News From Merida and the Yucatan

Fall 2007

In this part of the world, autumn isn't heralded by leaves turning colors or frost on the ground. October is the last month of hurricane season, usually bringing thunderstorms (and occasionally hurricanes) and cooler weather in the mornings and evenings. The gardens of Merida by this time have had at least two months of wet weather and they are brimming with life. Curiously, this is not the season with the most flowers (that would be spring and summer) but it is the time when vines seem to grow a foot a day and the trees are magnificently lush. Merida is just beautiful this time of year!

Merida was recently named as this year's Best Place to Retire by International Living, which will be bringing even more people to the White City this year. The press release mentioned Merida's mix of colonial history and modern lifestyle, adding that the level of medical care here is also a factor. Apparently the modern-day traveler might like this combination as well, and more and more visitors seem to be attracted to this area for just those reasons. Where else can you see such fine examples of colonial architecture, visit exotic ancient ruins and still shop at WalMart for the shampoo you forgot… all in the same day?

This month, the upscale magazine will be featuring Merida. Look for photo spreads on various private homes in the area, including Hacienda Xcumpich and Hacienda Katanchel (which is for sale, by the way), as well as a nice write up of the restaurant at , an article about the journalist Alma Reed, also known as La Peregrina, and a section on the life and art of Diego Rivera. Casas y Gente is at newsstands throughout Mexico.

One of the more interesting businesses that opened here last month is Mercer Cigars, Merida's only cigar and smoke shop. features the Yucatan's largest (and walk-in!) humidor, as well as a bar and TV area in the back where Monday Night Football can be enjoyed while smoking your cigar. Mercer Cigars is located on the Paseo Montejo Prolongación next to La Parrilla (a taxi can take you there with those directions) and sells the best available Cuban cigars.

The Merida Art Scene is growing by leaps and bounds… a veritable Renaissance of art in this part of the world. Galeria Merida just opened in its new Mejorada location, with a well-attended opening night party. The MACAY, Merida's contemporary art museum, was featured in the Casas y Gente magazine, and has a full schedule of exhibits slated for this fall and winter. The Galería Manolo Rivero will be holding a memorial exhibit of cutting-edge modern art in honor of its founder, who died a year ago and was a lifelong art collector. And a number of smaller galleries have opened this summer, in time for the fall and winter season. Visitors can get information about galleries and exhibitions, as well as a handy map, on page which is updated with the most current information.

MERIDA HOTELS

For current Merida hotel and resort information including rates, availability and secure on-line reservations please see: Merida Hotels and Resorts

  Transfer from Merida airport is not available.