Think of The Bahamas and immediately one is reminded of college kids on spring break or hordes of tourists at mega-resorts. But a visit to Elbow Cay, one of the many small islands and cays that make up the Bahamian archipelago, might change your preconceived notions. While its tiny size is not uncommon, its New England-meets-the tropics ambience is out of the ordinary. Pastel clapboard cottages, hot pink bouganvillea, and a 120-foot-tall candy-striped lighthouse are high points of Hope Town, Abaco’s largest settlement, where walking and bicycling are the mian modes of transportation.
Sarah Latta, writing for Coastal Living magazine, sums up a few of the finer points of this 6-mile-long island (population 400).
Small Town Charm
With just nine restaurants, three groceries, a handful of shops, and enough other comforts to feel private yet not isolated, Elbow Cay makes for an alluring island getaway.
Take a Stroll
Motorized traffic in Hope Town is prohibited, so islanders travel mostly on foot or by bike on small lanes.
Buy Bahamian Crafts
You’ll find a full array of authentically Bahamian items such as this hand-dyed Batik fabric, jewelery, clothing, gifts and art.
Chow Down on Bahamian Food
Try the various conch and freshly caught seafood dishes at the island restaurants.
Island-hop
Explore nearby cays by boat. Hot spots worth stopping at: Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill on Great Guana Cay (go for the Sunday pig roast), the U-shaped, sugary sand beach on Treasure Cay, and Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay (home to the original Goombay Smash cocktail).
For more information on Abaco’s Elbow Cay, follow the link below.
