We miss you here at Silver Sands! Come and visit us again soon.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Waterfront Watering Holes
The Cayman Islands has some of the most scenic places to dine on the planet. Our previous post 3 Restaurant Favorites gives you an intro into places to dine in Cayman, however this post will focus on local (and tourist) favorites to have a casual drink, some good eats, all the while enjoying the unbeatable views of the Caribbean.
Rackams Waterfront Bar and Grill
Rackams Waterfront Bar and Grill
Rackams is perhaps one of the all time favorite watering holes on the island. It is located just north of downtown Georgetown in a prime location. If you visit Rackams during the day, you can hop in for a snorkel on the Wreck of the Cali. Once you are done with your swim you may enjoy lunch and refreshments on their large outdoor deck while enjoying those Caribbean turquoise waters.
Come late afternoon the tarpon start congregating at the waters edge awaiting their nightly feeding. The kitchen keeps all the butts and gutts of the fish from the day and throw the scraps to these friendly, and hungry fish.
Not only is this waterfront watering hole good for hanging out by the water and drinking mudslides, it also had great food! The conch fritters and fish and chips are a must.
The front bar is a great hang out for casual drinks and cocktails, the middle section has seats for more organized seated dining and the back area has a more private area for events or just a quieter drink.
Rackams is also a prime location to view the opening and closing fireworks displays from the famous Pirates Week.
Calico Jacks
This beachfront watering hole is located on the northern end of 7-Mile Beach and is a local favorite. It is fun to hang on the beach during the day, have a cocktail and watch the sunset, and at night there is live music, open mic nights and DJs for entertainment any day of the week. Just be aware that during busy cruise ship days this part of the beach is busiest with cruise ship passengers, but once those ships sail off Calicos is a perfect place to enjoy island life and meet the locals.
My Bar at Sunset House
In a killer location just south of Georgetown, with one of the island's best shore dives at your fingertips, Sunset House is a must visit. If you are a snorkeler or diver you can hit up the Sunset Divers for some dive or snorkel gear and flop right into the water to see some of the amazing sea life that Cayman has to offer. If water sports are not your thing sitting sea side watching the action can be just as fun, especially over one of their killer Indian curries, Mahi Mahi wrap's and of course a delicious bevvie rom the bar.
The bar has a huge deck and a huge thatched roof covered bar with "indoor" seating as well.
Sunset House is rightly named as it is a perfect and pleasant place to enjoy a Cayman Lemonade while watching the sky light up into that famous Cayman sunset.
Photo Credits
Rackams:
Rackams
Rackams
Calico Jacks:
Sunset House:
Monday, March 2, 2015
The Sites of Georgetown: Fort George
"What remains of Fort George stands on the corner of Harbour Drive and Fort Street in George Town, Grand Cayman. The Fort once stood overlooking the harbour, but development has landlocked this historic site. Today's visitor will see its low stone walls adjacent to the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal and may wonder when it was built and why so little is left of it!
The origins and early history of the Fort are uncertain. It is known that in 1662, the new Governor of Jamaica, Lord Windsor, received royal instructions to take charge of the "Caimanes Islands ... by planting and raising Fortifications upon them."Although there was some settlement, however, the task of fortifying the small outpost was not undertaken until sometime around 1790."
This information was taken from The National Trust website, please check out their page on Fort George for more interesting historical facts.
It is always nice to do some island exploring while you are staying at Silver Sands. It is very easy to take a morning or afternoon away from beautiful 7-Mile Beach and check out some of these historical sites in Georgetown. Although do keep in mind, we are a quaint little island and these sites, although very interesting, are very quaint too and a half day exploration, plus a lunch stop will leave you historically satisfied and ready to get back to the beach!
Photos by Heather Holt Photography