Puerto Rico Vacation Rental -- Shopping & Restaurants

Staying at "Casa de Loma" is easy and convenient. Everything you need is at hand. A five-minute drive to the local village of "April Gardens", gets you a newspaper in English, a quart of milk, a pizza, or a take out dinner. Ten minutes further, to Humacao, and you have all the conveniences of a small American city. In less than 20 minutes, the world class resort of Palmas del Mar offers golf, a Casino and fine dining. And there's much, much more...

A safe, middle class community, Las Piedras is made up of friendly, helpful people. When you come and go from Casa de Loma, you'll pass grade school children walking to school, hear the cheering from Little League baseball games played in the town park, smell fresh bread baking in the town bakery, and generally be immersed in the warm, inviting culture of a real Puerto Rican community. Less than a mile from the house, the neighborhood center called "April Gardens" provides access to many services, including a small grocery, a bakery, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Fu-Sing...a Take Out Chinese Restaurant, Bar Cupay pool hall, Burger King and Church's Chicken Restaurant.

The small coastal city of Humacao, just 15 minutes away, offers shopping and services consistent with the expectations of Americans. Easily reached malls have large supermarkets selling all the food brands marketed in the US, plus Puerto Rican products such as unusual tropical fruit drinks, locally grown gourmet coffee, the Puerto Rican staple--plantains, Medalia Beer, and delicious baked goods with guava and mango preserve filling and more. At the same time, there is a local Wal-Mart with all the same products as in the States, major US drug store chains, ATM machines, Cineplexs showing first run American movies, J.C. Penney's, and dozens of modern retail stores.

Humacao restaurants include the American chains of Pizza Hut, Burger King McDonalds, Chili's and Ponderosa. "Pollo de Tropical" a Puerto Rican chicken eatery has the look and feel of a sparkling, modern American chain, but serves authentic chicken, rice and bean dishes. It's the best fast food on the island and is great for eat in or take out. In the Humacao mall, the Food Court provides a wide range of low price menus and a great chance to watch the locals out on the town. Order Italian, Chinese, pizza, hamburgers or Mexican, and then get an ice cream cone from Baskin and Robbins.

For seafood, follow Route 3 north along the coast and you will come to Punta Santiago Beach area about 5 miles out of town. There, the Paradise Seafood Restaurant and the Marie's Seafood Restaurant, serve a wide variety of Puerto Rican seafood specialties. Check out the appetizers, they are very different than seafood served in the States.

For elegant dining, nearly a dozen restaurants can be found at the Palmas Del Mar Resort. At the gate just tell the guard you want to go to the commercial area and he will give you a pass and directions. Many restaurants of varying cuisine will be found in the town square area. Others will be found down at the harbor. Prices will be higher than Humacao, but the setting will be quite special. If you would like to find an American steakhouse for dinner, a good choice is the Brass Cactus in Luquillo. About a 35 minute drive toward San Juan through Fajardo. At the traffic light for the town of Luquillo on Route 3, turn right and go into town. At another light, in two blocks, turn left. The Brass Cactus will be on the right (ocean side) of the street on the first floor of a high rise.

Unsafe Water: The tap water is the same standard as the US. You'll experience no health problems drinking the water. Puerto Rico is not a "Third World" Country.

Tropical Diseases: Puerto Rico has been an American Commonwealth for 100 years. All unusual tropical diseases have been eliminated. You're as safe in Puerto Rico as Florida.

Strange Currency: Puerto Rico uses US currency. No currency to exchange. No price calculation problems. All prices are stated in US dollars.

Required Passport: No passport is required for US citizens. Your driver's license and credit cards work as ID, just like the States. On your return, your bags must be checked by the US Agriculture Department. This is done outside the terminals. Look for USDA inspection signs. You are not allowed to bring home fresh fruit and other plants.

Bad Hospitals: Puerto Rico has completely modern medical facilities. Most Puerto Rican doctors are trained in US medical schools. The best nearby hospital is Ryder Hospital in Humacao, just ten minutes from the house. Modern drug stores are universal, as well.

Language Difficulties: Puerto Ricans speak Spanish. However, they all study English in school. Even store checkout clerks speak enough English to help you with your business. Most importantly, they are willing to help and very friendly as they do so.

Unfriendly Behavior: Puerto Ricans are extremely friendly and helpful. We have had strangers offer to do substantial favors for us. Expect to be treated well.

Crime: On our visits, we have experienced no crime. My father lived in Puerto Rico for 30 years mixing with the people and moving freely about the island. He did not speak Spanish well, nor did he look like a native. During that time, he was never accosted, burglarized or harassed. He received many acts of kindness.

Las Piedras is a safe town and our neighborhood exhibits pride and a strong sense of community. When in San Juan, take the same care as you would in Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, or Miami and you'll be fine.

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