THE WINDWARD ISLANDS, “MAGNIFICENT CARIBBEAN”

GRENADA, “THE SPICE ISLE”

By Clay Larroy

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Grenada

Bask at the beach

One of the island's best beaches is at Grand Anse; another is at Levera Bay near the island's northern tip. The beaches on neighboring Morne Rouge are stunning, as are the deserted beaches on the southern coast. Levera Bay is a favorite surfing spot.

Carriacou Museum

Discover the islands' history at the Carriacou Museum in Hillsborough, where there's an impressive collection of Amerindian artefacts and mementoes dating back to 18th century when the islands were occupied by the French and British.

Diving

Grand Anse beach is the starting point for diving trips to nearby reefs and islands. One of the best dive sites is Molinière Reef, about 5km (3 miles) from St George's. Carriacou, in the Grenadines offers excellent diving. Keen snorkelers should head to White Island Marine Park and Martin's Bay, close to Grand Anse.

Ecology days out

See Grenada's oyster beds, reached along a trail from Tyrrel Bay, followed by a short boat ride to the middle of one of the most pristine ecosystems in the region. La Sagesse Nature Reserve, in the south, is a protected bird sanctuary with rivers, mangroves and salt lakes.

Enjoy Caribbean rum

Discover how rum is made on a guided tour of one of the island's main rum distilleries. At the Grenada Sugar Factory in St George (www.clarkescourtrum.com), guided tours include a tasting and opportunity to purchase its rum products.

Fun runs

Make sure you're on Grenada on a Saturday, to watch the fortnightly event called hashing (www.grenadahash.com). Participants meet at a designated rum shop, run around the island following a trail of flour or paper and after about two hours return to the rum shop to undo all the good exercise

Hiking in Grand Etang

Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve contains numerous marked trails, with gentle half-hour walks or expeditions of several hours. The park contains a wealth of interesting flora and fauna, and there are spectacular flower displays depending on the season.

Join the carnival

August is carnival time on Grenada and everyone is welcome to join in. It's a riot of colour and fun, with lively street parties, street theatre, steel bands and calypso competitions that all go on well into the early hours of the morning.

Lucky springs

The River Sallee's boiling sulphur springs can be seen bubbling in a number of holes north of Lake Antoine in the northeast of the island, leaving orange and yellow hues on the surrounding landscape. They are of spiritual importance for various religious sects and a natural wishing well. Don't forget to throw in a coin before you leave.

Sailing

Yacht races and regattas are held throughout the year on Grenada. The Sailing Festival in February (www.grenadasailingfestival.com) is the biggest and attracts yachtsmen from all over the world. The sailing regatta in Tyrell Bay on Carriacou is also popular. The Grenadine islands are a popular sailing destination.

Spice tours

While on the spice island, don't miss a visit to Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station, the largest nutmeg processing factory on the island. The Dougaldston Estate is a traditional plantation in the center of the nutmeg and cocoa growing region. Most of the traditional spice factories offer tours of the grounds.

Waterfalls

Grenada's most spectacular waterfalls are the 15m (50ft) Annandale Falls and Mount Carmel Waterfall, which has two falls cascading over 21m (70ft) to clear pools below. You can swim in several of the islands' rainforest pools and lakes, many of which are formed by waterfalls, such as the Concord Falls.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.travelresearchonline.com

“My life is like a stroll upon the beach, as near to the ocean’s edge as I can go.” 

– Henry David Thoreau

                        Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!