While boating on Eagle Mountain Lake is GREAT, most of the year, the winter months can be challenging.  This week for example, the mid to late February forecasts have temps in the teens and wind chills in the single digits.

TIME TO GET AWAY!  And I know a perfect place that I would wager you likely have not heard of or been to.  LORETO MEXICO  Loreto is located on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja California Sur about 300 miles North of Cabo.

WHY LORETO?  Well, if you were in Cabo in the 90’s and then again recently you will know that Cabo exploded in popularity and population in 30 or so years.  If you want to experience the next Cabo……get to Loreto while is it still a small town….no salespeople on the beach or Malcon selling you everything you don’t need.  Just a perfect oceanside town full of great people, great places to visit, and above all else (just like Cabo) the best restaurants to experience.  Best of all, this is a quiet place to get away…not crazy busy (yet) like Cabo.

The beaches in Loreto are not quite as pristine as those in Cabo because the sand is darker and there are little to no waves.  This is because Loreto is protected somewhat by a group of islands not far offshore.  This provides for smooth water on most days (see picture above…this is what most days look like).  The beaches here remind me more like those on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

WHY IT’S LIKELY TO BE THE NEXT CABO?  "You build it and they will come!"  When the Los Cabos International Airport was renovated between 1997-2011 and a new highway to Cabo San Lucas was constructed between 2008 and 2011 the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas exploded with tourist from most every country. 

Fast forward to Loreto International Airport.  This airport has evolved from just a local airfield to a state of the art facility.  When you look at it as it is today you will quickly come to one conclusion.  This airport is three times bigger than it should be for today’s airline traffic.  That said….this airport was overbuilt for a reason.  Spectacular growth is expected in this area.  And better than Cabo….this airport is less than 5 minutes drive from downtown Loreto.

Best of all, it is a two-hour flight from DFW on American Airlines.  Yes….only two hours and clearing customs in Loreto is a breeze compared to Cabo.

WHERE TO STAY?  On a recent visit we were lucky to have a friend that owns a company in Loreto set up everything for us.  Kathy Hunter is a long-time resident of Loreto and she owns a company by the name of Live Loreto.  Her website is www.liveloreto.com 

Please check out her website as she can take care of everything you need.  A house to stay in, book a room at the beautiful La Mision Hotel Loreto, book a charter fishing or sightseeing trip, set up reservations at the best restaurants in Loreto, stock the groceries for your rental house, or even book you with one of the best masseuses in Loreto.

Kathy is also a licensed real estate professional and if you fall in love with this place, and want to own a place in this growing area, before the Cabo prices hit the real estate market, Kathy may already have your dream home listed for sale.  If not, she can find it.

For those of you that are familiar with Eagle Mountain Lake and Augie’s Café here, you will not be disappointed with Loreto.  There is an Augie’s in Loreto too.  Located on the Malecon it has some of the best food and drinks in Loreto (everything on the menu is served all day…no hurry to get to breakfast by a certain time).  Augie, the owner, will likely be there to meet you each morning while he is watching Fox News!

Should you prefer to stay at a hotel, I highly recommend the La Mision Hotel Loreto, while we did not stay there, we had several meals there and the food and view is fantastic, as it is located on the Malecon not far from Augie’s.  And, the town square is located just a few steps away. 

There is only one intersection in Loreto with a stop light and that makes getting around easy.  One of the town’s fine grocery stores is at this intersection.  Should you need a taxi service, I highly recommend…Rigo.  He has a taxi service with very nice six passenger vans to get you and your group around town if needed.  His number is +52 (1) 613 111 6820.

SO….DON’T DELAY YOUR GET AWAY!  Call Kathy or text TODAY at (208) 699-2090 or email her at liveloreto@gmail.com or visit her website.