Fall is always an exciting time in Puerto Vallarta

As we enjoy the final weeks of an unusually warm summer, many local businesses begin shifting gears to prepare for the fall and winter season in Puerto Vallarta. Restaurants that have renewed their menus or amenities are putting the finishing touches on their new offerings. Entertainment venues are lining up their schedules for the coming months, and hotels are preparing special promotions to entice new and returning visitors.

Fall is always an exciting time in Puerto Vallarta. First of all, the mysterious natural forces that dictate our weather seem to flick a switch towards the end of October. Suddenly and overnight, the humid air is replaced by a dry, comforting breeze. And for those of us that live here year-round, we begin bumping into snowbirds on the street we hadn’t seen for a few months.

But cooler fall weather (for us, anyway) is not the only thing that entices return visitors along with many first-timers. Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1 – 2) keep getting better every year, with more cultural and musical offerings available to visitors and locals. Made even more popular by Coco, the 2017 animated film by Pixar Studios, Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico since pre-Columbian times. A celebratory parade along Puerto Vallarta’s scenic Malecón is a must-attend with hundreds of people walking along the boardwalk, their faces painted with traditional catrina skulls. And if you wish to join the fun, you don’t even need to bring makeup, as many local artists are willing to provide the service for a small fee.

At this time, many local LGBT hotels such as Casa Cupula, Hotel Mercurio and Almar Resort are unveiling their special promotions for US Thanksgiving weekend, and even for New Year’s Eve, as these are two of the most popular weekends in town. If celebrating Thanksgiving abroad seems strange to you, please know that many local restaurants offer special dinners as good as those back home! You may very well think it’s too soon to start making Thanksgiving plans, but if they involve traveling to Puerto Vallarta, the ideal time to find good airfare and lodging deals is now.

Another favorite pastime for visitors and many locals is walking the streets around the gayborhood, where there are always surprises involving new businesses or remodeling projects. Art lovers can look forward to a completely new Galleria Dante along Basilio Badillo St., not far from the new Starbucks on the same street. Along with the local gay guides we know and love, Onstage PV, a new bilingual print and online publication completely dedicated to covering the local performing arts scene will debut in November. We haven’t heard of new bars or other venues, but with over two dozen such establishments located in an 8×8 block radius, there is plenty of nighttime fun for all to enjoy!

But there is so much more to Puerto Vallarta beyond the gayborhood. As you get to know our destination, befriend a local that can show you around, go on a street food walking tour such as those offered by VallartaEats.com, or ask your concierge about the many leisurely activities available to you in Banderas Bay.

Paco Ojeda is a Puerto Vallarta-based journalist, photographer and musician. Learn more about his activities by visiting his website, paco-ojeda.com.