Spring is in the air, so that means that is is time for Plant Shows here on the island! The Puerto Rico Orchid Society Show will be March 17 to 20 in Hato Rey, and the Zingerberalis Society of Puerto Rico Show will be March 19 in Rio Piedras. Admission to both is free!

I had heard that Isla Caja de Muertos (or Coffin Island) was lovely, but I think it has been kept a secret just how fantastic it is! Visiting the island has been on my "to do" list for 6 years now, but we never really made the effort to go. We finally made it out there, and I can kick myself for waiting so long. It is a beautiful island and it is too nice to be missed, especially since it is an easy day trip.

I admit that one of the fun things I love about living on an island is the rum. And Puerto Rico is quite the island for rum — called the Rum Capital of the World. So, for me, one of the most wonderful times of the year is the annual Taste of Rum Festival. The 2011 Taste of Rum Festival will be held March 19 and 20th. As in years past, there will be rum to sample, food prepared with rum to taste, rum-related seminars and competitions, as well as live music to get your rum-infused body moving.

The minute you make your plans to come to Puerto Rico, you know his name — Luis Muñoz Marín. You might wonder Who was this guy that the airport is named after? Luis Muñoz Marín was the first elected Governor of Puerto Rico, and he changed Puerto Rico forever. A Foundation has been set up to preserve his legacy for future generations. While this is not a must do for most people, his home is an interesting place that deserves some attention.

We’ve been to a number of beaches along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, and I’ve rarely been let down by their rugged beauty. Playa La Esperanza was no exception. Located in Manatí, it is a remote and beautiful place. Not only did it have a great cove for cooling off in the water and beautiful views, it had a surprise — a black sand beach area.

Hoping to do some horseback riding during your tropical island vacation? How would you like to ride through a lush valley, across thousands of acres of a protected nature reserve, and then end up on a beautiful beach? Horseback Riding Puerto Rico in Manatí can make that happen for you. And, they have other trips suited for all members of the family, even non-riders.

The sugar era played a huge role in the history of so many Caribbean islands to make them what they are today. As the remains of the sugar mills disappear, a huge part of our local history goes with them — lost, not preserved, not discussed … forgotten. Recently, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust has completed the first phase of the restoration of the old sugar plantation Hacienda La Esperanza in Manati. They are now offering tours to help educate people on this forgotten part of Puerto Rico’s history.

Everybody these days is talking about "going green" or being "eco" something or other. But, if you are really interested in learning about how to actually live green, and especially about sustainable forestry, Las Casas de la Selva is a place you should visit. This off-the-beaten path homestead is a an example of how you can live in and with nature, while still sustaining it.

What do you get when you cross an ATV with a small boat? You get the ultimate all terrain vehicle — a UTV — that is capable of going where no ATV would dare go … in super deep mud and even into deep water. It’s an amphibious vehicle with the power to go anywhere. Frontier Adventures has brought UTVs to Hacienda Campo Rico (just outside of San Juan), so now everyone can experience the freedom of amphibious travel.

If you have ever been to (or even seen) Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Fort), you might have noticed the stark difference in the look and construction of the walls of the fort versus the lighthouse atop the fort. Have you ever wondered why they are so different? Why is the lighthouse grey? Can we go up in the lighthouse? All those questions will be answered when you take the free Lighthouse Tour offered by the National Park Service at El Morro.

Rain Forest Zip Line Corp is a new zipline company that offers a zipline experience, just seconds off the road that leads up to El Yunque National Forest. While not the largest nor the most modern zip line facility on the island, it offers a zip line experience that the whole family can enjoy. It would be great for kids or those people in your group who are "less adventurous" but who still want to try a zip line activity.

Playa Puerto Nuevo is another must-visit beach. I would have to say it is on my Top-10 list of beaches in Puerto Rico. Located on the north coast, in Vega Baja, about 45 minutes west of San Juan, it is has something for everyone.

The HMS Bounty, a beautiful wooden ship, with square-rigged sails is currently docked in Old San Juan for the winter. This ship was used in the movie Mutiny on the Bounty starring Marlon Brando, and later in the Pirates of the Caribbean. The ship is open for tours daily. So come aboard!

Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park is the place for adrenaline junkies on vacation in Puerto Rico. They have plenty of ziplines (the longest on the island), mountain biking, and hanging bridges. You would need almost 2 full days to do everything in this park.

The forts in Old San Juan are amazing architectural marvels and defense systems, full of secret tunnels and passages. The National Park Service offers a guided Tunnels Tour at Fort San Cristobal on which you can learn about the fort and its defense systems. This tour also provides the opportunity enter a tunnel under the outworks that is normally off-limits to visitors.