Relaxing on the lush, tranquil island of Grenada, you'd never know that its history was literally explosive. Grenada was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption, and there's still an active underwater volcano near its shores. One of the many Caribbean islands originally claimed by Christopher Columbus, it was the scene of fierce battles between the Caribs, its original inhabitants, and the Europeans who tried to conquer them; the British and the French; and the island's slaves and the British. In 1983, the U.S. along with several Caribbean nations invaded the island to overthrow a Marxist military dictatorship.
Today, Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da) is one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. And somehow, despite its fiery past, the islanders have maintained an easy rhythm and friendly openness that is unique to other Caribbean destinations. Even the rain forests, devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, have bounced back with a steady re-growth that has amazed observers.
Grenada is mountainous, dotted with picturesque towns. Its capital, St. George's, is acknowledged by many as the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Also known as the Spice Island, Grenada has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa. Their ravishing scents drift through the colorful markets and the island's dense forests. The interior of the island offers cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes.
In recent years Grenada has begun to protect some of its most remarkable natural assets through a system of national parks and protected areas. Ranging from the magnificent Grand Etang Forest Reserve to the tranquil beauty of Lake Antoine, these areas hold considerable attraction for hikers and birdwatchers as well as for those who simply want to become better acquainted with the peerless natural beauty of the island.
For many visitors, of course, the true test of any island is its beaches, and Grenada offers dozens to sample. They're all picture-perfect and officially public property, so they're all accessible. Grand Anse Beach, two miles of soft white sand stretching around the curve of a gentle bay near St. George's, is world famous. Grenada has much to offer those interested in diving and snorkeling as well, with pristine coral reefs off the coast of both Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.
Holidays on Earth Today: June 29, 2009<p>Then there are strange and weird holidays that really have no meaning besides the mere purpose to have an excuse to celebrate something.</p>Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185th day of 2009. There are 180 days...<p>Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185th day of 2009. There are 180 days left in the year.</p>Film Clears Pathway Back to St. Croix For An Emigre<p>June 16, 2009 -- To my most pleasant surprise, there you were on the screen, Bronco.</p>3. Grenada<p>Experience the Isle of Spice Grenada's greatest natural assets are, well ... its natural assets.</p>Grenada seeks video in PM corruption probe<p>Prosecutors in Grenada say their corruption case against a former prime minister hinges on a videotape they are trying to obtain as evidence.</p>Parliament brokers deal for million-dollar loan<p>The Grenadian parliament has approved a measure that will allow the Tillman Thomas-led administration to borrow EC$20 million from local commercial banks as part of a plan to stimulate the economy.</p>Holidays on Earth Today: March 13, 2009<p>Then there are strange and weird holidays that really have no meaning besides the mere purpose to have an excuse to celebrate something.</p>The 'Island Queen' mystery<p>Chicra Salhab, the owner of the Island Queen with his cousin, on board the ill-fated vessel.... ON AUGUST 5, 1944, an inter-island auxiliary schooner, The Island Queen, travelling between Grenada and St ...</p>Four Rum Punches<p>Sun 3-1 There are probably twenty five chefs in San Francisco who could have made that meal we ate Saturday night at the Round House on Carriacou, or maybe even seventy five.</p>Cannouan to Carriacou<p>It is Friday, 3pm on the island of Carriacou,nation of Grenada. Days like this, when the weather is calm and the winds are not making you crazy, and the sun is shining, and fish are jumping out of the water in ...</p>Development Bank Launched<p>The Saint Lucia Development Bank was officially re-launched on Independence Day.</p>Portsmouth<p>We're back in Dominica. It's just as lovely as ever. We're going exploring tomorrow, or at least Anne is with Geoff and Jo from "Sutton Hoo". Alan's not feeling too good, so he may just stay on the boat and let ...</p>Everyday is special - 7 February 2009<p>Today is the Feast of St. Romuald in the Western Christian tradition. St. Romuald, a desert hermit, symbolizes the rejection of murder.</p>An island of quiet pleasures<p>"Look," I say to my daughter, pointing up the height of the waterfall to the place where the mountain splits and the water seems to pour from the sky.</p>Peace and Quiet<p>We arrived in Carriacou yesterday, after a short sail north from the island of Grenada, although Carriacou is still part of Grenada.</p>Ancient Family Heirlooms Used to Snort Hallucinogens<p>Inhaling bowls - shallow vessels with two adjacent spouts - are artifacts found on many Caribbean islands.</p>
