Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Eastern Caribbean Dollar & US Dollar
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Population:
Over 100,000 people call Grenada home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Grenada: Average temperatures range from 75-85ºF/24-29°C Steady and cooling trade winds are common. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
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Grenada is known as "The Spice of the Caribbean." Visitors to the island will be enticed by the sweet breezy scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice. Grenada produces about 1/3 of the world’s supply of Nutmeg.
St George's is Grenada’s capital, and is known as the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. The horseshoe shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel dockside warehouses. Red tiled roofs are common amongst the traditional shops and homes. Grenada is rich in English, French and West Indian history and is filled with beautifully well preserved French and British Colonial architecture.
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Attractions |
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The capital city of Grenada, St. George's is the prettiest harbor town in the West Indies. Its landlocked inner harbor is actually the deep crater of a long-dead volcano -- or so one is told. In the town, you'll see some of the most charming Georgian colonial buildings in the Caribbean, still standing despite a devastating hurricane in 1955. The steep, narrow hillside streets are filled with houses of ballast bricks, wrought-iron balconies, and sloping, red-tile roofs. Many of the pastel warehouses date from the 18th century. Frangipani and flamboyant trees add to the palette of color.
The port, which some have compared to Portofino, Italy, is flanked by old forts and bold headlands. Among the town's attractions is an 18th-century pink Anglican church, on Church Street, and the Market Square, where colorfully attired farm women offer even more colorful produce for sale. Fort George, on Church Street, built by the French, stands at the entrance to the bay, with subterranean passageways and old guardrooms and cells.
Everyone strolls along the waterfront of the Carenage on the inner harbor, or relaxes on its pedestrian plaza, with seats and hanging planters providing shade from the sun. The best place to sit and have a drink is The Nutmeg. From its large open windows you'll have great views of the harbor activity. The hamburgers and rum drinks are great, too.
On this side of town, the Grenada National Museum, at the corner of Young and Monckton streets (tel. 473/440-3725), is set in the foundations of an old French army barracks and prison built in 1704. Small but interesting, it houses finds from archaeological digs, including petroglyphs, native fauna, the first telegraph installed on the island, a rum still, and memorabilia depicting Grenada's history. The most comprehensive exhibit traces the native culture of Grenada. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Admission is $2.
You can take a drive up to Richmond Hill and Fort Frederick, begun by the French in 1779 and completed by the English in 1791. From its battlements, you'll have a superb view of the harbor and of the yacht marina.
An afternoon tour of St. George's and its environs might take you into the mountains north of the capital. A 15-minute drive delivers you to Annandale Falls, a tropical wonderland, with a cascade about 15m (50 ft.) -high. You can enjoy a picnic surrounded by liana vines, elephant ears, and other tropical flora and spices. The
Annandale Falls Centre (tel. 473/440-2452) offers gift items, handcrafts, and samples of the indigenous spices of Grenada. Nearby, an improved trail leads to the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Swimmers can use the changing cubicles at the falls for free. The center is open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Calivigny
Join families of Grenadians who flock to this offshore beach to picnic. You’ll want to capture breathtaking views of the sunset at this sparkling beach.
Carenage
Have lunch on the waterfront at St. George’s hopping harbor, the Carenage. You can take a water taxi to Grand Anse beach from Carenage, where you will also find a commemorative plaque recognizing those who died when the Bianca C cruise ship burned to a crisp in 1961.
Dougaldston Estates
Taste Grenada’s new growth before it is processed at this estate, where most of the island’s spices are harvested. You can buy several spices from here, including cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cocoa, and bay leaves. There is no charge to visit this estate, which is open daily. Gates open at 8 a.m.
Grand Etang
See the crater lake of Grand Etang and hike around its perimeter. An excellent choice for the naturalist who enjoys natural beauty and the outdoors. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty and requires considerable walking.
National Park and Forest Reserve
Enjoy an adventurous hike through the rain forest at this reserve covered with ferns and other tropical foliage. Began your journey at the Grand Etang’s Visitor’s Centre, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Grenada National Museum
Peer into Grenada’s past at this historical museum set in French barracks. Sift through a plethora of artifacts, including Josephine Bonaparte’s childhood bathtub from Martinique.
La Sagesse Nature Centre
http://www.lasagesse.com/index.htm
Learn about the various plants that adorn the island at this darling 98-acre plantation on La Sagesse beach. Follow guided trails through a tropical garden, and learn about the various species of birds found on the island. There is a restaurant, and lodging opportunities are available at the authentic Manor House, one of four structures on the plantation.
Mt. Carmel Waterfall
Wade through the crystal-clear waters of this falling torrent, which pours into its base from 70 feet above. It is believed to be the highest of Grenada’s waterfalls.
Nutmeg Processing Stations
Visit these cooperatives to find out how this popular spice makes it from the fields to grocery store shelves. There are two of these stations on the island; one in Gouyave outside of St. George, and the other in Grenville on Grenada’s east coast. Study the manufacturing process, and the bizarre characteristics of the bushy nutmeg tree, which also bears the mace spice.
River Antoine Rum Distillery
Sample the key ingredient of the island’s famous Caribbean rum punch. Watch the Caribbean’s only surviving cane-crusher at work at the region’s longest operating rum distillery. The distillery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Yellow Poui Art Gallery
Browse the wonderful masterpieces of local artists on display at this gallery on Cross Street near Market Square.
Spice and Souvenir Market
Visited by everyone who is leaving the pier.
Beaches: Grenada has 80 miles of beautiful coastline. The most popular beach is Grand Anse.
Shopping: Spice capital of the Caribbean! For a great value, take a short walk over to Dot’s Plaza just below the Nutmeg Restaurant and for your spice deals!
Located near the center or Carenage, which is a horseshoe shaped inner harbor. The tourist bureau has an information office located in the terminal building. The majority of the ships anchor and tender passengers ashore. One of the most colorful harbors and terminals in the Caribbean, typically Caribbean!
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More Information |
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Web: www.grenadagrenadines.com
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