Down By the Seaside, Eleuthera Vacation Rental

26/03/2021

31/12/2019

It’s difficult to convey the scope of this change. Plastic “thank you” bags are as common as sand flies. All takeaway food is in styrofoam. This is a major shift in how our little island does business.
As visitors, we can help.
- Bring reusable bags from home when you come. Use them. Leave them when you go.
- Bring your own water bottle or cup.
- Take reusable plastic containers for leftovers with you when you eat out.
- Ask your host if they need reusable plastic containers. Gift them a set. An 18 piece set is $5 at IKEA and it will fit in your carry on.

But most of all, be thoughtful in your use of the new disposables. They are expensive here in the States, and that’s before shipping, duty and VAT. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant either doesn’t have takeaway containers or charges you for one. The stores are required by law to charge you for that bag. Think before you use.

This change is a good one, but as we all know on this day of resolutions, something being good for you doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to do.

KINDLY READ THESE SIX KEY POINTS FROM THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR JANUARY 1ST 2020.

1. Come January 1, 2020 businesses will not be able to import any of the forbidden items into the country.

2. You will now have to charge customers between $0.25 to $1.00. This is per plastic bag, not per customer.

3. The cost of the bags must appear on a customer’s receipt as a ‘check-out bag fee.

4. Even if business owners don't give physical receipts, they still have to record their inventory of bags - this is required by law.

5. The government is not expecting to collect any of the money from the proceeds of the bag except for those business responsible for collecting VAT.

6. Businesses could ultimately face fines of up to $2,000 if they are found in contravention of the law after the transition period.

Head to www.plasticfree242.com for more information.

31/12/2019

On January 1st, 2020, The Government of The Bahamas will officially ban single-use plastics including single-use plastic bags.
As the country prepares to make this monumental shift into being more environmentally friendly, we encourage you all to start looking for alternatives to single-use plastics.

The BNT is offering reusable bags to replace plastic bags.

These bags are available for sale for $3 at our Retreat Office on Village Road and proceeds will go toward managing national parks.

16/12/2019

Buying food on Eleuthera

Think small town IGA - you may have to adjust your shopping habits unless you want to spend a fortune.

If you are a coffee drinker and don’t want Folgers, bring it from home.

Skip the milk if you can. If you just need it for coffee, buy the shelf stable box of milk.

If you put milk and sugar in your coffee, just buy sweetened condensed milk.

Cheese- cheddar is considered a “bread basket” item and price regulated. Available everywhere in slices or hunks.

For fresh veg, hit Island Farm. Otherwise, stick to the romaine, carrots, bell peppers, onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Fresh broccoli is usually available and not too expensive.

For sweets, buy British. The cookies from the UK are significantly cheaper than the US brands. Crackers too. “Nice” cookies are coconut flavored.

Chips - crazy expensive and will be stale within hours.

Skip the beef and get pork chops. Also skip the chicken breast and get leg quarters.

Buy pasta in the plastic bag, unless you don’t mind little friends in your box.

If you can’t get fresh bread from Island Farm, try to get the kind in a unlabeled plastic bag. It’s from the bakery in Nassau and gets flown in regularly. They have several varieties.

Special mention for The Bluffs (Birchie) - if you need larger quantities of household goods, like laundry detergent or paper towels,
check here. They stock big boxes of diapers.

Grocery stores from GH south:

Island Farm - not a store, but they make a lot of fresh food items like hummus, pasta sauce, and entrees for 2 like pot pie or eggplant parm. They sell coffee, wine and beer, too. Go on Bread day. Get a cinnamon roll. Trust me on this. Try not to eat the whole loaf in the car, or just get an extra for that purpose.

The new market in SS - I have not been but heard good things. Worth checking out.

John Carey’s (across from the TB ball field) - has all the basics plus some convenience foods. Carries Ting and Switcha. Also stocks AntiSan.

Bert’s for the Best (run by Bert’s branch of the Carey Family) - our go to store. They are nice, close and we know the family. They have a whole other freezer in the back, so if you don’t see the frozen item you want, ask.
They sell locally made frozen pizza crusts. It’s not Mate & Jenny’s, but it is pretty good.
I find them to have the best prices. Boat day is Tuesday, so milk and bread are pretty thin on Mondays.

Friendly Jason’s (Jason Carey) - different branch of the Careys (that’s 3 if you’re counting)
He’s tucked away off Queen’s, 2nd intersection past Bert’s on the left. He’s open on Sundays all day.

6-10: on Lord street, the easiest way to find it is to take Bay all the way to the big turn, and head back towards Queen’s. It will be on the right. They are very nice, and open until 10. Much smaller, but they do have a big freezer and a surprising amount of basic veg.

Rock Sound Market has the largest supply of veg and fruit. They stock gluten free and other specialty items. If you must buy gallons of milk, this is the place. $12 a gallon. They have the best price on dry cereal. Only place I know where you can buy large bags of chips. $6 for a bag of Fritos.
They also have a butcher on site. If you need a different quantity than what is out, ask. And they will grind beef for you, from frozen beef chunks.
Added bonus- there’s a liquor store next door. Say hey to Andrew and Joey. They have these empanada things from the bakery in Nassau in the cooler and will heat it up for you if you ask. Buy extra and have a late night snack.

There is also Hall’s in Rock Sound (turn off Queen’s to go to Ocean Hole, keep going past the ball fields, and turn left. They have a big personal care item section. Good option to hit if you’re south and need to get stuff before the stores close on your way back north.

01/12/2019

NASSAU GROUPER SEASON IS NOW CLOSED.

Please note that the season for Nassau Grouper is officially closed (December 1st, 2019 - February 28th, 2020). It’s illegal to land, purchase or sell Nassau Grouper during this period.
Please respect the closed season and allow the now Critically Endangered Nassau Grouper to reproduce.
Share this notice.

18/11/2019

First bread day of the season! Starting tomorrow.

14/11/2019

Wonderful news!

That could prove particularly helpful for travelers looking to reach Silver’s broad flight network in The Bahamas starting in Delta cities.

24/10/2019

And that’s long been true of Eleuthera, the curling island 112 miles long and a short stroll wide, the next island east of Nassau in The Bahamas.

04/09/2019

We’re ok! The storm missed us. Power went out, which means no water and no phone, but in the bigger scheme of things, it’s all good.

01/08/2019

This is why things cost more in the Bahamas - duty + VAT is added to all items

16/06/2019

🤗💙From shallows to crazy depths😐 in a few feet😆💙 Gotta Love Eleuthera😍💙..
Thank you 📸..

07/06/2019

👏Impressive Cape Eleuthera😉 🧡💜💛💙..
Thank you 📸..

06/06/2019

National parks preserve some of the most unique natural areas in The Bahamas. Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to describe with words, the beauty found in our national parks, but photographs can make up for that. We are encouraging Bahamians, professional and aspiring photographers, and everybody else to get outside, in the parks and taking photos. Our first ever national park photo contest has just been launched and we are accepting submissions until August 1st. Message us and visit the link for more information. https://bnt.bs/capture-your-national-park-photo-contest/

Stunning photo of ECLSP by Colin Ruggiero Filmmaker

01/06/2019

It’s time to capture your National Parks!
As the BNT celebrates 60 years of conservation success, we are seeking amazing photos of the 32 National Parks across the Bahamian archipelago. Enter your best photos into our 2019 photo contest for a chance to win a $500 cash prize and other prizes! Visit https://bnt.bs/capture-your-national-park-photo-contest/ to enter the contest and for more information!

28/05/2019

🌴🌊Surfs up🌊🌴..
Thank you 📸..

06/05/2019

Buying groceries on island:

Think small town IGA - you may have to adjust your shopping habits unless you want to spend a fortune.

If you are a coffee drinker and don’t want Folgers, bring it from home.

Skip the milk if you can. If you just need it for coffee, buy the shelf stable box of milk.

If you put milk and sugar in your coffee, just buy sweetened condensed milk.

Cheese- cheddar is considered a “bread basket” item and price regulated. Available everywhere in slices or hunks.

For fresh veg, hit Island Farm. Otherwise, stick to the romaine, carrots, bell peppers, onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Fresh broccoli is usually available and not too expensive.

For sweets, buy British. The cookies from the UK are significantly cheaper than the US brands. Crackers too. “Nice” cookies are coconut flavored.

Chips - crazy expensive and will be stale within hours.

Skip the beef and get pork chops. Also skip the chicken breast and get leg quarters.

Buy pasta in the plastic bag, unless you don’t mind little friends in your box.

If you can’t get fresh bread from Island Farm, try to get the kind in a unlabeled plastic bag. It’s from the bakery in Nassau and gets flown in regularly. They have several varieties.

Grocery stores near Tarpum Bay:

The new market in Savannah Sound - I have not been but heard good things. Worth checking out.

John Carey’s (across from the TB ball field) - has all the basics plus some convenience foods. Carries Ting and Switcha. Also stocks AntiSan.

Bert’s for the Best (run by Bert’s branch of the Carey Family) - our go to store. They are nice, close and we know the family. They have a whole other freezer in the back, so if you don’t see the frozen item you want, ask.
They sell locally made frozen pizza crusts. It’s not Mate & Jenny’s, but it is pretty good.
I find them to have the best prices. Boat day is Tuesday, so milk and bread are pretty thin on Mondays.

Friendly Jason’s (Jason Carey) - different branch of the Careys (that’s 3 if you’re counting)
He’s tucked away off Queen’s, 2nd intersection past Bert’s on the left. He’s open on Sundays all day.

6-10: on Lord street, the easiest way to find it is to take Bay all the way to the big turn, and head back towards Queen’s. It will be on the right. They are very nice, and open until 10. Much smaller, but they do have a big freezer and a surprising amount of basic veg.

Rock Sound Market has the largest supply of veg and fruit. They stock gluten free and other specialty items. If you must buy gallons of milk, this is the place. $10 a gallon. They have the best price on dry cereal. Only place I know where you can buy a large bag of chips. $6 for a bag of Fritos.
They also have a butcher on site. If you need a different quantity than what is out, ask. And they will grind beef for you, from frozen beef chunks.
Added bonus- there’s a liquor store next door. Say hey to Andrew and Joey. They have these empanada things from the bakery in Nassau in the cooler and will heat it up for you if you ask. Buy extra and have a late night snack.

There is also Hall’s in Rock Sound (turn off Queen’s to go to Ocean Hole, keep going past the ball fields, and turn left. They have a big personal care item section. Good option to hit if you’re south and need to get stuff before the stores close on your way back north.

05/05/2019

💌💙 8th wonder of the world!🤔🍍..you got my vote✔🤗💙 👌Post card worthy!!💙💌..
Thank you for this incredible 📸..