Friday Night in Oistins, Barbados

It was the middle of the afternoon on Friday, first day in Barbados. Less than twelve hours earlier we were in New Jersey, and now we had traveled to an island only a few degrees north of the equator. It didn’t matter how exhausting the day had been, I wanted to go to Oistins!

Located on the southern tip of the island, Oistins is a small fishing village that attracts both visitors and locals to its famous Friday night fish fry. Nothing is fancy about Oistins, but it is a true example of an authentic Bajan (that’s the local term for Barbadian) dining experience. It should come as no surprise that fish is the main dish on the menu and any seafood fan will be satisfied, but enough other choices for the non fish eaters can be found as well.

Michele and I hopped on a ZR minibus and the ride to Oistins took about twenty minutes from out hotel. We decided to go a little bit earlier in the evening because I had worked up an appetite from the long day, and we wanted to beat the large crowds that would be showing up later. Not far from the bus stop where we got off were the plethora of vendor’s stalls, all with grills and fryers running at full capacity. Menus written on chalk boards in front of the stalls listed the choices and prices, and vendors generally always had tuna, dolphin fish, and of course flying fish among the selections. Waitresses working for the various owners stood by to take orders and seat patrons at the nearby tables.

I decided to order the grilled flying fish, part of the national dish of Barbados, and a side of rice and peas for my meal. We were seated at one of the nearby picnic tables; all of the dining in Oistins is outdoors in this relaxed atmosphere where we mingled with other folks from the UK, Canada, and USA. Dinner arrived a short while later along with Banks beer, the locally brewed beverage. I used the Bajan yellow pepper sauce with the fish; I had heard reviews of how spicy it was, but for me it didn’t seem over the top on heat and added a nice compliment to the fish. A long day of travel was rewarded with a tasty and filling meal!

After paying the bill, Michele and I walked around the area checking out some local vendors and crafts for sale. An outdoor stage was being prepped for musical acts to follow shortly, and the crowds were getting larger as more visitors and locals arrived in Oistins.


It had been a long day, and we walked back to the bus stop to take the bus back to our hotel, which is a story itself! I promised myself another trip to Oistins before leaving Barbados, and I returned during the week for more delicious seafood.

If fancy restaurants are your fare, don’t bother with Oistins. But if you want a tasty meal at a reasonable price in a relaxed atmosphere, don’t miss out before you leave Barbados!




TRAVEL TIPS:

Oistins is located on the South Coast of Barbados and is most easily reached using the No. 11 minibus for Silver Sands via Oistins. $1.50 BDS for the minibus. The blue bus on the south coast highway will also pass through Oistins.

Friday night draws the biggest crowds, along with entertainment on the main stage. For smaller crowds and more relaxation, go earlier in the evening on the weekend, or visit Oistins on a weeknight. Most vendors are open in the evenings throughout the week.

A full meal is about $20 - $30 BDS, which includes a main dish of fish or chicken and side dishes such as rice and peas, macaroni pie, and french fries. Banks, the locally brewed beer is one of the beverages of choice. Plenty of soft drinks are also for sale; ginger beer is a tasty island treat!

Lunch at J.J. Bitting Brewing Company

If there’s one thing I enjoy having on my birthday, it’s good beer. When I can sample some local brews, it’s even better. It took a little bit of research to find a brew pub in the area for a day trip, or more appropriately, afternoon trip. That’s how I stumbled upon the J.J. Bitting Brewing Company.

Just up the Parkway in Woodbridge, J.J. Bitting Brewing Company is conveniently located on Main Street underneath the railroad trestle that NJ Transit trains frequently pass over. It should come as no surprise that the pub theme is railroads, along with a miniature train making its rounds overhead on a model railroad track. The fermentation tanks also add a nice touch of atmosphere in the front of the pub.

I enjoyed all of the beers that I sampled; the HopGarden Pale Ale, Avenel Amber, Rat Pack Pilsner and Black Jack Stout. The food was excellent as well - I chose the rack of ribs to accompany the beer, and the portion was more than I could eat in a single meal. The menu included a diverse selection of appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees to choose from.

Michele and I finished our lunch and beers and we bought a growler of Avenel Amber to take home for the rest of the birthday weekend celebration.

If you enjoy craft beer, good food at reasonable prices, and authentic atmosphere with a casual dining experience, J.J. Bitting Brewing Company is a solid choice. We’ve already decided to come back soon to try some of the other entrees and sample the beers we didn't drink this time around.

Happy Birthday to me!


TRAVEL TIPS:

J.J. Bitting Brewing Company is located in downtown Woodbridge at 33 Main Street across from the train station. Follow directions and signs for downtown Woodbridge business district.

The pub opens at 11:30 AM Monday - Friday, 12:00 PM Saturday, and 3:00 PM Sunday.

Prices for most entrees are less than $20.00.

More Than Sun and Sand in Barbados - Andromeda Botanical Gardens

Carribean islands generally sell themselves on the tropical beaches, but with a little bit of exploring it’s possible to find equally relaxing spots away from the ocean. Michele and I were already enjoying our first couple of days at the Coconut Court in Hastings, on the south coast of Barbados, and decided to take a day to explore the eastern part of the island. The Andromeda Botanical Gardens in Saint Joseph Parish near the town of Bathsheba was the destination of choice.

Getting to the gardens meant a bus ride across the island from Bridgetown, an interesting ride itself. After leaving the city, the bus passed sugar cane fields through the rugged interior of the island and then descended downhill toward the Atlantic Ocean. Here there was a convenient stop next to the Botanical Gardens. The trip took roughly 40 minutes with the stops along the way, the public transportation in Barbados is reliable and destinations all over the island can be reached easily for a day trip.

The Gardens have two main nature trails, one goes up the hillside and the other is relatively flat. We were given a guide sheet to the trails that described the various plants and also gave a little bit of history on the Gardens. Started by the Bannochie family, local horticulturists, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens became part of the Barbados National Trust when Mrs. Bannochie passed away. The diverse species include orchids, ferns, bougainvillea, palms and cacti that all thrive in a tropical climate.

We walked both trails, starting with the steeper of the two and then finishing with the easy trail. It didn’t prove to be a problem, since we were constantly stopping to photograph the flowers and trees. We also discovered some ponds, one full of lounging frogs and a vigilant kingfisher standing nearby, the other full of fish and aquatic plants. With plenty of area and not overcrowded with visitors, it was a very peaceful experience to explore at a leisurely pace.

At the end of our trek we relaxed and had a bite to eat at the visitors center before catching the bus back to Bridgetown.

If you’re looking for a break from the beach, interested in photography, or just searching for a zen experience, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens might be the perfect day trip!




TRAVEL TIPS:

Getting to the Andromeda Botanical Gardens requires taking the Bathsheba bus from Bridgetown if you do not have your own private transportation. The Bathsheba bus leaves from the Fairchild terminal in Bridgetown and schedules are posted in the terminal. The bus fare is $1.50 BDS.

The Gardens are open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and the admission fee is $17.50 BDS for adults. A gift shop and cafe are located at the visitors center. The café offers several lunch choices at reasonable prices.

Stay hydrated while walking the trails. There is plenty of shade, but afternoon temperatures are hot.

Lost in a Maze at Etsch Farms

Years ago when I was a kid I remember being told that if I ever found myself in a maze, just keep one hand on the side of the wall and keep following it, and eventually you will make it to the exit. Last September, Michele and I took an afternoon trip to wander through a corn maze at Etsch Farms in Monroe Township. We were hoping to take her nieces along for the day, but unfortunately they had other obligations so it was just the two of us. It really didn’t matter, because the maze is a fun activity even if the kids aren't along!

We arrived at the farm and received a small map of the maze that showed the entrance, exit, and various paths. This year’s maze had been built in the theme of a barn, and if viewed from the air the barn is clearly seen with the various farm animals; a horse, pig, sheep, and duck . Soon after walking into the maze we were lost. But it was only a few minutes later that we found horse territory and were able to orient ourselves to follow the map to the other animal regions of the maze. Each section had various signs with questions and facts about the animals, making the experience interesting for adults and a fun way for children to learn. Along the way we also encountered some scarecrows and other decorations that were useful landmarks in navigating around.




Eventually we walked through all of the animal sections and found the exit of the maze, then headed back to the main farm building where we bought some kettle corn for the drive home. We’ll keep this one in mind for next year, hopefully with Michele’s nieces going as well!



TRAVEL TIPS:

Etsch Farms is located on Route 522 in Monroe Township. The farm is approximately 5 miles from NJ Turnpike Exit 8A.
The corn maze opens in September and is open through the end of October on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 2009 prices for the maze were $6 per person, children under age 2 free. For both the corn maze and a hayride was $7. Friday Hours: 6 PM - 10 PM, Saturday Noon - 10 PM, Sunday Noon - 6 PM. Later hours are flashlight tours.

More Than Sun and Sand - Negril’s Seven Mile Beach

Living at the Jersey Shore, we’re very familiar with the beach during the summer months. The traffic, the beach badges, the crowded sands, the lists of rules. Michele and I took our first trip to Jamaica in April of 2009 and stayed at the Negril Beach Club, located on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. We soon found out that it was a whole different world when compared to the beaches of the Jersey Shore that we’re used to! Here’s the travel tips you need to get the most out of your experience on the Jamaican beaches. Even if you’re staying somewhere other than Negril, the same general info applies.

We were fortunate to be staying at a beach club with direct access to the sands. A simple walk down the stairs from the room, a right turn, and about a hundred yards away was the beach, making it a short and sweet trip.

Staying on the west end of Negril or not at a beachfront property? No problem! By law, all beaches in Jamaica are open to the public to enjoy. It’s considered a right of all Jamaican citizens and visitors to enjoy the beaches without charge and the properties along the beach provide an access from the road for people to walk through. From there you can walk up and down the beach to find an ideal spot to spend the day.

Compared to most east coast beaches in the summer, Negril would be considered vacant. There was always a good amount of open space, even at the Beach Club that catered to travelers. A lifeguard was present at the club, however he was not the whistle-blowing rule enforcer we’re generally accustomed to. His main job seemed to be public relations; he would sit in the lifeguard chair and chat with people, then every couple of hours come down and walk around the beach, introducing himself and making sure beach patrons had everything they need, bring more beach chairs, and so forth.

A small bar was located on our property, nice for getting cold beverages to enjoy on the beach. Many of the adjacent properties also had similar bars. You can easily walk the sands to get your fill of Red Stripe and rum!

Because the beaches are public, it offers something you won’t see in the United States, the beach vendors. This may be a fond or unpleasant experience depending on how you view it. Vendors walk the beach selling everything from lobster and fruit to aloe, sandals, and jewelry. Of course, you haven’t been to Jamaica until a beach hustler tries to sell you the ganja! Beach vendors may be persistent, however if you tell them no a time or two and then ignore it, they will continue on. Engage them, and they’re likely to start a hard negotiation. Haggling is generally always acceptable to negotiate a price for goods.

The benefit is that you can spend the entire day on the beach and not need to leave your chair! In the morning, Jamaicans selling fresh squeezed juices would wander by. Once or twice a day the fruit lady would walk past with a large basket of pineapple, mango and coconut and cut it fresh. Around noon the Patty Man would make an appearance, riding a bicycle with an insulated container on front selling Jamaican patties, a delicious spicy meat filled pie. One of our favorite beach walkers was a gentleman that one of our cab drivers told us was referred to as ‘The Mighty Bass’. He walked the sands of Seven Mile Beach with a portable megaphone and would announce upcoming shows to crowds of sunbathers, always saying the show was going to be “HOT...Hot...hot”. His assistants would follow and hand out fliers promoting the upcoming concert.

Had enough sun and swimming and want to check out a jet ski? No problem! You can rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or take a glass bottom boat ride as well! Your biggest obstacle will be negotiating a price, and after that you’re free to go.

I have just one word of warning - once you’ve experienced the beaches in Jamaica the ones back home just don’t compare! Better keep your passport handy for another trip to the islands!

TRAVEL TIPS:

Bring all of your standard beach accessories including plenty of sunscreen!

All Jamaican beaches are public, no badges or fees are required and beachfront establishments have access paths to the sand. Taxi transportation is easily found; use only vehicles with red license plates and be sure to negotiate fares.

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed on the beach. Glass containers are acceptable, be courteous and take empty bottles away.

Beach vendors sell a variety of items and haggling is acceptable. Vendors will attempt to sell you many items including food, juice, jewelry, trinkets, aloe, and ganja. If approached and you are not interested, say no and you will generally be left alone. Be persistent with saying no if the seller continues, and they will walk on. Use common sense when buying; contrary to myth, ganja (marijuana) is illegal in Jamaica and while the laws are seldom enforced you may be subject to penalties if caught by authorities.

Lifeguards may or may not be present, depending on where you stay. Remember to swim within your abilities.

Topless sunbathing is permitted. More than that is a general no-no.

Jet skis, boat tours, parasailing and other activities are available. Be aware that these activities are generally not regulated like in the United States.

Fall Foliage - New Jersey Style

When autumn begins and the talk of foliage starts, most people immediately think of the New England states and scenes from secluded rural villages. However, the entire northeast offers fall foliage that can be an easy day trip instead of venturing to a place such as New Hampshire or Vermont. In New Jersey the fall colors tend to peak in the middle of October and the leaves are on the trees until early November, making the period around Halloween a great time for a foliage trip.
Having traveled to the northern part of the state the previous year, Michele and I were looking for a different location to visit this year and decided on the western part of New Jersey along the Delaware River. Here Route 29 begins and parallels the Delaware to its ending point in Frenchtown.
Driving across I-195 we picked up Route 29 around the capital of Trenton, and once passing the metropolitan area the road became a two-lane highway. Here the urban development is sparse and things take on a more rural feeling only a few miles outside of the city. Our first stop was Washington’s Crossing State Park.

The park’s place in history is solid; George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas day 1776 and landed near this location to march to Trenton and win a key battle in the Revolutionary War. Today, the park has well maintained roads and hiking trails where visitors can enjoy the scenery as much as the history. One of the nice features is that the terrain is not overly steep and rugged on many of the roads and trails, making this a nice destination for folks who might not do a lot of hiking and don’t want to be exhausted. The tree-lined roads throughout the park feature old oaks and hardwood trees, some nearly a century old as indicated on the plaques near their bases. We had arrived at the park fairly early in the morning, it was cool, sunny autumn weather, so there were a fair amount of people out and about. However, the park is relatively large so it’s not overcrowded and people have plenty of room to roam and find a little solitude. That made for a nice relaxing morning stroll while taking pictures of the foliage.
After a couple of hours at the park we continued north on Route 29 to our next stop, the city of Lambertville, located on the banks of the Delaware river and joined by bridge to New Hope, Pennsylvania. It may be classified as a city, but Lambertville has a traditional small town feel with Victorian and row houses, tree lined streets, shops and a church. I was able to good shots capturing the small town charm and we enjoyed visiting the unique downtown shops that included rare and out of print books, antiques, art and home collectibles, and a pet store. Parking was not difficult to find, and traffic wasn’t overly heavy.

We figured that we would find a restaurant across the bridge in New Hope, Pennsylvania to grab lunch, but just a quick drive across the bridge proved otherwise. Traffic was heavy and parking scarce, so we decided to bypass New Hope and head directly to Peddler’s Village. Just a short drive from New Hope, Peddler’s Village was the most crowded of the places we stopped, probably because of the weather, however we had very little trouble finding parking or getting around. Peddler’s Village was a destination that Michele was very interested in visiting during our day trip to browse the various specialty shops. We picked up a map of the village and Michele marked out the places she wanted to see while we ate a sandwich at the Cock & Bull Pub. The shops are mainly in building clusters with common areas between, and it just so happened that there was a scarecrow contest underway with scarecrows that had been constructed in the common areas by the individual businesses.
When Michele had finished browsing the stores we drove to our final stop of the day, Frenchtown. Frenchtown is a small borough on the Delaware River and the terminating point of Route 29. Much smaller than Lambertville, it still has much of the same small town and rural charm. We had dinner at the Cocina Del Sol which featured good Mexican food at a very reasonable price, the place is BYOB but there is a liquor store a short walk down the street to pick up bottle. Frenchtown was a good spot for photos of the Delaware River from the bridge to Pennsylvania, and we took several before heading home.





We managed to pack quite a bit of exploring into a day's trip. It was a great mix of both peace in nature and small town America charm. And, it was nice to be able to do this on a day over the weekend without having to travel a long distance or drop a big sum of cash in the process. Cities have their place in my travels, but when autumn comes around it’s the season to go rural!



TRAVEL TIPS:

Route 29 runs from Trenton to Frenchtown , New Jersey and is accessible from Interstate 195 or 295 in New Jersey or Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania . The approximate distance from Trenton to Washington ’s Crossing is 7 miles, to Lambertville is 15 miles, and to Frenchtown is 30 miles.

Washington ’s Crossing State Park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day there is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee. Follow the signs from Route 29 to the park entrance.

Lambertville and New Hope are easy to explore on foot and on-street metered parking is available. One word of caution, traffic can be heavy in New Hope!

Frenchtown is also good for walking and a municipal parking area is located east of the intersection of Route 29 and Route 12.

Peddler’s Village is located in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. From New Hope, follow Route 179 through town until it ends at Route 202. Turn left on Route 202 and travel approximately 3 miles to Peddler’s Village. Shops are open by 11:00 AM daily, excluding holidays.