Petatlán Johnson often makes pit stops in this bustling little town a bit south of Zihuatanejo, for its "parades with little kids, and ladies cross-stitching in the street," she says. And she always discovers "some strange something here—like ten-dollar bling-bling Lady of Guadalupe watches." • La Barrita "There's no village and no tourists—just a beach with restaurants where the local people cook for their families. It's all sky and coastline." • Pátzcuaro A 3 1/2-hour drive from Zihuatanejo, this colonial town is "a little discovered but a far cry from San Miguel de Allende," Johnson says. "The people still make their own shoes, embroider their dresses, and wear long braids." Her favorite place to stay: Hostal Santa Fe (Lloreda No. 27; 52-434/342-0512; www.hostalsantafe.com.mx; doubles from $60).
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