Get an Americanized version of Mexico in big-city Monterrey, Mexico's third largest urban center and a cultural mix of old and modern. Industry keeps the economy booming but there is more to Monterrey than factories and business. Modern architecture strikes a pose next to historic buildings, back-dropped by the silhouette of surrounding mountains.
Stroll the streets for a look at sculpture, local haunts and some of Monterrey's signature landmarks like the looming Faro del Commercio building. Experience modern art at the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo or the Museo Metropolitano de Monterrey before brushing up on history at the Museo de Historia Mexicana. Get glassy-eyed with more culture at the Museo del Vidrio, a museum devoted to the history and art of glass-making or scope out some science exhibits at the Centro Cultural Alfa.
Those with a hankering for regional hops can take a tour of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc for baseball artifacts and brew.
When the big city starts to close in, hike trails through the Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey or take a daytrip to the long interconnected cave system in Grutas Garcia. History buffs can check out the Canon de la Huasteca a few miles from Monterrey to get a look at a canyon replete with rock formations and cliff drawings.
Monterrey is 1030 miles north of Mexico City and 140 miles southwest of Reynosa.
