A book for these times of conspiracy theories and extremest militia cults. Jess Walter gives us a book of family and redemption. Here is my Book Review So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
Jess Walter
This is the third book I have read by Walter who is based in my home state of Washington. The thing I like about Walter is how varied the three books have been; Beautiful Ruines is about Hollywood in Italy post war; The Cold Millions is about class uprising in working class Spokane early 20th century. And now, So Far Gone, based in modern times (2016 when Trump is elected) of dealing with modern politics and problems.
Rhys Kinnick
Walter’s introduces us to a well thought out character, retired journalist Kinnick. Seven years earlier Kinnick had left the mainstream to live off the grid. Kinnick’s decision came after his daughter’s conspiracy theory husband goes too far with politics talk on Thanksgiving, and Kinnick punches him.
Kinnick moves to a family cabin from his childhood where he lives as a recluse, not seeing his daughter or two grand kids. During this time politics in the United States is turbulent with Trump, changing media and journalism standards, and far right groups like the Church of the Blessed Fire, the militia Christian church Kinnick’s son-in-law is in.
Disappearance
When a woman shows up on his remote cabin porch with two kids, Rhys doesn’t even recognize his two grand kids. This is when he learns his daughter has vanished, and the kids are now in his care. But something is afoul, and Rhys must figure it out. He will need to enlist the help of people from his past, not all of who he has left on good terms.
Book Review So Far Gone by Jess Walter
So Far Gone is a book of redemption, for a crotchety old man, who drinks too much and has an anger problem. But he loves his daughter and his grand kids, and he will learn they are worth fighting for. Walter gives us multiple fine characters in this novel (and introduces their view in separate chapters) and a plot that has some humor as well as fear. Though fiction, it feels very believable in a crazy world we are currently living in.
Not my favorite of the three Walter novels I have read, but a solid and engaging story that is compelling and beautifully written.
I’m discovering the Korean people love to be hot. Setting the temperature in our hotel room lower than 80 * Fahrenheit is nearly impossible. The toilet seat is heated and so are seats in the car. And they love their hot baths and saunas. And now I do too. Let’s talk about Korean Spa – Some Like it Hot.
(This post was updated in August 2026)
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I was a little apprehensive about going into the sauna the first time. I’m not used to walking around naked with people I don’t know. This apparently is not a problem for the Koreans. And frankly why it is for Americans I’m not sure. We do obsess a great deal about our bodies. God knows mine is far from perfect. But what is perfect anyway? Wouldn’t it be great if we all just were satisfied with ourselves?
Some Like it Hot
I tried to think like this in the sauna. No one paid any attention to me here. First shower, then choose between three different pools; hot (44 C), medium (41 C) and cool (21 C). There is also a 95 C dry sauna, a 73 C wet sauna and a sun lamp room. As well as several stations to wash and scrub yourself.
After two days of visiting the spa I decided to tackle the massage and body scrub. I was met by a tiny little lady, the only person in the spa wearing a bathing suit (or perhaps it was her underwear). She motioned me into the small room adjacent to the spa and encouraged me to get up on the table. She spoke only Korean except for the word “okay” which she used to show me I was following her instructions correctly.
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Every Crease and Crevice
She then proceeded to scrub the hell out of my skin. Using what I think was mitts on her hands she scrubbed and scrubbed. With my eyes closed I had the image of me in my kitchen at home using my Brillo to scrub away baked-on macaroni and cheese. She scrubbed every nook, cranny, crevice and crease of my body, and I mean every crease and crevice – she was very thorough and diligent in her task. For an hour she scrubbed away years of dead skin, old suntans and crud. She even tried to scrub away a few scars. I have a permanent mark on my sternum where my running bra abrades me. She did her best to scrub that sucker away.
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I wear a patch on my belly that is hormone replacement therapy. I hadn’t even thought about the patch, but she scrubbed that away too. I have no idea if she knew what it was. I felt it rip off and I laid there mentally calculating how many more I had in my suitcase. Just hoping the loss of one wouldn’t make me come up short before I headed home to my pharmacist.
She scrubbed my armpits and I was wishing I had shaved that morning. She scrubbed my breasts and I opened my eyes to peek and make sure my nipples were still there. She scrubbed my neck, my ears and every toe and finger.
She then soaped me up and I nearly shot right off the plastic covered bed like an oiled pig for being so slippery. She tossed large tubs of hot water all over me and I nearly drowned. And I loved every minute of it.
Okay Okay
“Okay, Okay” she said and sent me off to shower. I soaked in the pools while she cleaned the room and prepared for my massage.
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I returned and she was waiting for me and I laid down again, top up. She rubbed me down, starting with my face with an oil that smelled of the sea, fresh but also of seaweed. She used another implement that was wood and covered with nodules to rub my body head to toe. She occasionally would throw a bucket of hot water on me and then begin again.
She covered my face with a hot towel and then I heard her scraping something. It sounded like my kitchen grater…and then the unmistakable smell of fresh cucumber. She grated and grated and then proceeded to artistically cover my entire face with the freshly grated cucumber mash. And suddenly I was hungry and my stomach growled.
While lunch sat on my face she continued my massage. She found the knot in my neck where my massage therapist at home has spent a lot of time and energy. Hell-bent on undoing this knot and she worked and worked it. It was both painful and pleasurable. She even massaged my belly, almost as if she was trying to manipulate my liver and kidneys. Oops, and my bladder. I hoped she would avoid that area or else I wasn’t gonna make it through this torture without a potty break.
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Finally she removed the salad from my face and lightly washed and dried my face. Now it was time for dessert. Yes I said dessert. She drizzled honey all over my face and rubbed and patted it into my skin. “Okay okay” and had me roll over to my belly.
Not Done Yet!
And then she started on my backside. During this 30 minutes she made my sciatica feel fabulous and my lower back feel young again. She used a pumice stone on my feet. She scraped away the dead skin and calluses. She kneaded my neck further and worked my shoulders and arms.
“Okay okay” and I rolled over again, thinking we must be done, but no. She washed my face again. Then had me scoot all the way to the top of the table where she proceeded to wash my hair and scrub my scalp. Really, when has your massage therapist ever done this?
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Finally, after nearly three hours, “Okay okay” and I am done. Off to the showers I was sent.
My day at the Korean spa was not just a body scrub and massage, it was a facial and a hair care and pure ecstasy. My inhibitions are gone forever. I am now a super fan of Korean Spa Life. I will absolutely do this again.
And by the way, three hours and all this only cost me $75. Wow. I’m really starting to enjoy Korea.
I’m a big fan of Maggie O’Farrell, a prolific writer from the United Kingdom. Although most of her work is contemporary fiction, my favorite books of her are her historical fiction including Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait. But this contemporary novel, published in 2000 is a page-turner. Here is my book review After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell.
The Plot
Alice has suffered an unimaginable loss. Her heart is broken and so is her will to live. She takes a train to Scotland to visit her sisters, but while in the restroom she witnesses something horrible. But what is it? Whatever it is it’s enough to send her running back to London. But by the next day, Alice lays in a hospital in a coma. Hit by a car, or was it a suicide attempt?
Interwoven Stories
Throughout the book O’Farrell jumps around from before Alice was born to present day, focusing separately on characters in Alice’s life. Alice’s mother, father and grandmother each have their own story. Alice’s true love John and John’s father play a crucial role. And then there are others…a mysterious man, a high school boyfriend, her sisters who are nothing like Alice.
As Alice lays in a coma, her memories of things she knows float in and out, while people in her room also float in and out. Some of these people are talking and Alice can hear them, although she cannot speak. But missing pieces of her life are falling into place as she listens. Alice’s will to live is diminishing.
A Special Visitor
It will take a special visitor to reach deep into the coma cocoon Alice is trapped in and pull her out. Will that person come to the hospital?
After You’d Gone
O’Farrell has such a way with words that all her books, contemporary or historic, are unforgettable. I hope you enjoyed my book review After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell
As you likely know if you have been following all these years, I track my reading year from July to July – why not be different from everyone else who tracks January to January? Nothing fancy, just keep a little tally in my notebook of all the books I read. This year I read 95 books, (eight more than last year) and the most I have ever read in one year. Due to my convalescing from total knee replacement, my book total is much higher than usual. Today I will share with you my favorites for the Ninth Annual (and Final) Reading Round Up 2026.
In case you didn’t know, I am retiring the My Fab Fifties Blog at the end of 2026. I will retire the Reading Wednesday blog post today...with this being the final book review post. Over the past nine years I have written just short of 500 book reviews and read just under 900 books. I will continue to talk about books on my Instagram page. So if you have enjoyed these weekly book reviews for NINE YEARS please join us on Instagram. Here is the link.
Over the past year I have written 53 book reviews, pulling into reviews my favorites of the 95 books. Most of my reading is done on my Kindle while traveling, and hardback and paperback when I am home in the summer. There is always an Audible going when I am in the car too. I like Audible for car trips, a great way to be entertained on the road. I also found Audible very soothing right after my surgery when my focus wasn’t up to par.
So as in the past several years, I’m sharing my most favorites from July ’25 to July ’26. Some outstanding novels, biographies, historical non-fiction, and memoirs. In past years I have shared a number one of the year. But this year, I just cant do it. I read so many impressive books this year, I just can’t chose. So for this final Reading Roundup I share my TOP FIVE (in order) and FIFTEEN more I highly recommend. So here we go, my Ninth Annual (And Final) Reading Round Up 2026;
This book. Wow. I listened to this book and it truly blew me away. This is my first read by Wally Lamb, and he is brilliant. I haven’t read a book in a REALLY long time that gave me such a visceral reaction. Let me be honest with you. If you can get through the first chapter of this book, you will be rewarded with a rich, deep and heartbreaking personal story. Lamb has created a hero for our time in Corbin Ledbetter. I can’t stop thinking about this book, or this character. A sure sign of an exceptional read.
Both funny and sad The Calamity Club takes a deep dive into Mississippi and the south in the 1930’s. The novel touches on homosexuality, promiscuity, orphanages, infidelity, race and the southern hierarchy of wealth and poverty. But mostly this book is about a women’s drive to survive. Women’s health, still today, is poorly studied or properly diagnosed and in 1933 Mississippi it was downright appalling.
The narrative in this book, so beautifully written, is above all else, about truth. A deep thread running through the novel is how difficult it can be, particularly in a small cutoff place, to become who you were meant to be. On this barren island old ways die hard. Religion is rigid. One of the last places where Gaelic is spoken and subsistence farming continues. How to be true to yourself when life is expected to only be a one certain way?
What happens when Australia’s youngest convicted murderer grows up to be a cantankerous old woman in a quiet Melbourne neighborhood? Hepworth’s wonderful novel is full of engaging characters and laugh out loud predicaments.
I was in a reading slump at the end of 2025, uninspired by nearly everything I tried to read. And then there was Theo. The feel good book of the year. The word heartfelt, though a bit cliché, is the best word to describe this beautiful story. I seriously found myself smiling through it…except for when I was sobbing. I have not read anything by Levi before, and this character driven novel is such a beautiful story.
And with that, we wrap nine years and nearly 500 book reviews. It’s been a passion and a pleasure to write these book reviews (and travel posts). We will continue to write travel posts through January ’27, but here today the book reviews end.
Please follow us on Instagram, where we will have book recommendations in a shorter, video format regularly. Thank you for your continued support all these years. It has been my greatest joy to provide this service, talk about books, and build a love of reading amongst my followers. The world would be kinder, smarter, more tolerant, understanding and interesting, if everyone would turn off their television and read.
This book. Wow. I listened to this book and it truly blew me away. This is my first read by Wally Lamb, and he is brilliant. I haven’t read a book in a REALLY long time that gave me such a visceral reaction. Let me explain. Here is my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
Corbin and Emily
Author Lamb introduces us to Corbin (Corby) and Emily, two college students madly in love with each other. Then madly in love with their twins Niko and Maisie. Life is pretty damn good, until it isn’t.
Let me be honest with you. If you can get through the first chapter of this book, you will be rewarded with a rich, deep and heartbreaking personal story. My husband and I were in the car when we started The River is Waiting on Audible. It starts out innocuous enough, but then…
The moment my brain realized what was about to happen in the first chapter I began to hyperventilate. I squeaked OH NO and reached over and shut off the book. My heart was racing I was not able to continue.
Twenty-Four Hours
I could not stop thinking about this book for the next 24 hours. But I steeled myself to go back and try again. I decided it was better I listen to this book on my own, without anyone else around to witness my response. Good idea. This book gave me more of a physical reaction than anything I have read in years. I gasped, sobbed, wept. Found myself wide eyed and my hand covering my gaping mouth.
READ.THIS.BOOK
I will not give away too much, but I will say, the character development in this story is incredible. Bravo to Lamb for creating characters you love, root for, hate, fear and feel personally attached to. This novel covers basically a period of about 3 years, but also looks at much of the past of the main characters. Lamb brilliantly writes the evolution of these characters as they deal with their guilt, love, addiction, and most of all, the horrors of incarceration and the USA justice system. I’ve learned Lamb himself is a recovering addict and works with prisoners. All of that comes through so perfectly in his writing.
There is redemption, although it may not be what you are expecting in the end. Lamb keeps you hanging through the entire novel, as you hope and wish for a happy ending.
Book Review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Lamb has created a hero for our time in Corbin Ledbetter. I can’t stop thinking about this book, or this character. A sure sign of an exceptional read. My favorite book so far this year – even though it was, at times – very painful to continue. Brilliant.
Thank you for reading my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. This one gets five stars Plus*****! See last week’s book review So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
I am always grateful when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. I thank you.
This book. Wow. I listened to this book and it truly blew me away. This is my first read by Wally Lamb, and he is brilliant. I haven’t read a book in a REALLY long time that gave me such a visceral reaction. Let me explain. Here is my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.
Corbin and Emily
Author Lamb introduces us to Corbin (Corby) and Emily, two college students madly in love with each other. Then madly in love with their twins Niko and Maisie. Life is pretty damn good, until it isn’t.
Let me be honest with you. If you can get through the first chapter of this book, you will be rewarded with a rich, deep and heartbreaking personal story. My husband and I were in the car when we started The River is Waiting on Audible. It starts out innocuous enough, but then…
The moment my brain realized what was about to happen in the first chapter I began to hyperventilate. I squeaked OH NO and reached over and shut off the book. My heart was racing I was not able to continue.
Twenty-Four Hours
I could not stop thinking about this book for the next 24 hours. But I steeled myself to go back and try again. I decided it was better I listen to this book on my own, without anyone else around to witness my response. Good idea. This book gave me more of a physical reaction than anything I have read in years. I gasped, sobbed, wept. Found myself wide eyed and my hand covering my gaping mouth.
READ.THIS.BOOK
I will not give away too much, but I will say, the character development in this story is incredible. Bravo to Lamb for creating characters you love, root for, hate, fear and feel personally attached to. This novel covers basically a period of about 3 years, but also looks at much of the past of the main characters. Lamb brilliantly writes the evolution of these characters as they deal with their guilt, love, addiction, and most of all, the horrors of incarceration and the USA justice system. I’ve learned Lamb himself is a recovering addict and works with prisoners. All of that comes through so perfectly in his writing.
There is redemption, although it may not be what you are expecting in the end. Lamb keeps you hanging through the entire novel, as you hope and wish for a happy ending.
Book Review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Lamb has created a hero for our time in Corbin Ledbetter. I can’t stop thinking about this book, or this character. A sure sign of an exceptional read. My favorite book so far this year – even though it was, at times – very painful to continue. Brilliant.
Thank you for reading my book review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. This one gets five stars Plus*****! See last week’s book review So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
I am always grateful when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. I thank you.
Where do I begin? Well perhaps at the beginning – except the details are sparse. Most everyone who knows the facts has died. And my Dad, well, his health is poor and memory is gone.
So where do I begin? Well here are the details as I know them. I have another brother – unknown to us throughout my life – now here he is.
Me with my cousin, and siblings old and new
Dennis has been looking for his family his entire life. Wondering who his father was. Never knowing. Having a poor excuse of a step-father, and after the death of his mother when he was only seven years old, he struggled to make sense of all the loss in his life. Spending his childhood bouncing from family to foster care. Determined not to become the juvenile delinquent everyone in the “system” assumed was his fate.
Until at age 63, DNA came knocking. Dennis has been on Ancestry for several years. I have been on Ancestry for several years, but I had never taken the DNA test. I bought a test for my Dad years ago, but he never took it, and the test was misplaced when we moved my Dad out of his big house.
Me and Dennis
But Dennis took the test, and my cousin took the test and BAM! First cousins found each other…meaning Dennis was much closer to finding his father…meaning it could only be my uncle (who has passed) or my own father.
Wow. This information all came together last spring and my cousin, brother, sister and I welcomed Dennis, whether he was cousin or brother, and met him for dinner one evening in June.
And he looked just like my Dad. Mind blown.
After our meeting, I felt a huge obligation to Dennis to get the answer, and so I did a DNA test and I got my Dad to do one. Three weeks later, the results showed 100% Dennis is my half sibling, my father’s child.
Dennis is happy to know. He was emotional and excited and relieved. Our family is happy for him. Happy to welcome him. Wishing my Dad wasn’t so far gone into Alzeheimers that we could get more answers. But we are all, including Dennis, in agreement my Dad should not be told who Dennis is due to Dad’s precarious health. For now anyway.
But Dennis has now met my Dad (our Dad). And we will make it possible for Dennis to meet him again, and again. And we will welcome Dennis into our crazy wired family, and probably scare him off with all the craziness we seem to produce – Dennis hasn’t had a family like this. Between my sister, brother and I there are a total of 9 children with 5 spouses and 10 grand children.
Our belief right now is that my Dad never knew Dennis was out there. We firmly believe he would never have shirked that responsibility – it’s not the kind of man he was. My father would have been 22 years old when Dennis was conceived in 1955…he married my mother in 1957 and my sister was born in 1958…I came along two years later, my brother a year after that.
And so here we are. So many questions that may never be resolved, but the biggest question of all for Dennis has been answered. I am glad.
The development of DNA is an amazing thing, providing forensics and families an opportunity to learn things that generations in the past could not even have dreamed of. It must be used responsibly, and not all DNA results and findings turn out positive for families…some people are hurt , embarrassed, angry and unable to cope with information DNA might bring to light. Our family however, views it as a fascinating development and we all are pleased with the unexpected news.
You may have read my book review Inheritance, a book I read shortly before this all happened to my family. In the book a women learns her biological father was a sperm donor – not the man she grew up believing was her Dad. Her search for the sperm donor created lots of questions; what are his rights as an anonymous donor; what are her rights to know who her biological father is; what about genetic diseases; what about unknown siblings and the potential of inter-genetic marriages; should there be more control over DNA and results?
Life was different in the 1950’s and women who got pregnant so often were shamed and hidden. But in the 1950’s and long before, men often carried no responsibility and or knowledge of pregnancies they may have had a hand in – creating many little humans who never knew the truth.
But today, with the continuing advancement of DNA, there are no longer any secrets…lots of men may be wondering…lots of families may be affected. It’s only going to grow.
For me, and this situation in my own family I just feel we must embrace it and move forward. What more can we do? We can’t deny or walk away and why would we? We have found a buried treasure, something we didn’t know was lost. My siblings who I have known all my life and my new sibling who we just met, will now go forward and tread lightly and see what happens next. I’m just sorry it took so long.
Note – I am aware of at least ten people I know who have had similar developments in their families. If you are so inclined, and have a story of your own, feel free to share in the comments below.
At a time in my life when I have been increasingly troubled by much of the fake and AI generated garbage that now makes up so much of social media – in drops this book. A deeply disturbing debut novel of a social media influencer and her double personality. Here is my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.
NOTE – At the end of July these book review posts will move from this blog to Instagram. Reading Wednesday will continue on most Wednesdays but on Instagram. Please follow our Instagram page here.
Performance
I have long complained about travel influencers and the flawless portrayals of destinations around the world. My first hand experience knows how fake most of that is. I remember standing in Santorini Greece hoping to get a photo. But instead, waiting for an idiot influencer in a long red dress to get her windblown photo as she stood dangerously close to the edge. Such an absurd and rude performance.
Yesteryear reminded me of how hard it is to see the truth on Social Media. And the protagonist in this book, Natalie Heller Mills, is a perfectly written narcissist reminiscent of Amy Dunne in Gone Girl. Her crafted online performance is in direct contrast to her pejorative offline voice. Her life becomes one big performance.
Yesteryear Ranch
Natalie and her husband Caleb, along with their five children lead what appears to be a perfect life at Yesteryear Ranch. Growing their food organically, homeschooling the children and living without many modern conveniences, Natalie and Yesteryear Ranch become an internet sensation. Until dirty little secrets start to be revealed…pesticides on the farm, hidden modern appliances, Natalie’s lack of interest in her own children, and her disintegrating marriage.
1855
When Natalie wakes up one morning to find herself transported to a cold cabin in 1855 she believes she has been kidnapped. No running water, no electricity. And who are these children? These are not her children. When she tries to escape, she is seriously injured. But Caleb is here…older and warn down. Is it Caleb?
Book Review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Some people are gonna love this book and others will not. This novel looks closely at our world, through the layers of social media’s influence on society. Additionally through narcissism and mental illness and through powerful wealthy families and American Christian values. It hits very close to home in current American politics, with narcissistic American leaders and right-wing Christian influence. Yesteryear is a deep dive into how social media has degraded societies communication skills, attention span and ability to recognize fraud from reality.
Burke has written a protagonist who will not be forgotten. Natalie Heller Mills will be remembered for her ruthless and desperate desire to appear to be someone she is not. A movie is coming starring Anne Hathaway.
Thank you for reading my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.
In 1982 we went to Mazatlan on our honeymoon. Yep…43 years ago. I’m not sure why we have never been back, because we had a great honeymoon. But, we hadn’t. Until now. Joining our lifelong friends for a wonderful return to Marvelous Mazatlan Mexico – beaches and so much more!
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Mazatlan.
There we are, dancing the night away on our Mazatlan Honeymoon 1982
Beaches and So Much More
Go for the beaches of course, but there is so much more. We found a place much changed in 43 years… much more developed with large hotels and resorts. But also with a preserved old town, quaint and colorful revitalized historic neighborhoods and an abundance of incredible restaurants. Maybe not as authentic as the Mazatlan of 1982, but full of charm, culture and cuisine. Here is what we enjoyed on our visit to Marvelous Mazatlan Mexico.
Morning coffee on the beach
Arrival
Mazatlan’s small international airport has direct flights from many domestic airports and a few international airports as well. We arrived from Mexico City. Although the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City is one of my least favorites, arriving in Mazatlan was easy. We quickly had our bags and found the taxi kiosk to get a ride into the city, about 30 minutes away. Taxi to the city is 550 pesos, about $32 USD.
Mazatlan Beaches
In 2026 there are literally thousands of places to stay in Mazatlan, with extensive construction underway for even more. But on this visit we were lucky to stay with our friends, who have a time share with Vacation International at Torres Mazatlan. We shared a lovely two bedroom unit and enjoyed the beach, pool and all the amenities.
The beautiful pool at Torres Mazatlan
Marvelous Mazatlan Mexico
Enjoying time with our friends, who visit Mazatlan every year, we spent our visit exploring some of the best this city has to offer. Sure we also spent some time enjoying the beach and pool, and additionally found great food, history and cultural activities. Here are some suggestions;
Take a Cooking Class
When in Mazatlan do not miss taking a cooking class with Paola and Tomatl.mx. We took a special once a year tamales class, always held on Candelaria. Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas), celebrated on February 2nd, is a major Mexican holiday marking the end of the Christmas season, blending Catholic traditions with indigenous customs and always celebrated with tamales. Check next week’s blog to learn more about tamales and Dia de la Candelaria. But through out the year Paola offers multiple classes. She is a great teacher and we had so much fun learning from her. Next time I want to try her Taco class.
Cooking Tamales with my friend Sue
The art of Tamal making
So many tamales
Don’t Miss a Food and History Tour
We also spent a wonderful day with Paola on a food tour. You know I love a good food tour and our Tomatl.mx food tour was awesome. Mazatlan is a pretty large city, so instead of a walking tour, we used a local transportation option called a ‘spider”. Eight guests plus Paola, we visited at least eight places around the city, including the port and old town. Throughout the tour we learned so much great history and cultural food insights. We also learned that Mazatlan is the second largest shrimp port in Mexico. Shrimp is the star of much of Mazatlan’s cuisine, and it is fresh and delicious right off the boat.
This. OMG. New to me taco called Birria. Like a taco meets a French Dip. So good.
This lovely Abuella has been serving breakfast from this cart for decades
This delicious taco had us pour broth over the top.
Hundreds of shrimp boats call Mazatlan Port home
Walk the Malecon
If you are up to it, you can walk the entire 21km (13miles) of the beautiful Mazatlan Malecon. You can’t get better views and the Malecon is dotted with funky and fun restaurants and shrimp shacks. The oldest section of Mazatlán’s Malecón was constructed in the 1830s, originally built to protect the city from flooding. Today it is the place to see and be seen. Many events and activities, including the annual Mardi Gras parade, takes place on the Malecon.
One of the locals on the Malecon beach
Mazatlan Malecon
Malecon prepares for Mardi Gras
Climb to the Lighthouse
I wasn’t sure about hiking to the top of Lighthouse Hill since I’m having trouble with my knee, but I did it and it was fine. It is certainly a work out, but I recommend it for the fabulous views. At the top you can enjoy a 360 degree view of Mazatlan and the Pacific Ocean. If you want to pay you can also step out onto the glass deck (we did not). And the top of Lighthouse Hill is also home to the Faro Lesa Zipline. If you don’t want to walk back down, the zipline will get you there in about 60 seconds. We walked. LOL.
The best view in town from Lighthouse Hill
Beautiful
We saw lots of interesting plants and birds too
Enjoy the Observatory
The Mazatlán Observatory, known today as Observatorio 1873, traces its origins to the 19th century. The hill where it stands was originally used as a military lookout point to protect the port of Mazatlán from possible naval attacks.
Funicular takes you up to the top
One of the funnest things we did was visit the restored observatory. Today it serves as a cultural and educational attraction. After extensive renovation in the 21st century, visitors can explore a museum, botanical gardens, a bird sanctuary, and a sky bar, while also enjoying incredible views. Don’t miss this!
Bird Sanctuary
and more…
The beautiful historic building is now a museum
Wander through Old Town
Mazatlán founded in 1531 by Spanish explorer Nuño de Guzmán, evolved from a small indigenous settlement into a major Pacific port. It became a bustling international hub in the 19th century, shaped by German immigrants who established commerce and the Pacifico Brewery.
When in Mazatlan drink Pacifico
Old Town (Centro Histórico) has undergone extensive revitalization, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub with 19th-century architecture, plazas, and the restored Angela Peralta Theater.
Colorful Centro Historico
Mazatlan Cathedral
Recent efforts in 2024-2025 focus on enhancing the urban image through improved sanitation, lighting, graffiti removal, and the installation of informational plaques, supported by a mix of public and private investment. Plazuela Machado: The heart of the district is surrounded by sidewalk cafes and restored, brightly colored colonial buildings.
Mercado
Fabulous shopping in Plazuela Machado
Take time to enjoy the shops, Mercado, cathedral, and the festive atmosphere.
So Much Wonderful Food
We came. We saw. We ate. Mexico’s cuisine is absolutely one of the best, if not THE best, in the world. And Mazatlan does not disappoint. Home to one of the largest shrimping fleets in Mexico, Mazatlan loves shrimp and you will find it on nearly every menu. Marvelous Mazatlan Mexico menus also feature fish, ceviche, avocado, fruits, pork, beef, masa, cheese and of course Pacifico Beer (founded in Mazatlan).
Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp
Fish is fresh and local
Our favorite restaurants we visited were;
Topolo Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant we enjoyed an outstanding meal at this beautiful courtyard restaurant in Centro Historico. I highly recommend you get a reservation and visit Topolo when in Mazatlan.
Topolo’s beautiful courtyard
Shrimp!
Perfect end to a great day
Los Panchos you can’t beat the beach front view and don’t miss the tableside Tequila Cheese! Oh My God it was so good, and also fun to watch. The menu is big and everything is delicious. Highly recommend a visit to Los Panchos.
El Muchacho Alegre waterside spot with outstanding seafood, a perfect stop when strolling the Malecon. We enjoyed a gigantic ceviche and cold cerveza on a hot day.
More ceviche. I can’t get enough.
Lunch with a view.
Posado Freeman Rooftop Bar – we did not eat at the Posado Freeman Hotel, but enjoyed drinks at the fabulous rooftop bar at sunset. Get there early…it’s worth it.
Sunset from the rooftop at Posado Freeman
Can’t beat that view
Explore all that Mazatlan has to Offer
Mazatlan is alive with culture, color and cuisine. Enjoy the beach, but don’t miss out on all the other wonderful things in the beautiful little city by the sea. We definitely won’t wait another 43 years before we visit again. Gracias Marvelous Mazatlan Mexico.
One day in Chicago, Illinois…well, technically I had one full day plus a few hours the evening before. And honestly, it’s not enough to see this beautiful city. But it was all the time we had, so we hit the highlights. If you only have One Day In Chicago Illinois, here are my recommendations.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Chicago.
Cross Country Road Trip
If you saw last week’s post Yellowstone National Park, USA (or if you are following along on Instagram), you know we are tackling a month long cross country road trip from Washington State to Maine and back again. And Chicago is a beautiful city so we thought we would spend two night there on the way.
We arrived our downtown Embassy Suite hotel about 4pm in the afternoon. We had been driving all day, but we wanted to take advantage of the few hours we had. So after getting settled in our room and grabbing a cold drink at the complimentary evening happy hour we headed out.
Navy Pier and Centennial Ferris Wheel
Did you know the first Ferris Wheel in the world was in Chicago? Well it was, an invention of George Ferris for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. That Ferris Wheel of course is long gone, but today the Chicago Centennial Ferris Wheel rises 200 feet above Lake Michigan and gives great views of the lake and the city. We enjoyed a brief walk through the Navy Pier Building and then boarded the wheel with no line at sunset (you can buy tickets in advance here) and enjoyed the ride and the views. A perfect way to start our short visit to Chicago.
Centennial Ferris Wheel
High above Lake Michigan
One Day In Chicago Illinois
Next morning we hit the ground running for a full day around the city. We did not see it all but we did as much as we could and had a lot of fun. By the end of the day I had walked eleven miles! Here is how we laid out our day;
GPS My City
Using our favorite app GPS My City we did a self guided walking tour of the downtown core. Especially when you are pressed for time this is a great way to see the sites.
Pizzeria Uno
Founded in Chicago in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, Pizzeria Uno is credited with inventing the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Pizzeria Uno, the original Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate is British artist Anish Kapoor’s first public outdoor work installed in the United States. The 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect Chicago’s famous skyline and the clouds above. Chicagoan’s refer to it as The Bean.
Cloud Gate or The Bean
Crown Fountain
Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain inMillennium Park is a major addition to the city’s world-renowned public art collection.
Crown Fountain
Harold Washington Public Library
Since completion, the library has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest public library building in the world. In 2013 the architect and chairman of Hammond, Beeby and Babka, Thomas H. Beeby, won the prestigious Driehaus Architecture Prize for this and other projects.
Harold Washington Public Library
Wrigley Square
This small green park is a beautiful public place for events or quiet moment and includes a Greek style columned platform.
Wrigley Square
Tribune Tower & Wrigley Tower
Two of Chicago’s most prominent and historic buildings stand kitty corner from each other right near the Chicago River. The Gothic Tribune Tower, former home of the Chicago Tribune (now condos) and the Wrigley Building – Chicago’s porcelain crown jewel of architecture.
Tribune Tower
Wrigley Tower
Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Chicago’s tallest building built in 1974 was the world’s tallest building until 1996. We did not go up to the sky deck but it’s a popular thing to do.
Willlis Tower
Millennium Park
We strolled down to Millennium Park to enjoy the waterfront, but found much of the park closed off for preparations for the upcoming Chicago Marathon. It was a beautiful day however so we took advantage of views of the lake from the park and waterfront walk.
Lake Michigan waterfront
Buckingham Fountain
As we continued our stroll we stopped to admire Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The fountain is distinguished not only for its exquisite decorative details and finely wrought bronze sculpture, but also for its innovative use of technology which creates a dynamic light and water display on a massive scale.
Buckingham Fountain
Museums
Chicago is home to several museums and two of my favorites are world class-
Art Institute
I love this museum and have visited in the past, but unfortunately they are closed on Tuesday – the day of the week we were in town. But I can highly recommend this world class art collection, both the permanent collection and the revolving special exhibits.
Art Institute of Chicago
Field Museum
Another amazing and diverse museum is Chicago’s Field Museum. We had visited this museum before as well, but still found ourselves able to enjoy three hours wandering around this beautiful building. From dinosaurs to gem stones, Africa to China and so much more.
Having fun at the Field Museum Chicago
Architectural River Cruise
Well it had been an amazing day already, but the Architectural River Cruise was hands down the best thing we did all day. There are several companies offering this tour, but I recommend Wendella River Cruises, the original. I’ve done this before and would do it again. An hour and a half tour leaving from the historic DuSable Bridge, the tour includes a guide with exceptional narration about the history and people who made Chicago what it is today. Don’t miss this tour.
Wendella Tours is the best for the interesting and entertaining Architectural River Cruise
On board
Giordanos Pizza
Okay now we were starving. What a day it had been. We knew we wanted Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza for dinner, and we headed to one of several highly rated Pizzerias – Giordano’s. The first Giordano’s opened in Chicago in 1974, making Mama Giordano’s famous double stuffed pie. Today it is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. We loved it and had enough left for lunch the next day too.
There are several places to enjoy Chicago style pizza – Giordano’s is my choice
You won’t go hungry with a Chicago style pie
One Day In Chicago Illinois
Hopefully you will have more than one day in Chicago. But if you only have one day, you can see and do so much in this beautiful city. It’s one of my favorite cities in the USA and worth a visit, one day or more!
Thanks for reading my post this week One Day in Chicago Illinois. I hope you saw last week’s post Yellowstone National Park, USA. Keep following for more of our USA Road Trip coming soon.
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