Shopping Neither health nor gastronomic pleasures need be neglected while spending time in Trinidad. The Natural Store at Shoppes of Maraval and Health Food Specialist Limited in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando are but two of the many health food stores established to meet the rising demand for gluten-free and specialty foods. Gourmet shop Peppercorns in Ellerslie Plaza and Westmall import a weekly supply of fresh fruit and vegetables among other delicacies, as does Malabar Farms with stocks of top quality steak and meats, seafood, cheeses, deli meats and specialty platters, imported breads and gift baskets on order. Trinidad and Tobago offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, spirits, wines and specialty drinks. Prepare to be captivated by our fine local rums and world-renowned Angostura aromatic bitters. Selections can be found in the beverage section of the supermarkets and smaller groceries and at excellent duty-free prices at the airport. Allow yourself to be wooed by the country’s vibrant local flora and fauna. Pick from the bounty of local flowers cascading off roadside vans or employ the services of the many florists’ businesses offering bouquets or arrangements of both local and imported blossoms. Call on Flowerline in Chaguanas or La Tropicale in Port of Spain, or visit Decorators Dream in Westmall for silk flowers, trees, vines, pots and decorations. Trinidad also offers extensive duty-free shopping to
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago
the travelling public with prices that are among the most reasonable in the region. At Piarco International Airport, both inbound and outbound passengers are entitled to take advantage of the duty-free shopping on the ground floor level (after exiting immigration) as well as the first floor level shops (accessible via the stairs or escalator). Precious gold and silver jewellry and Swarovski crystals sparkle and wink from shelves and showcases. Sweet tobacco and alluring perfumes, designer eyewear by Channel, Prada, Oakley, Maui Jim and Ray Ban, leather goods, books and local T-shirts and craft, cosmetics, chocolates and confectionery are some of the many purchases to be made. Why not browse the selection of CDs and music or opt for a treat of champagne, port, aged Caribbean rum, scotch or other spirits? All purchases made by departing passengers are conveniently delivered to the designated aircraft with a mandatory close off point for transactions of one hour pre departure time. Not to be neglected is the seafaring commuter. Nestled amongst the yachts at Crews Inn, Chaguaramas, Apadocas provides ocean-bound craft departing the country with dutyfree alcohol and cigarettes or you can simply choose from the duty-paid selection. So feel free to experience the appeal of the shopping mecca that is Trinidad. Keep your holiday memories alive by savouring a surprising treasure chest of purchases, brought to life by its country’s melting pot of people.