Art and Food Go Together in Puerto Vallarta

Painted Pig

The smell of salt air hits our senses like a savory spice. We are at the edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Does the name sound familiar? This is the small fishing and pearl-diving village that became famous due to a movie made in the 1960s called “The Night of the Iguana”.

Lunch in a River Outside Puerto Vallarta

River Food

Our bright yellow 4×4 grinds higher up into the Sierra Madre Mountains. The high peaks rise like jagged green jewels above Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Under a canvas canopy cover I cling to my vinyl seat, inhale sharp mountain air and wonder about lunch.

Love, Sex, Hollywood, and the making of Puerto Vallarta

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor statue at La Fuente del Puente Restaurant & Bar

Its weather is gorgeous. Its beaches are beautiful. Its locals are friendly and welcoming. So it’s hardly surprising that over the past 50 years Puerto Vallarta has transformed from an idyllic fishing village into a getaway spot that draws thousands of tourists a year. Yet, not every cute little beach town turns into a renowned travel attraction.

5 Unexpected Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta beach

For most baby boomers, the mention of Puerto Vallarta conjures up images of Captain Stubing and Julie, the Cruise Director, on “The Love Boat.” The classic TV show, of which we all have fond memories, ran from 1977 to 1987, and made the destination a household name.

Puerto Vallarta’s Art: Sophisticated, Spiritual and Playful

Mosaic from locals & travelers

We came to Puerto Vallarta to relax, and relax we did. A couple of lazy days dipping feet into the gentle waves of the Bay of Banderas, soaking up the warm afternoon sun at our beachfront resort, and wondering at a star filled sky after a late night garden stroll soothed our tattered nerves.

Cooking Class at El Arrayán

Student cutting pineapple

Puerto Vallarta is magical and so is the restaurant El Arrayán. Owned by Carmen Porras since 2003, she named her restaurant after a species of tree that bears the small, sweet and tart fruit.