Rincon | Road to Happieness

in order of appearance part 1

1. our Airbnb's gorgeous pool + lush backyard
2. Road to Happiness | Route 413
3. [Steps Beach]
4. happy hour @ The Beach House [perfect for sunset]
5. Sandy Beach! [surfers in high season]
6. dinner @ Roots Restaurant in Rincon Center
7. mornings @ the Airbnb - tummy time
8. afternoons - pool + hammock time
9. La Copa Llena 

in order of appearance part 2

1. look ma, no stiches! [crash @ full speed into a table outside Rincon Beer Co.]
2. and speaking of crash...we ventured to Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla
3. Aguadilla is north of Rincon. Crash Boat Beach is a scene; lively and crowded!
4. a stroll down our street, Princesas Path
5. Rincon Bakery - get some yummy baked goods/beer/provisions
6. strawberry daquiri @ Rincon Beach Bar
7. Coconuts Ice Cream - it's the pointed toe for me
8. The Wandering Bagel food truck - just across the street from our place, so good!
9. mofongo @ The Red Flamboyan
10. brunching @ The English Rose 
11. stunning brunch views + the pool @ La Rosa Inglesia

not pictured but much love

1. outdoor oasis of pizza and sports on tv @ Mi Familias Pizzeria
2. Rincon Town Beach
3. tasty brunch @ Cafe 413
4. rainy afternoon @ Rincon Beer Company

Rincón | Puerto Rico

 

RINCON, PUERTO RICO

June 5 - 10, 2022

After four days in Old San Juan, we rented a car and headed to the islands chill west coast. A terrifying stop at Camuy Caves* later, our destination was the bohemian vibes beach town of Rincon! A fabulously well appointed Airbnb and our host Allison who lives next door greet us. Featuring 2 plush king bedrooms, 2 brightly tiled modern bathrooms, a large kitchen and a sparkling clean pool on a quiet residential street, we were charmed. With Black Eagle Marina, Wandering Bagel food truck, and Steps Beach in walking distance, it doesn't get much better than this! 

Downtown Rincon was in short driving distance and we drove to remote areas of town to explore different spots like Sandy Beach. Rincon was easy to navigate, super beautiful, and laiiid back! 

Early June is the off season. There was plenty open, but the story goes - restaurants shutting it down early, places closed for renovations. On a positive note - there were less crowds to contend with. 

At the bustling and popular La Copa Llena we made a reservation day-of and walked down to Black Eagle Marina's open air beachside locale for a date night. Both boys slept in the stroller! It must have been the waves crashing ashore acting as a natural sound machine that kept them asleep. Uninterrupted adult dinner conversation was an absolute treat, especially at the nicest restaurant in town. 

La Copa Llena and stunning brunch locale The English Rose are can't miss restaurants in Rincon! My other favorites were Casa Islena and Rincon Beer Company. Naturally, I want to tell you about all the other spots you should eat and drink and lay on a beach at, and will do so next.

*instagram tells this story ;)

Kapa'a | Kauai

Kapa'a is a funky little beach town on Kauai's east side. We stopped here on the drive North for a walk on Kealia Beach and the drive back for brunch at Nom Kauai and a treat at Wailua Shave Ice. 

Nom Kauai dishes local ingredients with southern roots and prides themselves on a motto to keep brunch weird. I really went for it and ordered the Cheeky Moco ($20) featuring Shoyu braised beef cheek served atop a fried coconut grit cake, smothered in house savory brown gravy + finished with a sunny egg. Bob sent it with - The Ultimate ($16) - a Belgian Waffle bun sandwiching buttermilk fried chicken, bacon + a sunny egg with pineapple bourbon butter, topped with maple syrup. These radical brunch creations are just two of many. I recommend a stop in Kapa'a to check this place out. All menu items are available all day and they've got a well rounded coffee and cocktail list.

After brunch we explored the main street with local gift shops and cute boutiques. Kiko + Hee Fat General Store both top my list! Around noon the food trucks opened up in the center of town - Wailua Shave Ice was a must try, we had the Lava Flow (strawberry + pineapple).

We had some time to kill before our flight to Oahu and Kapa'a was the perfect place for casual exploring, checking out local boutiques and for good eats!