myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We are off on our first trip to Tobago in april. We have read mixed reports on Scarborough. Is it worth a look? What would people recommend to see and do there? What about eateries?. We will be staying in castara what is the best way of getting there- any buses or places to park that avoid us getting totally lost!Thanks
helen

Hi Helen

If you enjoy the hussle and bustle of local markets and the heat, noise and heady aroma of car fumes in a busy main town, then a visit to Scarbro' is a must.

The town is home to around half of Tobago's population and they, and the other half, always seem to be there when ever we have visited. That's not to say that it isn't an enjoyable place to wander around.
By the way, we always get lost, but it's not a big city rather a modestly-sized town, so after a few blocks you will always end up where you started. The one- way traffic system helps and as Scarboro' is bounded by the Claude Noel Highway and the sea, you soon get your bearings back.

The botanical gardens, on the outskirts are beautiful and well worth a visit. The fruit market, selling local produce as varied and colourful as you could imagine, is an experience (especially if you are self- catering and looking to buy veg or fruit).
The KFC, Burger bars and tourist tat shops (right opposite the ferry and cruise ship dock) are the same the world over, so are best avoided.

A recent posting suggested a couple of hours is enough to see Scarbro' and I would agree with this. Once in a fortnight's holiday will probably be enough for most people.

Staying over in Castara you will have all those wonderful beaches and the rain forest to explore. Give me nature any day.

I'm sure that you will love tobago.
I'll be there this time next week!

Cheers
Steve

Hi Helen

I agree with Steve, except to add that Fort King George and its little museum is a must. The views from the gardens are enticing, and it is a wonderful spot for a picnic, in the hilly sea breezes.

To get there drive up Main St, uphill all the way into and through the hospital complex, avoiding the chickens, cats and dogs which live in and around the hospital (!) to get into the Fort Complex - a well preserved example of British Fort-ness (new word). Actually even the hospital has a ring of British "colonial NHS" about it, for those anoraks like me interested in history.

Hi
Thanks for all the info- steve.
helen

Hi glynn, sounds an interesting place to visit.
meant to say have a good trip steve. Wish I was leaving this dreary english weather!
helen

Scarborough is worth a visit and a good explore.Don't try and drive round walk.Uptown is an experience and clothing is ridiculously cheap by Uk standards.The other point is chanbe your money in the bank.You will get agood rate of exchange far better than at your hotel/resort and better than Uk banks

thanks David-i expect that we will need to change some moneyat some time as I expect it is more difficult in castara
helen

Hi Helen,
there is a great little cafe/restaurant/craft shop just outside Scarborough (Old Milford road, Lambeau) called Shore Things, it has lovely verandah overlooking the atlantic and serves great (very healthy) food. We actually went back a second time it was so good.

My daughter said it was the best carrot cake she'd EVER had, fresh fruit punches and filled pancakes are also recommended. The crafts are also worth a look, nice local stuff.

Jacqui B

Hi jacqui
thanks for that tip
helen

Hi Helen

If you need to get of the heat whilst in Scarborough i can highly recommend Ciao Cafe on Burnett Street which serves great ice cream (the cinnamon ice cream was excellent) and the best coffee on the island. It is also air conditioned, which can come as a welcome relief after an hour or 2.
Wanda

thanks for that. I am sure our boys will appreciate some nice icecream.
helen

Popped in for lunch. A very compact and friendly town. Seemed to be the hottest place on Tobago. Blue Crab restaurant was very disappointing - full of tourists with tired food. all the Tobagans seemed to be in KFC. Cafe Ciao good for an ice cream.

Suggest to choose Friday or Saturday morning, when the "Market becames alive with produce and producers from the "country areas of Tobago". Fruits, different type of provisions, spicies (inside the market), even fresh coconut water from the shell. Best time 8-10. Then head to Burnett Street, stop for a cappuccino/Ciao Cafe', visit the tiny shops (second hand books, sandals, fabrics) along this steep street. At the top you will find a beautiful square, and the building which house the local government and further down (corner with Main Street, opposite to Republic Bank) a sport shop and another Dutch Style construction. Turn left, into Main Street, at the traffic light you may continue straight all the way up to Fort George (recently renovated) with great view of the Scarborough harbour, Bacolet, the Windward road and far in the back the "green and lush" of Tobago hills. From the light house you can see the coastline of Trinidad ona clear day. Back at the traffic light, you may turn right and visit Bacolet (which was the original residential area 50 years ago). Reach the Old Donkey Cart (one if not the very first "restaurant in Tobago"; around the bend the Cotton House and accross the road the Blue Haven Hotel (recently renovated and re-open after many years). descend the gentle steps to a fantastic small beach. Have fun !

Thanks both gary and Gabriele for all those great tips Certainly sounds like fri or sat would be good days for a visit
helen

Gabriele

many thanks for that post.

I'm taking me partner and son in May and we are all veggies. One of the things we are all looking forward to is fruit and vegetables there (amongst other things, we're not that sad!)

You've given me what sounds like an ideal first saturday!

Will try and grab junior a T&T football shirt in the sports shop if they have them!

We did a Saturday walk-about in the market area for about three hours, lunch included and am very glad we did. Bought lots of provisions for the villa and truly enjoyed the atmosphere which was more like local business than tourism.

Hi Lyndon

You're quite right of course. There's certainly nothing "touristy" about Scarborough - in fact you could be forgiven for thinking that they hadn't realised that tourists visited the town.