Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce /Frazier Nivens
South August-2004, By:Luisa Forrest
Southern Treasures
Juana Díaz, Salinas
Most of the year, as you drive into the South from San Juan the landscape changes from a rich green to a dryer, wheat colored palette. However, as it gets into this time of year, the lush greens can extend all the way to the south shoreline. At the shoreline, the coastal towns of Guayanilla, Ponce, Santa Isabel, Salinas, Arroyo and Patillas stretch out along sandy white beaches where you can enjoy waterfront restaurants and stunningly beautiful coastal forests. The interior towns of Yauco, Peñuelas, Juana Díaz, Coamo and Guayama developed as agricultural communities based in large part on the old sugar industry. Of course the whole area is anchored by Ponce, the Pearl of the South. Juana Díaz and Salinas are the featured southern towns in this issue of Puerto Rico Guest™.
Juana Díaz
Juana Díaz starts every year with a deeply religious event on January 6: Three Kings Day. On this day, the Three Kings visit most of the Island’s towns, giving joy and presents to the children. In Juana Díaz there is a big celebration, which culminates at the Plaza Román Baldorioty de Castro where the Three Kings offer incense, gold and myrrh to the Baby Jesus. This huge commemoration has been celebrated since 1884.
Current Events:
Bohemia en la Plaza, Year round
Festival Costero de Bomba y Plena, Late-Aug
Patron Saint Festival, Late-Aug to Early-Sep
Attractions & Sights
Casa Museo de los Tres Santos Reyes, Museum of memorabilia from the first Three Kings Day celebration until the present. Comercio St. Daily 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun noon-4pm.
Three Kings Monument, A monument dedicated to three ethnic groups: Taíno Indians, Africans and Spaniards. Celebration on Jan 6. Plaza Román Baldorioty de Castro.
Salinas
Salinas is a great place to try the local fritters at the small kiosks and restaurants along the coast or on Rt 701. If you like fast cars, come see the races at the Puerto Rico International Speedway. At the Albergue Olímpico Germán Rieckehoff Sampayo, you can visit the major sports training facility on the Island. Aguirre also offers the Marine Estuary Reserve of Bahía de Jobos. The Reserve serves as a research center and recreational area.
Current Event:
Patron Saint Festival, Late-Aug to Early-Sep
Attractions & Sights
Albergue Olímpico, Olympic Village training center. Tours on Sunday. Rt 712 Km 0.3. Daily 8am-10pm. Winter: Sat-Sun 10am-5pm only.
Puerto Rico International Speedway, One of the top NHRA racetracks. Rd 3 Km 155.2. Wed 5pm-midnight, Sat 4pm-midnight, Sun call.
Forests
Reserva Nacional de Investigación Estuarina, Marine Reserve with forest and kayak trails, information center and museum. Group guided tours can be coordinated prior to arrival. Kayak and boat rental are not available. Rt 705 Km 2.3. Mon-Fri 7:30am-noon, 1pm-4pm, Sat 9am-noon, 1pm-3pm. Every other Sun.
Golf
Aguirre Golf Club, Oldest course on the Island. Built in 1926 as part of a sugar plantation. Rolling mature landscape. Yards:6185. Rt 705 Km 1.7. Tue-Sun 7am-6pm.
| Latest Island-Wide Feature Articles:
Attractions & Sights Kid's Stuff
Beaches Destination Beach
Business Center AAAction - Making Movies in Paradise
Casinos Blackjack 101
Diving & Snorkeling Down Under
Events Gallery Nights in Old San Juan
Fishing Fishing in Paradise
Forests Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) Recovery Program
Golf Legendary Courses
Information Masthead
Nature/Adventure Nature Adventure Caribbean Style
Restaurants & Clubs Kiosk Cooking
Sailing & Watersports Sailing, Snorkeling and Kayaking
Shopping The Coffee Craze
Spas Spa-tacular
South Article Archive
2007-04 Explore the South, Porta Caribe
2005-08 Ponce, Coamo, Salinas
2005-06 Guayama, Arroyo, Santa Isabel
2005-04 Ponce: Pearl of the South, Patillas, Peñuelas
2005-02 Ponce, Coamo, Yauco
2004-12 Ponce, Juana Díaz, Guayanilla
2004-08 Juana Díaz, Salinas
2004-06 Santa Isabel, Guayama, Ponce
2004-04 Ponce, Peñuelas, Guayanilla, Patillas
2004-02 Ponce, Arroyo, Guayama, Coamo, Yauco
All Archives
 SOUTH - Sponsors & Marketplace
Accommodations
Ponce
Hotel Bélgica 787-844-3255
Car Rental
Ponce
First Truck & Car - Ponce 787-257-8452
Diving & Snorkeling
Ponce
Aquatica Dive, Bike & Surf Adventures 787-890-6071
Nature/Adventure
Adjuntas
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Jayuya
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Juana Díaz
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Ponce
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Villalba
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Yauco
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Sailing & Watersports
Ponce
Castillo Tours & Watersports 787-791-6195
Sightseeing
Ponce
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
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