Tag Archives: pirates

A Tour of San Juan’s Castillo de San Felipe del Morro

San Juan’s Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is the iconic representation of a city rich with history and architecture.  The fort, also known as El Morro, has lasted over 400 years, protecting the southwestern side of the island from invaders and pirates.  But what was the reason that a fort was built here in the first place?  It was strategically located between the continent of Europe and the New World where ships could seek shelter, water and supplies and it was determined, that occupation of this land would give wealth to the country that controlled this entrance into the Caribbean Sea.

1 The Grounds in Front of El Morro, San Juan, PR

It was in 1493 when Christopher Columbus came to the island and first claimed it for Spain.  Puerto Rico would later fall to the British and Dutch, but only for very short periods of time.  During the Dutch attack in 1623, hundreds of Dutch and Spanish soldiers gave their lives.   It wasn’t until the 1800’s that Spain would cede ownership of the island to the United States of America, ending the Spanish-American War.

2 The Entrance to El Morro, 1.31.16

As I walked through the Greek-style entrance into the fort, I noticed the thick walls that gave an extra depth to the fortification of the city.  It would take Spain over 250 years to build El Morro.  The structure that stands today is similar to the how the fort would have looked in 1790.

3 Iguanas on the El Morro Grounds, 1.31.16

I was so interested in the structure of the fort that I hardly noticed the large iguanas on the interior lawn of El Morro.  I also noticed them climbing up the fortress wall and stopped a few times to take a closer look because they were camouflaged so well.

6 Cannons in El Morro, San Juan, PR, 1.31.16

As I crossed the bridge into El Morro, I entered Level 5 of the six levels of the fort.  Looking up from this level there were three flags representing the Spanish Army, Puerto Rico and the United States of America.

The cannons were a reminder of the importance of this fort in times when it was occupied to defend the island.  Many of them used bronze 8-pound cannonballs that took eight to ten artillerymen to operate them.  Their strategy was to fire the cannons every thirty seconds, reaching targets a mile away.

7 The Kitchen Inside of the Fort, 1.31.16

The kitchen was a very important part of the lives of the soldiers.  Meals were prepared here using ingredients such as fish and cured meat that came from Spain.  When the meat arrived, it was inedible so the soldiers soaked it with vegetables and spices creating a type of stew.  It is said that this is the origin of sancocho, a stew that remains popular both in Puerto Rico as well as other Spanish-speaking countries.

7 Land Defense, El Morro, 1.31.16

After visiting many of the rooms, including the powder room, on the fifth floor, I took the ramp up to the sixth floor to see the area known as the “Land Defense”.

8 Level 6 of the Fort, 1.31.16

From the level six of the fort, it was easy to see why this floor would be considered a strong area of defense.  With the evidence of cannons stationed here, there was little space between each one, guaranteed to hit their targets coming in from the sea.

9 The Lighthouse, El Morro, 1.31.16

It wasn’t until 1846 that the first of four lighthouses (two would be rebuilt) at El Morro were erected to  provide safe passage for ships into and out of the harbor of San Juan.     Prior to the restoration of the lighthouse that currently stands on El Morro, the previous house was made out of red brick and was in desperate need of repair.

10 Spectacular Views, El Morro, San Juan, PR, 1.31.16

I couldn’t help but notice the spectacular view from Level 6 of El Morro and imagined an invasion of ships heading toward us in the distance.

12 Exploring the Lower Levels of El Morro, 1.31.16

Next, I took the stairs down to the lower level.  At this point, I was heading toward the Cannon Water Battery.  It was here where I found the remaining cannons on display and the embrasures from which the cannons were fired.

13 Medieval Lookout on the tower, 1.31.16

There was a medieval watch tower in the center of the battery.  Known as the Torre Antigua, some believe it may be haunted.

14 El Canuelo

Looking over the wall, I could see another fort out into the horizon at the end of Isla de Cabras (Goat Island).  This is El Morro’s sister fort, San Juan de la Cruz, translated as St. John of the Cross.  It was strategically placed here to create crossfire in the event that ships would try to slip past El Morro on the far side of the channel.   This small fort is also referred to as El Canuelo.

15 Tall wall of El Morro, 1.31.16

From this vantage point, I clearly understood the importance of this area in defense of the island and how important it was for protecting San Juan.

16 The Grandeur of El Morro, 1.31.16

The view from the top of the fort emphasized the complicated structure of El Morro.  The worn away, weathered stone and its height gave it the sense of strength and might.  The thickness of the walls provided a sense of wonder and impenetrability.

17 Observation Post from WWII

I came across a structure that seemed more updated and out of place.  I learned that this was once an Observation Post which was used during WWII.  After the Second War, El Morro would no longer act as a military base.

18 Cannon Placement, El Morro, 1.31.16

Continuing my climb up the fort, I noticed where the cannons would have been placed and the circular patterns that they created when moved to the left or right to hit their target out in the ocean.

El Morro is unlike any fortress I have seen throughout the United States.  It was built and designed to protect the city and remains an iconic figure to San Juan.  There have been several forts along the American coasts, but this is one of the most fascinating and well preserved.

Have you had the opportunity to visit El Morro?  What are your thoughts about this expansive structure?  I would love to hear what you liked most about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about our exploration of El Morro and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
501 Norzagaray Street
San Juan, PR  00901
Telephone: 787 729 6754

  • Admission Fee:  $7 which includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal and 24 hours are provided to visit both forts
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM to 6PM.  Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  • Amenities:  Gift shop and restrooms
  • Scenic Views:  Gorgeous views from the fort include the harbor and the cemetery as well as the shoreline.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There are several iguanas and feral cats that roam the premises.  Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bring plenty of water.  (Carts outside sell water).

Where to Stay:

Hotel Plaza de Armas Old San Juan
202 Calle San Jose
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Telephone:  787 722 9191

Amenities:  Non-smoking, free continental breakfast, WiFi, refrigerator and microwave; there is a free trolley nearby at Stop #8

Where to Eat:

Cafe El Punto
105 Calle Fortaleza
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
Telephone:  787 725 1306

I can’t resist ordering the local dish, mofongo where the main ingredient is fried plantains most likely served with a healthy helping of meat such as chicken, beef or seafood.

What to Eat: 

  • MOFONGO!  This is absolutely my favorite dish in San Juan.  Mashed fried plantains are smothered with meat and/or vegetables.
  • Alcappurias are similar to fritters filled with crab, meat or lobster and dipped in a batter made from green bananas.
  • Arepas de Coco is a bread made from coconut flour stuffed with meat, seafood or vegetables.
  • Chicharrones de Pollo are usually served as a side dish to mofongo, these tasty pieces of chicken are seasoned with garlic, oregano and achiote.
  • Chilo Frito is a fried red snapper served with fried plantains or french fries on the side.
  • Lechon is a suckling pig cooked whole and prepared juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
  • Pastelon:  San Juan’s answer to lasagna made with plantains instead of pasta
  • The Pina Colada was invented at Barrachina in Old San Juan.

Where to Drink:

Marilyn’s Place
100 Calle San Francisco
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901

What to Read: 

  • The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson
  • The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre
  • Simone by Eduardo Lalo
  • Mundo Cruel by Luis Negron
  • La Llamarada by Enrique Laguerre
  • Song of the Simple Truth by Julia de Burgos

Photo Guide for San Juan, Puerto Rico

  • La Perla in Old San Juan for its colorful umbrellas
  • The cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of Old San Juan
  • The Forts in Old San Juan

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A sentry (lookout) at El Morro

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Belltower at El Morro
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The Restored Lighthouse at El Morro
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The Layout of El Morro which resembles a bull
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Stairs and ramps at El Morro
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Beautiful View from El Morro

4 The Chapel at El Morro, 1.31.16

The Chapel at the Fort

5 The Flags of the Spanish Army, Puerto Rico and the US, 1.31.16

Flags at the Fort

19 Fascinating View from El Morro, 1.31.16

Seaside views from El Morro Fort

The Ocracoke Lighthouse, Oldest Lighthouse in the US

Reaching only 76 feet in height, the stubby white Ocracoke Lighthouse may not be the tallest along the North Carolina Coast, but it is the oldest. Some resources claim that it is the second oldest in the United States. To help ship’s captains navigate through the Ocracoke Inlet, a wooden light was constructed in the vicinity of Shell Island in 1794.  A second lighthouse was constructed in 1822 by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter, and is the current, white conical shaped beacon that stands today. Located at the southern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Lighthouse Road, the lighthouse’s original Fourth Order Fresnel Lens was replaced with it was automated in the early 1900s.  The Ocracoke lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as Ocracoke Light Station.

Ocracoke Island was once an important trading route off of the coast of North Carolina dating back to the late 1500s. It was known to harbor pirates, including the most famous of all buccaneers, Blackbeard. Although he sailed up and down the coast as well as scouted the Caribbean Islands, it was said that Ocracoke was his favorite of the islands. It was here where he would set up camp, when he was not pillaging of course and where his  notable brigand lived, drank and caused many a raucous.

Blackbeard’s given name was Edward Drummond and he became a seafarer at an early age, starting out as a cabin boy. He eventually went to work for the Queen of England, attacking French merchant ships and sharing the wealth of their plunder with his crew.  He would eventually receive the title of privateer, a sort of legal pirate for the royal families.  All one would need was a government issued license and of course the pay was incredibly rich. Yet, when England and France became alliances once again, the role of privateer was abolished.

At the end of Queen Anne’s War, the privateers were offered amnesty, were required to end their pirating ways and forced to swear that they would no longer raid the merchant ships.  It was at this time that Drummond changed his name to Edward Teach and refused to adhere to the new requirements.  Naming his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge, he continued his life as a pirate.

Teach later settled in Bath, North Carolina, continuing his pirating ways until he was shot by LIeutenant Robert Maynard in a shootout on November 22nd, 1718.

To learn more about Blackbeard, visit the Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop.

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse does not allow visitors to climb to the top of the light.  Local shops provide plenty of memorabilia, souvenirs and lighthouse books about the Ocracoke Light Station.

What to See and What to Do:

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Telephone:  252 928 4531

Where to Stay:

The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 3505

Where to Eat:

1718 Brewing Ocracoke
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 2337

Stopping just for a drink, we enjoyed the Essential Pale Ale.

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season.  You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.

What to Read: 

  • Blackbeard the Pirate:  A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee

Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island

  • The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
  • Ocracoke Harbor
  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

 

Explore Medieval Life at the Ohio Renaissance Festival

Stepping into another place and time, I entered the charming medieval village of the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg, Ohio.  This festival was voted one of the best in nearby Warren County, and I imagined a day of eating overesized turkey legs and drinking lots of beer.  What could be better than that?   So, on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon, I set out to enjoy a day in the Middle Ages.

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The Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place yearly on the weekends running from late-August to October.  Dating back to 1990, the venue eventually established a permanent location in Harveysburg and began building a medieval village.

What I found most fascinating about the festival was the number of people in costume.  From wenches to rowdy pirates, lords and ladies, it was as though I had been transported to England in the 16th century.  I was also surprised at the size of the venue which sits on about 30 acres displaying over 100 shops in the Medieval Marketplace and a large number of outdoor stages for entertainment.

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As I wandered through the village, the smell of barbecue drew me to the food stalls where I started my feeding frenzy with, of course, that turkey leg and a beer. It was a difficult choice because there were so many options such as bread bowls filled with soup, fish ‘n chips and corn on the cob.

I could hear cheering from the jousting field and began to wander towards the Tournament Joust.  The royal family was joined by their friends and watched the competition from their box seats.  The excitement of the crowd was contagious, so I joined in to cheer on my favorite knight, jousting to the bitter end.

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The shops were filled with medieval merchandise, including gorgeous gowns and armor.  Made-to-order crafts were available for purchase and I enjoyed browsing through the leather goods, stone carvings and jewelry.  High end, more expensive items were those made from glass and novelty items such as dragon eggs.

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In addition to the shows and entertainment, children and adults played games, competed in feats of skill and enjoyed carnival-like rides.  It was an opportunity for me to try my hand at archery, knife and ax throwing, a few tries to “drench a wench”, and a ride on the swinging ship called SeaDragon.

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The admission covered most of the activities at the festival.  Additional attractions not covered included the Premium Jousting Seating (the Royalty Box), Open House Mead Tasting and the Naughty Bawdy Pub Show and required a small fee.

I spent most of the day at the Festival and found myself browsing the shops, trying a few games and watching some of the shows.  I joined in with the singing at the bar and was living the life of a serf.  I was amazed at the amount of fun I was having and loved the camaraderie of the crowd.

What was even more amazing was how much time and effort that goes in to setting up the Renaissance Festival each year.  The authenticity of the venue was so outstanding that I felt I was actually visiting a medieval village, immersed in the experience.

The Festival also hosts themed weekends, so check them out online to see if there is one that interests you.  You may want to dress up and experience the Ohio Renaissance festival in a whole new way,

Have you visited the Ohio Renaissance Festival?  What was your favorite part of the festivities?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Ohio Renaissance Festival and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH  45068
Telephone:  513 897 7000

  • Admission Fee:   Tickets for Adults are $19 while General Admission tickets for Children (ages 13+) are $7.50.
  • Hours:  The 2019 festivities will begin the weekend of  August 31st and continue until the weekend of October 26 – 27.  The event opens at 10:30 AM to 6 PM each festival day.
  • Amenities:  Themed weekends, entertainment, food, crafts, games and rides as well as special events.
  • Length of Visit:  Full day of food, fun, activities and entertainment
  • Tips for Your Visit:  To immerse yourselves in the spirit of the festival, dress in medieval costume!

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Wilmington
123 Gano Road
Wilmington, OH  45177
Telephone:  937 283 3200

Where to Eat and What to Eat:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH  45068
Telephone:  513 897 7000

  • 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q for Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Sausages, Baked Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Peach and Blueberry Cobbler
  • Aleing Knight Pub for King’s Weinie, Hot Dogs, Tots, Scotch Egg, Wedge Fries, Cheese Curds, Spicy Corn Nuggets, Chicken Sandwichies, Fried Mushrooms, Strawberry Cheesecake and Cheesecake on a Stick
  • Archebald Drake’s for Fish and Chips
  • Bourbon Chicken at the Dragon’s Lair
  • Bread Bowls
  • Davinci’s Pizza
  • Garden of Eatin for bourmet burgers and Fries
  • Jerky Stand for Beef Jerky
  • Turkey Legs, Loaded Potatoes and Fried Pickles
  • Corn Dogs, Brats and Pork Shops

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Ship’s Ahoy! Pirate Boat Shore Excursion, Antigua

Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua.  Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion.  Unfortunately, it was sold out.  With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

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Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s  excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving.  Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel.  According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting.  Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

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We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag.  The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship.  We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

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The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing.  It was the perfect ship to shore experience.  The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach.  We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the  trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

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The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates.  The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

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Cruising through  the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill.  Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship.  So the battle began.

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The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.  It was  just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

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We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

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We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay.  From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

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The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day.  The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim.  In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

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On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew.  We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down.   The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

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We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining.  I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching.  Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while  Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

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It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance.  I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next.  How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

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The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure.  I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone.  I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable  memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda?  Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time?  I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Black Swan:  This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone:  268 736 8000

Where to Eat: 

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine.  Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse.  The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

  • Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
  • Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
  • Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves.  This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
  • Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
  • Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

  • Books by Jamaica Kincaid
  • Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
  • Journeycakes:  Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

  • The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
  • View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
  • Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
  • The white sands of Ffryes Beach
  • Half Moon Bay, Antigua
  • Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
  • Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
  • Fort James
  • Nelson’s Dockyard
  • Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
  • Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
  • The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

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An Afternoon Drive Along the South Coast of Grand Cayman

Another spectacular day on the island of Grand Cayman, so my friend Cheryl and I hopped in our rental car for an afternoon drive.  Traveling from the West Bay, we headed towards our first stop, Pedro St. James, about a 30 minute journey from Seven Mile Beach.

We arrived in Bodden Town at Pedro St. James Historic Site where we parked the car and began the short trek to the attraction.  Also known as Pedro’s Castle, the home had been eerily abandoned and was in its first phase of restoration.  We were hoping to learn more about the history of plantation life in Grand Cayman and made the decision to explore this fabulous residence.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Great House is considered the oldest surviving structure on the island.  The three-story home, reinforced by 18-inch thick stone, was owned by wealthy Englishman, William Eden.  Once a working 7-acre farm, the colorful estate sits atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  It is easy to imagine fields of yams,  cassava and plantains.  It was here in 1835 where Jamaican Governor Sligo read the Declaration of Emancipation, freeing the African slaves living throughout the British colonies.

We decided to explore the house and climbed to the third floor veranda to take in the beautiful view of the spectacular turquoise shoreline.   As we strolled the property, we were surprised to learn that the “English Castle” was not yet open to the public. The government had just purchased the property in 1991 (we were visiting in 1997) to restore the old stone manor and its English gardens.

Today, Pedro St. James Historic Site is complete with memorabilia, antiques and period furniture.  The comfortable theater presents an interactive video providing a historical account of the site.  The 20-minute audio-visual runs hourly starting at 10AM with the final show beginning at 4PM.  In addition to touring the estate and gardens, the attraction includes a stamp room, a hurricane Ivan memorial and a self-guided rum tour with rum tastings included.

A ten minute drive from St. Pedro are the Pirates Caves.  Sitting atop a hill, it was here where buccaneers were said to have hidden their plunder in a series of caverns.  A great, family-friendly attraction, grown-ups and children alike can hunt for the buried treasure of infamous pirates such as Blackbeard, Edward Low and local swashbuckler, Roy Bodden. Installed lights within the caves make the venue a more appropriate excursion for families with small children. While legend claims the loot remains within the caves, it has not yet been discovered.

Today, visitors can explore the caves on a self-guided tour.  Aspiring trailblazers can don a helmet with a light attached and grab a flashlight to authenticate the experience, reveling in their adventurous fantasy.  Fruit bats living in the caves and legendary ghosts said to protect the buried treasure add a level of intrigue to the quest for riches beyond belief.

Our pursuit to locate a pirate’s booty was unsuccessful, so we drove further east towards the blowholes on the southeast side of the island.  We couldn’t resist the short drive to relax along the seashore and watch the waves crash along the craggy coast.  We stepped out of the car, walked among the rocks and felt the salty spray misting our faces.  Searching for hermit crabs and starfish, we enjoyed exploring the shallow pools before ending our day at Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant on Seven Mile Beach.  With an abundance of seafood and tropical drinks, I could not imagine ending the day in a more spectacular way.

Have you visited Grand Cayman? Did you venture out past Seven Mile Beach and George Town?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my “throwback” visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pedro St. James Historic Site
Pedro Castle Road
Savannah, KY1-1501
Cayman Islands
Telephone:  345 947 3329

  • Admission Fee for Self Guided Tours:  Adults:  CI $10; Children (ages 6 – 12):  CI $5 and Children (0-5):  Free Admission Fee for Guided Tours:   Adults:  CI $15; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5):  Free
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8:30AM to 5PM; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
  •  Amenities:  Theater, Wedding Venue, Stamp Room, Rum Tastings, Hurricane Ivan Memorial
  •  Guided Tours:  Self-guided and guided tours available (see Admission Fee information)
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  For a more memorable experience, book the guided tour.  One of the guides is a descendant of the original owner.  Although the house is open until 5PM, visitors must arrive before 4PM to view the amazing video.

Underground Pirates Caves
281 Bodden Town Road
Bodden Town, KY1-1501
Telephone:  345 929 2520
Email: cindy@piratescaves.ky or ian@piratescaves.ky

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  CI $15; Children (ages 0 – 11)
  • Hours:  Open only by reservation;  contact Cindy or Ian by email or telephone
  •  Amenities:  Gift shop, Pirates Eatery, Rescue Animals
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear tennis shoes because the caves can be slippery.  Advanced reservations must be made by contacting Cindy or Ian by email or phone (provided above).

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Morgans Seafood Restaurant
Governors Creek Cayman Islands
Yacht Club, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Telephone:  345 946 7049

I started with the Tomato & Mozzarella appetizer and ordered the Fresh Mixed Seafood Risotto which was absolutely divine.  We ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to celebrate our vacation!

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

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