Back to Jerez! In case you’re a longtime reader of this blog, you may have seen this city pop up a few times here. It’s just about 1.5 hours south of Seville, so we’ve been known to swing through now and then.
We recently decided to take a little weekend jaunt down to Jerez with our friends, Bev and Bruce, just to hang out for a couple of days and do mostly nothing. Sounds good, right?
First though, we had to rent a palace. As one does.
Right? We found this place for rent and it was a good deal, so we had to snap it up. It was incredibly way too big for four people (and a dog and cat), but we managed to make ourselves comfortable. First world problems, you know.
I’ll stop for now. This place was super-cool though, and one wall is actually part of the old city wall. We probably could have all spent the weekend in separate rooms and never have seen each other. Ha!
Like I said, we mostly just hung out all weekend. So, enjoy some pictures and some blathering where vaguely necessary.
Priority one, a tinto de verano and some eats. Under the palm trees, of course.
La Taberna de las 6 is a nice, family-run establishment close to our digs and on a plaza. We spent a super-lazy time here, which was good for everyone. Too bad it was a bit chilly!
Fortunately, the nice proprietor hooked us up with some post-meal chupitos to keep us nice and warm.
We later hit the central market of Jerez, where there are all kinds of daily needs and wants on display for the locals. This herb and tea vendor was nice enough to let me take her picture. ¡Gracias!
Inside the market, one can go mental from all the commotion and noise, but it’s almost a symphony if you can avoid insanity for a few moments.
We enjoyed just walking around and watching commerce in all its glory.
If you’re down south here, you’ll probably, eventually run into some flamenco. ¡Olé!
On to more eats! We had to stop at Albores in Jerez, which is one we like to hit when we’re in town. They’ve always got good eats and a nice staff.
And, if you’re around at the right time of year, you might see a paso come by, practicing for Holy Week.
While you’re eating dessert. Profiteroles!
After some snoozing and a revival, more walking. My Fitbit is always pleased when I get out there and shake my booty.
Plaza del Arenal in central Jerez.
Good-looking architecture stares at you in every direction. Or, at least, interesting architecture.
Gotta at least walk by the alcázar in Jerez as well.
While most people come to Jerez for the sherry…
…We came to try some beer! La Jerezana is one of the few craft breweries in the area, so we swung by for a tasting.
The beer was decent, but could have been better in our opinion. I personally feel like they’re struggling between pleasing locals and making forward-thinking beers. Craft beer in Spain is still in its infancy compared to the U.S., so it’s a brave new world for a lot of these guys.
Regardless, we have a lot of respect for what they’re doing and wish them well. We look forward to trying more treats from them in the future and we think you should stop by to give it a go, too!
After all that beer – whoo-wee! – we had to stop for a bite at a local craft bar.
Fun hangs in Jerez!
A bit of sunshine, from us to you.
And with that, it was time to hit the gorgeous train station and head back to Seville.
There’s much, much more to do in Jerez de la Frontera if and when you visit. Be sure to check our other Jerez posts right here for more.
A very special and very big thanks to all the fine folks we met in Jerez, and for all the good times!
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Have you ever been to Jerez de la Frontera? If so, what’d you think? If not, what say ye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
It was a great weekend with you! Thanks for inviting us!
Cheers and hugs, Bev and Bruce
Indeed, thanks for the good times! :)