Green Turtle Cay
PRESIDENTIAL mum Ms. Lillian Carter helped put Green Turtle Cay on the map when she visited this postcard pretty town in the ‘80s.The nurse/turned peace corps worker/turned U.S. ambassador for the Carter administrator feasted on Bahamian seafood at the home of locals, then was given a tour of the community.
In the popular Blue Bee Bar, she gallantly grabbed a local constable’s arm and gave him a spin on the ‘dance floor.’
It was a love affair meant to happen.
The town fell in love with Ms. Lillian and Ms. Lillian fell in love with the town.
Since then Green Turtle Cay has played host to people from diverse backgrounds, Jimmy Buffet and Willie Nelson, to name only a couple.
Green Turtle Cay is a postcard pretty village of quaint Cape Cod like cottages, and fun eating spots and pubs.
The town of New Plymouth is home to artist Alton Lowe, the Albert Lowe Museum, New Plymouth Inn (180 years old) and the historical Sculpture Gardens.
The waters off Green Turtle Cay were once a habitat for green turtles and sponges. Today the island’s popular with fishermen, scuba divers and explorers. It’s a golf cart, bicycle, white picket fence island of gorgeous beaches and outdoor grills.
The population is a mere 450. Located about 4.5 miles by boat from Treasure Cay, transport is by ferry. There are three hotels, five marinas and various vacation rentals.
Green Turtle is a beachcomber’s delight. There are gorgeous beaches throughout. Check out Gilliam Bay, Bit Bay and the north end of Green Turtle.
The waters off Coca Bay, protected and shallow, are a child’s delight.
The Albert Lowe Museum is a must visit. It’s the oldest in the Bahamas. And Schooners Gallery features oils by the well-known Bahamian artist, Alton Lowe.
Put the Memorial Sculpture Gardens on your ‘To Do’ list. Laid out in the pattern on a British flag, it holds the busts of prominent local residents, and highlights the history and contributions of the British Loyalists, their offspring and the offspring of slaves.
Of course, you haven’t really been to Green Turtle Cay if you haven’t visited Ms. Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, the oldest bar in Abaco. It opened in 1957.
Ms. Emily (deceased) invented the Goombay Smash, that delicious (but wicked) concoction of rum, coconut, pineapple and whatever other secret ingredients make up that frothy delight.
A word to the wise – Beware!
Check out the 27-year-old group Gully Roosters at the Green Turtle Club every Wednesday night and The Bluff House every Tuesday.
If you’re on Green Turtle on New Year’s Day, you can ‘rush’ alongside the Junkanoo group and shake to the sound of whistles, goatskin drums, horns and cowbells.
May is a favourite time for many of our visitors.
Why? Because it’s when we host of Island Roots Festival and the town comes alive with art shows, music, plays and stalls with the most delicious food.
New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay was founded in the late 1700s. The islanders are proud of their British Loyalist heritage and African roots. Green Turtle is a happy blend of both cultures and their heritage is reflected in the entertainment at festival time.
During the first weekend of May, Green Turtle salutes its ties to Key West with the Island Roots Heritage Festival.
Many Green Turtle residents moved to moved to Key West in the mid-1800s and in 1977, Key West became New Plymouth's Sister City, an event marked by the first Island Roots Festival.
Whether you’re into fine art, beautiful jewellery, straw work or custom wood work, marching bands, Maypole dancers, or fun plays, the festival will be a favourite.
The food stalls alone are enough to bring anyone from the opposite corner of Abaco.
From spicy conch chowder and fritters, fried fish, decadent desserts, and frosty daiquiris and pina coladas, it’s all to die for!
| Chris Farrington Sales Associate
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco Office
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