Duffy’s Love Shack, St. Thomas

In a parking lot in Red Hook, St. Thomas sits a bar named Duffy’s Love Shack. Pretty much the size of a shack – albeit a nice shack, this little bar’s got itself some character.

Duffy's 3
Dubbed the  coolest parking lot bar in the Caribbean, and with a drink menu that includes Voo Doo You Doo, The Shark Tank, Wacky Pineapple, Thar She Blows, Booty Call and Jaws, we thought we must spend some time at Duffy’s doing a bit of research.

Duffy's 6
Duffy’s used to be located in an alleyway in Drakes Passage in Charlotte Amalie until a hurricane hurled a 40′ sailboat into the bar in 1995. Duffy’s was later rebuilt in it’s current location in Red Hook.

Duffy's 4
Bartender putting the finishing touches (a plastic shark) on a Shark Tank – a 64 oz. concoction of 5 rums, 3 tropical liqueurs – ouch!

It was Happy Hour when we arrived and being the cheapskates we are, we opted for the Cruzan Rum drinks that were a buck fifty each and quite tasty with some stiff pours!

Duffy's 1Happy Hour Cruzan Rum Drinks

Duffy's 2
We ordered some Jerk Chicken Quesadillas and the Mountaintop Greens – both dishes were very good.

Duffy's 5
The conversation was fun and easy with some locals at the bar and the bartenders. Great vibe, good food and tasty drinks – Duffy’s is the only parking lot bar we’ve ever been to in the Caribbean, but
we still think it’s gotta be the coolest...

To find out more about Duffy’s, check out their cool website here:
Duffy’s Love Shack

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC.  All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Magens Bay is undeniably the best known beach on St. Thomas, and for good reason. With a mile of soft white sand, calm protected surf and tons of amenities, visitors to St. Thomas flock to the area to frolic in the beautiful turquoise water.

Megans BayAccess: There is a large parking lot close to the beach. Taxi service is readily available. Entrance and parking fee paid at the front gate.
Megans Bay 9 Megans Bay 5Beach: one mile of soft white sand. Great for swimming with gentle sandy access and usually calm surf. Great walking beach.

Megans Bay 4Amenities: This beach has them all. Lifeguards, beach chair rental, food & beverage, restrooms, gift shop, picnic tables, camping area and more.

Megans Bay 6Recommended for: swimming, walking, people watching, good beach for children and for those who like busy, active beaches with lots of amenities.

Megans Bay 7 (a)Tip: if you’d like to experience the beauty of Magens Bay at a quieter and less crowded time, arrive earlier in the morning (when we took these pictures) or later in the afternoon after many of the day passengers have departed.

Megans Bay 8Overlook of beautiful Magens Bay

Click for more information on Magens Bay

copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Pineapple Breeze

Pineapple, Coconut Rum and Orange Juice – must be the recipe for something smooth and tropical! This tasty frozen concoction will keep you hanging on – at least for a little while!  Enjoy!

*We love bringing you amazing rum recipes! Our recipes may contain affiliate links to products that we use. If you click the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support in helping us to continue providing rumlicious, tropical recipes!

Pineapple Breeze

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c Orange Juice
  • 1/2 c Fresh Pineapple (canned can be substituted, but fresh tastes SO much better!)
  • 1/2 c Soda Water or Lemon Lime Soda (we used soda water for a little less sweetness)
  • 2 oz Coconut Rum
  • 1 c Ice
  • sprinkle Nutmeg (freshly ground, if possible)

Instructions

  • Put orange juice pineapple, soda, coconut rum and ice in a blender
  • Blend ’til smooth and frothy. (We left little bitty chunks of pineapple, ’cause that’s just how we roll!)
  • Pour in a glass, garnish with pineapple and nutmeg.

Want to enjoy the taste without the alcohol? Substitute Coconut Water or Coconut Milk for the rum!

For more recipes, visit our Rum Recipe Picture Directory

Copyright © Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos

On the North coast of a sparsely populated island called Middle Caicos is a beautiful area that is a bit reminiscent of Ireland – with probably a wee bit more sunshine. The area is called Mudjin Harbour and it’s spectacularly beautiful!

Mudjin 1

Middle Caicos is one of the island in the Turks and Caicos chain. The largest of the islands, Middle Caicos, is 48 square miles with a population of under 300. The north shore of Middle Caicos is more dramatic than the other Caicos Islands with limestone cliffs and long sandy beaches.

Access: If not taking an excursion via a local tour operator, the best way to get to Middle Caicos is to take the ferry from Providenciales to North Caicos, rent a car on North Caicos and drive across the causeway to Middle Caicos. Credit cards are sometimes not accepted at gas stations – so be sure to bring cash and fill up on North Caicos as there are no gas stations on Middle Caicos.

Once on Middle Caicos, turn left into the Blue Horizon Resort and park by the cement path to the beach. Follow the Beach Cave Trail for a  short hike to the overlook of Mudjin Harbour.

Mudjin 2Beach Cave Trail Sign
Mudjin 4Overlook of Mudjin Harbour
Mudjin 8Looking down at Mudjin Harbour
Mudjin 5
Beach:
Snorkeling in this area can be excellent when the ocean is calm and the beach is wonderful for walking and exploring small beach caves. When the tide is low you can walk from the beach to “the dragon” – the rocky outcropping about 200 yards off the beach. Take the trail from Mudjin Bar & Grill over the top of the cliffs for stunning views of the area.

Mudjin 6
Mudjin 7
Mudjin 12
Amenities:
 Mudjin Bar & Grill serves food and drinks with an excellent view. Want to stay longer? The cottages at Blue Horizon Resort offer quiet and tranquility with easy access to the beach.

Mudjin 9
Recommended for:
anyone willing to go a little out of the way to see a stunning beach and overlooks of limestone cliffs and a turquoise sea, those who like to explore relatively unknown and uncrowded beaches, and photographers
.

Mudjin 11
Tip:
In addition to Mudjin Harbour, while on Middle Caicos, be sure to check out the caves – some of which you can explore on your own and some that require guides. Hike part of the Crossing Place Walking Trail. Stop at Conch Bar Village for some fresh seafood and the Middle Caicos Co-op to see a collection of handmade TCI crafts. Drive a little further to see beautiful Bambarra Beach and if you’re lucky enough to be in the area around Valentines Day, check out the Traditional Model Sailboat Races in the Valentines Day Cup

Find Mudjin Harbour on our Turks & Caicos Map

To see more St. Thomas and other island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy 
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Light & Minty Cran Rum

Like the taste of tart and tangy cranberry? If so, you might enjoy the taste of this easy, light and refreshing cocktail. No sugar added to this one, so it’s not an overly sweet combination. I love the addition of the mint which adds a bit of freshness to the mix.

If you like your cranberry a little sweeter, you might try our Cranberry Mojito recipe which adds a little brown sugar to tame the tang just a bit. Or, just add a drop of Stevia or a splash of a lemon lime soda!

*We love bringing you amazing rum recipes! Our recipes may contain affiliate links to products that we use. If you click the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support in helping us to continue providing rumlicious, tropical recipes!

Light & Minty Cran Rum

Like the taste of tart and tangy cranberry? If so, you might enjoy the taste of this easy, light and refreshing cocktail.
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Gently bruise the mint leaves.
  • Pour the rum and cranberry juice cocktail over ice in a small glass.
  • Add bruised mint leaves, lightly stir.

Find more rum recipes here:

Rum Recipe Picture Directory

Rum Recipes  by Category

Copyright © Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Happy Island, The Grenadines

How can you not be happy at Happy Island? A work in progress built in a shallow area in Clifton Harbour, Union Island – part of the Grenadines chain, this colorful oasis is challenging to reach – but well worth it.

copyright Rum Therapy
The owner/builder, Janti Ramage, built this unique place, which is also his residence, out of conch shells found in the area.

copyright Rum Therapy
A shallow bottomed boat is needed to get to Happy Island as it sits on a reef in just a few feet of water.

copyright Rum Therapy
Visitors arriving from Palm Island

We visited Happy Island during a sail on the Daimant (Island Windjammers) which made a stop in Clifton Harbour during our sail and dinghied guests to Happy Island for an afternoon of fun.

copyright Rum Therapy
Sand, Palms and the Happy Island Bar

Janti is quite the host and loves to visit with and show guests the entire compound which now includes a separate apartment which he resides in.

copyright Rum Therapy
Janti giving a tour of Happy Island

copyright Rum Therapy
View of Clifton Harbour and Union Island from Happy Island

copyright Rum Therapy
We ordered the Happy Island Rum Punch

Happy-Island-7-O
copyright Rum Therapy
Rum with a view of Clifton Harbour

copyright Rum Therapy
Such a unique experience and good rum punch topped off with a show by kiteboarders in Clifton Harbour sailing right over Happy Island.
Awesome.

copyright Rum Therapy

Have you been to Happy Island?

To find out more, connect with Janti and Happy Island:

Facebook – Happy Island, The Grenadines
Or by email: [email protected]

Find Happy Island on our St. Vincent and the Grenadines Map

To see more posts on The Grenadines and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

 

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Turtle Beach, Buck Island, St. Croix

Buck Island is a small, uninhabited island off the northeast coast of St. Croix. Designated a National Monument in 1961, the 176 acre island is home to several endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum TherapySailing to Turtle Beach, Buck Island

 The beach on Buck Island, Turtle Beach, is a long stunning stretch of white sand and clear water and offers spectacular views of St. Croix.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum TherapyView of St. Croix from Turtle Beach

 Access: Buck Island can only be reached by boat. There are several charter companies in St. Croix that offer excursions to Buck Island for snorkeling and exploring the island.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum Therapy
Beach:
Turtle Beach is a long stretch of soft sand with an initial gentle, soft sand access, but drops off quickly in areas. Great for swimming and walking the beach.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum TherapyWe sailed on a trimaran to Buck Island

 Amenities: Picnic tables, charcoal grills, and pit toilets at West Beach and Dietrich’s Point. Be sure to bring plenty of water and pack out everything you bring in.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum Therapy
Recommended for: Anyone who loves beautiful quiet beaches and doesn’t mind taking a scenic sail to get there.

Tip: If you like to snorkel, take an excursion that stops to snorkel at the underwater snorkel trail by Buck Island. If you like to hike, take the hiking trail that leaves from West Beach or Diedrich Point. The hike takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to wear shoes and bring water.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island copyright Rum Therapy

Have you been to Buck Island yet?

Find Buck Island on our St. Croix Map

To see more posts on St. Croix and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Shoal Bay, Anguilla

If you were to describe a perfect beach, Shoal Bay, Anguilla just might be it. The sugar soft, powder white sand contrasted by an almost electric turquoise blue colored ocean is so beautiful that it’s hard to look away. In addition to its incredible beauty, Shoal Bay offers good swimming, several good bars and restaurants and the ability to rent beach chairs and umbrellas if desired.

copyright Rum Therapy
Beautiful Shoal Bay

 Shoal-Bay-2-O
Anguilla Map
(www.fiftybest.com)

Located on the north side of Anguilla, Shoal Bay is probably the most talked about beach on Anguilla. You’ll find the middle of Shoal Bay to be the busiest because that’s where the majority of accommodations, restaurants and bars are located. If you want to find a quiet piece of sand on which to relax , hike east or west from the main part of the beach.

copyright Rum Therapy
Finding a quiet spot

copyright Rum Therapy
Upper Shoal Bay

Access: There are several access points to Shoal Bay including the road going to Tropical Sunset Beach Bar, the main access road to Uncle Ernie’s BBQ and the road to the former Gwen’s Reggae Bar & Grill (Upper Shoal Bay – but Gwen’s has since moved). In each case parking fairly close to the beach.

copyright Rum Therapy
The former site of Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Upper Shoal Bay

Beach: Two miles of white, sugar soft sand. Good beach for walking. Ocean bottom is sandy and usually good for swimming. Gentle access into ocean. Some snorkeling in seagrass areas.

copyright Rum Therapy
Upper Shoal Bay

Amenities: Restaurants, bars, beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, no public restrooms but restrooms for patrons in some of the beach bars and restaurants.

copyright Rum Therapy
Lower Shoal Bay

Recommended for: stunning scenery, good swimming, good walking beach, relaxing, sunning, playing in the sand, quiet – but not totally secluded.

copyright Rum Therapy
Cappuccino at Serenity Beach Cottages on Upper Shoal Bay


copyright Rum Therapy
One of several hammocks at the former site of Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Upper Shoal Bay

copyright Rum Therapy
Shoal Bay, Anguilla


Find Shoal Bay on our Anguilla Map

To see more posts on Anguilla and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

 Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Sarafina’s Bakery, Marigot, St. Martin

During our recent visit to St. Maarten/St. Martin, we made 2 stops at our favorite french bakery, Sarafina’s. In Marigot, not far from the open air marketplace, Sarafina’s is a great place to linger over a cappuccino and an excellent french pastry.

copyright Rum Therapy
Sarafina’s Bakery, Marigot

We made our first stop of the trip on the day we took the ferry to Anguilla. Not far from the ferry dock, we bought our tickets to Anguilla, then walked back to Sarafina’s for a quick pastry. After a bit of deliberation, we settled on a Tarte de Pomme (apple tart).

copyright Rum Therapy
Tarte de Pomme (apple tart) and cappuccino

Needless to say it was excellent, and we vowed to return again in a few days to make a different selection.

Sarafina's-3
Bakery Selections

Which we did. This time we decided to each pick two pastries, sample a little bit of each one, then take the leftovers with us. Really, that’s what we said.

copyright Rum Therapy
Another Tarte de Pomme, Croissant, Eclair de Chocolat, and a Tarte de Crème Anglaise de Fraise (Strawberry Custard Tart)

How many leftovers did we have? HA! Leftovers? What were we thinking?

Heading to Marigot?

Check out this post:

What to See and Do in Marigot, St. Martin

 

Find Sarafina’s on our St. Maarten/St Martin Map

To see more posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

 

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2014
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

Jamaican Me Crazy

We posted two recipe variations for the drink Jamaican Smile a while back, but recently were asked for a recipe for a drink called Jamaican Me Crazy. Happy to oblige, we did some research and came up with the following.  This one packs a punch with 2 shots of rum and 1 shot liqueur in each serving  but delivers a smooth tropical vibe with the banana liqueur and coconut rum…yum…
One of these could surely make-a-me-crazy…

*We love bringing you amazing rum recipes! Our recipes may contain affiliate links to products that we use. If you click the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support in helping us to continue providing rumlicious, tropical recipes!

Jamaican Me Crazy

Servings: 1

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Shake with ice, then pour over ice in a short glass.
  • Garnish with banana slices and pineapple.

For more recipes, visit our Rum Recipe Picture Directory
or Rum Recipes by Category

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC