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and a lot of information about Marsh Harbour |
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An Out Island Location Without Out Island Compromises ... Coconut Cove's central yet secluded "four-miles-from-Marsh-Harbour" location is one of its most valuable and unique assets. The Cove's marina is no more than a few miles from any one of the Abacos' most popular cays (Guana Cay, Scotland, Cay, Elbow Cay, Man 'O War and Elbow Cay-HopeTown), government protected diving spots and still-deserted beaches. Your home in The Cove is literally just a few minutes by boat or car from the Bahamas' third largest settlement, yet it's far away from the effects of the Abaco islands' increasing popularity. Truly, Coconut Cove allows you to "get away from it all" without the "do without many things" compromise that's usually associated with a true Out Island retreat. |
Marsh Harbour
Shopping, Dining ... and "The Stop Light"
Marsh Harbour is a hilly, seaside town crowned by the Disneyesque pillars of Seafoam Castle built by an expatriate and now operated (as of June-1998) as an upscale restaurant and island-style bistro. The town has a relatively large number of fine seafood restaurants, interesting "discovery shops", and an excellent "native" arts & crafts gallery and boutiques. Located in the central "Tourism Area" on the harbour-front, Wally's, Mangoe's and Sapodilly's (recommended) provide a wide range of generally excellent food and equally good food service. Dinner prices generally range from $15 to $25 (US) and usually include a choice of several Abaconian and American side dishes and salads.Marsh Harbour is also the site of the Out Islands' one and only stop light as well as the Abacos' only Pizza Hut! Even with its rapid growth, Marsh still offers a wide variety of pleasures and treasures. It is home to the largest hotel in The Abacos, far more marinas than any other settlement, and more (and larger) grocery and supply outlets than the whole of the Abacos combined.
Grocery Prices
Food prices in Marsh's stores have dropped considerably over the past few years to the point where (with a few ridiculous exceptions) grocery costs are not much higher than U.S. (10-15%). As of 7-1-98, the grocery prices at Abaco Wholesale (an island version of a US warehouse club) appeared about equal to the US: a gallon of pasteurized-homogenized milk sold for $3.80 US; Tyson chicken legs for $1.19 per pound; Kraft Sharp Cheddar for $1.89 a "brick", with the majority of prices on other foods hovering at about the same relative level. In Sandy Point, fresh cleaned conch right off the boat was selling for $1.75 per pound, one of the lowest prices in years! Veggies are usually good quality, with somewhat smaller selection than the States. Delicious fresh baked bread is available in a wide range of locations.NOTE: These "US parity prices" are rarely found in the smaller grocery and food stores in other Abaco settlements.
Seafood
Fish, especially "off the docks", is one of the best food values you'll find. For good selection and value in FRESH iced fish and seafood, contact Kenny Long at Long's Landing (242-367-3079) ... he's right on the waterfront and is almost always open (except Sundays!).Shopping and Services
Marsh is also the site of The Abacos' largest "duty free" shopping options, several "Cuban Cigar" stores, several major bank branches, the Abacos' only UPS office, the Abacos' ONLY radio station (93.3FM - Radio Abaco with Silbert Mills).Medical Facilities and Drug Stores
24-hour medical and dental services are also available at the Marsh Harbour clinic and from various "private practice" doctors. Several well-stocked drug stores are all within a leisurely walk or a 7 minute taxi ride from the central docking area as is The Abacos' only "while you wait" film processor.Marine Services, Yachting Facilities and Chartering
As host to numerous summertime sailing regattas as well as bluewater sport fishing competitions (including central Abacos' largest), Marsh's numerous modern marinas, yacht charter and dockage accommodations occasionally resemble one of Florida's internationally acclaimed boat shows. Marsh Harbour also offers a choice of more electronic, marine and related repair facilities than any other city in The Bahamas except Nassau and Freeport-West End. Certified Yamaha repairs, a huge parts inventory and boat storage up to 12 tons are conveniently available at Abaco Outboard Engines, Ltd., on the north end of Marsh Harbour (242)367-2452. For large yacht hauling and repairs (up to 50 tons, 65' LOA and 7' draft), Green Turtle Cay's Abacos Yacht Services is still the "only game in town".
