Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Architectural Gem of the West

Mayagüez is a living time capsule for the early 1900’s, specifically the Art Deco style architecture from the 1920’s. Blending the modern elements of Art Deco and the traditional Spanish architecture makes Mayagüez so uniquely special.
This self guided walking tour of the old city center is the perfect way to explore and enjoy the architectural gems.

Mayagüez, Puerto Rico is an architectural gem and absolutely worth a visit. Beyond the architecture, Mayagüez boasts incredible restaurants, small town charm, and incredible ocean views.

Founded on September 18, 1760, Mayagüez started with humble beginnings first as a simple Spanish town, then elevated to status of villa, and now it is the 8th largest population municipality of Puerto Rico. It is affectionately referred to as the Capital of the West.

Colon Plaza City Center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Colon Plaza City Center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

While not my first visit, I was able to spend several days in the oldest part of the city. The highlight of this visit for me is touring the various styles of architecture, especially impressive is that most of these buildings are within a 2 block radius. It is fascinating how much there is to see simply walking around.

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La Concha Renaissance Resort Review in Condado, Puerto Rico

Even though I live in a beach side community in Puerto Rico, I like to venture out to San Juan for a little staycation on occasion. Anytime I know that I need to be in San Juan two days in a row is excuse enough for me to try out a different resort. This visit my Sister joined me, her first visit to Puerto Rico, so I wanted a luxury resort with amazing pools and beach access in or near Old San Juan. La Concha was exactly what we were looking for.

La Concha Resort Review Condado, Puerto Rico
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Weekend Festival along the Pork Highway in Guavate, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has some pretty epic annual festivals like San Sebastian in Old San Juan every January, and there are plenty of other activities year round including the unofficial pork festival every weekend at Guavate!

View of Highway 184 in Guavate, Puerto Rico
 View of Highway 184 in Guavate, Puerto Rico

Every Saturday and Sunday the main road through Guavate transforms from sleepy little town to party central. Guavate is the home of Lechonera, these are food stalls and restaurants that feature roasted pork, so much so this area of Puerto Rico is known as the Pork Highway. Located in the mountains of Puerto Rico, the best way to visit the pork highway is from the town of Caguas, then head East on highway 184.

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Visit Puerto Rico; What You Need to Know and Why You Should Come after Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria pounded Puerto Rico September 2017, and while the full recovery is expected to take years, many island attractions are open now with more improvements every day. Continue reading “Visit Puerto Rico; What You Need to Know and Why You Should Come after Hurricane Maria”

Lunch with a Beach View in Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Located on the north side of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Luquillo is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in San Juan.
In additional to spectacular golden sand beaches, Luquillo offers a wide variety of dining options with these incredible views. Eat at one of the local kioskos, pack a picnic lunch, or stock up at the Luquillo Farmer’s Market, there is plenty of food and incredible views in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

Food tastes better with an ocean view, and one of the best stretches of beach in Puerto Rico is in Luquillo. Located on the north side of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Luquillo is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in San Juan.  The soft, golden sand beaches stretch over 12 miles of coastline, offering sections that are clear and calm, while others are perfect for surfing and kiteboarding.

The six sections of beach are broken down as Mameyes Beach, Playa Fortuna, Luquillo beach, Balneario Monserrate, Playa Azul, La Pared Beach, and La Selva Beach (from West to East). Whatever your beach preference, make sure to enjoy lunch at least once in Luquillo.

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