NataliyaNYC

My husband and I just booked a trip for early 2013 and are going to Hope Town. We're not getting a boat and are staying at Mermaid's Ridge at the North end of the island. Ideally looking for a very, very quiet stay so think this should do it.

That being said, should we rent a golf cart for our stay? Also, what is there to do on a night we actually do want to come out and meet others?

Thanks for any and all help. We're very excited to go!

Callaloo

If you're not getting a boat, you should DEFINITELY get a golf cart. And it's not too early to reserve it now, since they are popular items. However, I'm not sure how the logistics work, since you can't take the carts through the settlement.

In any event, if you're looking to be sociable, the bars/restaurants in Hopetown are good for low-key socializing (Hopetown Harbour Lodge, Captain Jack's, Harbour's Edge), and you can also find some activity at the Abaco Inn and Sea Spray Resort towards the south at White Sound.

I always recommend a trip down to Tahiti Beach at the southern tip of the island. The beach is really pretty and interesting, especially at low tide.

Also, I would recommend a ferry trip to either Marsh Harbour for a few hours, or to one of the other cays. Just for a change of scenery.

mnag

Yes you should rent a golf cart...Agree w/all of Callaloo's recommendations. I would add that you check out Great Guana Cay as well (ferry trip) particularly the beach by Tippys...dont go on a Sunday if you're looking for quiet. Its gorgeous.

ishkribbl

mnag has her/his mind on Eleuthera and means Nippers on Guana instead of Tippy's (Eleuthera)- both of which are great spots and she is most definitely correct about avoiding Sunday since you said you want a quiet visit. We have been there on a week day for lunch and it was very nice and peaceful.
Since you are staying on the north end I am torn about the idea of the cart- you will only be able to use it to get as far as the settlement then park it because you cannot take it through the settlement to explore the other 3/4 of the island south of town. It would be very helpful for transporting groceries from town to your house and going to town to eat dinner when you do not want to walk or cycle back in the dark- otherwise, I might consider renting bikes instead and spending the money to rent a cart for a day or two to travel from the settlement to the south to explore- visit Abaco Inn, Sea Spray, swim in their pools, have a drink, have lunch, head on to see Tahiti Beach, etc. If money is not an issue and $400 or so added to your budget is not important, then most definitely get the cart as it sounds like your house is not beach front on either side so the quick cart trip in either direction to the beach would be nicer than walking since you can take your cooler, chairs or whatever more easily.
Have a wonderful time- it is truly a special place and you should be able to find the quiet and laid back vacation you seek!

belted_galloway

Be careful with packing.

We were there in February last year. It was cold......and we are from Scotland. Just not warm enough to sit out at night or swim during the day, with strong day time winds.

belted_galloway

http://abacoforum.com/forums/index.php

Lot's of useful information above.

Be sure to try the east beach a the north end. It is on The Sea of Abaco and is beautiful at low tide. The snorkeling off the north end is incredible. We saw dolphins, sharks, turtles and many others every day.

NataliyaNYC

That Abaco forum is a gold mine, thank you @belted_galloway!

We've decided not to get a golf cart, it seems we can at worst walk to town and if need be rent one by the day.

CANNOT WAIT.

RobertoB

I'm sure by now you've heard of Vernon's Grocery and his famous pies. You definitely can walk there.

Another interesting side trip would be Cracker P's on Lubbers if you can get a boat ride over.