By the time Nov. 2 rolls around, the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season will almost be over, the cusp of the Caribbean travel season just on the horizon. We’re telling you this so you can carve out a couple of days to indulge yourself in Grenada, specifically the just relocated Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival.
After a couple of years on Barbados, the doings are moving to Grenada, the ‘Spice Isle.’ If you’ve ever wanted to revel in the diversity of rum and suds the Caribbean Basin produces, this is your chance.
Nov. 2 – 3 are the dates, and the site is the Grenada Cultural Center, located in the heart of the Grand Anse tourist area. The festival professes to be “the only event of its kind in the world which showcases rum and beer products from across the Caribbean region and beyond.”
Underscoring the importance of the gathering is the fact they’re also hosting the Caribbean Alcohol Beverage Tasting Competition. Experts from North America and Europe will subject the libations to blind taste tests to see who cops gold, silver and bronze awards.
Grenada’s come along way since 1983, when the United States invaded the place to rescue American medical students. Tourism reigns right now, especially eco variety.
Although there are only two nonstop routes from the U.S. mainland proper to GND (American from Miami and both Delta and Caribbean Airlines from New York JFK), there are comparatively frequent connections via Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.
If you’re in search of an island just a half-beat off the beaten path, Grenada might be it. The 2012 Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival is as good a way as any to introduce you to the place.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Jose Kevo)
