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It has recently been said that Ponce is the only city in Puerto Rico and the rest is just parking space. I couldn’t agree more! If it wasn’t for the city of Ponce then I wouldn’t be here today because that’s where my parents met in college. I spent many summers in Ponce as a little kid so it was a little amusing to watch my dad get lost in the streets and I knew exactly where we were headed the entire time because of car trips with my grandpa.

While we were in Ponce we visited the Serralles Mansion. This was the family mansion for the people that created Don Q rum. They pretty much owned the entire city of Ponce at one time  and as they grew they sold off a lot of their land for the city to develop into what you see today. We didn’t go on the tour of the mansion because I have been on it a few times and I could pretty much give you the story of the Serralles family in my sleep. I recommend taking the tour because it really does show you that you’re in the wrong business……you should start a rum company!

In the same area you can visit take an elevator ride on a gigantic cross that will give you an amazing scenic view of Ponce. If you make your way up the parking lot then you will visit a very nice Japanese garden, it’s not something you would expect in Puerto Rico but it fits! One of my favorite trees is the Flamboyan, they have a bonzai version of this tree that is worth the trip.

Making our way to the town square we took a few pictures in front of the Parque de Bombas or the Firehouse. The firehouse has been kept in immaculate shape with it’s original colors, black and red, since 1883. In the same townsquare the are many sculptures, fountains, and colorful buildings that will make you feel like you’re in a time machine. You will truly feel like you are seeing Ponce the way it was 100+ years ago. I took a bunch of pictures of the cathedral that my grandparents were married as you can see.

The night we were there the town was having a festival of dance showcasing the national dance of Puerto Rico, La Danza. It’s almost like a waltz with a quick step mixed in. One of the dancers pulled my mom in and danced with her. It was fantastic to see because you can really tell that everyone in the city embraces the culture of Puerto Rico at all times. I can’t think of the last time I saw that in Seattle on a Tuesday night.

Oh, did I forget to talk about food? The first place you should go to in Ponce to eat is Pito’s Seafood. We named our 13 year old chihuahua after that place so it’s easy to see that’s one of our favorites. They specialize in local caught fish while giving you traditional Puerto Rican favorites meals. Next, visit Cabuqui. Their food is Puerto Rican Food 2.0. They take the traditional and add a touch of modern cuisine. Try the pork tenderloin, it’s amazing.

Go to Ponce!! Go to Puerto Rico!!

(Click here for more of my Puerto Rico Travel Guide)

Eric