Best Birthday in Antigua

While some people might pity me that my husband is deployed again for my birthday, I chose to make the best of the situation!  I decided to celebrate in Antigua.  The sunshine warms you like a great big hug, the beautiful blue water entices you to swim and the people make you want to stay.  I am hooked.

I had only been here about 10 days and one of the neighbors – Mandy the Magnificent – offered to take me out for my birthday.  She drove us to English Harbor about 30 minutes away and we passed the morning at Nelson’s Dockyard.  It is a beautiful historic area with eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings that were once a very important part of naval history in the Caribbean.

We were able to park for free just outside the entrance and we didn’t have to pay to enter.  I have heard some people have had to pay but we walked right in through the gate.  I understand if you eat in any of the restaurants they waive the fee, as well as, many other reasons.

We headed straight to the Copper and Lumber Restaurant (it’s in the back of very nice hotel) where we had a lovely view of the marina.  The breakfast menu was quite good and the prices were very reasonable (25 EC for a huge 2-person breakfast).  We had a lovely time and the food was delicious.  We then walked around and visited the nice, free museum (donations encouraged) that is filled with artifacts from the British Navy.

We walked around the harbor admiring the beautiful boats, the very pretty hotels and restaurants – it would be a great place to stay for a night or two.  We stopped by the bakery (which is supposed to be very good according to my local guide) where I bought my daughter some chocolate cake.  Of course I also bought some great souvenirs to remind me of a fantastic birthday.

On the way out of town we stopped at “Sweet T’s”, a local favorite place for ice cream.  Wow, it was really nice on such a hot day.

After nap (you gotta nap during the heat of the day here) we got a ride to Coconut Grove.  It’s a great little beach bar and restaurant on Dickinson Bay, a few doors from the Sandals Resort.  They say there are 365 beaches – all are public here.  There were some people on the beach, including two children Ellie’s age.  They had the best time playing and then we watched the sunset and had a fantastic dinner. My cioppino was perfect, Ellie’s pasta was yummy.  For my birthday they brought out a dessert with a candle and played happy birthday.

One of the best birthdays ever!