Inside the luxurious shopping centre one can find just about all the current fashions and high end luxury home decor and such. From high end clothing such as Armani and Channel to the local names such as Senior Frogs. A Mexican brand name of clothing that displays a green frog. This green frog names stands for more than just a brand of clothing. Behind this name stands a legend of fine food restaurants. A cool hang out for the young and young at heart. Always a funky location where fun times is part of the menu. Back on topic, Liverpool has a two floors devoted towards shops that reflect today's most popular brand name choices. Shops like Nike, Starbucks and such are just another indication of what one can find. Other amenities include a casino and movie theatre. A great way to spend a day or afternoon if you would like to get away from the sun and heat and shop while your at it.
If you would like to cruise the streets of Puerto Vallarta. I found the malecon. An approx. one mile shopping promenade full of kids playing, tourists walking and talking, artists displaying their artwork and finally where you'll find shops that cater to all types of products. I found many unique stores that sell anything from inexpensive tee shirts, pottery, leather goods, pottery, fine art, furniture and knock offs. I spent just one day cruising the streets browsing the stores for gifts to bring back with me. I found more than just that. One of my favorite shops was a local cigar factory called Vallarta Cigar Factory. They display many blends of tobacco that originate from Cuba, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. Custom blends of tobacco from Veracruz and Tuxtla. A domestic manufacturer of quality standards indeed. My next stop was at a local vendor of fine leather bags. I decided to by my wife a modular handbag that she could use when travelling. A bargain price for the size and quality. Finally, I bought myself a few tee shirts. Usually one can get three for twenty or dollars. All depending on the quality of the cotton and the size. Usually, larger sizes cost a bit more.
I walked toward the end of the Malecon. It must have taken me about four or so hours of looking around. I felt a bit tired and wanted a break. I found a paleteria. A fruit popsicle, factory called La Michoacana where one can find just about any flavour of popsicle. A few freezers full of real fruit popsicles made from purified water. I tried a few flavours including Mango and Lime. A must try. Shortly after finishing my paletas, I decided to walk towards the town center. Near the famous Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The one we all know from those postcards. It's close to city hall and tourism office. I bought myself a Starbucks coffee. I again sat down on a metal bench. Put on my glasses and watched the locals enjoy the afternoon. An hour or so later I decided to ask one of the local where I could find an authentic Mexican taqueria. I was instructed to walk a few blocks to find the restaurant. It sure wasn't what I expected, but I have to say they served the best tacos in town. I ordered four tacos and two Dos XX dark beers. That made my day. I flagged a cab and a four dollar ride took me to my resort.
I have to say there is a lot to do in Puerto Vallarta. I found the endless individual stores that met my needs. From the Liverpool shopping centre to the local shops located in or around the Malecon. One has to devote a few days of shopping when in Puerto Vallarta. Not just one. Ask around. Get instructions and help from the locals. Finally, always barter. One can always get a better deal when you start to barter. It's almost a given when your in Mexico. Your expected to do so. Give yourself plenty of time to shop. You'll have fun as much as I did. I would give my experience a 5 out of 5.
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