According to the GoNOMAD Destination Miniguide:
" Nestled high in the cool hills of the Mexican altiplano, San Miguel De Allende is one the hippest,busiest, most charming towns in Mexico. More importantly, this seductive little city - with clear nights and warm days -- offers the alternative traveler numerous inexpensive and high-quality opportunities to study Spanish or the arts. So much so, that many travelers come to visit and never seem to make it home." I have found this certainly to be true in the years I've been bringing groups there. The sizeable ex-pat American population has added a cultural familiarity and comfort for those of us visiting. The art galleries and openings they have, and the music in the clubs at night are remarkable. I like to be in bed by 10:30, so rarely get to hear music in NYC, but in San Miguel I find that I can go out and listen to some great music that starts at 7:30 and still not miss my beauty rest!

Among the best attractions in San Miguel is without question, el Jardin, the central town square. Hang out for a few hours, listen to music from strolling musicians, read beneath a shady tree. Or, go church hopping and check out the Parroquia, the Oratorio, or any one of the numerous other churches in town.

For real local flavor, check out the Tuesday Market, a sprawling flea market that takes place all day every Tuesday on the outskirts of town. Buy everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to bicycle repair parts and puppies.

On a hot day, head to La Gruta, a private park on the road to Dolores Hidalgo, with 4 hot spring pools that vary from warm to steaming. Swim the blue canal to the grotto pool and stand in line with everyone else to be baptized by the gushing hot water that flows from a hole in the wall.

San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico's marvelous colonial towns. It is located at an altitude of 6,300 feet,The entire town has been declared a national monument to control development and preserve it's colonial nature. The average high temperature in November is 75 degrees with an average monthly precipitation of 0.6".

The colonial gem of San Miguel de Allende population 80,000, is situated on a hillside facing the Laja River and the distant Guanajuato Mountains. Declared a national monument in 1926, San Miguel is a picturesque city of arched colonial mansions, flower-filled patios, and winding, terraced cobblestone streets.

The city boasts some of Mexico's best craft shops and fine art boutiques. The variety of merchandise is exceptional, as is the workmanship.

The food is incredibly delicious and so affordable, especially considering the strength of the dollar against the peso. All this plus a diverse assortment of international dining options have given San Miguel a reputation for having the best "small town" dining in Mexico.

For the painters, we will go to Pozos and have lunch at the gorgeous Casa Montana, owned and operated by American Ex-pat Susan Montana and paint in her gardens. We will also paint the Lavenderia which is where the local Mexican women still go to wash their clothes. But we will find the most incredible painting opportunities right there in the heart of San Miguel, particularly in and around el jardin, the magical park that is the central meeting place of this remarkable town.

Click on this to see the NY Times feature article written about Pozos.