If you go to San Miguel de Allende, don’t miss …

San Miguel’s cocktail/combat shoes. Hand-made in San Miguel, these shoes will keep your ankles safe on the cobblestone streets, withstand hikes up and down San Miguel’s hills, AND be dressy enough for a party. You’ll find them at Zapateria Martha, with three locations, at Reloj 27, Mesones 48 and Hidalgo 48.

Blue Door Bakery. Typical Mexican bakery, filled with all sorts of cookies, rolls, donuts and other baked goods. Take a tray and tongs, pick up what you want, and give everything to the woman who is bagging purchases. Then take your bag to the cash register and pay. La Colmena Panaderia is at Reloj 21.

Maple Bakery. Look for the maple leaf sign on Salida de Celaya, across the street from Telmex. The apple turnovers are to die for, as are the breads and, on Saturdays, the sticky buns. It’s the best bakery in town!

The Panteon. The cemetery is best visited November 2, when Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dean with gifts for the dead placed in the cemetery. Gifts will include more than flowers! You’ll find cigaret packs, bottles of beer and tequila, and food. Families even picnic around the graves to be near their deceased relatives. But the cemetery is a good place to go for an interesting walk. It is on a small road parallel to Salida a Celaya, just south of Hotel Real de Minas.

Hot Springs. Get a cab, or drive, and enjoy the hot springs outside of San Miguel. La Gruta, with two pools and a tunnel to a grotto filled with the warmest water, is a favorite. There are changing rooms, as well as a restaurant. Other hot springs include Taboada, Escondido and Santa Veronia.

Dolores Hidalgo. Visit this colonial city, about 30 miles north of San Miguel. It is the home of many, many, many stores and factories selling talavera, ceramics or pottery. It’s easy to take a bus to Dolores, but a good cabbie or tour guide is worth the money. Have carnitas at Vicente’s restaurant.

Atotonilco. This church, dating from the 18th century, is a World Heritage Site. It has just undergone renovation to save the magnificent frescoes on the walls and ceilings. Near the altar, look for an employee and ask to see the rooms behind the altar. It will cost about $2 to go behind the scenes. The sanctuary used to be where penitents would go to stay in small rooms and flagellate themselves to atone for their sins. You can buy crowns of thorns and religious items from venders across the street. Atotonilco is about 7 miles north of San Miguel.

Pozos. An old mining town, Pozos became a ghost town when mining ended. Almost totally deserted only a few years ago, it has become a new “in” place for artists and people looking for cheap land. There are a couple good restaurants to enjoy after you drive around. Get a guide to take you out to the old mine sites.

Sunday House Tours. Every Sunday at noon, the Biblioteca gives house tours. You’ll go from house to house in buses. Generally three houses are on the schedule. Before noon, in the Biblioteca garden, you’ll enjoy some great Mariachi music. Tours are about $15 per person.

Walking Tour. These walks are a good introduction and orientation to San Miguel. You’ll visit most of the sites of interest close to the Jardin. Tours leave from in front of the Parroquia at 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tour sponsor is Patronato Pro Ninos, which provides medical care for San Miguel children.

Warren Hardy. Warren and wife Tuli run the best language school in San Miguel. Classes are available on different levels, from beginning to immersion, and generally last two and a half weeks. Learn more at www.warrenhardy.com

Tuesday Market. Take a tax to El Tiangus, a huge open air market near the old Gigante shopping plaza. You’ll get the best prices on fruits and vegetables and have the chance to buy everything from live puppies and parrots, to furniture and tools, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to browse the stacks of clothing because you might find some brand new designer duds. The used clothing has all been washed.

Insiders Guide. Archie Dean’s Insiders Guide to San Miguel is the best book to give you good information about San Miguel. Not just about hotels and restaurants, this book includes everything you need to know—dry cleaning, bakeries, furniture, day trips and much, much more. It’s updated at least once a year. Stores around the Jardin, as well as the Biblioteca, sell it.