Arts, Crafts & Downhome Cooking -- If you're in the area, don't miss Toad Hall (tel. 692-8001; www.toadhall-gallery.com). Located 12km (7 1/2 miles) outside of Nuevo Arenal, toward La Fortuna, this roadside gallery and cafe serves up excellent breakfasts, light lunches, and a wide range of coffee drinks and desserts. It also has one of the better-stocked galleries in the country.
About halfway between Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán is Casa Delagua (tel. 2692-2101; www.casadelaguacr.com) the studio, gallery and coffee shop of Costa Rican artist Juan Carlos Ruiz. The Lucky Bug Gallery is an excellent roadside arts-and-crafts and souvenir shop, attached to the Lucky Bug Bed & Breakfast.
