beaches | hotels | villas | menus | archive | search | subscribe | inns | palms
Dog Island was one of the few places in Anguilla where we had not yet been. . . .
2003/04/06 - Click to enlarge pictures

At 9am, we met our captain, Trevor Richardson (tel: 264-235-6354, pictured below right), at Cove Bay. The boat we chartered, No Fear, was perfect for the job. Fast comfortable, seaworthy.

After a 40 minute boat ride around the western end of Anguilla and out to Prickly Pear, we decided to go to Dog Island first, while the seas were calm. The beach there is not a fully protected anchorage like Prickly Pear, and many captains hesitate to go there if the surf is high.

We found ourselves the only people on the island, although there were three large catamarrans from St. Martin, plus numerous smaller craft, at nearby Prickly Pear.

Dog Island is bigger than Prickly Pear with some reasonable hills and cliffs along the shoreline. We landed at a long, perfect, crescent-shaped beach. Although there were no people around, we did see a few footprints in the sand and an abandoned sand castle. So we weren't the first ones to visit the island!

We snorkelled around the rocks at the end of the beach, but there weren't any fish see. The beach had no reef, no vegetation, thus nothing for fish to eat.

So we explored a little bit. Behind the southern end of our landing beach we found a salt pond that was drying out in the sun, and then a second beach that was more exposed to the waves and had some rocks and reefs. We didn't have the proper shoes and clothes to explore the rest of the island, so we don't know if the interior contains the same kind of surprises that Scrub Island does.

Live Shoal Bay Webcam

March 2, 2003 to April 6, 2003

Sunday, April 06, 2003

Incredible Storm Last Night

Anguilla was hit by a fierce storm last night after midnight. Thunder, lightning, vast amounts of rain, and very high winds (but unlike a hurricane, we hadn't prepared, so water came in every window and the yard is a mess)!
......Permanent link for this news item.

Kennida Foods & Grillers

Anguilla recently welcomed the opening of Kennida Foods and Grillers located on the mainroad in Stoney Ground. This venture combines a restaurant/bar specializing in tasty items hot off the grill along with a tropical gazebo selling fresh produce including vegetables, local eggs, Crystal Steam water, local poultry and pork and Anguillian art and craft.

This initiative is an interesting melting pot of ideas and creative work of the Vanterpool family. Helena and Maxwell Vanterpool of Welches raised twelve children, and it is their combined remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, pooled talents and close family ties that gave birth to this project.

Headed by William and Debbie Vanterpool, this venture was supported by all the Vanterpool siblings, in-laws and the wider family. Brother Charlie did the building construction of the property, siblings Paper, Ken and Charlie all have a hand at the grill, Otlin supplies the fresh eggs and broilers from his farm, fresh pork comes from the Vanterpool brothers� pig farm, water will be supplied by Joseph�s Crystal Stream, Melsadis and Vivian will feature their art and craft and Vivian, Charlie and William will supply fresh, local vegetables. This venture is reminiscent of Anguilla�s jollification tradition where voluntary, community efforts were pooled to execute the project at hand (maybe a harvest or building of a home), followed by festive socializing.

The Grillers are opened for lunch and dinner on Monday � Saturday and live local entertainment will be featured on select evenings. Tel. 264-498-5885. Email William and Debbie at [email protected]

......Permanent link for this news item.

Friday, April 04, 2003

Pre-Schools Parade

Article from The Anguillian.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Thursday, April 03, 2003

Outdoor Excitement for Anguilla�s Children

Fitzroy �Briggi� Tomlinson has made a mark on the island in organizing major cultural festivals and international shows. As a family man he has recently embarked on a venture that is bringing lots of smiles to Anguilla�s children. Briggi gives us a glimpse of the new rave.

Briggi (pictured below right with one of his young assistants) writes:

�Family Fun Inc. grew out of a need to provide more entertainment that can be enjoyed by the total family. I have four children and at times I saw the need for us to get together and play outdoors. So the idea to provide outdoor entertainment with a difference was developed. I have been exploring this for several years and encouraged by my wife and children I decided to start this business. So I think the inspiration comes mainly from my family."

"So far we have done a few promotional events for the church and the St Mary's pre-school. We have done one birthday party and two major fun days. The response so far is overwhelming� this will catch on very quickly. Right now we have interest by persons for upcoming events for Easter, birthday parties and regular appearance at a local restaurant. Even though it is a business I am trying to make it a fun thing for the staff�so far so good."

"My staff consist of children, mainly friends of my eldest son who is 12 yrs old. The idea was and still is to give the youngsters some responsibility and encourage them to engage in play that can be productive. They are all paid an allowance and their parents have given consent to their involvement. My younger children also assist, so I would say the ages range so far from 7yrs - 14yrs. However I have just taken on two sixth form students to help when we are doing major fun days. I started out with a staff of nine youngsters (including my three sons) but for major events I will have to add a few more. The employment list is very long right now with a number of other children wanting to be a part of the staff (I guess what did it was is the staff shirts and the opportunity to play for free). I have meetings with them after each event to tell the where they went wrong, and teach them how to deal with the public (not very easy). The hardest part for them is deciding when to play and when it is work, but they are children so we try to go easy. They are very enthused and I think they are enjoying their jobs so far. Our policy however is that if their school work starts to deteriorate they are suspended from Family Fun activities until it improves. I also set a policy of good behaviour for the team."

"I am presently preparing to add new equipment before the summer. We presently have four units, catering for age ranges from 3- 16 depending on size of the child. We will be adding new units for 2-5 yrs olds in order to separate the older children at fun days. I also plan to have another slide that can be used at major beach events, and a miniature train for 3-10yrs olds. Eventually there will be fun food added and some crowd control mechanisms included. This project is supported privately and by the Anguilla Development Board Small Business Development Unit."

"Our rates vary depending on the type of event and which unit is being rented. Our smallest goes from US$90.00 - $250.00 for parties. That is a maximum four hours. We have special arrangements for school and church functions, we will also offer special prices for social clubs fund raisers. We are also available to visitors who may wish to have a party for children while on island.�

For bookings contact Briggi at ph# 264-496-3396 or cell 264-235-3396 or email [email protected] .
......Permanent link for this news item.

Wednesday, April 02, 2003

Saturday Reggae on Sandy Island

Starting April 12, and continuing every Saturday, King Gossip and the The Boys Band will be playing on Sandy Island (you may have heard them on Sundays at Gwen's Reggae Grill - Shoal Bay). A special boat fare of US$5 round trip on Saturdays will get you to this unique affair. Open bar and restaurant/bbq. Happy hour from 2pm to 3pm. Boat departs from Sandy Ground from 10am to 4pm. For information or reservation, tel 264.772.0542.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Bringing Your Dog to Anguilla

Barbara Kingsley Hirtle writes:

Thank you for the puppy importing information you gave us; the procedure was seamless. The documents required going into Anguilla also need to be shown on return at U.S. Customs, so visitors should not pack them.

We had the pleasure of meeting Patrick Vanterpool and his assistant at the clinic, Amy.

In short, I also leave this quick message to other Anguilla visitors taking their dogs: it's important to keep them leashed when you're out and about. There are lots of chicken and rib bones around as well as a few poisons - rodent, herbicides and pesticides. Guinness (our Yorkie) picked up a mild poison and was queezy for a day. Fortunately it passed and all is well.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Anguilla Regatta 2003

The First Annual Anguilla Regatta will take place May 30-June 1, 2003. The St. Maarten Yacht Club is enthusiastic, as this new racing event will extend the race season in the region. Cruising permit fees will be waived for all entries. More information: [email protected]
......Permanent link for this news item.

Hotels.ai: All the resorts/hotels/inns.

Animal Rescue Newsletter

The April issue of the newsletter from AARF continues information on dog licensing (April is the month), animal adoptions, primary school education and more.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Optimist Charity Marathon Planned

The Optimist Club of Anguilla is planning a major marathon run on November 30, 2003. The goal of this charity event is AIDS Awareness. There will be much more information was the event draws closer, but keep in mind that the Opimists are hoping to draw many runners from around the world. The Optimists are working on lining up discounted accomodations, airfare and more, so visitors can enjoy a discounted vacation on Anguilla, while helping a worthy cause. For more information, contact Jerome Roberts 264.497.4673, [email protected]
......Permanent link for this news item.

Comments on Food

Paul Lowerre of New York City writes:

To expand a little on the Dutmers' earlier piece on Irad's Seaside Grill, in the last few years we have found a dramatic increase in the number and quality of "intermediate" restaurants on Anguilla. In the early days of our travels to Anguilla, 1990 or so, there really wasn't very much between Pimms (super high-end) and the Roti hut (super local). Our most recent visit, last month, found us visiting Irad's, Smokey's, Flavours and Corals, all of which provided us with wonderful meals at very moderate prices. Add these to Pedro Marin's Sapphire, E's Oven and even the restaurant at Wallblake Airport (great curried goat) and you've really got quite a few choices. I have always loved the food on Anguilla, but I had grown weary of US$300 dinner bills every night for my family. I look forward to seeing who's set up their own shop next year when we're back in the Spring.

ps. Smokey's has the best Rum Punch on the Planet!
......Permanent link for this news item.

Monday, March 31, 2003

Allamanda Rates Updated

Allamanda Beach Club on Shoal Bay has updated their rate schedule for this summer, next winter and even next summer. I especially like that you can stay in a studio apartment, off the pool, for $87 per night (of course bigger apartments are more).
......Permanent link for this news item.

Menus.ai: Restaurants and menus.

Festival of the Sea in May

From The Anguillian. May 16-31, 2003. Regatta, Anguillian boat racing, fish fry, etc.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Tourism Board Moves to New Premises

From The Anguillian. New location is next to the Department of Agriculture in The Valley; the roof is very bright!
......Permanent link for this news item.

Anguilla Beach Mugs

Loretta Omania ([email protected]) has created a coffee mug with a beautiful beach picture taken near the ferry landing. If anyone is interested in one, it would cost $16 (incl. S&H).

......Permanent link for this news item.

Villas.ai: Private villas for rent.

Beachshack: Mosquito Magnet

Mary Ann's Tropical Construction web site has been updated with information on a gadget that attracts and destroys biting insects, plus several other topics.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Sunday, March 30, 2003

Johnno�s�20th Anniversary Celebrations this Summer!

Johnno�s remains one of Anguilla�s legends on the restaurant/bar/entertainment scene�.a must-see-and-do on the island. With its humble beginnings in 1983 as a beach shack manned by one person (Johnno himself), Johnno�s has developed into the island�s leading hot spot for live entertainment still retaining its charming informal ambience and rustic character. Whether featuring the vibrant Mussington Band or the smooth sounds of jazz, Johhno�s is always a center of activity for visitors and locals alike. In the daytime Johnno�s transforms to a quiet beach restaurant specializing in seafood. They offer lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Sundays. Tel: 264-497-2728. Email: [email protected]

Johnno reflects back on his returning to Anguilla in 1983 after many years of running bars and restaurants in the US and USVI. �We didn�t even have electricity down here�there were one or two restaurants on the whole island�things were so different��

July 19, 2003 brings the 20th anniversary of Johnno�s and a grand three-day celebration is planned to commemorate the event. From Friday July 18 � Sunday July 20, Anguilla can expect a to enjoy a wide range of daytime and nighttime activities including a Dinner/Dance, Live Jazz with Dinner featuring premier local and international artists, daytime beach activities like limbo dancing and volleyball, a Mussingtons Band Live Music Jam and Boat Racing fun. This event is expected to be the perfect kick-off for the annual summer carnival.

A relatively undiscovered secret is Johnno�s Restaurant at Prickly Pear� a beach spot tucked away on a small uninhabited cay located off Anguilla. Day trips to Prickly Pear leave Road Bay on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at around 9am returning at about 2:30pm. Special group trips and parties can be arranged. The lunches featured include Fish, Chicken or Ribs ($15 per plate) and Lobster ($25) and boat rides cost $20 per person roundtrip.

......Permanent link for this news item.

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Tropical Sunset: New on Shoal Bay

Tropical Sunset Bar & Restaurant (Uncle Ernie #2) at Shoal Bay East

Tel: 264/497/2076 - E-mail: [email protected]

Visa and MasterCard accepted. Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Dinner by reservation only.

Located on the western side of the beach next to the best snorkeling area at Shoal Bay East is a lovely new Bar and Restaurant: Tropical Sunset. It�s only a minute�s walk away from the resorts and is the perfect location to sit and watch spectacular sunsets. Whether you wish to enjoy the cozy gentle breeze across the covered patio, sit at the bar, relax under the umbrellas in the sand or under the Tropical grape vines/trees, Tropical Sunset is the place to visit when on Anguilla. Your stay will not be complete without sampling their famous conch fritters served with a homemade Creole Sauce as well as one of Jamal�s Tropical Coladas �. The best on the beach.

Heineken Beers are US $1.00

Menu

Appetizers
Black Bean Soup $6.00
Island Conch Soup 8.00
Garden Salad 8.00
Conch Ceviche Salad 10.00

Sandwiches
Lobster $12.00
Crab 12.00
Fish 10.00
Club 10.00
Chicken 7.00
Hamburger/Cheeseburger 6.00/7.00
Served on Whole wheat/white or French bread with fries

Barbecues
Chicken $6.00
Ribs 7.00
Combo 8.00
Shrimp Kebabs 15.00
Fish Kebabs 12.00
Chicken Kebabs 10.00
Served with Freedom Fries & Cole Slaw

Entr�es
Chicken Caesar Salad $12.00
Crusted Snapper 12.00
10 oz Angus Steak 15.00
Tropical Coconut Shrimp 18.00
Anguillian Cracked Conch 18.00
*Grilled Lobster 28.00
Served with Saut�ed potato or peas & rice, mixed vegetables and green salad
* Lobster is seasonal

Desserts
Haagen Daz Bars $3.00
Key Lime Pie 6.00
Cheese Cake & 6.00
Ice Cream 3.00

......Permanent link for this news item.

Beaches.ai: Over 30 Anguilla beaches.

Dancing at CoCo-Mo's

Johanna Bachmann of Cocoloba writes: Wednesday through Sunday nights at the CoCo-Mo's Lounge at Cocoloba Beach Resort. For the next few weeks the Latin Band: SONIDO LATINO will start with soft dinner music at 8:00pm and go late into the night with Latin Rhythm dance music .... Food is great - ambience romantic .... drinks are reasonable and there is no cover charge ...... so, what are you waiting for ..... we all need the exercise .... let's marenque, tango, salsa or mambo ... and have a party !!!!
......Permanent link for this news item.

Submit a News Story.

Pictures of the Wallblake Silent Auction

Chris Mason has posted pictures of this charity event on his photo.ai web site.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Saturday, March 22, 2003

Azemmour Boutique located at Something Special, West End invites you to come and shop for an exciting collection of ladies swimwear from Europe. A fabuous assortment of casual and evening wear. Accessories plus much more. All prices now 50% off. Open Mon. - Sat. 9am - 5pm. Tel. 497-7821.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Thursday, March 20, 2003

Blanchard's Cookbook

Bob and Melinda Blanchard are excited to announce the upcoming arrival of their new cookbook: At Blanchard�s Table. They will be on tour in the USA, cooking and offering samples from recipes in the book.

Fri. March 28 Northshire Bookstore, Manchester,VT 7:00 pm
Sat. March 29 Barnes & Noble, Manchester, NH 2:00 pm
Wed. April 2 Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Center, NYC 7:00 pm
Thurs. April 3 TODAY SHOW appearance
Fri. April 4 Barnes & Noble, Bethesda, MD 7:30 pm
Sat. April 5 Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY 2:00 pm
Mon. April 7 Books & Co., Dayton, OH 7:00 pm
Tues. April 8 The Chopping Block, Chicago 4:00 pm
Wed. April 9 Fox & Obel, Chicago 4:30-6:30 pm
Thurs. April 10 Lunch at Webster House, Kansas City, MO (please call 816-221-4713 for reservations)
Fri. April 11 Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL 8:00 pm
Sat. April 12 Barnes & Noble, Naples, FL 2:00 pm
Sat. April 12 Barnes & Noble, Sarasota, FL 7:00 pm
Sun. April 13 Vero Beach Book Center, Vero Beach, FL 1:00 pm
Sun. April 13 Barnes & Noble, Boca Raton, FL 6:00 pm
May 2-5 Boston events: not yet scheduled
Wed. May 7 Borders, Nashua, NH 7:00 pm
Sat. May 10 Borders, S. Portland, ME 2:00 pm
Wed. May 21 Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT 7:00 pm
Sat. June 7 Dartmouth Bookstore, Hanover, NH 11:30 am
Sat. July 19 Book Hampton, East Hampton, NY 5:30 pm

......Permanent link for this news item.

Build Your Own: Beachshack

US Disappointed in CARICOM

CARICOM, the organization of the Caribbean nations, has not supported the US on the IRAQ issue. Anguilla is not a full member of CARICOM, but is an Associate Member. Anguilla has the right to attend meetings and observe, but not to vote. This article is from the Barbados Daily Nation.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Wednesday, March 19, 2003

www.sprocka.com

Musician Sprocka now has a web page. Lots of great pictures.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Saturday, March 15, 2003

Jazz Festival

Last night there was a great jazz concert at Shoal Bay, on the grounds of the Shoal Bay Beach Hotel. For pictures, visit Michel's pictures of the day archive. The musicians perform again tonight at Frangipani on Meads Bay.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Sandy Island

From a tourist trip report (link above):

Feb. 13th - We ended up eating breakfast at the Ship's Galley. That is where we found out about a shuttle you could take to Sandy Island for $8 PP/RT. There is a very small white building right by Johnno's, that is where you can make arrangements to be picked up. Jason came back from Sandy Island to pick us up. We had a great time out there and the snorkeling was excellent - saw a huge Porcupine fish, etc. We saw Frigates that were going crazy over the fat trimmings from their ribs. We would definately do that trip again. It is so nice to have a restaurant/bar on that island again!

Doris has leased the island and reopened the restaurant and beach bar:

Hi everybody, just wanted to let you know, that the beautiful little key of Anguilla named "Sandy Island" has opened it's restaurant & beach bar "Crusoe's". We do BBQ chicken, ribs, fish and lobster and a boat shuttle service is available from Sandy Ground. ( $8 per person: round trip, children under 12 years are free). It's a great place out there to snorkel or just to relax, retreat and have fun. Try it out on your next trip and feel like Robinson Crusoe for a day....you will love it! Contact: Tel. +1-264-772-0787

The Restaurant/Bar is open daily (if weather conditions are friendly) from 11.00h a.m. 'til how long people like to stay.... the first boat leaves between 10.00h a.m - 10.30h a.m. There is a little office right next to Johnno's fom where we would call the boat for you or you just use the public phone and call 772-0787 / 0,50 $EC). We will be right there for you to pick you up....

......Permanent link for this news item.

Friday, March 14, 2003

Sonido Latino Band at Cocoloba

CoCo-Mo's Lounge now offers nightly entertainment with a special BBQ kick-off this Saturday and a Spanish Menu for Sunday evening. You are sure to enjoy our new five member band from Santo Domingo: SONIDO LATINO exclusive at Cocoloba's Beach Resort with guest singers throughout the upcoming months.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Monday, March 10, 2003

Wallblake Auction

An evening of fun on March 22, 2003 at the Wallblake House in The Valley. Numerous items have been donated by local artists and businesses to be auctioned to benefit the renovation of Wallblake House. Starts at 6:00 PM. Refreshments will be served along with a cash bar. Silent Auction. [News via the Anguilla Guide.]
......Permanent link for this news item.

Saturday, March 08, 2003

Serenity Cottage

Recently opened Serenity Cottage sits on the quiet end of Shoal Bay East just a few steps away from the sand. The cottage comprises four two bedroom units which can be rented in various configurations � studio with bath and private balcony; one bedroom suite or two bedroom suite.

The suites are beautifully appointed and fully furnished with full kitchen, Cable TV and ceiling fans. The high wooden roof ceilings, marble-topped bathroom and kitchen surfaces, and hand carved stone walls add a delightful touch. Serenity Restaurant operated under the same management is conveniently located nearby.

Tel./Fax. 264-497-3328. Email: [email protected]

INTRODUCTORY RATES: February 15 � April 15, 2003

DAILY:

Studio (w/bath and private balcony) 125.00
1 Bedroom Suite 175.00
2 Bedroom Suite 250.00
Extra Person 30.00
WEEKLY (7 nights): Studio 800.00, 1 Bedroom Suite 1000.00, 2 Bedroom Suite 1550.00,

April 16 � December 16, 2003

DAILY:

Studio (w/bath and private balcony) 100.00
1 Bedroom Suite 125.00
2 Bedroom Suite 200.00
Extra Person 30.00
WEEKLY (7 nights): Studio 650.00, 1 Bedroom Suite 800.00, 2 Bedroom Suite 1200.00

Rates are subject to 10% Government Room Tax and 10% Service Charge. All rates are quoted in US currency. All rates are double occupancy and quoted in US currency. Visa, Master Card and American Express Credit Cards are accepted. Rates are subject to 10% Government Room Tax and 10% Service Charge. Rates are subject to change without further notice.

......Permanent link for this news item.

Sydan's Apartments and Villas (French Version)

The web page for Sydan's in Sandy Ground now has a French version. This is courtesy of Mitsou Gumbs. Anyone else who is interested in having their web site translated into French can contact Mitsou at [email protected]
......Permanent link for this news item.

Wednesday, March 05, 2003

Nightly Entertainment at CuisinArt Resort

Nightly, Elvis from Costa Rica on guitar at the Lobby Bar from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Plus:

Sunday in Santorini Restaurant, overlooking the grounds and pool, Elvis from 7:30pm.

Monday, Elvis from 7:30pm.

Tuesday, Happy Hits from 7:30pm.

Wednesday, Elvis from 7:30pm.

Thursday, Sprocka from 7:30pm.

Friday, Boss and Company from 7:30pm.

Saturday, Bobcat from 7:30pm.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Monday, March 03, 2003

Two Gallery Openings Side by Side

Loblolly Gallery has a show of new works by Iris Lewis: "Anguillian Homes in Pen, Ink and Pastel". Saturday March 8, 3-5pm. Crocus Hill Road. And new door Savannah Gallery has their opening reception for works by Paul Elliott Thuleau.
......Permanent link for this news item.

Sunday, March 02, 2003

Sunset Homes Update.

Ian "Sugar George" Edwards and his wife Janine continue posting progress reports on the construction of their new villa:   Stage 12 and Stage 13.
......Permanent link for this news item.