Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with red pepper, parsley, and vodka. The island's best pizzas emerge piping hot from
the oven, including a white pie with four different types of cheeses.
At the Mango Bay Resort (p. 229).
&
284/495-5482.
www.bvidining.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses $21-$39; pizzas $18-$26. AE, MC, V. Daily 4pm-9am.
Top of the Baths
CARIBBEAN This aptly named green-and-white restaurant
overlooks the famous Baths, and has a patio with a swimming pool. Locals gather here
to enjoy the food they grew up on. At lunch, you can order an array of appetizers,
including conch fritters, sandwiches, and salad plates. At night, the kitchen turns out
good home-style fresh fish, lobster, chicken, steaks, and West Indian dishes. Look for
one of the daily specials. And save room for a piece of that rum cake. Live steel bands
perform on Sunday, and you're invited to swim in the pool either before or after dining.
The Baths.
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284/495-5497.
Dinner $23-$40; sandwiches and salads $12-$18. AE, MC, V. Daily 9am-
10:30pm.
INEXPENSIVE
The Bath & Turtle
INTERNATIONAL At the end of the waterfront shopping
plaza in Spanish Town sits the most popular pub on Virgin Gorda, packed with locals
during happy hour, from 4:30 to 6:30pm. There are indoor and courtyard tables. Even
if you're not hungry, you might want to join the regulars over midmorning mango
coladas or peach daiquiris. If you're hungry, you can order fried fish fingers, tamarind-
ginger wings, very spicy chili, or daily seafood specials such as conch fritters. There's
live music every Wednesday and Friday night.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town.
&
284/495-5239.
Reservations recommended. Breakfast
$7-$16; main courses lunch $10-$19, dinner $10-$24. AE, MC, V. Daily 7am-9pm.
Mad Dog
SANDWICHES This is the most skillful and charming reconstruction
of a West Indian cottage on Virgin Gorda. The wide veranda and the brightly painted
19th-century wooden timbers and clapboards create a cozy and convivial drink-and-
sandwich bar. The piña coladas are absolutely divine. The founder of this laid-back
place was London-born Colin McCullough, a self-described “mad dog” who sailed
the British Virgin Islands for almost 30 years before establishing his domain here. He
has since departed for Mad Dog heaven, but his little dive still flourishes.
The Baths, the Country.
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284/495-5830.
Sandwiches $5-$8.50. No credit cards. Daily 10am-6pm.
Thelma's Hideout
CARIBBEAN Mrs. Thelma King, one of the most out-
spoken grande dames of Virgin Gorda (who worked in Manhattan for many years
before returning to her native B.V.I.), runs this convivial gathering place for the island
community. It's located in a concrete house with angles softened by ascending tiers
of verandas. Food choices include steamed and grilled fish, fish filets, and West
Indian stews of pork, mutton, goat, or chicken. Limeade and
mauby
are available, but
many stick to rum or beer. Live music is presented on Saturday nights in winter, and
every other Saturday off season. You have to call ahead to see if they are doing dinner.
The Valley.
&
284/495-5646.
Reservations required prior to 3pm for dinner. Main courses lunch
$8-$12, dinner $18-$25. No credit cards. Daily 8:30-10am, 11:30am-2:30pm, and 6:30-8pm. Bar daily
8am-9pm.
Exploring the Island
The northern side of Virgin Gorda is mountainous, with Gorda Peak reaching 417m
(1,368 ft.), the highest spot on the island. In contrast, the southern half of the island
is flat, with large boulders appearing at every turn.
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