Thursday, August 16, 2012

Fort Frederick and Fort Matthew

View of St. George's from Fort Frederick.
Just like the other forts in Grenada, Fort Frederick was constructed in efforts to protect national territorial interest.  At the time of its construction, the English, French, Dutch, and Spanish all had their eye on Grenada with aims to reap wealth from its rich agricultural produce.

Unfortunately, in 1983, America mistakenly bombed Fort Frederick, instead of their main target, Fort Matthew.  Fort Frederick was home to many mental patients at the time.

If you're looking for breathtaking views of Grenada, including lush vegetation and magnificent scenic cityscapes and landscapes, Fort Frederick is the place to be.

Next door you'll find Fort Matthew, yet another interesting and beautifully structured fort, ideal for historians, nature lovers, and tourist alike.  Aside from having a fun journey through its tunnels and ruins, you can also lounge and relax at Ft. Matthew's mini bar that recently re-opened.  It is located on the lower level of the fort.  They have great smoothies (I had a virgin Pina Colada MmmMM), great cocktails (so I've been told so by my friends), and fresh food (bakes and fried chicken and fish).  

Getting there:
*By Local bus:  Take the Grand Anse Bus to Texaco.  Walk up around the corder towards the roundabout to the local bus stop. Catch a #1 bus to St. George's bus terminal (last stop 2.50EC).  From there, ask someone where you can find a Morne Jaloux bus. Hop on and let them know that you want to get to Ft. Frederick.

*By Taxi: ~25EC (~10USD).  Here are a couple of dependable drivers that I like to ride with: Phillip (473) 416-2546

*By Car:
From Grand Anse (IGA), drive towards Food Fair (from roundabout in front of field, pass local bus stop, vendors and banks).  Keep on driving on the same road (keeping straight), past Port Louis (first body of water on left with boats, past the next stop light after the one in front of Food Fair), until you come to another roundabout (you should see the Tropicana hotel on the corner).  Fork to the right towards a three way road with a stop light.  Turn left at the stop light until you reach another roundabout.  Fork to the right up the hill instead of going straight.  Keep driving for a few more min. (you should notice gradual inclining up the moutain)... until you come to another roundabout.  Fork to the right towards the hospital (look at signs). From there, drive a bit more till you find a steep hill/road entrance to your immediate right.  Take a sharp right. and creep all the way up.  From there, you will see signs.  There will be two openings, take the one on the right (away from the brick arch) and park on the side.  Note:  If you find yourself all the way up the moutain right next to local bars on your right, you've gone too far.  Turn around and you will run into the steep hill on your left after a left curve down.

*Fees:
Entrance fees vary depending on time of year and who you go with.  During off peak seasons in small numbers, they expect more of a donation.  During peak season in large numbers, they will more than likely charge you per person fees (~less than 5EC a person).

Click HERE for further reading on the history of Grenada's forts.

Alice, our tour guide for Ft. Frederick.  In this picture, she tells us of her experiences during hurricane Ivan.

Fort Matthew
*Cool scenery including ruin like buildings, tunnels, and breathtaking views.
*Mini Bar open late night- they have the best Pina Colada smoothie/biggest serving by far in Grenada and it's the cheapest too (5EC for virgin, 8EC with alcohol).
*Chicken Wings for sale- 50 wings with drumette attached + 3 regular sized plates of fries---> 120EC...was split between 8 people.  What a deal!   
*During the holidays, they decorate (see picture below)
*highly suggested
*Hours and days of Operation Vary.
Mini Bar. Now Opened!
My great friend Angela, advising you to -watch out for the enormous moths!- hahahaha

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Magazine Beach, The Aquarium, and The Grenadian Resort

Magazine beach is one of my all time favorite beaches ever.  I just can't get enough of its friendly warm sun, beachfront restaurant, vibrant beauty, tranquil breeze, and clear blue waters... (amongst a long list of many other things) .   
Things to do at Magazine Beach:
Snorkel
Collect sea glass for projects
Dine at the Aquarium
Picnic 
Take underwater pictures
Tan
Write messages in the sand
Play Frisbee with your loved ones (including your little dog pal)
Look for cool seashells and coral
Write Poetry, paint, arts and crafts
Take loads of photographs
Watch the sunset
Daydream
Take a nap
Relax
Catch up on text messages or calls
Yoga, soccer, exercise
Getting There:
Magazine Beach is conveniently located ~ 5-10 10min. away from Saint George's University. 
*By bus:
Take the E bus (Frequente) and get off at The Grenadian Rex resort (just let your bus driver know).  Follow the pavement down, past the front check in desk (to your right), past a beautiful garden, and all the way down a little green hill to the beach. 

*By car:

Drive past the airport and go right at the round-a-bout.  Turn right at the dead end and go down the big hill to park.  If your car doesn't handle hills well, you can park at the top and walk down.

*By Taxi: ~25EC (~10USD).  Here are a couple of dependable drivers that I like to ride with: Morain (473) 536-2220 (sedan), Elmus (473) 418-8295 (van).


The Aquarium Restaurant 
(facing the water, turn left. located at the end of the beach)

Dining on a beachfront with a spectacular view is hard to come by so I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and decided to dine in with a few friends.  Overall, the whole experience was enjoyable and I would suggest for everyone to experience beachfront dining at least once in their lives.  The food was great, but at the end, when it comes to food, the Beach House Restaurant is my preferred choice for fine dining in Grenada.  I must add... The Aquarium sure knows how to cook fish.  I highly suggest ordering any type of fish dishes they have on their menu.  If you're trying to save a few bucks but still want to try this restaurant out, try dropping in during lunch hours for some lower priced meals.

***Tip: If you plan on eating dinner late night, I highly suggest wearing pants... or at least spray yourself generously with insect repellent (Non-deet type repellent doesn't work for me, but I don't want to poison myself with deet... so I always wear pants at night)


-Cuisines:  Caribbean, American
-Location:  Point Salines Beach | Magazine BeachSt. George'sGrenada
-Hours:  Open daily from 10am.  Closed Mondays
-Phone:  (473) 444-1410
-Price Range: $-$$$
-Attire: Lunch- casual; Dinner; Semi Formal

Accommodations at the Grenadian 
Click HERE for the Grenadian Resort Website- Online information and booking

Click HERE for a currency converter- EC to USD
Angela in front of the Grenadian

Front of the Grenadian
This way to the Aquarium!
Admiring beauty.
Ahhhhhhh, Real Brains!
Duck Breast
Rack of Lamb MmMM. Tender.
Mango Smoothie. I approve.


P.S. Don't forget to bring your trusty, stylin, Ray Bans!

Categorized under "Things to do, Sights to See"

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