8.17.2009

TRAVELING SHOES .... ALAMOS, MEXICO

Set back into the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, among the Tropical Deciduous Forest, you will find one of the most pristine Spanish Colonial Villages in all of Mexico. Alamos is over three hundred and seventy years old . The colonial mansions were built by prospering silver barons as it was once a mining town. - These days it is a lovely and perfectly preserved retreat for those who are fortunate enough to live there.
It's a place that always draws us back - I've lost count of how many times we have been.
Sometimes we go alone. Twice we have taken Jasmine. One year our friends Michael and Diane joined us there.................................
They arrived in the evening and tracked us down at the cantina in the Hotel Casa De Los Tersoro. (below)
Vines and flowers cover the walls that surround the courtyards........................


We have stayed at a few different hotels and B&B's. Our favorite is Solipaso, owned by the McKay's.
They rent out three rooms and have a casita that we are particularly fond of.
Operated by David and Jen McKay it has a small cafe on the premises. David and Jen also give Eco tours and have a retreat a few miles out of town called - El Pedregal Nature Lodge and Retreat Center.
You can usually find Jim in the courtyard of the Casita catching up on his reading.
The Casita and courtyard are so beautiful - sometimes it's hard to leave.
The main house - Solipaso - used to be the armory where all of the silver was kept and guarded.
The three rooms in the main house have private bathrooms and open out onto the courtyard.

Michael and Jim try their hand at bargaining with a street vendor............


You know I love it when Diane is along on a trip - she is very photogenic and has a fantastic collection of vintage clothes which she wears beautifully - usually with her cowboy boots or sometimes, high top sneakers.

Alamos is a great place to go when you truly want to get away from it all. Serene and quiet during the day and more active in the evenings when people come out from behind the walls of these colonial casas to socialize. The plaza comes alive with music and food vendors. Music is quite important to the village of Alamos and festivals are held throughout the year. Jim and Jasmine had a great time one evening following the "La Estudiantina" procession. Students dressed in the clothing of Spain of the 11th to 13th centuries join to sing and play instruments while leading processions through the winding cobblestone streets. Much to my regret, I don't have a photo of the procession. I stayed in that evening. Maybe next time........................................


Michael and Diane in front of La Puerta Roja Inn owned and operated by Teri Arnold. A wonderful B&B not far from the main plaza.
IF YOU GO: Alamos is off the beaten path. We usually drive down through Tucson, Arizona, south through the border town of Nogales and then wind our way down along the coastline of the Sea of Cortez to Navojoa. Alamos is 35 miles east of Navojoa. Michael and Diane flew down to Guymas, rented a car and drove the rest of the way to Alamos. After spending several days in Alamos - we usually head further south to Mazatlan for a little beach time.
WHERE TO STAY: I would recommend any of the three places listed above and also:

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman
Sotto Il Monte Vineyards