Traveling With Group, September 3-10 Options

[cmt489]

Hello all,

I have the allustrious duty of acting as social coordinator for a dive group trip that I will be attending in the next couple of weeks. Our days will be taken up with diving but I have been granted to "duty" of inquiring into bars, nightclubs and restaurants. We will likely be a loud bunch, looking to enjoy ourselves. There are 16 of us in total.

We are staying at the True Blue Resort.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Michelle

[Anse]

Wecome to the board Michelle.

Are there any special requests you are looking for ?

There are many posts here with suggestions on restaurants and nightime activities. Almost all of them if not all would be able of handling a group your size.
Search thru some posts, or let us know in more detail what you desire. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[cmt489]

Thanks for the welcome!

I am sure that we will be spending some time at the resort restaurants and bars (especially since I saw that they came recommended) but everyone likes to break free once in a while. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

While I have not personally travelled with these people before, it is my understanding that it does get loud so I am thinking some of the higher end places may be out (but I am happy to be wrong!)

I think we will probably be looking for places that are a little more casual given that divers are not known for packing their Sunday best while travelling as we tend to have one mission in mind - to dive!

Personally I like to go places where locals and tourists mix. I hate being in a place that is strickly tourists as I feel that I ought to have simply spent my money at home if I am doing this. Do you have any good suggestions that will meet these three criteria:

1. Accepting of more casual dress;
2. Will not be annoyed by a loud bunch of people; and
3. Has a mix of tourists and locals so that there is at least a bit of a local flare?

Thanks again!

M

[Anse]

Michelle,

Nice picture on the diving board. Is that you ? (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I think you will find that many of the locations in Grenanda are accepting of casual dress. I guess the best way to sum up dress rules is that you should not wear a swimsuit inside at most locations without a cover-up, and the men should have a shirt on as well. While you may see that pants are encouraged at dinner, shorts are accepted as well at many many places.

Most places again do not mind a loud group as long as the group is loud from having fun. Grenadians are very friendly in general, and love to have a good time. Buy a round, and you will have plenty of new freinds. Smile, and say "hi", and you will be re-payed 1000 times over in general.

You will find local flare just about everywhere you go. Grenada is not a mega resort destination, it is very much unlike a "resort" destination, and therin lies the beauty.

One place for sure that you will want to visit is Coconuts in the Lance Aux Epines area, not far from True Blue. Also, Fantasia nightclub is a great place, but it will be heavily attended by locals.

I am sure that you can find one of the many local rum shops to drop in at, make sure you experience that, and ask if they have any "Mountain Dew", or "Under De Counter" rum.

My top pick for good dining for you and your group, and call ahead to make reservations, is at Boots Cuisine. Call Boots or his wife Ruby, tell them that "Big Daddy" sent you, and have him cook you up a meal that you will not forget. If you need the number, let me know.

Take the group down to the Grenada Grand Resort before sunset, and enjoy a sunset at the Poolside bar, it sits directly on Grand Anse Beach. It is a great location to check out.

[cmt489]

Anse,

Yes, that is me... Of course, it was my brother's wedding so my makeup had been done special... (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Thanks for your great tips! I will definitely be using them!

I will be down before most of the group (I arrive on the 1st) so I will see if I can find out contact information for Boots. If I can't I will definitely be reposting to get it! (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I am really excited about my trip to Grenada. I have only heard wonderful things about it!

Michelle

[Anse]

Michelle,

First things first. Has the E-Bay auction ended yet ? Is there still time to bid (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


Just a few things after reading posts over on your board.

1. I would pass on the moped / scooter idea for your first trip to Grenada. Once you see the local roads / drivers / hills, you will understand. Cabs are not that expensive & local busses are plentiful. I have a great cab driver I use often, his cab is nicknamed "Naked", and that should fit in well with the Twister players in your group. His name is Cosmos, Cell 473 449 8883.
I have found that if you find a good driver, and use him exclusively, he will cut you a good deal on fares & Cosmos knows how to take care of a customer. Let me know if you need help contacting him, I stay in touch with him & his family. I did not see that anyone had arranged for transport from the airport to the hotel, that is something you may want to consider ahead of time. There are plenty of cabs at the airport, but I prefer to arrange for a van & a driver I know. Some charge more after dark for the trip from the airport, a good taxi / tour driver will wave that if you work things out in advance.

2. Great idea & my hats off to your group for the toy idea. School supplies are also very much appreciated & education is a important thing to Grenadian children.

3. US currency is fine, always ask if a price is quoted in US or EC. The exchange rate is usually 2.67 E.C. for $1 U.S. I prefer to carry E.C., but U.S. is accepted almost everywhere, with change sometimes given in E.C.

4. Your group will definately like Bananas! If anyone is interested in a hike, Cosmos can help you, or ask here and Monja will give you some pointers. She KNOWS anything you could need for a great hiking experience. Also, Neil, her husband knows a thing or two about diving & you may even run into him in Grenada.

If anyone is around on Saturday mornings & diving is not scheduled, take a trip into St Georges to the market. It is open every day, but Saturday is the best.

Some in your group would love a tour of the River Antoine Distillery, where they make overproof rum. You also see a bit of the island on your way there. The falls at Annandale or Concord are great for first time visitors 7 you can tie in a hike if you want to see more falls such as Seven Sisters.

5. Have WW check with the hotel on the power issue. Current in Grenada is different & you need a power converter at many places. Anyone trying to charge camera's / computers etc... may need a converter. I am not sure if True Blue has hair dryers in the rooms, so the ladies may want to check that out along with the power converters.

6. If Patricks Restaurant is open, I think your group would enjoy dinner there, if you are wanting to sample a little bit of many local dishes. It is served homestyle, you need to call ahead though. Again, let me know as I would be happy to call Patrick myself to make sure things go smoothly for your group.

7. You will not need your Vampire Bat in Grenada. Just take a trip to the hardware store and pick up a cutlass. They make nice souvineers (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[cmt489]

Wow! You have been amazing with the information! Thank you so so much!!!!! I have provided a link to this thread from our board for those on the trip. I am sure that they will find this information extremely useful!

Thanks again!!!!! (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Oh yeah, I believe the auction is over but feel free to join us in a game of Twister! (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Anse]

It sure sounds like a fun time. I wish I could make it, I would play tour guide in exchange for drinks (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Here is a link to a post I made a while back about Boots Cuisine. It includes the phone number.

Boots Cuisine

Be sure to click on my link below if you want to see some pictures. They were all taken just before Ivan, so some things have changed. I was hoping to make a trip for new pictures this month, but it does not look promising. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[Anse]

Here is required "homework" for any good diver on a first trip to Grenada. Search out and sample at least each one of these rums, as well as finding some "Mountain Dew"& "Under De Counter" rum. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

(IMG:http://ryanrocketracing.com/Grenada/5_22_2004%20001R.jpg)

Here is a sunset cloud view from True Blue that I like
(IMG:http://ryanrocketracing.com/images/DSC00903.JPG)

[cmt489]

LOL!! We really are a keen bunch so I am pretty sure that we will be aiming for straight "A"s on our homework!

This post has been edited by cmt489: Aug 26 2005, 01:36 AM

[Neil]

Hi Michelle,

seems like Anse has everything covered...including necessary refreshments :blink:
One small change you might want to take note of...Coconuts is located on the Grand Anse beach...actually only a few feet away from the shore. I think Anse was trying to tell you about Bananas, which is located in True Blue, not far from the Resort.......maybe...will have to check with him on that <_<
Definitely go with 'Naked' for the transfer from the airport....he is excellent and would be willing to take you other places, which would work out much more convenient than finding a taxi after doing some serious sampling from the local breweries (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Diving should be great..would recommend you check out the Bianca C (wreck) and Purple Rain (wall dive). Word of advice...make sure that you always carry a surface marker so the boat can keep track of you at all times. We have some pretty strong currents here sometimes, so its best to be careful. Do not rely solely on an smb which you deploy at the end of the dive, regardless of what your divemaster says.
Shark reef is always worth checking out, and if you happen to get the chance, King Mitch (wreck dive) and Shakem.
Boss reef is a nice beginners dive too, and Flamingo Bay is worth the trip.
Hope you have a wonderful time and if you can't find something, just drop us a line...i'm sure someone will have an answer for you
(IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[cmt489]

Thanks again you guys! You have been amazing! I have provided a link on our board to this thread and people are thrilled with the information that you have provided! It is always great to receive the voice of experience when traveling to a new destination!

[Anse]

(IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) Yes, Bananas was what I had in mind, as it is close by True Blue, and it is a happening spot for nightlife. Coconuts or Coconut Beach is a restaurant on Grand Anse that is a good dining spot, known for their lobster which will be in season on September 1, just in time .

[Anse]

Michelle,

Tell Neptuner that the ferry trip to Carriacou, & then on to Petit Martinique is a good thing to do if you have time. Herte is a link to info on the Osprey Express
Osprey Express

Also, he is correct in my opinion about it being better to carry E.C. vs U.S. Every now and again, you will find someone who does not want to give you as good as an exchange rate as they should. Banks are the best place to exchange currency, although many of the hotels do this as a courtesy. I just use the ATM machines. If you use travelers checques, you will pay a small "stamp" fee for each checque, so larger denominations are slightly more economical, but only a few cents here and there. Most places take credit cards, so you should have no worries.

Just curious, and this is for WW, or B2B, but what Grenada officials have you been in contact with in regards to getting toys to the kids ? Whatever you do, make sure that they are handed directly to the kids, not given to the government. Monja or Neil could be a great help to you if you want to make sure that truely needy kids are getting the gifts. You need to understand how things work in Grenada for this statement ot really make sense, but I hope you don't mind my insiders view on this subject. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Anse]

One more last thought, if any of your group is interested, I am sure that we could set up a time in the next couple of days that we could meet in the chat room for some instant question & answers. I'm sure that I could round up a few people here on the forum to give you some answers. Just let us know if anyone is interested & I will lay off the rum that day (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)