The name Mazatlán actually originates from the indigenous Nahuatl language meaning “place of the deer.” So it’s no surprise the coastal destination calls one of its offshore islands “Deer Island” Unlike a similar Mazatlán beach excursion, Stone Island, this destination requires one arrives by boat. My journey began at the El Cid Marina Hotel where I […]

Dinner comes with a show at Gus Gus
by Craig Zabransky on February 18, 2011 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Destination, Mexico Travel
In the heart of the golden zone, Gus Gus serves more then just fine Mexican food. The restaurant provides the fun, festive atmosphere many come to Mexico for – the fiesta. From the live music rock band, to the dance floor filled with tequila fueled tourists and the fire show dance troupes work for peso […]

Alagua in Mazatlán’s Golden Zone
by Craig Zabransky on February 17, 2011 in Beach, Culture Thru Cuisine, Mexico Travel
Just up from the golden sand beaches of Mazatlán’s zona dorada (golden zone) beach goers can sit down and enjoy the food and cheerful ambiance of Alagua. Ceviche, oysters, scallops, shrimp and the local huachinango fish fill the menu. It’s seafood, seafood, seafood. And it’s delicious. On my visit, our large table ordered most everything off […]

La Puntilla on the Mazatlán Waterfront
by Craig Zabransky on February 16, 2011 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Mexico Travel
Just across from the sands of Stone Island lunch is served. Outside on an open air deck, La Puntilla patrons enjoy not just the views of the passing cruise ships, ferries to La Paz, and cargo ships, but good quality seafood. One Saturday afternoon as part of a table of eight, I noticed big parties […]

Lunch at Grandma Tina’s
by Craig Zabransky on February 15, 2011 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Mexico Travel
In between a tequila tasting (or rather a blue agave tasting since it is not officially from “Tequila”) at the award winning Los Osuna and an impressive zip-line canopy tour we stopped for lunch. We were 30 minutes outside the city of Mazatlan and away from the coast. We were deep in the state of […]

Pedro & Lola’s on the Square
by Craig Zabransky on February 14, 2011 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Mexico Travel
In the heart of the revitalized Old Town of Mazatlán, Mexico visitors find Plaza Machado or Machado Square. It’s place lined with cafes and restaurants. A plaza where both locals and tourists come to enjoy the live music and eat. Pedro and Lola’s, a corner cafe on the square, actually holds the distinction of being […]

Oh “MamMitas” the Beach Club of Playa
by Craig Zabransky on January 6, 2011 in Beach, Destination, Mexico Travel
In Mexico, “playa” might translate to beach, but “Playa” means Playa del Carmen. And when travelers visit Playa del Carmen, the beach where the “in crowd” goes to see and be seen remains Mamitas Beach Club. Located on 28th street, a few blocks north of the popular nighttime haunts, the party begins on the beach. […]

The Sands of Stone Island, Mazatlán
by Craig Zabransky on December 30, 2010 in Beach, Destination
I didn’t see or step on one single stone. And it’s not an island either, although the quickest and easiest way to arrive is across water. Stone Island takes its name from a town that needed to be relocated years ago. However, today all you need to know is that it’s a perfect place to […]
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