We just (reluctantly) returned from Abaco. The are 10 scratch marks on the
Treehouse dock at GTC as Larry (Ferry Captain) and I had to drag my wife on
board the Bolo ferry for the trip to the Treasure Cay ferry dock so we could
catch our flight back home (Ohio).
We went to Marsh Harbor, Elbow Cay, Treasure Cay, and then up to GTC. All have
their advantages. It is whatever suits your family's lifestyle.
We like the piece and quiet of the Treehouses (http://www.oii.net/treehouse/index.htm)
at Green Turtle. The Treehouses are located on the Abaco Sea (West) side of GTC and are
close to the water. They are 2 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen, central air houses that
are well worth the weekly rental rate of $850. You can swim/snorkle right off the dock
in crystal clear waters. An EXCELLENT place to go to mellow out. You will also have one
of the best hostesses (Janet Curtis (treehouse@oii.net)) in Abaco.
We rented a boat from Reef Rentals ("Reef Rentals" )
in New Plymouth or golf carts are also available for island commuting.
If you are familiar with a boat, I would recommend renting one ($550) as there
are so many neighboring Cays to visit and the trip to New Plymouth is a short boat
ride away. Gas ran about $3 a gallon... We circumnavigated Manjack, visited
Manjack several times (have to see the Manjack Hilton and feed the string rays),
Noname Cay, etc. and burned about 30 gallons of fuel. If you are not a boater,
rent a golf cart as you will find one very nice for getting to other places on
the island.
If you are a diver/snorkler - call Brendal's Dive Shop (http://www.oii.net/brendal/index.htm).
Also check with them for their all day island trip. You will not be disappointed.
Food - Sid's Grocery in New Plymouth. There are actually 3 grocery stores there.
Laura's Resturant (under $10 a plate) has the best potato salad and cole slaw in the world.
Another reasonable resturant is MacIntosh. The Island resturant closed down.
For the more expensive appetites, there are the Bluffhouse, Green Turtle Club,
and the New Plymouth Inn. Beware: Reservations are required by 5pm for dinner
at 7:00-7:30pm.
We, like one of the other posters to your request, like Green Turtle Cay. It is
more of an eco-tourist vacation speot. Limited nightlife spot.
Our second choice would probably be Treasure Cay. Tripple-J-Rentals has a car rental for
$75 a day or $60 a day for more than a 4 day rental. Spinnikers resturant has
excellent food ($$). Good central location to visit Marsh Harbour (about 19 miles to
the south) and you can take Albury's Ferry across to Elbow Cay to see Hopetown.
Nipper's on Guana Cay has a Sunday pig roast that is very good. Nice island with
friendly people.
Where ever you decide to stay, I am quite sure you will have a nice time and
fond vacation memories that will last the rest of your lives. It will take you
about 2 days to get on "Bahamian Time" and don't fight it. It is natural and
you will enjoy yourself even more... So much so that you will be asking yourself
serious questions as to whether you want to come back to the rat-race pace of
the American lifestyle.

Follow Ups:

Re: WHERE TO STAY FOR A MONTH?!?!? Bob and Marolyn 21:20:15 7/10/99 (0)