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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 in Puerto Vallarta. The dynamic men of illustrious Puerto Vallarta affect so much here, including the impact of the thriving restaurant and music scenes, the inviting cultural visibility through outdoor spaces, and assisting tourists in spending time and choosing where to go. While there are so many to select from, let me introduce five gentlemen I know who continue to make their mark on the ever-growing Vallarta map while adding to the social factor, economy, and the city's growth.
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BOB PRICE
VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Being in Puerto Vallarta regularly, I saw posters and signage around town advertising nearby lush botanical gardens. Being an avid gardener, I told myself, "someday, I'll go." Having walked London's Kew Gardens, Amsterdam's tulip fields, and exotic South-East Asian palace grounds of lotus and koi-filled ponds,
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I wondered what could top those sites. Well, that someday finally came, and The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, founded in 2004, now tops my list as a not-to-miss destination! Nestled in the Sierra Madres are 79 acres of gorgeous indigenous landscape. The first time I arrived caught me off-guard as my expectations weren't that high. I quickly discovered that I had underestimated this mesmerizing oasis! I was one with nature! Founder, curator, and naturalist Bob Price, who hails from Georgia, continuously preserves this biodiverse area. He travels throughout Mexico, seeking plants and flowers to bring back, adding to exhibitions. His goal was to conserve Mexico's unique flora, birds, and wildlife, which he continues to achieve with unique and innovative ideas brought to light by his hard-working team. VBG continues to be on the 'Top Ten List of Best Botanical Gardens!' I seek out Bob to say hello and see more of his visions whenever I'm here. It makes me happy to bring friends to enjoy the trails, amazing orchid collections, a quiet chapel, and a first-class restaurant where they can watch hummingbirds dart about as they dine.
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JOSE
THE MUFFIN MAN
Remember the nursery song, "Do you know the muffin man?" Well, yes, I know the muffin man! He doesn't live on Drury Lane but in tropical Puerto Vallarta! Known and recognized simply as 'Jose, the Muffin Man,' he has been a fixture for over 30 years selling homemade muffins and fresh pastry to seasonal
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regulars. He doesn't need to shout, "Hot muffins from the oven!" It's easy to find him as he's visible pushing his cart up and down the Malecon offering large trays of goodies. His day begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of The Sea Monkey restaurant, showing off the pastry and conversing about everything PV. He then goes to sell along the beach, enticing those soaking up the sun's rays. Talk about a success story, too. He's been able to put his children through college selling baked goods! His perseverance thrives, and his cheerful personality shows as he offers sweet treats to start your day. When he finishes selling all the goodies, his day continues when he returns to the family home, rests a bit, and begins baking for mañana.
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LOUIS WHITAKER
VOCALIST
Don't let this baby face fool you! I discovered this young man singing, prancing, and entertaining a packed open-air room with city views and a lively Saturday brunch crowd at La Cappella. Louis landed in PV just over two years ago from Kansas, becoming a singing sensation with his one-person cabaret shows and
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also performing musical theater at Act2PV, The Palm, and Incanto Vallarta. He works most nights tirelessly, delighting his growing following of fans. Broadway musicals come to mind when listening to him croon or belt out the standards with confidence, panache, and humor. He also recently became an entrepreneur, selling whimsical fruit icicles from pushcarts around town, which is enterprising, especially with the hot weather here. He definitely clicked his red shoes, now making Puerto Vallarta his home! Find a venue, and don't regret missing out on this treasure whether you live here or not.
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GAETANO SIMONETTI
CHEF, LA TOSCA
In the mood to eat authentic Italian tonight? Treat yourself to a unique gastronomic experience at La Tosca, located in the hip and energetic neighborhood of Versalles. Gaetano arrived in Mexico in 2007, working at several other eateries, and has developed a following who enjoys his homemade Tuscan cuisine. His
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talent runs in tandem with a joyful and grateful personality; as you dine, don't be surprised if he comes in from the kitchen to mingle and chat, making sure you are enjoying your meal as much as he did preparing it. Within the greater Puerto Vallarta area, you won't have to travel far for flavors derived from traditional recipes this talented chef and his team offer. I regularly book a table to bring guests for a meal prepared by this talented chef and his team. Enjoy the cozy cafe vibe with its red-checked tablecloths, local musicians, and lively atmosphere. La Tosca is undoubtedly on the foodie scene as one of PV's best restaurants. Cheers!
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JOSE LUIS CASTELLON RAMOS
TOURS GUIDE
Known as 'the most honest bandito on the beach, this busy entrepreneur has been hard at work for over 30 years selling tours for visitors to enjoy using travel modes of boats, planes, and automobiles. At age 15, he vacationed here from his family ranch, far removed from Puerto Vallarta, where he had worked
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diligently since age eight. He never looked back because he instantly fell in love with this fishing town, as we all do. I regularly see him at the foot of Basilio Badillo on the beach, having morning coffee with his lovely wife and chihuahuas. Jose loves conversing about his background, sharing his knowledge of PV, and reviewing the options to enjoy the many sights. Including the ultimate adrenaline rush! How would you like to freefall amongst the clouds for 45 seconds, seeing Los Muertos Pier below as you skydive from a plane? He can arrange that and book excursions to local islands on a private boat, sailing at sunset on a catamaran, or driving to higher altitudes for a day trip to San Sebastian. So take your pup, or yourself, for an early morning walk and look for Jose in his red baseball cap. Trust is his middle name, even if he goes by 'bandito.' He'll book a tour worth going on, making you happy you chose Puerto Vallarta as your vacation destination!
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