Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 11

Things to Do: Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience, Barbados

Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience   Exmouth Gap, Brandons, Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael, 246-425-8757.  M-F 9:30am-2:30-pm, Sat also (Nov-Apr) 10:30am-2:30pm.  Tasting US$20+, 6-17 US$8. 

exterior of Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
Even people who know nothing about Barbados generally know the name Mount Gay.  Founded in 1703, it is generally considered the world’s oldest rum company.  The iconic Mount Gay logo is seen everywhere on the island, and their rum seems as well to be in everything foodie.  And this location claims to be the “only air-conditioned rum shop on the island.”  Though the tour stays in a museum-like space, it provides a look at the entire production process.  A short film in a replica rum shop adds another dimension.  After learning about everything from the harvesting of the sugarcane to the bottling of the final product, you finally get to the tasting.  Visitors sample a half-dozen varieties.  Actual rum production occurs elsewhere. 
museum at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
life imitates art at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
tasting set-up at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados
tasting bar at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Experience on Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

St. Joseph, Barbados: Hunte's Gardens; things to do

Hunte's Gardens   Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully, Castle Grant, St. Joseph, (246) 433-3333.  Daily 9am-5pm.

exterior sign for Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Claiming to be “the most enchanting place on earth,” these spectacular gardens were crafted by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte.  Opened to the public in 2007, the lush garden of tropical plants covers 2 acres.  They are set mostly in a sink hole (a collapsed cave) on part of a historic plantation set among the ruins of the circa 1643 Castle Grant sugar factory.  And they are, indeed, enchanting.  Paths lead deep into a gully of terraced greenery where palms, papyrus, orchids, and crotons flourish.  But you won’t find roses because they can’t grow in this climate.

gully garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and convivial host and leads most tours.  He isn’t fond of the island’s green monkeys because, “They eat everything.  They take one bite and throw it away.”  Scattered benches permit resting, and rum punch and afternoon tea are served in the former stables that is now Hunte’s home.  Don’t miss the restroom with a delightful cut-out that serves as an open-air window to the garden, or the informal gift shop on the verandah.  And do come prepared with insect repellent--I ran into many “no see-ums.”

owner Anthony Hunte at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

owner Anthony Hunte displays a praying orchid at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden with Buddha at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

after-tour relaxation with Anthony Hunte and cat Marble at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

open-air view from loo at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

A great tie-in is a visit to Harrison’s Cave, which is reached via a pleasant drive through Barbados back roads.





More things to do in Barbados.

More loos with views.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

things to do: Hunte's Gardens, Barbados

Hunte's Gardens   Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully, Castle Grant, St. Joseph, (246) 433-3333.  Daily 9am-5pm.

exterior sign for Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Claiming to be “the most enchanting place on earth,” these spectacular gardens were crafted by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte.  Opened to the public in 2007, the lush garden of tropical plants covers 2 acres.  They are set mostly in a sink hole (a collapsed cave) on part of a historic plantation set among the ruins of the circa 1643 Castle Grant sugar factory.  And they are, indeed, enchanting.  Paths lead deep into a gully of terraced greenery where palms, papyrus, orchids, and crotons flourish.  But you won’t find roses because they can’t grow in this climate.

gully garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and convivial host and leads most tours.  He isn’t fond of the island’s green monkeys because, “They eat everything.  They take one bite and throw it away.”  Scattered benches permit resting, and rum punch and afternoon tea are served in the former stables that is now Hunte’s home.  Don’t miss the restroom with a delightful cut-out that serves as an open-air window to the garden, or the informal gift shop on the verandah.  And do come prepared with insect repellent--I ran into many “no see-ums.”

owner Anthony Hunte at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

owner Anthony Hunte displays a praying orchid at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden with Buddha at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

after-tour relaxation with Anthony Hunte and cat Marble at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

open-air view from loo at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

A great tie-in is a visit to Harrison’s Cave, which is reached via a pleasant drive through Barbados back roads.





More things to do in Barbados.

More loos with views.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Hunte's Gardens, Barbados

Hunte's Gardens   Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully, Castle Grant, St. Joseph, (246) 433-3333.  Daily 9am-5pm.

exterior sign for Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Claiming to be “the most enchanting place on earth,” these spectacular gardens were crafted by horticulturalist Anthony Hunte.  Opened to the public in 2007, the lush garden of tropical plants covers 2 acres.  They are set mostly in a sink hole (a collapsed cave) on part of a historic plantation set among the ruins of the circa 1643 Castle Grant sugar factory.  And they are, indeed, enchanting.  Paths lead deep into a gully of terraced greenery where palms, papyrus, orchids, and crotons flourish.  But you won’t find roses because they can’t grow in this climate.

gully garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados
Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and convivial host and leads most tours.  He isn’t fond of the island’s green monkeys because, “They eat everything.  They take one bite and throw it away.”  Scattered benches permit resting, and rum punch and afternoon tea are served in the former stables that is now Hunte’s home.  Don’t miss the restroom with a delightful cut-out that serves as an open-air window to the garden, or the informal gift shop on the verandah.  And do come prepared with insect repellent--I ran into many “no see-ums.”

owner Anthony Hunte at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

owner Anthony Hunte displays a praying orchid at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

water garden with Buddha at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

after-tour relaxation with Anthony Hunte and cat Marble at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

open-air view from loo at Hunte's Gardens in Barbados

A great tie-in is a visit to Harrison’s Cave, which is reached via a pleasant drive through Barbados back roads.





More things to do in Barbados.

More loos with views.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Christ Church, Barbados: Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant; restaurant review

Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant   Skeetes Hill, Rockley, Christ Church, South Coast, 434-3463.

water-side deck at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

Prime seating at this romantic restaurant is outside on the ocean-side deck.  Attractive original Caribbean art is found throughout.  Designed to please discerning palates, the menu features fresh local seafood and pairs well with an impressive international wine list.  My dinner started with coconut shrimp with chili sauce.  It was followed by a satisfying braised beef short rib with port reduction and garlic mash.  My dining partner started with a mushroom risotto that was bountiful enough to have been a main, but he saved room for a Parmesan-crusted barracuda mash he had been excited to sample.  Though we didn’t really need desserts, we wound up sharing warm bread pudding with Bajan rum and Champers signature coconut pie with coconut ice cream--and we managed to eat most of it.

Caribbean art at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

coconut shrimp at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados


short rib and mash at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

signature coconut pie at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

white chocolate cheesecake at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

restaurant review: Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant, Barbados

Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant   Skeetes Hill, Rockley, Christ Church, South Coast, 434-3463.

water-side deck at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

Prime seating at this romantic restaurant is outside on the ocean-side deck.  Attractive original Caribbean art is found throughout.  Designed to please discerning palates, the menu features fresh local seafood and pairs well with an impressive international wine list.  My dinner started with coconut shrimp with chili sauce.  It was followed by a satisfying braised beef short rib with port reduction and garlic mash.  My dining partner started with a mushroom risotto that was bountiful enough to have been a main, but he saved room for a Parmesan-crusted barracuda mash he had been excited to sample.  Though we didn’t really need desserts, we wound up sharing warm bread pudding with Bajan rum and Champers signature coconut pie with coconut ice cream--and we managed to eat most of it.

Caribbean art at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

coconut shrimp at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados


short rib and mash at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

signature coconut pie at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

white chocolate cheesecake at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant, Barbados

Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant   Skeetes Hill, Rockley, Christ Church, South Coast, 434-3463. 

water-side deck at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

Prime seating at this romantic restaurant is outside on the ocean-side deck.  Attractive original Caribbean art is found throughout.  Designed to please discerning palates, the menu features fresh local seafood and pairs well with an impressive international wine list.  My dinner started with coconut shrimp with chili sauce.  It was followed by a satisfying braised beef short rib with port reduction and garlic mash.  My dining partner started with a mushroom risotto that was bountiful enough to have been a main, but he saved room for a Parmesan-crusted barracuda mash he had been excited to sample.  Though we didn’t really need desserts, we wound up sharing warm bread pudding with Bajan rum and Champers signature coconut pie with coconut ice cream--and we managed to eat most of it. 

Caribbean art at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

coconut shrimp at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

short rib and mash at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

signature coconut pie at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

white chocolate cheesecake at Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant in Christ Church, Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Bridgeport, Barbados: Rihanna’s childhood home; things to do

Rihanna’s childhood home  On Westbury New Road (now Rihanna Drive), in Bridgeport.

Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Singer and starlet Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty) is a Bajan girl.  She lived in this modest house from age 5 until 16, when   she moved to the U.S. to pursue her music career.  Since then, her childhood home has become a tourist attraction.  Located on a street renamed in her honor to Rihanna Drive, the house is newly painted in bright colors and no one lives in it any longer.  When I visited, a neighbor lady a few doors up was relaxing on her own front porch, enjoying watching all the tourist activity.

fan at dedication sign for Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Rihanna Takes Oprah on a Tour of Her Childhood Home:



Now when she returns to the island--which she does regularly--she resides ocean-side in an apartment at One Sandy Lane  in St. James.  Simon Cowell also has an apartment here, and Oprah lives nearby.
More . . .

When Rihanna is on island, look for her in her favorite places:  Daphne’s restaurant, Waterfront Café, bars in St. Lawrence Gap, dining at Oistin’s Fish Market, shopping in Bridgetown, or at Sandy Lane resort relaxing at the roof terrace or enjoying tea.

According to Vanity Fair, Rihanna has sold more than 250 million records, has 14 number one singles, and has been awarded 9 Grammys.  Because she has contributed significantly to raising the island’s profile around the world, she was recently appointed by the Barbados government as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with the specific responsibility of promoting education, tourism, and investment for the island.


Several of Rihanna's music videos, directed by Dave Meyers:

Where Have You Been




Loyalty (with Kendrick Lamar)




More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

things to do: Rihanna’s childhood home, Barbados

Rihanna’s childhood home  On Westbury New Road (now Rihanna Drive), in Bridgeport.

Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Singer and starlet Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty) is a Bajan girl.  She lived in this modest house from age 5 until 16, when   she moved to the U.S. to pursue her music career.  Since then, her childhood home has become a tourist attraction.  Located on a street renamed in her honor to Rihanna Drive, the house is newly painted in bright colors and no one lives in it any longer.  When I visited, a neighbor lady a few doors up was relaxing on her own front porch, enjoying watching all the tourist activity.

fan at dedication sign for Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Rihanna Takes Oprah on a Tour of Her Childhood Home:



Now when she returns to the island--which she does regularly--she resides ocean-side in an apartment at One Sandy Lane  in St. James.  Simon Cowell also has an apartment here, and Oprah lives nearby.
More . . .

When Rihanna is on island, look for her in her favorite places:  Daphne’s restaurant, Waterfront Café, bars in St. Lawrence Gap, dining at Oistin’s Fish Market, shopping in Bridgetown, or at Sandy Lane resort relaxing at the roof terrace or enjoying tea.

According to Vanity Fair, Rihanna has sold more than 250 million records, has 14 number one singles, and has been awarded 9 Grammys.  Because she has contributed significantly to raising the island’s profile around the world, she was recently appointed by the Barbados government as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with the specific responsibility of promoting education, tourism, and investment for the island.


Several of Rihanna's music videos, directed by Dave Meyers:

Where Have You Been




Loyalty (with Kendrick Lamar)




More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Rihanna’s childhood home, Barbados

Rihanna’s childhood home  On Westbury New Road (now Rihanna Drive), in Bridgeport. 

Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Singer and starlet Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty) is a Bajan girl.  She lived in this modest house from age 5 until 16, when   she moved to the U.S. to pursue her music career.  Since then, her childhood home has become a tourist attraction.  Located on a street renamed in her honor to Rihanna Drive, the house is newly painted in bright colors and no one lives in it any longer.  When I visited, a neighbor lady a few doors up was relaxing on her own front porch, enjoying watching all the tourist activity.

fan at dedication sign for Rihanna’s childhood home in Bridgetown, Barbados

Rihanna Takes Oprah on a Tour of Her Childhood Home:



Now when she returns to the island--which she does regularly--she resides ocean-side in an apartment at One Sandy Lane  in St. James.  Simon Cowell also has an apartment here, and Oprah lives nearby.
More . . .

When Rihanna is on island, look for her in her favorite places:  Daphne’s restaurant, Waterfront Café, bars in St. Lawrence Gap, dining at Oistin’s Fish Market, shopping in Bridgetown, or at Sandy Lane resort relaxing at the roof terrace or enjoying tea.

According to Vanity Fair, Rihanna has sold more than 250 million records, has 14 number one singles, and has been awarded 9 Grammys.  Because she has contributed significantly to raising the island’s profile around the world, she was recently appointed by the Barbados government as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with the specific responsibility of promoting education, tourism, and investment for the island.


Several of Rihanna's music videos, directed by Dave Meyers:

Where Have You Been




Loyalty (with Kendrick Lamar)




More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers