You're much better off just exchanging some US$ into pesos. Do not exchange at the airport as you'll get ripped off. There are plenty of exchange houses all over the place...
In Jarabacoa you may want to visit a place called Vistas del Yaque where you can go swimming and it has several bars and restaurants with several levels you can sit at. Very nice place to spend the day...
It is about 20 minutes outside of town. I think the little "town" is called Las Guazaras.
There's also a place called La Confluencia where three different rivers meet. You can see the sign for this place as you come into town.
There are also plenty of bars and restaurants right downtown. It is a small town, so you should have no problem finding these just by driving up and down the main streets.