For this traveler, it's always a pleasure to discover the small museum that dedicates itself with intelligence and vivid examples to displaying a little known aspect of the area. Amber is a part of the Dominican Republic's natural wealth that is shown to impressive effect at the Amber Museum located in the historic district of Puerto Plata.
The city is home to what is the most elegant and wide-ranging collection of amber on the island, the Museo de Ámbar (or Amber Museum, at Calle Duarte 61; Tel: (809) 586-2848; www.ambermuseum.com). A former Victorian period style mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local merchant family, the Museo de Ámbar has been completely renovated to house rooms of amber in both uncut and finely designed samples. Also fascinating are the samples of uncut amber with the petrified remains of insects encased at their center. Guided tours are provided from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, but visitors must call ahead to reserve. The finest amber is reputed to come from the nearby Cordillera Septentrional mountains just south of the city, and you can buy fine jewelry and decorative items made from this pleasing semi-precious stone at the museum gift shop.