Where to go

[Banana Wind]

Greetings from snowy Cincinnati:)

I have been to Freeport and Nassau several times and have truly grown to love the culture of the Bahamas. This year in June I will be staying in Marsh Harbor for the first time. Can anyone tell me where to find the great restaurants and local bars? I will be renting a boat for the week and would also appreciate information on places to just unwind with the day weather it be a quite place to snorkel or lay on a beach.

Thanks so much....
Joe

[CATNAPSzzz]

First of all, if you are not already aware of this, there is no comparison between a vacation in Abaco and a vacation in Freeport or Nassau. Different atmosphere, mind set and surroundings. No cassinos either.

By boat the easy trips are to Guana, Man O' War, Hope Town and Lubber's.
Any bar or restaurant that you go to on these cays has something to be said for it (no bars in MOW). For snorkeling and beaches Guana and Hope Town offer the most. You can also boat to Mermaid Reef on the eastern shore of Marsh Harbour as well as a couple of other reefs such as Sandy Cay (a bit of a run) and the reef opposite Scotland Cay.

In Marsh Harbour there are plenty of restaurant/bars within walking distance. Wally's, Sapodilly's, Snappas, Mangoes, and Conch Inn. A bit further you have Boat Harbour and across the harbour the Jib Room.

Suggest you bring a handheld VHF for your boating around and in case your quarters do not have a VHF supplied. Listen to the Cruisers Net at 8:15AM on Ch. 68 when most of the eating/drinking establishments will tell you what's up that day or days in advance-events, specials etc.

Enjoy.

[Banana Wind]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I have printed the info you have offered and I am truly grateful.

[Rock Steady]

Joe,
We live in Akron. Email me direct if I can help.

c

[Agur's Wish]

Another good idea is to get Steve Dodge's Guide to the Abacos. It's geared toward cruisers but has a lot of info on restaurants, bars,fishing, diving and snorkeling areas and other services available It also has a convenient phonebook section at the back.

[elcahun]

Read through the board. There are plenty of threads that discuss the various aspects. Look for "Trip Reports" (like mine) that recount different places and activities.

Then visit here often and read. I knew nothing about Abaco before finding this place. By the time we got there I felt like a seasoned visitor, down to knowing people's names at various establishments.

Like they say, Abaco isn't for sissies. But if you are the right person for it you will long to return time and again.

Don't know where you are renting a boat but I had great fortune with Blue Wave.

[DrRalph]

Go to http://www.************/index.html (http://www.************/index.html)

[Banana Wind]

Thanks to all who have replied to my questions. Your answers have been most helpful. Looking forward to a time in June.