The capital of the state of Michoacan, Morelia is known as one of the premier centers of arts and crafts in the Mexican Republic. Fine blue-glazed pottery and colorful wooden furniture are the highlights, and everything is for sale. Be sure to catch the Indian women from the state of Mexico selling their weavings right outside. They drive a hard bargain, but their handwork is worth every penny. Bargaining is the order of the day in Morelia, since the center of town is one big marketplace.
Vendors line the busy streets, selling everything from underwear and shoes to cassettes and fruit.
If all of this haggling wears you down, head to the main plaza and visit one of the many cafes nearby. The cafe at the Hotel Casino is an excellent spot at which to read the paper or a book over a chilly ice cream soda. Next to the wonderful art, the other big draw in Morelia is the opportunity to stay at the Villa Montana, a rambling hostelry perched high on a hill overlooking the city. This one-time private residence was purchased by Frenchman Philippe de Reyset nearly 25 years ago. An avid collector of art and antiques, de Reyset completely remodels four units every year with new purchases from around his adopted country.