referred to as El Jardin. Shaded by Indian laurel trees, it's a great place to relax on a wrought-iron bench, listen to the tolling bells of La Parroquia, the parish church, and observe the local scene. Artists working on their canvases are a common sight in the vicinity of the plaza, and most of the city's attractions are within walking distance. Note: Wear comfortable shoes; the city streets are narrow, steep and cobblestoned.