Thursday, July 12, 2018

Hope Town Settlement

July 11th, 2018 - Today, we made our way to the settlement of Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Elbow Cay itself is a small island, 7-8 miles long from north tip to south, comprised of various "neighborhoods" (Lucayos, White Sound, Dorros Cove), resort areas, etc. Elbow Cay was populated by British loyalists who escaped the newly independent United States in the 1780's. For years, the people of Elbow Cay survived on boat building and salvage. Tourism, obviously, is key to the island people's long-term well being. Hope Town is the settlement on this speck of land and is worth visiting if in the area. Hope Town was named, in part, by a widow from South Carolina by the name of Wyannie Malone. Being from South Carolina, there is an obvious connection with the island that is very much admired and appreciated. The harbour area is a busy place, but boasts incredible views as you watch the boats come in after a fun day at sea. Furthermore, the Elbow Reef Lighthouse dominates the harbour; 89 feet high and 101 steps to the top. This is a must see when visiting the island. Look for a blog covering the lighthouse after we visit later in our trip. Whether you take the upper or lower road, you are sure to receive a friendly wave or hello as you walk the streets of Hope Town. Several restaurants make home at the harbour's edge and you are sure to enjoy several gift shops and stores along your route. This morning, we visited Cap'n Jacks for breakfast and then walked around the settlement before it turned hot and humid later in the day. Who were we kidding, it was hot already! I would always recommend a morning and late afternoon/evening stroll. Park your cart at the post office dock and walk from the nurse's station and Methodist church all the way to the kissing chairs at the harbour's entrance. Still, the settlement has a definite charm about it and it's rustic beauty calls to us through the years. We call it Mayberry in the islands; taken from our favorite show, Andy Griffith. 


 Cap'n Jacks for breakfast, lunch of dinner. Always something fun going on here 
including bingo and trivia nights


The Picturesque Elbow Reef Lighthouse


Upper or Lower?


St. James Methodist Church


Our Favorite Beach is Accessed Next to St. James Methodist Church


National Tree of the Bahamas


Cholera Cemetery and Monument to Those Lost at Sea

Spot Where First Loyalists Landed on the Island


One of the Fire Rescue Stations on the Island


 Basketball Anyone?


Great Artifacts Here


Vernon's Grocery - Where He Makes His Masterpieces 


Best "Fast Food" on the Island at Munchies



Plenty of Shopping on the Island


Moore's Musings:
  • Harbour's Edge is now closes at 6:00 P.M. I am not sure of the details of the decision to do so, but the Edge was a favorite spot of many for dinner. 
  • Cap'n Jacks has a breakfast that is underrated. Great way to start the day! 
  • Everyone has their favorite shops. I always seem to find what I need in the way of souvenirs and keepsakes at Iggy Biggy. 
  • Make sure you stop by Vernon's and grab some of his homemade bread or pies. Trust me, you will smell them before you see them. 
  • The museum in the settlement has some incredible artifacts including pictures of the area after several major hurricanes. 
  • One of our favorite things to do is to notice rental home locations and names along our walk. We tuck those away in case we may be interested for future vacations. 

Video Update from Cap'n Jacks:

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