James McRealtor: The Circus is in Town!

Have to endorse this one, obviously ;) It's a great show, great band, and great fans. Welcome to summer Peacemakers!



James McRealtor: The Circus is in Town!: OK, it's  Circus Mexicus  - the annual-ish concert on the beach of my favorite troubadours,  Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers . What&#3...

Welcome to Rocky Point James - about me and my favorite place! (Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico)

Thanks for stopping by! - this blog is part of my information source about Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Sonora, Mexico.

Today's quick blog will answer the five basic questions:

Where?  - Rocky Point is about 225 miles from Phoenix's Southeast Valley; depending on traffic, it takes about 4 and a half hours to get there.
Shortcut - find me, and you're more than halfway there :) 

Pro Tip - Don't miss the turn in Gila Bend; a Yuma detour will take twice as long!

What? - Rocky Point is affectionately known as "Arizona's Beach"; it's been a popular destination for gringos since the 1920's. Primarily a fishing village by trade, Puerto Peñasco has long been visited by gringos for many reasons - from surveyors taking a detour from the original defining of the AZ/US border with Sonora, all the way up to current vacationers experiencing many of the wonderful things Rocky Point has to offer. Golf tournaments, fishing, dune riding, food - local and international, nightlife, or a relaxing time away it all. Recently, an international airport opened east of the city (near the Mayan Palace resort), and there are plans to incorporate cruise ships on the southwest part of the port. This growth will change some characteristics of the "sleepy town", but the charm will remain, just as it has for decades for tourists visiting Hawaii.

When? - Personally, I vote "year-round", because although it does reach very hot numbers particularly in summer, at least it's at the beach! (I have lived in Arizona for 15 years now, and I'll take some humidity with my mega-hot temps in exchange for the sand and beach, thanks!)
For many people, this isn't the case. It does get cold in the winter also, so be aware. The "tourist seasons" are essentially Spring and Fall, with the weather precluding quite as many visitors in Dec-Feb, and late Jun-August.

WHY? - By far the most common question I am asked! Why NOT? is almost always my internal response, because I'm obviously a fan. The FAQ-style reasons for this question, though, run the gamut. The top reasons people ask why are usually"

• Is it safe? / I've heard Mexico is dangerous (etc) - This warrants an entire blog post by itself; in brief, in my experience over the last half-decade of travel there, I'd say don't go looking for trouble, behave like the guest you are in a foreign country, and use common sense, pretty much like you would if you had to stop for gas in a "sketchy" part of your own town.
• What do you DO there? - I recharge, is my answer. The smell and sound of the sun and sand gives me a boost like nothing else, so for me, that's the main thing. If and when that ever loses its appeal, I've got plenty of options, such as:
• Community service - the orphanage (La Casa de Esperanza) and dog rescue always need volunteers for help with fundraising, donations, or events
• CEDO - the environmental International Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO homepage) is a joint Mexico - US non-profit organization.
• Day trips, including Isla San Jorge, home of thousands of birds, sea lions, and occasional ocean mirages
• Local cantinas, music, food, and hotspots:
• JJ's Cantina!! (As RCPM sings it = "My second home is a third world cantina") go here for JJs homepage:
• Shark Bite - When you visit the famous Malecon downtown (think "The Strip" of Rocky Point), make sure to stop HERE and say hello to my friends Tanya and Pollo!
• Speaking of the Malecon... Official Mexican Tourism site for the Malecon
• OK, technically not "local", but by far Rocky Point's favorite son(s)!! RCPM - Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers Specifically two pretty much annual concerts:



The Tucson Troubador doing his "other" thing at the Rock and Beach Soccer Tournament

• Circus Mexicus (Summer/June) and the JJ's January Jam (guess when?!) Concert details updated HERE
• Max's Cafe - across from the Peñasco del Sol hotel, many visitors' favorite place especially for breakfast and/or Bloody Marys: Max's Cafe

Who? - Besides RCPM, Max's crew, Tanya & Pollo, and me? YOU!

So, join us all here, raise a glass and say, "Salud!"

***Muchas gracias a mi amigo Roger Clyne for referencing your lyrics from time to time señor!