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Interesting Facts
- Elbow Cay's largest community, Hope Town bears the unique distinction of being home to one of the Bahamas' most notable and highly photographed icons, the Hope Town Lighthouse. The red and white striped tower houses a light that still operates by kerosene and a hand-wound mechanism. It was built by the British in the 1860s.
- During your stay in The Abacos, you're sure to find references to "Loyalists." This term refers to the first settlers in the area who were loyal to King George III during the United States of America's Revolutionary War which began in 1776.
- One of the best things about visiting the Out Islands is the authentic Bahamian cuisine served in restaurants throughout the cays. Conch (said "conk") is an island staple and comes prepared a number of different ways, from conch fritters to conch salad. Also be sure to try the "rock lobster" or pea soup served with dumplings.
- A birder's slice of heaven, The Abacos are home to over 65 species of birds, including the Bahama Yellow-Throat, the Cuban Emerald and the Red-Legged Thrush. Located to the south near Hole In The Wall, the Abaco National Park has over 20,500 acres of protected land housing about 1000 parrots. It's one of the limited areas where the endangered "Bahama" Parrot makes its home.
- July 10, 1973 was the day when the Bahamas became a nation. The date is officially celebrated as the nation's Independence Day, with various parades, festivals and activities held throughout the islands. In 1964, the United Kingdom gave the Bahamas a limited form of self-government, and in 1969 the islands became a Commonwealth, leading to the independence achieved in 1973.
- The Abacos Islands form the northernmost region of the Bahamas. This collection of islands is about 130 miles long and includes Great and Little Abaco as well as a handful of other cays (pronounced "keys"), such as Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay. The Abacos are located about 206 miles from Miami, FL, and just 75 miles from Nassau, Bahamas.
- The weather is pretty consistent year round, offering balmy breezes and sunny days. However, the months of January and February can be a bit temperamental, with temperatures dipping as low as 40 °F.
- The area's economy has always been directly linked to the sea. In the early days, the founding Loyalists quickly figured out that they needed to befriend the sea and use it to their advantage, thus turning farmers into boat builders and fishermen. Today, the sea is still a huge part of the economy, with the quantity of boat slips outnumbering hotel rooms and seaside resorts catering to eager vacationers.
- A center of activity, Marsh Harbour is located on Great Abaco Island. It's the third largest city in the Bahamas. With its own airport and ferry service to the surrounding cays, it's a perfect home base for those wanting to explore the coral reefs and natural beauty of The Abacos.
- If you can afford the multi-million dollar price tag, you can purchase yourself a place at the upscale Abaco Club located on Winding Bay on Cherokee Sound. It's a gated community that features a Scottish links style golf course, outstanding ocean views and private, pristine beaches. Oh, and while you're calculating, don't forget the $75,000 club dues.
