When you have traveled to a place seven times, it’s easy to get into a pattern of visiting the same places and eating at the same restaurants each trip. We do try to add a couple new places every time we visit Anguilla, and were excited to try Artisan Pizza Napoletana in Island Harbour. Even though we stayed on the west end, it was an easy drive out to Island Harbour. Our kids had eaten there earlier in the week when they went out to Island Harbour for a night kayaking trip with Liquid Glow. They raved about the place, so the whole family headed out a few nights later. When…
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This was our 7th trip to Anguilla (AXA), but our first time flying direct to Anguilla from the US. Typically, we would fly to either Charlotte (CLT) or Miami (MIA) and then on to St. Martin (SXM). From there, we would take a charter over to Anguilla. I loved to have a rum punch on the ride over, but it was a bit of time to get to the island. On the way home, you had to plan the time to get to the ferry terminal, take the boat over, and transfer to SXM to fly home. It added a couple hours on each end of your trip. In April…
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We’re just back from our 2023 visit to Anguilla – our 7th trip to the island. We stayed at the Aurora Anguilla, and have loads to share. I know some readers have been interested in the comparison between the CuisinArt Resort (where we stayed in 2007 and 2014) and Aurora, so look for that to come. Overall, it was a week for relaxation and recharging, with beautiful beaches and fantastic food, and Anguilla never disappoints. Stay tuned!
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Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a historic district, subject to guidelines for the preservation and restoration of its buildings. The Municipality of San Juan and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture strive to preserve the authenticity and appearance of the district, from the architectural details to the color of the exterior paint on buildings. Join us for a tour of the unique details and colors of Old San Juan. When a city is more than 500 years old, you see architectural influences from different periods and from all over the world. Take a close look at the rooflines, balconies, alcoves, moldings, doors, windows, and ironwork. For a deep dive into…
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The United States National Parks System has over 400 parks, including places of great natural beauty and historic significance. Included in our magnificent parks system is the San Juan National Historic Site, which brings together the history of many European nations and the beginnings of our country. The native population of Puerto Rico, the Taino, inhabited the island for more than 1,000 years before the Spanish arrived in 1493, with the second expedition of Christopher Columbus. The Spanish claimed the island for Spain, calling it San Juan Bautista. In 1508, Juan Ponce De Leon, of the “Fountain of Youth” fame, founded the first settlement on the island. This port city…
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Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud (Chapel of Christ the Savior) Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud was built in 1753-1780 on top of the city walls. The placard near the chapel reads, “Legend traces its origin to a miraculous happening at the site.” A little bit of research revealed a few different stories, but generally, the story goes that in the 1750’s, there was a horse race. A young rider named Baltazar Montañez was unable to stop his horse, and rode off the cliff in the area where the chapel stands. Legend goes that the Secretary of the Government, Don Tomás Mateo Prats, or the young man…
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The streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, are known for the colorful buildings and colonial architecture, but it is also filled with historic sites, monuments, and statues, marking contributions to the city’s rich history. Here are just a few of the moments in history along a short walk around the city. Plaza Colón Plaza Colón marks the entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan, where the Santiago Gate once stood. Looking uphill to the northeast, you will see Castillo san Cristóbal, part of the National Parks Service San Juan Historic Site. At the center of Plaza Colon is a monument to Cristóbal Colón, Christopher Columbus to us…
