Who wouldn't be tempted by the luscious lures of the island's chic boutiques, magnificent malls, and one-of-a-kind stores?

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Vejigantes
Vejigantes are a colorful memento of the island's Afro-Spanish history that reflects the vibrancy of modern Puerto Rico. Vejigantes are folkloric characters introduced to the island centuries ago; there is even a mention of them in Cervantes' 1605 opus, Don Quixote. They wear colorful costumes and stunning yet devilish masks, and were originally supposed to represent the Moors and their defeat by the Spaniards. Their politically incorrect significance has been diluted over the years, but their kaleidoscopic presence is still a cheerful and integral component of Puerto Rico's most authentic festivals. Vejigantes can be seen dancing on the streets during carnivals—especially those in the towns of Ponce and Loíza—and playing tricks on unsuspecting spectators.

Visitors may find handmade papier-mâché or coconut-husk vejigante masks of all colors, sizes and prices for sale throughout the island, especially in Ponce and Loíza and in the souvenir stores in Old San Juan. Take a mask home and you'll always be reminded of Puerto Rico's spirit, color and proud attachment to its heritage.

Rum—Puerto Rico's Liquid Gold
In Puerto Rico, rum is king. The island is the world's largest producer of the beloved liquor and home to the headquarters of the world-famous Bacardi Rum Factory in Cataño. The island also produces many other internationally known brands, including Don Q, RonRico, Castillo and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.

There are more than 20 brands marketed on the island and pretty much all guarantee quality across the board, thanks to the Mature Spirits Act. What's more, the prices are better than anywhere else (bottles range from $4 to $10), and there's no limit on how many you take with you when you leave Puerto Rico.

Local rums come in three varieties: light, dark and añejo (aged). Light or white rums make great Puerto Rican sangria with wine and juices, as well as other tropical drinks. Dark or gold rums are perfect for piña coladas and cuba libres. The most expensive rums, the aged añejos, taste best sipped alone or on the rocks.

Puerto Rican Coffee
Rich and irresistible, Puerto Rican coffee is heralded worldwide. Here, the day begins with a fragrant cup of café con leche (coffee with milk) and most good meals end with a rich full-bodied espresso. These customs have deep roots on the island dating back to 1736, when the very first coffee shrub was planted by European settlers. Though it initially took a backseat to sugarcane as the island's most important crop, the fragrant and invigorating beans soon became a popular export to the European market. By the 19th century, the island's nearly 900 haciendas made it one of the largest coffee producers in the world. Popes, cardinals and royalty have been said to demand only Puerto Rican beans. Today there are far fewer coffee farms than there once were, but the quality has remained. In fact, the island is home to one of the world's few super-premium blends, as well one of the world's top 10 chosen by Wine Spectator.

Among the reasons that this island's coffee is so superb is that it sprouts from volcanic-based soil and is cultivated from the Arabica bean, which is known to produce rich-flavored coffee. With its idyllic blend of rainy and dry seasons, mild tropical breezes and mineral-rich soil, Puerto Rico's central mountain range and the surrounding area are the ultimate environment for growing coffee.

Many visitors take home Puerto Rican beans or ground blends as a gift for friends and family, while others stock up for themselves to savor a little piece of paradise every day.

Mundillo Lace
The intricate mundillo lace is a tapestry of Puerto Rican culture. The delicate craft of making mundillo (known in English as bobbin lace) is a tradition that was brought from Europe to Puerto Rico during its colonial days. The roots of the craft are said to have sprouted on the western part of the island in the towns of Aguadilla, Aguada, Isabela and Moca. To this day, the lace is very much an important part of the cultural heritage of the island, especially in the town of Moca, which has a museum and an annual festival dedicated to the handmade lace.

The decorative lace is created using wooden bobbins about the diameter of a pencil, which are wound with thread that is twisted and crossed to form a pattern. Depending on the pattern, as few as two dozen or as many as several hundred bobbins may be used.

It was once common for lovers to exchange mundillo lace with romantic inscriptions, but today the intricate handiwork is used to embellish women's clothing and undergarments, baby clothes, handkerchiefs, bridal veils and linens. Mundillo can be found not only in Moca, but also in a few specialty shops around the island and at most local artisan fairs, craft shows and bazaars.

Folk Art
Whether you call it folk art or fine art, the colorful, elaborate and often-whimsical handcrafted work of local artisans is a treasure to take home. Over the last few centuries, Puerto Rican artists and craftspeople have carried on the tradition of producing a great variety of religious sculptures, musical instruments and decorations, as well as other quirky and collectible items. What many have in common are bright colors, intricate details and recurring themes of nature and culture.

One of the most notable forms of folk art are santos, religious figures usually carved from local wood. In Puerto Rico there are few homes without at least one, and they are as equally popular with visitors looking to take home a memento that is unique to the island. Other admired small sculptures and carvings include the likeness of Puerto Rico's mascot, the tiny coquí (tree frog), and those of the biblical three kings. Musical instruments are also skillfully crafted by local artists, including the intricate cuatro guitar and the simpler güiro, which is fashioned out of a hollowed gourd. Hammock weaving dates back to a time when the Taíno Indians ruled the land, but this symbol of laid-back island life has never gone out of style and is still at the top of the list of souvenirs.

There are plenty of places to pick up Puerto Rican folk art, especially in Old San Juan where there are artisan areas surrounding Pier 1 and Paseo de la Princesa. There are also many artisan festivals year-round, particularly around the December holiday season.

Fashion Handicrafts
Wearable art from Puerto Rico definitely makes a fashion statement. A new generation of local artists are crafting stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces that not only adorn the body but also lift spirits—and turn heads. These creative designs come in the form of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and even fashion accessories, and are created using a variety of materials such as leather, aluminum, acrylic, glass, crystals, stones and shells, among other things. The feel-good, look-good designs sometimes possess a hint of Puerto Rican culture, but most of the time they are just plain chic and fun to wear. Besides adding a little pizzazz to an outfit, wearable art pieces also serve as mementos of a memorable vacation in Puerto Rico and make great gifts for friends and family back home. You're likely to come across these unique handmade jewelry and accessory creative designs at some of the island's small boutiques and artsy stores or where organized street vendors gather, or at one of the many artisan fairs hosted on the island.

Shopping

Antique & State Jewelry
Calle Fortaleza 256
Old San Juan, PR 00901
Tel: 787-724-2476
Days/Hours of operation: Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

We specialize in antique and estate jewelry. Come visit us in Old San Juan. This is one of the most charming places in Old San Juan, where buying is truly a pleasure.

B Boutique
1141 Franklin D. Roosevelt Ave.
San Juan, PR 00920
Tel: 787-707-0097
Fax: 787-707-0093
E-mail: janellethon@bboutiquepr.com
Website: www.bboutiquepr.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

B Boutique opened its doors in March 2007 with a unique and different concept. It is located on 1141 F.D. Roosevelt Avenue, and it is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

B Boutique was created having in mind that fashion is a state of being that can be applied to your lifestyle. Our concept is to shop where fashion and interior design come together. It is a place where you can find contemporary clothing such as True Religion jeans, cocktail dresses, shoes and accessories. For more information, please visit our website.

Blue Diamond
202 Calle Fortaleza
Old San Juan, PR
Tel: 787-721-0855
E-mail: sales@bluediamondgems.com
Days/Hours of operation: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Blue Diamond is a family owned jewelry store with excellence. They are exclusive dealers in San Juan for brands such as Hearts On Fire Diamonds, Simon G and Ebel Watches. They have a huge selection of colored diamonds available in blue, pink, champagne and canary yellow. Watches: Raymond Weil, Swiss Army, Seiko and Philip Stein.

E. Barquet Jeweler
200 Calle Fortaleza
Old San Juan, PR 00901
Tel: 787-723-1958/1989
E-mail: ebjeweler@aol.com
Website: www.EBarquet.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
*Call for holiday scheduling/llame para horarios en días feriados

E. Barquet, third generation jeweler, is located at 200 Fortaleza St. in Old San Juan's most prestigious shopping area. Proud to offer the highest quality signature jewelry, ladies, gents and bridal collections, plus Marco Bicego and Tamara Comoli designs.

Family Jewels
Fortaleza St. 154
San Juan, PR 00901
Tel: 787-722-2288
E-mail: family.jewels@live.com
Days/Hours of operation: Open 7 days

We are the newest jewelry store in Fortaleza with generations of experience working with popular and exquisite family treasures. Charriol Corner, Swarovski Boutique, Lladró Shop, Accutron, AS&AS, Bulova, Camelot, Caterpillar, Chase-Durer, Citizen, Morellato, Looney Tunes, Pandora, Somers, Skagen, Steel X, Toby Pomeroy, Simon G and Robindira Unsworth, among many other designers in jewelry and watches. Warranties, diamond certifications and silversmith on the premises.

Lisa Cappalli
O'Donnell 206
Old San Juan
Tel: 787-289-6565
E-mail: lisacappalli@hotmail.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment
Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, ATM

This young fashion designer's atelier is a creative workshop. When you enter this small boutique, you will find a very special world. Feminine, sophisticated, original, one-of-a-kind in-house production. Women and children's clothing in fabrics from batiste to silk and lace with incredible attention to detail. You can also order custom-made garments for everyone from newborns to wedding parties.

Macy's
525 Franklin D. Roosevelt Ave.
San Juan, PR 00918
Tel: 787-296-3700
Fax: 787-296-3830
E-mail: VisitorServices-FL@macys.com
Website: www.macys.com
Days/Hours of operation: 7 days a week

Macy's is America's Department Store with over 850 stores throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii & Guam. Macy's offers the international visitor our Macy's International Welcome Discount Card, which can be used in any Macy's Store to save 11 percent on almost everything you purchase—even to purchase items already on sale.

The Macy's International Welcome Card is available at the Customer Service Department in Puerto Rico, at all Macy's stores in Florida and the U.S. or by contacting 305-577-1368 or the e-mail above.

Tropical Jewelers
205 Fortaleza Street
Old San Juan/Viejo San Juan, PR 00901
Tel: 787-721-4770
Fax: 787-721-4778
E-mail: info@tropicaljewelers.com
Website: www.tropicaljewelers.com
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Days/Hours of operation: 7 days/10 a.m.-6 p.m.

A family owned and operated business in the heart of Old San Juan, Tropical Jewelers is the place to find all of your fine jewelry and Swiss timepieces. From diamonds, tanzanite, precious Ammolite and exotic semiprecious gems to brand-name watches, including Concord, ESQ, Versace, Fendi, Seiko and much more.