When Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos throws a party, you go. Three nights of Fiestas Patronales delivered vibrant religious processions, incredible castillo fireworks, live rock, and a warm community vibe that shows Lake Chapala expat life at its best.

We nearly moved to Oaxaca after visiting three years ago. Returning now, it was as extraordinary as we remembered — Michelin food, the Tlacolula market, stumbling into the Danza de la Pluma, and a city that keeps giving. Here’s everything you need to plan your own trip.

I came home from Europe and walked straight into World Cup fever, Fiestas Patronales, and Joe’s birthday week. This is what summer in Mexico looks like.

I’d had Tapalpa on my road trip map for a while. After some recent drama in the area, the timing finally felt right — and the mountain drive, the Tuscan-looking village, the swiss chard tamales, and the mysterious rock formations called Las Piedrotas made it completely worth the wait.

My best friend Kelly surprised me in January — she was bringing her family to Mexico for spring break, passports and all. What followed was one of the best weeks we’ve had since moving here.

I kept putting off the trip to Tequila, worried it would feel packaged and touristy. One Sunday evening and a Fortaleza distillery tour later, I was completely won over. Here’s what the town is really like.

Two sets of friends from Asheville, two unforgettable visits — Lucha Libre, Scorpion Island, dinner at Alcalde, and standing on a Guadalajara street watching a Women’s Day march that left us in tears.

Headlines about Mexico are loud right now. Here’s what living here actually looks like — and why Jalisco and Lake Chapala continue to exceed every expectation we brought with us.