My love for the Bahamas is one that started early in life, as it was one of my Dad's favorite places to go and a place we visited often. I cherish all the memories I have with my Dad but credit him as to why I love the Bahamas so much and chose it as the destination for our wedding.
Hope Town is on Elbow Cay which is the outermost island of a chain of islands known as the “Out Islands” of the Bahamas. Hope Town is quaint, unique, charming and it was love at first sight for me when I first visited there many years ago. I introduced Nathan to Hope Town last summer and he too fell in love and finally understood what I had been talking about over the years with my many 'Hope Town' stories, as there are a lot! More so, Hope Town has historical roots to South Carolina. The settlement at Hope Town was founded in 1785, in part, by a widow from South Carolina named Wyannie Malone. She was one of many British colonists fleeing Charleston at the end of the Revolutionary War.
So thanks Dad, Wyannie and most of all Nathan... as all of you were key parts that have led us to this beautiful place and the location of our wedding, January 11, 2020. Yay!
HOPE TOWN LIGHTHOUSE
Visiting the famous candy- striped light house is a must while visiting Hope Town. Just 101 steps to the top and you will experience the most spectacular view of Elbow Cay and Hope Town Harbour. There is also a historical significance as it remains the only kerosene powered, hand cranked lighthouse left in the world. History, culture and beauty sum up a visit to the Elbow Reef Lighthouse!
TAHITI BEACH
Located on the southern tip of Elbow Cay, this secluded beach is accessible only via foot, bike or boat and one of my favorite places as you feel as if you have the whole beach to yourself. More so, venture to Tahiti Beach during low tide and you will find an endless sandbar and lots to explore!
If you are at all interested in or enjoy off shore fishing, the Bahamas is the place to do it! Instead of that fun 3 hour boat ride to make it offshore of Charleston, you can do in the Bahamas in just 20 minutes or less! The last time we visited, we did a charter through Local Boy (picture above) and it was the best! Below are some of the local contacts for day charters, whether you want to go for just a few hours or the whole day, they have all the options!
Local Boy - Deep Sea Fishing- PH: 242.366.0528
Salt Weapon Charters- Deep Sea Fishing- PH: 242.366.0245
Down Deep- Deep Sea Fishing- PH: 242.366.3143
SeaGull Charters- Deep Sea Fishing- PH: 242.366.0266
Lucky Strike- Deep Sea or Reef Fishing- PH: 242.366.0101
A quick boat ride away lays No Name Cay, where you can meet, feed & swim with local wild pigs. Take a day trip or do some island hopping with a guide and include the pigs in your itinerary!
You pretty much can't go wrong wherever you choose to go in the Abacos! I would seriously list every restaurant/ bakery/ coffee shop/ grocer as my favorite because they are all amazing and have their own specialties and unique qualities that make you fall more and more in love with the island with each visit.
Below are just a few of the 'off the beaten path' yet legendary, must visit establishments in Hope Town!
VERNON'S BAKERY
While the experience may seem somewhat odd and the customer service a little less than hospitable in comparison to our southern roots, Vernon's is a staple in Hope Town for fresh bread and seriously the best key lime pie you will ever have. Simply put, you must go there to understand what I mean!
ON DA BEACH BAR AND GRILL
Nathan's favorite place to eat on the island by far.... the Bahamian Mac and Cheese and the jerk fish melt won him over for life as he talks about these food items quite frequently! On Da Beach Bar and Grill somehow ended up being right next to our rental house on our last trip to Hopetown last year. To say we frequented this establishment often would be an understatement. Definitely a one of a kind, laid back, island time type of bar but the food and drinks and view are some of the best on the island!
FIREFLY RESORT
Firefly Sunset Resort was developed by the same people behind the Wadmalaw- based distillery just outside of Charleston (SC) and is best known for their Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. After the vodka came Firefly Resort on Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. It has excellent food, drinks, and the best view of the Sea of Abaco. It has a hint of Southern/ Charleston culture mixed into the local culture of the Abacos that makes this place special. At Firefly Resort, they have manifested the Abaco Islands and Charleston’s shared devotion to a leisurely lifestyle based around time on the water. It is a must see while visiting Elbow Cay!