The Islands - Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean: Lovetripper Guide - page 174

Island Sights & Museums
Outside the city of George Town on Grand Cayman, the popula-
tion is sparse and the atmosphere is rural. The least populated
region is called North Side . Located about 25 minutes from
George Town, this remote area is home to the Queen Eliza-
beth Botanic Park ( 345-947-9462; fax [phone]; www.

botanic-park.ky), a 65-acre park filled with native trees and
wild orchids, as well as birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Here we
enjoyed a self-guided tour and a quiet look at the flora and
fauna that make the Cayman Islands special. To reach the gar-
dens, travel east from George Town on the south side road,
turning north on Frank Sound Road. The gardens will be on
your right.

From the North Side, travel to the East End, home of the Blow
Holes. Park and walk down to the rugged coral rocks that have
been carved by the rough waves into caverns. As waves hit the
rocks, water spews into the air, creating one of the best photo
sites on the island. To reach the blowholes, travel east of George
Town on the south side road. The blowholes are on this road,
east of the Frank Sound Road turnoff.

Just under 30,000 people populate Grand Cayman and almost
half live in the capital city of George Town. Save a few minutes
for a tour of the Cayman Islands National Museum,

345-
949-8368. This excellent two-story museum traces the history
of the Cayman Islands, including their natural history. George
Town bustles with life any time of day as a center for shoppers
and diners. Among historic government buildings, you'll find
plenty of shops selling Cayman souvenirs and restaurants fea-
turing both Caribbean cuisine and international dishes.

Continuing north on West Bay Road, past George Town lies the
world's only Turtle Farm, 345-949-3894, www.turtle.ky.

Here you'll have a chance to get up close and personal with
green sea turtles, viewing them as eggs, hatchlings, and in vari-
ous sizes as they work their way up towards adulthood. Some
reach 600 pounds, and can be viewed slowly swimming in an
open-air tank in the center of the farm.