Ins & Outs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - 2023

66 DISCOVERBEQUIA Ou t a n d Ab out Belmont Walkway Photo: Wilfred Dederer The Windward Side This side of the island is the most fertile, and it was here in the 18th and 19th centuries that several of Bequia’s nine sugar plantations were situated. Located at ‘The Mill’ is the home of Grenadine Wild Sea Salt . They host tours, talks, tastings and private events around all things culinary and creative. They have restored the ancient ruins of The Old Sugar Mill which dates back to the late 17th century, set in a tranquil, park-like setting with their 140 patented solar evaporation stills. As part of Spring Plantation – where sugar, indigo, arrowroot, cassava and copra were once produced – it is most likely the oldest structure on the island. Open: 7 days a week 10am-5pm. WhatsApp: (212) 741-8318 Firefly Estate at Spring offers cross country golf and estate tours in a remarkably beautiful setting. Located beyond Spring and Industry, at Park Beach, ‘Brother’ King nurtures endangered Hawksbill turtles of all sizes. Port Elizabeth This town is nestled along the waterfront of Admiralty Bay and rises into the surrounding hills. A number of brightly coloured shops, houses, restaurants, small hotels and guest-houses complete the picturesque scene. While wandering around the harbour, look out for the ‘House of Parliament’ – the local name given to the shaded waterfront area under the almond trees, where the island’s talented artists and craftspeople display their wares and taxis assemble to collect and deposit passengers. Belmont Walkway A delightful continuous coastal path that meanders along the south shore of Admiralty Bay, with a number of inviting little bars and restaurants all along the way. Continuing on from the walkway is the Princess Margaret Coastal Trail leading to Princess Margaret beach. The latter part of this coastal trail was damaged during high seas in 2018 but the beach is still accessible using the old path that hugs the cliff. At the end of Princess Margaret beach there is another trail over the hill to Lower Bay just beyond. Paget Farm As you make your way west along the winding southside road you’ll eventually come to the colourful fishing community of Paget Farm, where there are beautiful views across the sea to the uninhabited islands of Petit Nevis, site of the old whaling station, and Isle a Quatre. The James F. Mitchell Airport which was opened in 1992 is also nearby. Friendship Bay On the south coast is Friendship Bay and St. Hilaire Point, where many a Bequia boat has taken shape along the shores. Indeed the famous Friendship Rose that offers old time schooner tours to the Tobago Cays was built here.