In the latest episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP heads to Old Town Alexandria, the home of the Tall Ship Providence — an often forgotten, but very important, piece of colonial history.
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Colonial ship parked behind Old Town Alexandria bar showcases little-known tale of US history
It’s a ship that was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and that’s not even its coolest claim to fame.
In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” we’re heading to Old Town Alexandria, the home of the Tall Ship Providence — an often forgotten, but very important, piece of colonial history.
You can find the ship parked out back behind Alexandria’s Pier Bar, another lesser-known spot right on the water next to Old Town’s Waterfront Park. Not only can you enjoy a drink and a tour, there’s also a mini maritime museum to visit, all part of a nonprofit foundation dedicated to bringing history to life for anyone in the D.C. region who sails in to check it out.
At the Providence, actors on the staff often dress up in costume to regale tour groups with tales of the high seas, and sea shanty singalongs have been known to happen! The Tall Ship Providence Foundation is especially student-friendly and offers tours for groups of schoolchildren regularly.
You too can check out the Providence every day of the week except Monday. The ship will be docked at the Pier Bar for the foreseeable future as it awaits repairs to make it seaworthy once again.
Fall is one of the best times to explore Mexico’s small towns. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is cooler in the mountains, and festivals from wine harvests to Día de los Muertos bring traditions to life. Whether you’re drawn to colonial history, bohemian beach towns, or mountain retreats, these destinations are ideal for a fall escape and worth visiting year-round.
Calle Aldama, one of San Miguel de Allende’s most picturesque streets, offers stunning views of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
1. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Few towns capture Mexico’s small-town magic like San Miguel de Allende. The first glimpse of its pink-hued Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel soaring above cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a painting. Fall adds an extra dimension: it’s harvest season in Guanajuato wine country, just minutes from town. Vineyards host grape-stomping festivals, food pairings, and outdoor concerts in golden fields framed by the Sierra Madre.
Beyond wine, San Miguel’s arts community buzzes in autumn. Galleries host openings after the quiet of summer, while rooftop bars offer crisp evenings under a sky that seems bluer in the fall light.
Things to do: Climb the hillside viewpoint known as El Mirador for sweeping panoramas, shop the vibrant Mercado de Artesanías for handwoven textiles, and time your trip with the Festival de la Calaca, a citywide celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Where to stay: Hotel Matilda, a design-forward boutique hotel, channels the town’s creative edge. For a splashy stay, Live Aqua Urban Resort blends luxury amenities with views of the historic center.
2. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
In fall, Pátzcuaro becomes the spiritual center of Mexico’s most famous tradition: Día de los Muertos. On November 1–2, candlelit boats cross Lake Pátzcuaro to Janitzio Island, where families keep vigil beside graves adorned with marigolds, incense, and offerings. It’s one of the most moving cultural experiences a traveler can witness.
The town itself is steeped in history, with red-tile roofs, whitewashed walls, and plazas shaded by ancient trees. Fall also brings a cool mist to the mornings, perfect for wandering with a cup of atole (a traditional hot corn drink).
Things to do: Visit Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, shop for lacquerware and copper crafts, and explore the artisan villages around the lake — each specializing in pottery, textiles, or woodwork.
Where to stay: Hotel Mansion Iturbe, a 17th-century mansion on the main plaza, oozes colonial charm. For something more intimate, Casa de la Real Aduana doubles as an art gallery and guesthouse.
3. Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí
At nearly 9,000 feet in Mexico’s northern desert, Real de Catorce feels otherworldly. Once a booming silver town, today it’s a mix of ghostly ruins and bohemian cafes. To reach it, travelers pass through the Ogarrio Tunnel, a one-mile stone passage that sets the tone for the town’s mystical allure.
Fall is ideal for visiting: the desert heat softens, and the high-altitude light turns the surrounding mountains copper and gold. Pilgrims flock in early October for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, filling the usually quiet streets with color and music.
Things to do: Explore abandoned haciendas, take a horseback ride into the desert where peyote grows (sacred to the Huichol people), and browse the quirky shops that now occupy crumbling stone facades.
Where to stay: Hotel Amor y Paz preserves the town’s history with rustic comfort, while Mesón de la Abundancia offers hearty meals and rooms inside an 18th-century building.
4. Taxco, Guerrero
Perched in the hills of Guerrero, Taxco is a silver city that seems frozen in time. Narrow streets wind past whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs, all tumbling down the hillside toward the magnificent Santa Prisca Church.
In fall, the mountain air is crisp, and the town celebrates cultural festivals leading into Día de los Muertos. Paper marigolds adorn balconies, while silver artisans display jewelry in shop windows that sparkle in the autumn sun.
Things to do: Ride the cable car for sweeping views, shop the legendary silver markets, and time your visit with the Jornadas Alarconianas, a cultural festival of theater and music honoring a local playwright.
Set against the Pacific, Todos Santos blends Baja’s surf culture with an artsy, slow-paced vibe. The town’s cobblestone streets hide colorful galleries, indie cafes, and boutique hotels, while the beaches — endless stretches of golden sand — are just minutes away.
Fall is a sweet spot here: days are sunny, evenings are cooler, and the town is quieter than in winter high season. It’s the perfect time to hike into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, where desert landscapes give way to pine forests.
Things to do: Catch a wave at Playa Los Cerritos, stroll through art galleries downtown, and savor Baja cuisine — think fish tacos, farm-to-table dishes, and mezcal cocktails. By November, the Todos Santos Fair brings live music, dancing, and local food stalls.
Known as the Cradle of Mexican Independence, Dolores Hidalgo is where Father Miguel Hidalgo launched the movement in 1810. Today, the town is a mix of history and color, with vibrant Talavera-tiled buildings and a lively central plaza.
Fall is quieter after the September 16 Independence Day celebrations, when the town bursts with parades and fireworks. By October, the pace slows, and nearby vineyards welcome visitors for grape harvest festivals.
Things to do: Tour the Museo Casa Hidalgo, savor Dolores’ quirky ice cream (yes, tequila, avocado, and corn are popular flavors), and shop for ceramic tiles and pottery. Take a short drive into the countryside for wine tastings at Viñedos San Francisco or Cuna de Tierra.
In the Sierra del Tigre mountains, Mazamitla feels worlds away from the bustle of Guadalajara. Its alpine-style cabins and misty pine forests have earned it the nickname “Mexican Switzerland.”
Fall transforms the town into a cozy retreat. Cool evenings call for fireplaces and hot chocolate, while October’s Fiestas Patronales fill the streets with parades and fireworks. Trails around town burst with color as the foliage shifts from green to gold.
Things to do: Hike to El Salto Waterfall, shop the plaza for sweets like cajeta (goat’s milk caramel), and admire the neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Cristóbal.
Where to stay: Families love the rustic cabins at Monteverde Mazamitla, while couples may prefer Huerta Real Hotel, a boutique option surrounded by forest.
8. Comitán, Chiapas
Colonial but laid-back, Comitán is a gateway to Chiapas’ natural treasures. Fall’s cooler temperatures make it ideal for day trips to Lagunas de Montebello National Park, where 59 lakes shimmer in shades of blue and green, and to the cascading El Chiflón Waterfalls.
The town itself is a delight, with wide plazas, colorful markets, and museums dedicated to Maya culture. Evenings are best spent in the zócalo, sipping coffee as marimba bands play.
Things to do: Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo, explore Museo de Arte Hermila Domínguez, and drive to Tenam Puente, a Maya archaeological site with panoramic views.
A quieter neighbor to Sayulita, San Pancho offers a laid-back mix of surf, art, and community. Its wide beach feels endless compared to the crowded sands next door, and the town itself is a hub for sustainability and creativity.
Fall is shoulder season: warm days, fewer crowds, and plenty of room on the beach. The sunsets are some of the most spectacular along the Riviera Nayarit, with the sky streaked pink and orange as surfers ride the last waves.
Things to do: Visit the EntreAmigos community center, browse art at the San Pancho Collective, and catch a performance at the town’s cultural center. In November, festivals and surf competitions bring the town to life.
Where to stay: Hotel Cielo Rojo charms with organic dining and artistic decor. For a beachfront option, Casa Mamica blends comfort with sustainability.
10. Zipolite, Oaxaca
For a truly free-spirited vibe, head to Zipolite, Oaxaca’s legendary bohemian beach town. Known for its clothing-optional sands and laid-back pace, Zipolite is warm and welcoming in the fall, with long sunny days and fewer visitors before high season kicks in.
Rustic beach shacks sit alongside yoga retreats, while nearby Mazunte adds a more family-friendly balance with turtle conservation centers and mellow beaches. Together, they make a perfect fall escape for travelers who prefer the offbeat side of Mexico.
Things to do: Stretch out on Playa Zipolite, take yoga or meditation classes overlooking the Pacific, and explore tide pools at low tide. Head to Mazunte for eco-tours and the Mexican Turtle Center.
Where to stay: Hotel El Alquimista is a beachfront adults-only option, while Casa Kalmar offers boutique villas with sweeping ocean views.
From the candlelit cemeteries of Pátzcuaro to the surf breaks of San Pancho, Mexico’s small towns come alive in the fall. Cooler weather makes highland towns inviting, while coastal escapes are quieter before peak season. Whether you want history, art, food, or simply a slower pace of life, these destinations prove that fall is the perfect season to discover the heart of Mexico — and each one rewards travelers year-round.