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71°F / 21°C
(Passing Clouds. Mild.)
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If you can't find daytime and nighttime entertainment in Freeport and Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama, you probably are held up in your hotel room. And you shouldn't be, as the beautiful beaches and swaying palms of Grand Bahama provides the visitor a multitude of opportunities for fun—from music to water sports, unique dining experiences to shopping. This is where entertainment takes the shape of everything from eco-tourism to discos.
So where do you start? In Freeport, the largest population center on the island. Barely off the plane or boat, that's where it begins—it starts with nature, and ends with nightlife.
First go to the Hydroflora Gardens, a four-acre facility that contains spectacular species grown hydroponically. Go to East Beach Drive. The plants are what you would hope you could grow in your garden but can't. In the same vein, hit the Rand Nature Centre on East Settlers Way, a forest with birds you will not see elsewhere. It's named for James Rand, an industrialist who donated to Grand Bahama a hospital and school that bears his name.
Like shopping? The International Bazaar on Sunrise Highway is not even close to being bizarre. In fact, it's quite comprehensive, as good a mall you will find anywhere, with Tommy H. and other name brands for sale at costs much more inexpensive than you would find in your hometown mall. It's a one-acre complex with 90 thriving shops and 13 restaurants developed 25 years ago. Nearby is a straw market and perfume factory where you can design and name your own fragrance.
Shopping, though, is not restricted to the big International Bazaar. You need to go to the smaller Straw Market behind the International Bazarre. That's where you’ll key in on everything Bahamian, from red, white and green bags to earrings to hair-braiding to pipes! It’s where everyone calls you mon. Same thing at the Straw Market at Port Lucaya, where 12 structures house numerous buildings offering everything from wooden carvings to jewelry to the quintessential Bahamas bags. And like at the Freeport market, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is a place not only to shop, but also to hang out and chat with the locals to get a real feel for the place. Port Lucaya Marketplace & Marina is a 12-acre waterfront complex comprised of 55 duty-free shops and 32 restaurants. This is where you are likely to catch local entertainment in Count Basie Square at the site. An interesting side note: The hair-braiders are unionized.
The more adventuresome amongst us will avoid the big shopping sites and take a trip off the beaten path, down the narrow lanes to find out where the residents do their buying.
If water sports are your thing, you are in the right place. Numerous dive operators will take you to reefs shallow and deep, even on shark, wreck and cave dives. Certification is not only required but smart, since you have to know what you are doing in an environment strange to most, namely, relying on artificial apparatus to keep you breathing. The last thing you want—and your operator needs—is to be involved in a dive accident. There also are numerous opportunities for jet ski rentals, charter fishing, parasailing, snorkeling and shelling.
Golfing can be found at some of the larger resorts, but you're likely required to be a guest to use their courses. In addition, there is horseback riding at the Pinetree Stables, with experienced guides leading the way. It's a great ride, along the shore of the Williams Town beach.
The kids will love Pirates of the Bahamas, on Jolly Roger Drive. It has beach parties, mini golf, water sports and more.
And nightlife? Well, there more than you can probably handle. From the funky locals' joints to the massive casino, there's something for everyone.
Start with food. The cost-conscious amongst you might want to think about avoiding the restaurants at the big hotels. More than one will charge USD 9 for a simple burger.
Geneva's Place (East Mall Drive +1 242 352 5085) is basic, but it's a good place to get a feel for the locals, since the clientele is mostly working folks. Fish is the main deal here. It's on East Mall Drive, a main thoroughfare. The Bahamia Towers (formerly The Bahamas Princess Resort & Casino), and Casino has Morgan's Bluff. But it's no bluff at the eatery named for one of the most famous pirates to ply Bahamian waters. This is laid-back, and the conch dishes, from chowder to fritters, are musts for those who have never tasted the meat from the mollusks. Becky's at the International Mall will fill you full of calories to get you ready for the long day ahead. Also at the International Mall is the Pub on the Mall, sort of a food court, Bahamian style. Other places to sample are Freddie’s, Native and Outriggers.
More upscale is the Ruby Swiss European Restaurant, where they cook right at your table while other diners crane your way to see the marvel you've ordered. Steak is a biggy here, and for good reason: The meat melts in your mouth. And the low lights combined with the cool jazzy guitar work of the musicians giving your meal a soundtrack makes it perfect for couples. Wine, however, can be pricey. Also try Pier One and watch the sharks feed.
When the food is gone, it's time to play. And you need to know the words Junkanoo and Goombay. Junkanoo and Goombay festivals are basically huge parties celebrating Bahamian culture and history. They include island dancing, music and other entertainment, as well as some serious local food, and are held at various locales not only on Grand Bahama but throughout the Bahamas chain. But they don't happen every night.
So-called party cruises, popular in any tropical or subtropical region, head out for sunsets from a variety of locations. But be careful: That sun beating down before it goes down increases your inebriation substantially. But you don't need liquor for the fun.
For theater buffs, the Freeport Players Guild plays during its winter-spring season at the Regency Theatre, as do the Grand Bahamas Players, also working out of the Regency.
One of the best spots for entertainment is Count Basie Square, next to the Port Lucaya Straw Market. A typical show in the outdoor theater, surrounded by taverns and restaurants for easy nourishment, consists of a roller-skating limbo artist who goes as low under the bar as two beer bottles while carrying a child or virtually on fire. There also are the Island Dancers, a group of four young women who basically are the Pips to the house band's Gladys Knight. Kids are in abundance, but it all depends on the weather. Another good native show is at the Yellowbird Showroom at Castaways Resort.
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