Jenna Danielle

| LIVE VIBRANTLY.

  • Jenna Danielle
  • Recipes
  • Blogging
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
    • Shop Programs
  • Travel
  • Contact Jenna

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The Ultimate Food & Beach Getaway

April 11, 2020

Edited: We went to Puerto Vallarta on a quick birthday trip for Brian. The COVID-19 virus had just been reported as potential threat for the United States. We, along with so many others, never dreamed it would affect our lives the way it has. By the time we came home, one case of COVID had been found in Arizona. We limited our interaction with everyone for the next few weeks, just to be safe. Over the month of March, all hell broke loose in the US. The state of Arizona is now on a lockdown order. Only essential businesses remain open and every day is a battle between grief, boredom and fear. I am very thankful that we were able to go on that last trip before all of this happened. Honestly, it gives me something to dream about. My heart goes out to all the people affected, and to the people working on the frontlines of this pandemic: the healthcare workers, delivery carriers, the “essentials.”

Until life returns to normal (and it will, loves), I am reading up on all the places I want to visit, all the people I want to meet, all the foods I want to taste. And I’m taking the time to write more about our travels in hopes that, if you’re like me, this will give you some measure of normalcy and add fuel to your travel dreams.

We recently jetted away to Puerto Vallarta for a quick birthday trip for Brian. We had some airline miles and hotel points to burn and decided the Mexico was a good idea.

Mexico is always a good idea.

Just minutes from our hotel was a lively downtown area called Zona Romantica and the Malecon or boardwalk. When visiting PV, the Malecon is a must-see. Small shops litter the main drag that’s mostly only open to foot traffic. A quick wander down any side street reveals more shops and some of the best restaurants. We found a gem of a place called Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana nestled along one of the side roads near the beautiful church called La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, or the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe located on Hidalgo.

La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.

Traditional to the Jalisco region is the molcajete, a solid stone mortar used to cook and serve some of the tastiest fajita-style cuisine you’ve ever had.

Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana blew us away.

The stone mortar is heated over a fire and to it is added steak, shrimp, nopales (cactus), chicken, baby onions, cheese, peppers and a bubbling, spicy tomato sauce we have yet to replicate in our own kitchen (unfortunately). We will keep trying!

Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana does a table side salsa and guac that may make you weep.

It’s hard to describe how incredible this meal was: fresh made tortillas, rice and charro beans with each morsel I pulled out of the steaming, saucy bowl.

Molcajetes are used for everything from a traditional salsa made from all grilled vegetables, to guacamole to this fajita dish we absolutely enjoyed every single day. We’re hoping to purchase our own molcajete in the future. Because of the very heavy weight (they are completely made from stone), ordering one is probably out of the question.

For more stories on our travels, check out my other posts here.

The time we were in Mexico just so happened to be during the migration season for blue whales. We were originally going to take a whale watching tour, but after seeing them from the beach on the very first day, we decided to spend the time with our toes in the sand instead. We found the perfect spot in The Burro Bar to sip on a bucket of beer and watch our new friends splash and breach.

The Burro Bar is right on the beach: perfect for toes in sand, whale watching, buckets of beer and r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n.

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful coastal town that checks all the items off the perfect vacay list (for us). It’s safe, it’s beautiful, the food is amazing, you can spend all day on the beach or hiking in the rainforest or just lying by the pool. The culture and city are vibrant emissaries of the Mexican people.

Puerto Vallarta can’t-miss:
•Zona Romantica
•The Malecon
•Oysters on the beach
•The Burro Bar
•Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana
•Any street vendor selling tacos
•Playa Los Muertos (beach downtown, busier)
•Playa Conchas Chinas (beach, less busy)

Check out more shots from our PV trip:

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Travel Tagged: mexico, Puerto Vallarta, PV

sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a w Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a wedding venue? True story. @firehouseeventcenter
⠀⠀
I love supporting and meeting others in the event industry which is why I was so excited to be invited to @simplyelegantaz last weekend for her Boss Babes Brunch. Bloggers and event planning?! It’s a match made in heaven!
⠀⠀
Julie of @simplyelegantaz even sent me home with a gorgeous pair of earrings! Any day spent with my girls @smashinglyashley_ @the.cocco.channel & @mrs.allpinkeverything in a beautiful space is a great day. I even got to meet new friends in @stylingbyerica & @nicoleryanblog and munch on some exquisitely arranged bites by @chef602.
⠀⠀
What a day! I can’t wait to work with @simplyelegantaz in the future. I highly suggest checking her out if you’re planning a wedding or any kind of event!
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • Blogging
  • Fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Wellness

Join the Conversation!

Be sure to use the hashtags:
#JennaDanielle
#JennaDanielleFitness
on social media!

Follow me on…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Blog Meets Brand

Products

  • FREE + EDITABLE Clean Eating Grocery List $7.00 $0.00
  • FREE Habit Tracker! $0.00
  • 1-on-1 Coaching with Jenna $1,747.00
  • Fit + Toned | 4 Week Total Body Transformation $49.97

sunnyjennadanielle

Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a w Off topic: weddings. Did y’all know I manage a wedding venue? True story. @firehouseeventcenter
⠀⠀
I love supporting and meeting others in the event industry which is why I was so excited to be invited to @simplyelegantaz last weekend for her Boss Babes Brunch. Bloggers and event planning?! It’s a match made in heaven!
⠀⠀
Julie of @simplyelegantaz even sent me home with a gorgeous pair of earrings! Any day spent with my girls @smashinglyashley_ @the.cocco.channel & @mrs.allpinkeverything in a beautiful space is a great day. I even got to meet new friends in @stylingbyerica & @nicoleryanblog and munch on some exquisitely arranged bites by @chef602.
⠀⠀
What a day! I can’t wait to work with @simplyelegantaz in the future. I highly suggest checking her out if you’re planning a wedding or any kind of event!
This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down This is your Monday morning reminder to slow down when you need to.
⠀⠀⠀
So often I find myself focused on an end goal that I forget to pause. To  b r e a t h.
⠀
So here it is: take 3 minutes to close your eyes and take deep breaths.
⠀⠀
Ok, carry on. ♥️
(21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkboman (21+ plz) Saturdays are for brunch and @drinkbomani alcohol-infused cold brew! ☕️ Say whaa? #sponsored
⠀⠀
I just filmed myself trying this magical elixir for the first time and my thoughts are up in my stories now! 👀@drinkbomani has 0g sugar and is only 110 calories, making it the perfect accompaniment to your weekend brunch spread.
⠀⠀
What do y’all think? Does hard coffee sound like your kind of thing??
#bomani
Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly h Happy #NationalDrinkWineDay, loves! I love silly holidays. In fact, I believe the world could use a few more of them with the year we’ve had. 🍷
⠀⠀
Unless it’s a dry Prosecco or rosé, I’m usually a red drinker—I’m all about the Chiantis. So what’s your fav kind of wine?? #weirdholidays
🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... 🍺. It’s fun, it’s adult-y, it’s tasty... sometimes it’s even necessary! It’s no secret that I love my wine (and whiskey and beer and tequila). Heck, it makes me a nicer person and loosens up my flawless dance moves. 💃🏼
⠀
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean abstaining from imbibery. You can stay on track with your health goals and still partake every now and then. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Balance the fun 🥂 with the good 🥗 and try not to go overboard on either end.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s your drink of choice? I’m a wine 🍷 or whiskey 🥃 kinda girl.
Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back t Saturdays are for brunchin’. 😋 Take me back to @bluehoundkc at @palomarphx! We recently had way too much fun on a girls weekend in downtown PHX where @smashinglyashley_ and I were incredibly fortunate to be invited to brunch at @bluehoundkc. Y’all. Their avocado toast. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
Everything we tried was amazing—including the spam and egg sliders. Whaaa? Yep, I ate them and I’m totally sold.😍 If you’re looking for a chic, beautiful spot for brunch, @bluehoundkc cannot be beat. I’ll be back soon to try a bourbon flight!
#hosted #grateful
📸: @whcoles
Never underestimate the power of: •sunshine in a Never underestimate the power of:
•sunshine in a quiet place
•eating fresh veggies
•getting up 1 hour earlier than you normally do
•writing down your goals
•moving your body at least 3x/week
⠀⠀⠀
They’re little things, really. But taking the moments to do small things for yourself can ultimately create a healthier version of you (mentally & physically). Happy Thursday, friends.
The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the The Monday after the Super Bowl is known to be the biggest day of the year for skipping work. It’s been estimated that today costs American employers over $3 BILLION every year. Whoa.
⠀⠀
Regardless if you’re calling out or dragging yourself into work today, or even if you're just moving a little slower than normal, I know you’re going to make something of today.
⠀⠀⠀
You’re stronger than any hangover. You’re ready to start this week fresh! Pour yourself another cup of coffee and dab some extra concealer under those eyes. Let’s make this week the best 2021 has seen!
I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and I’ve been learning to savor the quiet times and embrace the stillness in the moments. I’m one of those people that has trouble slowing down. What about you?
⠀⠀
I am learning patience in the painfully slow moments. I am learning that my to do list will survive without my persistent attention. I am realizing that I am constantly learning.
⠀⠀
Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty for slowing down?
I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years I need a dose of Vitamin D. ☀️ A couple years ago, my Vitamin D levels tanked. I was dizzy, fatigued and it felt like my skin was vibrating. 🤯
⠀⠀
Did you know Vitamin D was that important?
⠀
I’m happiest in the sunshine (preferrably on a beach, mountain or some other beautiful vista) and it’s no wonder my husband calls me solar powered. Anytime I’m feeling stressed (like lately), I know I need to reconnect with the outdoors.
⠀⠀
I’m planning an entire day in the sunshine soon, who’s with me?!
Follow on Instagram

Theme Design By Studio Mommy · Copyright © 2021

Copyright © 2021 · Beyond Madison Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in