Sunnyside Gardens
FORTS
St. Rose Nursery & Garden
Located in St. Pauls, St, George, Sunnyside is a labour of love by its owner Jean Renwick. It is a classic colonial garden, with flowers of Grenada, koi ponds, Japanese gardens, mahogany trees, palm trees and many varieties of tropical fruits, along with the red-foot tortoise. Tel: (473) 444 1594 Deep within the St. George parish is a small, unique garden that is a prolific producer of flowering herbs, shrubs, and orchids. The temperate climatic conditions in the valley help to ensure that many of Grenada’s most beautiful flowers bloom.
Fort Frederick
Named after the second son of King George III of England, Fort Frederick is one of four fortifications that were built on Richmond Hill at the end of the 18th century. It enabled a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding terrain so that any approaching enemy could have been spotted from a distance. Visitors can gather information, via plaques, about the remarkable history. Areas that can be seen from this fort include St. George’s, Grand Anse, Point Salines and parts of St. David. Admission: US$2.
Dougaldston Spice Estate
Here, visitors are privy to experience how cocoa beans are fermented and processed before export. They are also treated to explanations about the processing and ultimate uses of other spices. Originally 1,000 acres in size and a model producer of sugar cane, bananas, and various spices, this estate is regarded as an historical monument. Admission: US$2.
Fort Matthew
Situated a few metres away from Fort Frederick, with a similar elevation, is Fort Matthew. It was used for the originally designed purposes in the early 19th century before it was transformed into an institution for the mentally challenged. Parts of it were damaged during the 1983 intervention by United States military forces and patients were relocated to another facility. Fort Matthew was subsequently refurbished and designated a venue for cultural shows and events.
De La Grenade Nutmeg Garden
At this 2-acre garden, nature enthusiasts get to see firsthand the fruits that are incorporated into the production of De la Grenade industries products. The beautifully landscaped grounds, with nutmeg shell carpeted paths, are dotted with aromatic spice and fruit trees, herbs and a diversity of flowering plants. Plants are labelled throughout. Admission: US$5.50.
Fort George
This was among the first set of Forts built in Grenada at the beginning of the 18th century. From its location on a cape that separates the Carenage from the western side of the town, it dominates the skyline majestically with its centuries-old architectural design and layout. Fort George provides a breathtaking view of the town and surrounding villages. It is also used as the headquarters of the Royal Grenada Police Force. Admission: US$2.
West India Spices Inc.
This company, in the depths of Grenada’s rural farming community of Birchgrove, is a producer of quality essential oils, oleoresins, ground spices and other spice products. You can learn interesting details from qualified tour guides about how spices are processed through steam distillation. There is also a spice garden on location.
GARDENS
GREAT HOUSES
Laura Herb & Spice Gardens
Helvellyn House
The fertile soil on the elevated Laura Estate in St. David is the mainstay of a beautiful garden of herbs, spices, fruit trees and vegetables. You can sample some of the in-season fruits and spices are also available for sale. Admission: US$2. Tel: (473) 443 2604
Situated in St. Patrick, in the north of the island, and steeped in tradition and history, this house is perfectly positioned for beautiful views of the Grenadines and panoramic mountain vistas across the interior of the island. It features a pottery which uses local clay to produce pieces with a North African influence.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
it was here that Grenada’s first beach club – Blanco’s Beach Club (BBC) – was located. Today, the white sand basin known for its calm, shallow waters is home to two hotels. On some nights of the week, its northern end takes on a more festive spirit as lively entertainment erupts at the Fantasia 2001 nightclub.