PartyJoe.net was designed to introduce travelers to the wonderful people of Barbados and the spectacular Island they call home. In the following pages you will find favorite people and places, vendors, recipes, photos and an ever-growing list of the unique, traditional (and not so traditional), Rum Shops of Barbados.
Discovering the 'Real Barbados'
Years ago PartyJoe discovered Barbados and fell in love with the Island with the "14 Mile Smile". Being a person who travels on a budget he learned to shop where the locals shop, eat where the locals eat and enjoy the areas the locals enjoy. When visiting Barbados don't be surprised if you are invited into someone's home to enjoy some yummy Bajan cooking. If you take them up on their offer it will be an experience you will never forget.
The beautiful coral island of Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. Covering only 430 sq. km. (166 sq. mi.) measuring 34 km. long and 22 wide (21 mi. X 14 mi.) with a population of approx. 280,000. Though it maintains an average daytime temperature of 27° - 30°C (80° - 87°F) the steadily blowing northeast trade-winds keep it extremely comfortable. Direct flights are available from major cities such as Toronto, London, Frankfurt,Miami and more. Barbados may be a little more difficult to get to than other Caribbean islands, but.... once you get here, is unbelievably difficult to leave.
The flag of Barbados
Watch for PartyJoe gear while touring the Island. Free decals available now - drop us a note.
Things to see, do or try!
Even though Barbados is a small Island, there is no shortage of things to see, do, or try while there. PartyJoe encourages all visitors to get out and experience ‘the real Barbados’. Catch a bus, hire a taxi or rent a car for the day, but get out and enjoy this incredible Island. The following is a list of recommendations created by PartyJoe with the help of our wonderful Bajan friends.
·Visit a Rum Shop (where you order drinks by the bottle not the glass) ·Try Macaroni pie (served throughout the Island) ·View the sleeping giant from Cherry Tree Hill ·Visit a Rum Shop (learn the lingo - mini, flask or pint & 1/2 - how thirsty are you?) ·Enjoy the view from Farley Hill (and the ruins) ·Watch an entertaining game of Dominoes (again, at a Rum Shop) ·Take a walk through Bridgetown (a wide range of merchandise and some great Rum Shops) ·Drink some fresh Coconut water (not only is it refreshing it's extremely good for you) ·Visit a Rum Shop (there's practically one on every corner) · Take a stroll from Speightstown to Holetown (don't worry there are Rum Shops along the way and you can order lunch out of the back of a van) ·Visit North Point (the rugged but beautiful coastline) ·Tour the Mount Gay Distillery (educational and a very inexpensive store at the end of the tour) ·Try Puddin n' Souse (pickled pork - available at numerous Rum Shops) ·Take a ride on a Blue Government bus (especially through Bathsheba - wow these drivers can handle a bus) ·Take a ride on a yellow bus (wild paint jobs and some great tunes) ·Take a ride in a ZR (I don`t know how they fit so many passengers in a mini van!) ·Taste some local favourites like black belly sheep stew, cow heal soup, roast pork and many other tasty treats (available at many Rum Shops) ·Take a trip to Chalky Mount to watch John Springer work his pottery magic (then step next door to Ann`s and enjoy a rum or 2 and the view) ·Oistens on a weekend (just about any type of fish and a great party) ·Take a trip up to St. Simon (narrow, winding road but the view from The Kool Aire Bar is spectacular - day or night) . Visit the Banks brewery (incredible beer available at all Rum Shops) ·And remember, before you board your plane - there's a Rum Shop across the airport parking lot (just one more quick one!)
In Loving Memory of our dear friend and #1 fan
Tim Wells 04/08/1961 - 02/24/2011
Tim was a very instumental part of our website. Every trip we made to Barbados, he introduced us to another unique, out-of-the-way Rum Shop that the average traveler would never find. You will be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know you. May your 'Parish Lamp' burn bright. Untill we meet again in that magical Rum Shop in the sky.
A proud father, a trusted friend and a true Bajan!
