For many of us living here, September, with its refreshing summer rains and fewer visitors is a pleasant change from all the activity of the winter high season. And in-the-know tourists who don't mind heat find this the ideal time to get to know the real Vallarta and its people, many businesses offering special deals and lower prices at this slower time of the year. But it can be frustrating to head out to your favorite eatery to find it closed — September the most popular month for owners to renovate or simply go on holidays. So here's a head's up about the places for which we know re-opening dates:

• Archie's Wok, reopening October 9
• Bai Sri; Banana Cantina, reopening October 2
• Daiquiri Dick's, reopening October 1
• Hacienda Alemana, reopening September 24
• Mama Dolores, October 17
• Uncommon Grounds Buddha Lounge, October 3