Restaurants and bar not in resorts in Punta

[DRW]

We too like to get out of the resort and mingle with the locals. We're thinking about renting a car and going to either Santo Domingo or Higuey (sp?) rather than going by bus. A drink at the Hurrican sounds like fun, drinks and dancing on the beach!! But I also heard that they are only open Thur - Sat. I also heard that there's a bar called Onkle Tom's not too far from the resorts. Could check that out too.

[Sassy]

Hello,

I definately want to get out of the resort. I enjoy getting to local joints. I have never heard of Onkle Tom's, but would be willing to check it out. I am not sure about the disco at the Bavaro Plaza....or how far that is from Sunscape. The trip to Santo Domingo sounds long...from the post I have read renting a car sounds risky only because of the DR people's driving. I do plan on asking resort workers about where to go, etc.. It sounds like Captain Cook's is a must. Do you guys plan on doing any tours?

[DRW]

Hey Sassy,

Tonight we are getting together for dinner and drinks with our friends who are coming with us to talk about the trip a bit. I know my husband and I are planning on going diving, so thinking about doing a day at Catatina Island. Also thinking a "booze" cruise thing like to Saoma Island sounds up our alley, which would include drinks, lunch and snorkeling.

We want to hit the "off the beaten" path places, which is whay we are considering renting a car. Does sound risky, but we've done it in Jamaica and they drive like nuts there.

My husband is pretty aggressive ... in more ways than one!! He's a salesman in real life so we usually do pretty good bartering!!

I'll touch base with you tomorrow.

Did I ask you already ... when are you and your traveling companion(s) arriving?

[Sassy]

Hey,

I am traveling with my fiance (just got engaged at X-mas, then took a drunken trip to Cancun for a few days a couple of weeks ago ;-)~), his daughter (15), my daughter (17) and his brother and his wife and their two kids. We are arriving March 24 and departing the 31st (staying at Sunscape). Our arrival is being so looked forward to as we are thirsting for lots of booze and sun!

Your hubby must be a risk-taker if he drove in Jamaica....yeah, mon! We were there last Spring break and the drivers there are CRAZY!

I have been out and about in some back alley places and had a blast. If one is respectful and easy going there should be no problems.

It seems as though I read a post where a man staying at Sunscape took a bike ride and found some local bars and hung out with the locals for the afternoon....someone suggested hooking up with a resort worker and picking their brain for some suggestions......

Hopefully others who have chosen to get off the resort will respond to this message and give their input.

Where are you guys from? We live in Wisconsin.

Ciao!

[DRW]

Hi Sassy,

Congrats on the engagement. We will be celebrating our 4th anniversary on March 28 in PC. But that's not the reason for the vacation ... just need some adult time!! We have a 2 year old and a 5 month old ... and needless to say havn't had much of a vacation in 3 years!!

I'm sure we will befriend some locals ... we seem to always do that on vacation and those usually turn out to be the BEST parts about our vacations.

I've got a posting on debbiesdominicantravel.com to try to find other people staying at the Allegro Bavaro, and I'm somewhat surprised that I haven't had much response. But from what I've read it appears that there may be a lot of Germans at our particular resort. I have found one other guy from Indiana who will be staying at the Allegro and arrives the day before we do. He sounds like he's looking for some good drunken nights. And he's traveling with a female friend.

I may put out another flag next week and see if I can stir up anything else.

We got together with our friends for dinner last night ... and my girl friend and I polished off 2 bottles of wine while talking about our trip!!! We can't wait for the sun and fufu drinks!!

Didn't really make any head way on what excursions we're going to do. All I can say is give me a drink and the SUN and the WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But my friends husband wants to go to Santo Domingo ... not sure if I want to spend all day in a bus.

We're from Minneapolis ... so I guess we're almost neighbors!!

[Sassy]

Hello,

Sounds like you and your girl friend are ready to party....two bottles.....

I know we want to snorkle for sure, but have heard mixed reviews on this....sounds like one needs to go further down the beach from where we are staying.

Diving.....I am not certified, but my fiance is....so he may go...not sure yet.

I have thought about Santo Domingo also, but the travel time is detering me....I think you can fly there from Punta airport, but I am not sure how much the cost is.

Looks like we are neighbors......here and in Punta!

[DRW]

Have you looked any further into flying to Santo Domingo? That could be an option, I'm interested in going ... but that drive was really making me think twice about it. Just seems like a lot of "wasted" time sitting on a bus. That's why we thought if we rented a car we could drive there faster. Not making all the "tourist" stops along the way.

May have to skip that trip. I know I really want to get some diving in and do the catamaran/snorkeling thing.

Well if you find anything else out it let me know. Maybe we could "rent" our own tour guide with all 6 of us and your group.

Another couple has decided to join us. Some friends of ours started to get the itch when we were talking about it so they booked it. Although, she will be about 4 months pregnant in March. So, she may not be able to partake in some of the activities. It will be fun though.

I wish we were leaving tomorrow ... (except I'm going to miss my little girls!!!!!!!! Got to keep busy ... so I don't have time to feel guilty!!)