The North Coast, also known as the Amber Coast, is known for many things, but especially the abundance of this gem that is found here. Indeed, this is where the jungle forest lures the adventurer, where the mountain ranges call and the blue water and golden sandy beaches yearn to be explored. Mountain bikes and kite boards are the norm here and the Playa Grande and Playa Dorado Golf Courses are some of the best.

Cabarete has one of the best beaches on the island (also known as Kite Beach) and is ranked as one of the top five kite boarding and windsurfing destinations in the Caribbean. However, don’t be fooled as mountain biking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting can also be had around every corner.

West of Cabarete is Puerto Plata where sunny beaches and a fort with eight-foot-thick walls, a craft market and building reminiscent of gingerbread architecture call out to be revealed. Dolphins and seals are also part of the experience at ocean park or you can take to the water and break the waves surfing since waves can get up to 14-feet high at El Encuentro. Another pastime that is worth the trip is horseback riding at Rancho Pandora (809)303-6044.

Playa Sosua is located on a crescent-shaped bay and features a backdrop of cliffs with turquoise water sparkling in the sun. Snorkeling the a glass-bottom boat adventure can be found here and divers can delve into the underwater world of Las Palmitas, the Airport Wall, Five Rocks and La Piramide.

South Central and Santa Domingo

The South Central part of the country includes Santo Domingo, truly vibrant in every sense of the word. Modern hotels sit on antiquated cobblestone streets and the malecon (boardwalk) wraps around the coast. Once the scene of conquistadors like Juan Ponce de Leon and grand hotels from another era, the Colonial Zone is still of historical importance and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

Along the central region are the mountains that also house the second largest city on the island, Santiago. In the Dominican Alps hiking, cycling and river rafting are possible activities and the largest mountain, Pico Duarte is found here. To climb it takes three days to reach the summit, but hikers will find cabins to stay in overnight and mules are available for carrying hiking gear.

Boca Chico and Juan Dolio might be popular for their busy beaches, but divers can have a go at it here too and visit the wreck of "Hickory" and "Limon." Cave diving is a sport not to be missed and at Juan Dolio "Tanya V" wreck gives way to black coral and the chance to see black tip sharks, hammerheads and big rays.

What to Eat and Where to Drink

Plantains are the first staple of the island, but other traditional foods include the morning meal called "Mangu" a mix of plantains, cheese and bacon. The Dominican flag meal is the La Bandera Dominicana, consisting of rice, beans, meat, vegetables and fried plantains or crunchy pan de cassava dating back to when Columbus visited, but now served in the local stew including a variety of vegetables and meat.

Ron (rum) is produced in the Dominican Republic with the two most popular brands being Brugal and Barcelo. Look for the word anejo on the label and it means that the rum has been aged to perfection. For those who really like the drink local distilleries can be toured and bottles taken home.

Some of the best dining in the Dominican Republic can be found in Santo Domingo where hip new restaurants sit next to old-time street vendors serving typical island fare.

Boca Chica and Playa Juan Dolio’s restaurants and bars line the streets providing entertainment both day and night and is "the" place to see and be-seen the urban hipster.

In the east, La Romana is not only known for sugar factories, but the culture is also abundant and the Altos de Chavon artist colony features medieval architecture built in modern times and even more modern, Euro-style cafes and restaurants.

The Museum Experience

Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the "new world" and with that comes the first cathedral, university and hospital of the Americas. However, don’t be fooled by the history as the city is quite continental with the best chain retailers, boutiques and cultural events everywhere.

There are 10 museums within the city walls and hundreds of buildings that date back to the 1500s. These include Columbus’ brother’s home, which is now a museum the Alcazar de Colon a 494-year-old Gothic-Moorish limestone palace, as well as the Ozama Fortress and the palace of the Spanish court.

On the North Coast the Amber Museum in located in one of Puerto Plata’s old Victorian houses and in the southwest region’s Bani a good stop is the Museo del Café Dominicano offering a rich history lesson on the coffee of the island.

Indian sites also abound with cave paintings just about everywhere, one of the finest being he El Pomier Caves north of San Cristobal with scenes of spirits, rituals and objects of the native Taino beliefs.

It was actually the Northeast coast where the Dominican Republic’s first visitor, Christopher Columbus, stopped way back when in 1492. Napoleon had possession of this land at one time and it was also a settlement for freed American slaves. The island was under Spanish rule until 1697 when the western third of the island became a French territory, eventually becoming what is known today as Haiti. In the 1800s Spanish settlers declared and independent state, but from that point on there was unrest.

Rafael Leonidas Trujilo was a repressive dictator in the 1900s until 1961, followed by more political unrest and finally an elected president who has regained some stability to this island nation.

Essentials:

Language: Spanish (English is widely spoken)

Entry Requirements: Passport or original birth certificate with photo ID and a tourist card and $10 entry fee.

Departure tax: $20, but usually included in the price of the airline ticket.

Temperature: Average 75 F to 90 F winter, 89 F to 95 F summer

Airlines: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Copa, Delta, Jet Blue, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Iberia, Air ALM, Martinair, Air France, Air Europa, Condor, LTU, American Eagle, Air Caraibes

To Stay:

Call for rates

Breeze Puerto Plata – Cabarete
809-320-3600

To Eat:

Pomodoro Pizzeria – Cabarete
809-571-0085

(This is Italian food just like in Italy, prices are inexpensive and the proprietor will take good care of you).

Club M’Endy Bar and Restaurant – Cabarete
809-571-1625

(Fresh food and made to order, more of a local hangout and worth the trip).

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