Go Shop View archives

• HAITIAN GALLERY

  These colorful sister shops just a few blocks apart in Old San Juan hold the most extensive collection of Haitian art east of Haiti. Browse vivid marketplace scenes, wood carvings, handmade chess sets and ceramic dolls. (1/2011)

  206 and 367 Calle Fortaleza
  787-721-4362
  www.haitiangallerypr.com
  

• DON COLLINS

  Even if you don’t smoke or drink you may still enjoy a pit stop at this cozy shop stocked with locally produced cigars, coffee and rum. If you do indulge, go for the Puerto Rican-rolled Lonsdale cigar with its hint-of-vanilla wrapper, the bargain fi ve-pound bag of homegrown java beans and a bottle of the Ron de Barrilito rum. (1/2011)

  59 Cristo St, Old San Juan
  787-977-2983
  don-collins.com
  

• BOTTLES

  This is a bistro, wine shop and gourmet food store all rolled into one. Fill your shopping basket with everything from truffl e oil to red caviar, then sit down and order an overstuffed panini and sample a glass or two of the shop’s more than 800 wines before buying a bottle. (1/2011)

  5A Tabonuco St, Guaynabo
  787-775-1210
  bottlespr.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO BOTANICAL GARDENS

  This sprawling urban tropical garden is home to more than 30,000 indigenous trees and plants, as well as lily ponds, a sculpture garden, wild parrots and giant iguanas. Bring along a blanket and snacks for a picnic in the natural oasis. (1/2011)

  Highway 1 at Road 847, Rio Piedras
  787-758-9957
  upr.edu
  

• PUERTO RICO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

  Toddlers to teens enjoy this interactive museum with its art workshops, a television studio, a kids-only town and science- and nature-related exhibits. It has a small theater with rotating performances. (1/2011)

  150 Cristo St, Old San Juan
  787-722-3791
  museodelninopr.org
  

• SAN SEBASTIAN STREET FESTIVAL

  By day it’s an artsy fair, but by night it’s a party animal’s paradise. This giant block party includes live music, artisan crafts, local foods and parades of people in traditional oversized papier-mâché heads, called cabezudos. Jan. 16-19. (1/2011)

  San Sebastian St, Old San Juan
  787-725-7559

 

Go Eat View archives

• DRAGONFLY

  The décor here is sultry, the ambience sexy, and the Asian-Latin fusion cuisine nothing short of sumptuous. Belly up to the communal noodle bar and share an order of Peking duck nachos with wasabi sour cream and the rock shrimp tempura tacos. $$$ (1/2011)

  364 Calle Fortaleza
  787-725-7370
  www.oofrestaurants.com
  

• DUNBAR’S

  This popular pub and eatery is San Juan’s version of Cheers, with a loyal following of locals who come for heaping helpings of international cuisine and laidback island atmosphere. The fl ash-fried calamari, Swiss cheese croquettes and bamboo-steamed dim sum are to die for. $$ (1/2011)

  9 Arbolote St, Guaynabo
  787-999-0999
  dunbarsrestaurant.com
  

• LA TASCA DE YIYO

  It may not be fancy, but this spot is fun and the food is fabulous. Fill up on generous portions of tasty Cuban and Creole cuisine and lots of fresh seafood. It’s your lucky day if the specials happen to include arroz con pollo, a classic local rice and chicken dish. $ (1/2011)

  1753 Loiza St, Santurce
  787-728-5009

 

Go Party View archives

• THE LOBBY BAR

  There may be live tropical music, a DJ spinning 80s classics or a jazz trio, but one thing you’ll always fi nd is a thirsty crowd milling around this massive hotel lobby bar. The crowd stays late on weekends and the dancefl oor almost always beckons. (1/2011)

  At San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Ashford Ave, Condado
  787-722-7000

• CAFÉ BARLOVENTO

  Soak up ocean views, the gentle sea breeze and island-inspired martinis at this chic waterfront watering hole. It doesn’t get any more Caribbean cosmopolitan than this place, which is great for mixing with locals and visitors. (1/2011)

  1043 Avenida Ashford, Plaza Alberto
  787-724-7286

• NUYORICAN CAFÉ

  All walks of life rub shoulders at San Juan’s premiere artsy nightspot. Stop in any night of the week and be surprised by the eclectic blend of entertainment options, which include Latin and jazz music, poetry and live theatre. (1/2011)

  312 Calle San Francisco
  787-977-1276
  www.nuyoricancafepr.com
  

 

Go Day-Tripping View archives

• HACIENDA BUENA VISTA

  Tours of this immaculately restored 19thcentury plantation farm take visitors back to when coffee was king in the Caribbean. (1/2011)

  80 miles SW of San Juan Corral Viejo Ward, Ponce
  787-722-5882
  nps.gov/nr/...vi/pr18.htm