Hola, Vallarta! I'm Kathleen Forte, a photographer and travel blogger with @InsideVallarta. Regularly you'll read about five of my favorite people to know, places to see, and things to do inside Puerto Vallarta!

While the city is in the throes of high season, there is no shortage of visitors from around the world making new friends and taking full advantage of the brilliant sun, wave-struck beaches, new restaurants, shopping venues, and real estate opportunities everywhere. With so much activity and new places popping up inside Vallarta, there are endless discoveries to find on your own or with enthusiastic assistance from me. This time, I was selective about what to write about for my newest favorite things. What a problem to have! I introduce five new places and people discovered by chance throughout the city and neighborhoods. Add them to your list of things to do and places to go in our welcoming and beautiful city. Cheers!

Opened in February 2021 by chef Salvador Carrillo, the La Tienda Grande restaurant concept offers creative Mexican cuisine, mixing flavors and aromas with the decor and small details of the country's long ago past. Be ready to have a gastronomic experience parallel to the finest restaurant imaginable, from beautifully set rustic tables to a hand-built bar offering a list of cocktails dreamed up by only the most creative mixologists who use complementary ingredients with primarily unique tequilas. The serving plates highlight each dish making it a delectable gem. Enjoy the 40-minute journey from downtown; the decor, food, service, and staff in both the front and back of the house will have you wanting to return to savor more of this brilliant chef's dishes.

is attractive signage and carved wooden doors you need to walk through for investigation. Well, that's how I found Casita & Garden, which opened only four months ago. A lovely quiet oasis with an open-air setting, a perfect feng shui layout of floral, fauna, and comfy seating. Adjoining is a fully stocked room of international wine choices and extraordinary selections of Japanese sake, yours to enjoy for an experience on par with the best anywhere. Pair either with happy hour nibbles or a late dinner. Go mid-afternoon with that special someone and enjoy private time alone in the gardens. Or book special events for groups of 50 or more. What an excellent addition to the growing culinary scene inside Vallarta!

Saigon, Viet Nam, now calls Puerto Vallarta his new home. I've traveled extensively through Viet Nam and am familiar with this country's foods. I took a sidewalk table and excitedly ordered, anxious to know if I'd feel transported back to the small restaurants featuring Pho with all its authentic flavors and ingredients in each spoonful...and I was! Charlie introduced his passion for Vietnamese cuisine to Puerto Vallarta, where finding any food your heart desires has become more accessible. Busy owning three other restaurants in Houston, he also finds time to be a philanthropist for the LGBT+ community. While there are other Asian restaurants here, if you're in the mood for authentic Viet Namese food, look no further and get to Let's Pho. Charlie will undoubtedly come from the kitchen to chat and ensure you are happy with your menu choice.

Russell, originally from Bristol, England, chooses pieces at the Guadalajara markets for his store, scooping up uniquely designed glass, onyx, ceramic, and wood pieces that are fairly priced for buyers. He has been settled for quite some time in Vallarta, calling it home before opening his store a couple of years ago. Sharing Mexican culture through art ignites him to drive to Guadalajara frequently. This unique Mascara de Barro altura, a tall clay mask, was made by an 85-year-old man using hand-dug clay from the countryside. There is also indigenous wood flooring available for discerning homeowners. Russell has excellent relationships with his artisan vendors, is knowledgeable about who he works with, and is eager to share their stories with his customers.

sweet and savory loaves of bread, cookies, muffins, donuts, and coconut cake for sale. You'll find customers swiftly and earnestly filling their trays from the many selections. I asked if I could go to the back and see where the mixing and baking happen, amazed at how this well-known spot built many years ago could turn out so much for wholesale and public consumption for daily and seasonal offerings. Fill a bag, and don't worry about the calories; walk back home or to the hotel, as you'll likely decide to sample these goodies immediately when you leave the bakery. Who could blame you?!

Learn more about Kathleen Forte, Puerto Vallarta, and world travel at www.fortefotos.com

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