THE ABACOS
Green Turtle Cay
For a while now, I’ve been following an interesting blog written by Amanda Diedrick, (LA resident) and descendent of Abaco Loyalists, called “Little House by the Ferry”. It’s fun, well written, chock full of Green Turtle Cay history, and an on-going restoration project; her great-grandmother’s 80 year old cottage, “Fish Hooks”—you guessed it; located right by the main water ferry landing.
Molly McIntosh, assistant general manager ofGreen Turtle Cay Hotel Resort and Marina, announced some good news for boaters coming to the Green Turtle Club or Green Turtle Cay.Dredging of White Sound Channel entrance has begun! Good bye hump!
Little Harbour
The third annual Kayak Challenge will be held on Saturday, November 9, at 8 AM. The event is hosted by Friends of the Environment & the Abaco Cancer Society. You will be able to challenge yourself to paddle through the Bight of Old Robinson, part of the proposed East Abaco Creeks National Park. After the event enjoy a pig roast and live music at Pete’s Pub-Little Harbour. Tickets are available through www.friendsofthe environment.org.
BIMINI
North
Here’s a first for the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina: Now on the menu at Big Game Club Bar & Grill, vegetarian and gluten free meals.
A Taste of Heaven Bakery— Located across from the Bimini Big Game Club, this historic building with the can’t miss, big-red-sign, was once owned by the famed Manny Rolle— (Manny Rolle Deli and Supermarket)—chair boy to Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway paid 30 cents a day to have Manny, age 8, hold his fighting chair. Manny later went on to become one of Bimini’s most well-respected guides for sport fisher folks visiting the island from the 50s through the 70s.
Now, the tiny, colorful—can you say turquoise— building is the site of the much acclaimed bakery and take-a-way. Here, you’ll find old-timey, glass top wooden display cases holding many of the most delectable bakery goodies found anywhere on the island. Daily treats are varied: cinnamon rolls, coconut tarts, pineapple carrot cake, guava Danish, banana raisin bread, and fresh pies of every description.
Take-away also varies from day to day, from BBQ, chicken souse, large portions of pork chop, rice, plantains, macaroni and cheese, to mutton curry, or honey garlic wings. For large orders of anything, and to avoid disappointment, call ahead. Vibe: Old-island-homey ~ Hours: Mon- Sat: 8 AM-‘Til, Closed on Sunday ~ Tel: 242- 225-3244 (on island, drop 242)
Nice change. It was good to see an upbeat article recently by Miami New Times on cool Bimini eateries, along with commentary from local business owners as to the upswing in numbers of tourists, and concerns over on-going environmental issues. For another, more intensive piece, check out this article byAP/Ben Fox, “Resort Project Opens Tiny Bimini to the World.”
A fabulous photograph, of ‘smiling’ dolphins, taken by Bailey Town’s, Wildquest Dolphin Adventures principal Atmo Kubesa, was recently featured by National Geographics’online Daily Dozen—these are favorite photos chosen by National Geo editors. Congratulations Atmo!
The president of the Bahamas National Trust, Neil McKinney, recently visited the island on a fact finding mission regarding the proposed cruise ship terminal, read his statement.
South
The hammers are coming. The hammers are coming. Bimini Sands and Neal Watson’s Hammer Headquarters have announced their 2014 Shark Showdown. Join Howard and Michele Hall along with the GATES underwater team for a week of sun, sand, sharks and shooting. You will experience the great hammerheads of Bimini with the only local dive operation, marine biologists, shark experts and filming pros, as a collective professional group. There are workshops, all inclusive luxury accommodation and incredible prizes.
This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a number of excellent video photographers in experiencing major hammerhead shark migrations, beginning in January 25-February 01, 2014, with additional dates in February and March.
Still photography will be hosted as well. Emaildive@biminisands.com for details. There is limited space so make your reservations now; slots are filling up fast—January will be here before you know it.
Bimini Sands Resort and Marina was recently awarded the international Blue Flag Marina designation; the Blue Flag Marina program is an internationally recognized environmental and safety standard with strict criteria.
ELEUTHERA
Gregory Town
The Cove Eleuthera, a 2013 World Luxury Hotel nominee, is evolving at a rapid pace. In the past several months, since opening March 1, owner Sidney Torres IV, has built seven additional oceanfront villas, and a new beachside grill which will be unveiled this month. In November, the new Serenity Sushi Bar (inside the Freedom Restaurant overlooking the Caribbean) will open, along with a new spa and gym.
EXUMA
Georgetown, Exuma Sound
The much anticipated launch of boutique, luxury resort,Turquoise Cay and180 Degree Restaurant, (hosting an exceptional menu featuring a revolutionary mix of flavors from Peru, France, and Asia with a touch of the local Bahamian experience) has announced October 14, as its official opening. For a mellow feel, check out the Turquoise Cay FaceBook page for their Tuesday Tunes exclusive mix: “Sounds to take your mind to paradise, while you wait to actually get there.” Wonderful. Congratulations folks!
Staniel Cay-Construction recently began on the final two hillside bungalows; they are the same size as the existing bungalows – both 1 bedrooms – and are being built so they can be rented together as a double. They should be ready in spring 2014.
Sampson Cay-Darn…Sampson Cay Club is now closed to the public. Owner, telecom billionaire John Malone, closed the property for renovations in August, and then decided to keep the property as a private enclave for his family and friends. For full details, check out this article in the Nassau Guardian. Visits ashore are now by invitation of the owner and family only.
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND AVIATION (BMOTA)
Try and make the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) held this year Oct. 31 through Nov 4, 2013, at Bahia Mar Hotel and Marina. The Ministry of Tourism has a large, colorful, display booth with many out-out island property owners and representatives in attendance. It’s a great opportunity to meet these hospitality folks, have your questions answered on a one-on-one basis, put a face to that name you have read or heard about, and collect the most recent, colorful brochures on all ‘tings Out Islands.
‘Til next time, more islands, and new discoveries…may all good things be yours.
She reach…
~Sandra