Archive for December, 2009
December 27, 2009

I love taking a leisurely ride thru Fig Tree Drive whenever on island. I start by cruising the coastal road heading past a myriad of sparkling white sandy beaches. There are a couple places to stop along the way for libations including Dennis’s, OJ’s and Turner Beach. Heading past Carlisle Bay, my fav island resort you depart the village of Old Road and head into Fig Tree Drive. This scenic road has a lot of twists and turns but it’s a safe and enjoyable ride. It’s name after the many banana/fig plants along the road. Take photos but do not attempt to take any fruit as the plants are privately owned. There are few great activities along the way. Stop at a roadside stand during Mango season for a lovely treat. Locals often have corn grilling in coal pots as well. Zipline Canopy Tours is on Fig Tree Drive. It’s supposedly an adrenaline rush and a pretty darn good zipline course. I have yet to try it but clients loved it. Next you can stop at Wallings Resevoir and do a hike if you are so inclined. Sean Beazer from www.scenictoursantigua.com can also organize a guided hike. Next to the Wallings entrance is Elaine’s Cultural Center. Elaine, a lovely Antiguan woman makes her own jams, hot sauces and jellies and sells them at her roadside stand. She also sells fresh fruit. I really enjoy her pineapple jam. If she has some in stock do not pass up a jar or two. The jam is made with fresh local Antigua Black Pineapple. Enjoy Elaine’s culinary treats while surrounded by the beauty of Fig Tree Drive.
Tags:Antigua Black Pineapple, Antigua Rain Forest, Elaine's Cultural Center, Fig Tree Drive
Posted in Activities | 1 Comment »
December 16, 2009

Admiral's Inn
We first found Admiral’s Inn during my Mom and my first trip to Antigua in 1988. We were exploring Nelson’s Dockyard and stopped for lunch. We had tasty red snapper, pumpkin soup and rum punch dusted with nutmeg. The views were amazing..ghosts from the naval past were lurking about…the breeze was light and the setting was magical. We go back time and time again for Race Week or to bring friends..this time it was my lovely Antiguan daughter and I exploring..
When you are in Dockyard do stop at Admiral’s Inn for a pint or a punch and travel back in time…
Tags:Admiral's Inn, Antigua's naval history, Nelson's Dockyard, rum punch
Posted in Activities, Dining | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2009

Over the years I have had the privilege of sending hundreds of honeymooners to Antigua. The island has some of the Caribbean’s most romantic hotels. Blue Waters is tucked into Soldier’s Bay offering a romantic British West Indian style holiday assuring privacy and romance. Galley Bay has a long strand of brown sugar sand and a seaside gazebo perfect for saying “I do”. Carlisle Bay is ultra chic yet oh so romantic with lovely gardens, a quiet little bay for sunning and views of the tranquil countryside. The rooms are designed for privacy and romance. For those who have dreamed of a wedding on Antigua, I have found the perfect photographer for your important day. Vanessa Hall, a young and creative photographer knows her island well. She has discovered some special settings to capture the moments and the mood of your special day. Whether you decide to take traditional beach stills or dare to “trash the dress”, Vanessa knows her art and will create an album with lasting memories. Please visit Vanessa’s website www.vanessahallphotography.com to see more images.
Tags:bridal photography, honeymoon in Antigua, Trash the Dress, Vanessa Hall, Vanessa Hall Photography, Weddings in Antigua
Posted in Weddings and Honeymoons | 1 Comment »
December 1, 2009

When I visit the Caribbean I am always in search of local Caribbean art. The Sat. market in town has some vendors selling homemade brooms, crafts and clay pots. Clay pots are used in cooking still in many West Indian homes. I own a Jaba pot my ex used to cook Ital rice. This food cooked in the Rastafarian culture simmers for hours in these lovely pots. The fragrance of the cooking rice is forever in my memory.

Where are these lovely clay products made? To see the where this craft is created head out of town / St. Johns on All Saint Road. Head up the hill and before the gas station take a LEFT into Seaview Farm. When you get into the village ask anyone where the pottery shop is located. Elvie’s family run the show now and welcome you to their home and gallery. I have some candlestick holders (easy to pack) and other lovely items. They make great souvenirs and are quite unique.

Tags:Antigua local art, Caribbean Crafts, Elvie's Pottery, Seaview Farm Pottery
Posted in Activities | Leave a Comment »