136 atlantahomesmag.com SEPT.2019
WITH AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE
and traditions deeply rooted in the past,
San Miguel de Allende is a cosmopolitan
city of contrasts.
Its colorful Spanish architecture, charm-
ing cobblestone streets and authentic
Mexican culture coupled with a thriving art
and food scene and fi rst-class hotels make
it one of the most distinctive cities in the
world. What it lacks in sandy beaches and
turquoise waters, it makes up for in charm.
San Miguel is one city that needs to be on
your bucket list.
A favorite of tourists and expats alike,
San Francisco designers Jeffry Weisman
and Andrew Fisher of Fisher Weisman call
it their second home. Weisman notes, “San
Miguel de Allende is a magical 16th-century
Spanish Colonial village. As it has drawn
increasingly affl uent visitors, the shopping,MAGICAL MEXICO
With a thriving arts scene and glorious architecture, San Miguel de Allende charms
Written by CATHY WHITLOCKhotel and dining options have expanded
dramatically. We have an ideal climate and
an unbeatable vibe. The town, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is picture-postcard
pretty.”
Dallas-based interior designer Michelle
Nussbaumer feels the draw as well and has
been coming to San Miguel for over 30
years. “I lived a long time in Rome and the
sensibility of the city feels like Europe. I
love the churches and cathedrals and the
Mexican culture and cooking,” she says.
Founded in the 16th-century, the tiny
mountain town is known for its well-
preserved buildings and history is at every
turn. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcán-
gel, the city’s best-known church and tallest
building, provides a focal point with its
towering pink spires. Located in the Plaza
Principal, the neo-Gothic, 17th-centuryparish church is a popular landmark and
you can expect to see a number of weddings
there on any given weekend. Weisman also
recommends adding the Sanctuary of Ato-
tonilco to your itinerary as it is “a hidden
gem of a church often called the Sistine
Chapel of Mexico.”
The city offers an equal mix of culinary
delights, shopping and arts and cultural
events. A foodie’s paradise, be sure to
sample mole, gorditas, pozole (Mexican
stew), and of course, mezcal. (There are a
surprising number of Italian restaurants as
well). Favorites include the farm-to-table
menu at The Restaurant, Hotel Matilda’s
Moxi, Bovine and Fatima 7 on the rooftop
of Hotel Casa Blanca 7 (designed by Fisher
Weisman). For a quick Cal-Mex taco on
the go, try Taco Lab located in the Doce 18
Concept House, a mix of curated shops that