12/28/08

Wanting to give the van some exercise, we went on a Sunday drive to La Noria, an old colonial town in the hills to the northeast of Mazatlan.  While we had read La Noria was famous for huarache sandals and handicrafts, we did not see any shops or vendors in the town itself.  La Noria appeared to be a sleepy village and we seemed to be the only tourists.  Perhaps that was a function of it being Sunday, perhaps not.

However on the way to La Noria, we noticed the Restaurante y Granja de mi Abuela.  There were quite a few cars and people at this colorful restaurant so we pulled in for lunch.   While the menu is simple, the food is delicious and the surrounding farm, plants and activities make for an excellent attraction in the country, especially if you have children.  There are rope swings, hammocks, pony rides, an educational petting farm and ATV rentals.  The restaurant and farm was mostly filled with large Mexican families, however the owners speak English so there is no problem if you do not speak Spanish.

Also on the road to La Noria is the Los Osuna agave farm and distillery.  We were very full from our lunch so we declined to stop and tour the factory although apparently you can get 100% blue agave shots.  We found this cactus fence to be particularly inventive for both aesthetic security purposes.