Quirky Named Places and What to Do There, Episode 7

To date, we’ve meandered around the continental United States and got our feet wet last episode in the Caribbean. Tropical breezes, turquoise waters and friendly locals deserve more than one foray, we are staying a bit longer. The variety of cuisine and culture throughout the West Indies requires more than a long weekend to feel a sense of getting to know an island. Most of the islands are small enough to crisscross in a single day, however going from A to B, there’s often interesting sights and goings on in between. Anchors up, we are aweigh.

Hell, Cayman Islands

Dante’s Devine Comedy written in the 14th century begins in the netherworld and culminates in a heavenly paradise. Our first location, this expedition is more apt to describe Dante’s journey’s uplifting end point, Paradise. Grand Cayman, the principal island, is also home to Hell. Fire and brimstone, no. A rugged, unusual rocky formation in a peculiar black limestone upcropping in a lush landscape, yes. A boardwalk gets you up close and personal. A gift shop sells trinkets and postcards to send to friends and family, letting them know how you suffered on your journey to Hell. What else to do nearby?

A short distance in any direction is a beach. One of those beach side attractions is the Cayman Turtle Centre. Guests can swim with turtles, for your group who feel it’s not enough excitement, particularly after braving going to Hell and back, the Centre offers shark feeding tours and when that’s too much excitement, there’s always the middle ground, try the waterslide. Waterslides not doing it for you? On the other end of the island is a rare coastal feature, a blowhole. A convergence of wave action and a geologic formation, sea water rushes in a shoots up, geyser-like. It’s not a waterpark, be aware it is not a fun ride, it’s best to ooh and aah from a distance. The island also has a swing set appropriately named, the “good mood swing” seemingly randomly set in the sand overlooking the Caribbean Sea. A fun activity for all ages. It’s bound to improve your day.

Fern Gully, Jamaica

Same name as the popular 90s animated movie. It’s no cartoon. The 3-mile road is canopied by green tropical foliage, one might think they transported to the land of Crysta, Pips and Batty Koda. You can tell your friends you went to the real Fern Gully, because it is, and you did. The road is over 100 years old, a riverbed that collapsed during an earthquake at the time became the foundation of the roadway. What to find in Fern Gully?

A small town, Colgate is along the road as well as an eco-village and a few rustic guest houses if you desire time away from the crowded beaches. Speaking about beaches, Jamaica is known for its coastal recreation. Nearby are the popular Ocho Rios beaches and the striking Konoko Falls. A great place to hike, swim or wander the botanical gardens. A few rafting and tubing areas are also nearby in the hills above Ocho Rios as well. For the more adventurous, the interior of the island nation is a vast park named Cockpit Country. The forest preserve is also considered Jamaica’s most inhospitable location. A challenge is not stopping you. Whether a tour by car or loading your packs and striking out, the landscape is rough. Cave exploration, bird watching, and avid hikers will find the region abundant with options. Not too distant is a haunted plantation. Tours are available to tempt the hereafter at Rose Hall. The property also has two golf courses, White Witch and Cinnamon Hill. A ghost tour and 18 holes of golf sounds like a full day.

Fancy, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Ten islands compose the Caribbean nation. Near the southern end of the island chain, the former British colony, the nation is independent. The biggest and most northern island is St. Vincent. On the northern tip of the island, is Fancy. Near the end of a winding road, you know you arrived when you see the colorful “welcome to Fancy” sign. When people ask, is it fancy there? You can tell them; they have to go see for themselves. The small community is at their busiest in mid-March for a holiday commemorating their national heroes.

On the road to Fancy, a worthwhile rest stop, Owia Salt Pond. A natural rock formation on the coastline created a blue lagoon. Picnic tables and gazebos offer a shaded place to enjoy your lunch and maybe take a dip in the turquoise blue waters. The capital, Kingstown, is full of history, nearby is Fort Charlotte, an early 19th century fortress with incredible views of the harbor, one can see why the fort is there. A visit to the nation wouldn’t be complete without a boat charter. Some of the best beaches are accessible only by sea. When you’re planning your visit, be sure to research a few charter companies. Know before you go.

Pigs in Paradise, Antigua & Barbuda

Our adventure started in Hell. We arrived in paradise. Hog heaven. Maybe you already lined out, “swimming with the pigs” on your bucket list. Who says you can’t do it all over again, in a different locale. A private company hosts this fun, family friendly tourism activity. A small beach on the western side of Antigua, the fun in the sun just got quirky, again. Swimming with the pigs may take up a good chunk of your fun money on your trip, what can one do without a hefty cost?

In the central region of the island is Greencastle Hill, a nature preserves, no admission. The little-known park is also named the “Stonehenge of the Caribbean” because peppered along the rolling hills are neolithic stone objects jutting from the earth. A serene place to take in the tropical wonder of the surrounding island. On the eastern side of the island, Stingray City is a wading area for visitors to get up close to the rays. Not too keen on petting a sting ray? Feed the giant tortoises and make a new friend. Sporting fans, this little island paradise is cricket obsessed. If your travels to Antigua is between January and July, it’s cricket season. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is where it all happens. Named after their living sports legend, mixing in a day at the game rounds out a holiday in paradise.

*****

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