After a restful stopover in Tampico, Tamaulipas early next morning, we left on Ruta 180 for Veracruz, Veracruz. When we exited Tampico we crossed over the spectacular Tampico Bridge. This bridge has been in service since 1988. The Tampico Bridge spans the Pánuco River to connect the states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
It was a full day's drive through the tropical lowlands from Tampico to Veracruz. Ruta 180 south to the city of Veracruz is a drive through lush vegetation and banana plantations. However, Ruta 180 from Tampico to Veracruz did not measure up the driving comfort we have experienced on Mexico's other main highways. We also encountered frequent security check points along this highway. At all times the police and soldiers doing the checks were friendly and quite professional. While we got waved through at the majority of the check points, there were a few inspections. Traveling with Amadeus, our cat was an icebreaker at the security checks. We always had to introduce the cat each time they inspected the car. This always led to good questions and conversations.
After a long day on the road we arrived in the city of Veracruz. Veracruz is a big city, so it took some time to find the hotel zone. We settled on a Howard Johnson on the promenade. Fortunately before leaving Tampico we had checked out Veracruz's hotel locations online. It was a lifesaver knowing where to look for a hotel after a long day on the road.
Veracruz is the oldest, largest and historically significant port in Mexico. It is Mexico's major port city for the Caribbean and the Atlantic. Veracruz is also a beautiful seaside city. We found the town very inviting, especially its historic old town and seaside promenade. It is a must visit.
For dinner that evening we just walked down the street and discover a wonderful restaurant, El Cabrito Español. The restaurant offered both outside and inside seating. Once we found El Cabrito Español we decided to look no further. It was November so we decided to dine inside.
The waiter presented us with a number of wine options for dinner. We ordered a Rioja wine, Marqués de Cáceres, Crianza 2007. While we enjoyed our margaritas at the end of the day it was great to set down at the end of the day, with a nice bottle of wine. We started dinner with an Ensalada Española to share. Our entrees were Tortilla Española and Chipirones en su Tinta. Diner was quite delightful. It was so nice to have a good dinner with wine.
Next day, it was onto Villa Hermosa, Tabasco. We discovered too late an article on Mexico's Gulf Coast lighthouses. This sounds like a fun thing to explore. Also, for those wishing to explore more in Veracruz the state of Veracruz has much to offer visitors.
For further reading on Mexico and elsewhere check out my travel column, or visit me at Spaswinefood.
© Sharon Parsons
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