A stunning Caribbean island that Americans often overlook

“You have to see the nutmeg still in its shell,” said my driver Chris. He spotted one several feet above us, but to get it he had to stand on a concrete ledge above a large alley.

Okay, I exclaimed. “There’s another place to get Nutmeg, please. Any other place.” It was accurate. The island nation I was visiting, Grenada, produces a lot of nutmeg, so much so that it has earned the nickname “The Spice Island.” Stretching his ends, Chris pulled out a freshly cracked nutmeg and handed it to me with a smile on my face. I had never looked into the origin of this particular spice. It looked weird on my palm. It bore a pale yellow fruit with flesh on it.

This was just the beginning of my many discoveries in Grenada, a Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles that is overlooked by many Americans but truly amazing. I could not have said anything derogatory to you about the nation before I came here. I knew of St. George’s University, a major medical school that had been training hundreds of American doctors since the 1970s. I also knew that the United States had invaded Grenada in 1983 after a failed Marxist coup, leading to perhaps Ronald Reagan’s most notorious military campaign. Even Americans unaware of the invasion note this connection, which may have kept Grenada largely off the Caribbean itineraries.

Best places for first timers to visit in Grenada

Grenada offers stunning, almost deserted beaches; Wise Eco-resorts; a delicious, diverse local cuisine that prioritizes sustainably produced goods; And a relaxed population that understands you may have gone elsewhere but still values ​​your efforts.

Its relatively small size ensures that first-time visitors to Grenada will not be overwhelmed upon arrival. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have fun activities and sights to see. Six parishes make up the island of Grenada, and with a few stops along the way, you can easily cover them all in one day.

Of course, the most famous is St. George’s, home of St. George’s (don’t forget the “s”) capital city. The city center is still worth a visit, and its marina area offers plenty of great local food and drink options, even though it’s probably the most touristy spot on the island (cruise ships such as the St. David are home to the current season. Bravo’s popular reality TV show Below Deck doc). Visit Fort Frederick, built by French colonists in the 18th century, if you want views of the bay. From there, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city of St.

In relation to Grand Anse Beach, you should not miss it completely! With two miles of pure white sand and crystal clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax or even just go for a walk in bare feet. Additionally, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can relax with your feet up on the beach if you’re feeling peckish or need a drink. This is the main beach and is accessible to the public despite the few hotels scattered around. There aren’t the walled-off, back-to-back mega resorts found in Grand Cayman or Jamaica.

Where to eat and drink on Caribbean

In Grenada, a decent lunch can cost you over $100, but a gourmet experience can cost as little as $5. It all depends on where you want to dine. However, before you start worrying about your finances, know that lower costs on the island don’t necessarily translate into lower standards of taste or quality.

For as little as $5, you can buy delicious street food for the price of a beer. Visit Patrick’s Local Homestyle near the marina for a budget-friendly feast. The menu features traditional Grenadian tapas and entrees, such as the national dish “oil down,” a salty meat and vegetable stew, as well as other regional specialties such as curry chicken and ginger pork.

Additionally, avoid sleeping on Coconut Beach. There, you can relax with your feet on the beach while enjoying a variety of mouth-watering Creole meals and cool drinks.

If you want great quality and taste without breaking the budget, Savage’s Restaurant at Mount Cinnamon Hotel and Beach Club is your best bet if you are looking for fine dining options. A fine dining experience here can cost $40 or $50. Personally, I think you should definitely enjoy the catch of the day, which is usually fantastic and can range from barracuda to king fish.

For those in need of a night cap head over to West Indies Beer Company, which has a thumping, yet distinctively laid back, night scene. Post up for a few hours and try the IPAs you’ll be doing what the locals call “liming,” which is less an activity so much as a state of being, I’m told. The art of hanging out, let’s call it.

Museums, art, and culture

In terms of museums, Granada has one you shouldn’t miss; However, to see it, you need to bring snorkeling equipment. The Underwater Sculpture Park is exactly what it sounds like: an outdoor (or, in this instance, underwater) museum featuring works of art completely submerged in the waters around Grenada. The underwater park has been enhanced with an increasing number of sculptures representing various Grenadian customs and characteristics, while an art installation dates back to 2006. All 75 statues can easily be seen on a special, guided snorkeling expedition; However, glass bottom boats and scuba diving trips are also available.

If you’re looking for cultural tourism that the locals love, you should add the River Antoine Rum Distillery to your list of places to see. This privately owned, 1800s-era rum plant offers visitors the opportunity to observe each step of the rum-making process first-hand for a small fee. This distillery gives the impression that you are stepping back in time because, even now, the primary power source for working the cane and extracting the juice is a large water wheel that is powered by the surrounding river (hence the name of the distillery).

Nature and outdoor experiences

One thing about Grenada is that if you are a nature lover looking for outdoor experiences, there are always plenty of options for you. The island has many habitats, each with unique flora and fauna, all within a very small area. To get an idea of ​​this, consider that you can go from snorkeling at Grand Anse Beach to feeding the mona monkeys in the rainforest in about twenty minutes. And this is just a hint of what the island is capable of providing.

La Segesse, located in St. David’s Parish, is the closest to St. George’s. Located on the southwest coast of the island, this mangrove estuary is home to three isolated beaches, a salt lake perfect for birding and a vibrant coral reef just off the shoreline.

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