The Enchanting Caribbean Island That Americans Always Overlook

"You have to see a nutmeg still in its shell," Chris, my driver, told me. He spotted one several feet above us—the only problem was he'd have to stand on a concrete ledge over a deep ravine to get it.

"It's fine!" I said. "Please—we can get nutmeg somewhere else. Anywhere else." This was true. Grenada, the island country I was touring, produces gobs of nutmeg, exporting enough to earn its moniker as "The Spice Island." Chris laughed in my face, stretched on his tiptoes, plucked a freshly cracked nutmeg fruit, and handed it to me. I'd never really thought about where this particular spice came from. In my hand, it looked like an alien. A fleshy, pallid, yellow outer fruit gave way to a black seed covered in waxy red veins—like someone had spilled a candle in a sliced pear.

This was the first of many surprises I found in Grenada, a deceptively rad Caribbean destination in the lesser Antilles that Americans tend to forget about. Before I arrived I could tell you embarrassingly little about the country. I knew of the large medical school, St. George's University, which since the '70s has trained thousands of American physicians. I also knew that back in 1983, in perhaps Ronald Reagan's most infamous military venture, the United States invaded Grenada after the country had an unsuccessful Marxist coup. Even Americans who don't remember that invasion recall the association, perhaps keeping Grenada largely off the mainstream Caribbean tourist track.

If you go to Grenada, you'll find pristine, near-empty beaches; understated eco resorts; a varied and delicious homegrown cuisine with priority on sustainable foods; and a laid-back people who recognize you could've gone elsewhere, and who appreciate your efforts.

Thanks to its very modest size, first-time Grenada visitors won't be overwhelmed when they first get to their destination. However, that doesn't mean you'll be short on things to do and cool places to see. The island of Grenada is divided into six parishes, and in one day, you can easily drive through them all with a few stops along the way.

The most popular one is, of course, Saint George, where the capital city of Saint George's (mind the "s"!) is located. Even though it's probably the most touristy area on the island (it's where the cruise ships like the St. David—from the current season of Bravo's popular reality TV show Below Deck—dock), the city center is still worth a stroll, and its marina area has plenty of good local food and drink options. If you want to take in the views of the bay, make sure to head over to Fort Frederick, which was built in the 18th century by French colonists. From there, you can see the city of Saint George's from up above, and you can peep at Grand Anse Beach, which is the island's most iconic beach.

Speaking of Grand Anse Beach, definitely don't miss out on that one! Flaunting two miles of white sand and crystalline water, it's your go-to destination if you want to lay out or even simply take a nice barefoot stroll. Plus, if you get snacky or need a refreshment, there are plenty of bars and restaurants that allow you to sit with your feet directly on the sand. As the main beach, it is dotted with a few hotels but remains fully open to the public. You won't find the back-to-back, walled-off mega resorts a la Jamaica or Grand Cayman.

On the opposite side of the island and located in the parish of Saint Andrew, Grenville is another small town you'll want to see. It encapsulates the vibe of Grenada—colorful, cheerful, and bustling. After Saint George's, it's the island's second biggest town, and it's particularly known for its Saturday market, which you can visit to either buy or window shop some of the island's most prized goods, from all the spices that grant Grenada the nickname of "Spice Island" to all the local-favorite fruits and vegetables, including the delicious soursop fruit.

The price of dining in Grenada can range anywhere from $5 to a pricier top-flight meal, which can set you back more than $100. It all depends on where you decide to eat. But before you stress out about your bank account, rest assured that on the island, cheaper prices don't mean lower quality or taste.

You can get delicious street food for the price of a beer, as cheap as $5. For a feast on a budget, hit up Patrick's Local Homestyle by the marina, where the menu offers authentic Grenadian-style tapas and dishes, including the national dish, dubbed "oil down," which is a stew of salted meat and vegetables, and other local favorites, like curry chicken and ginger pork.

Don't sleep on Coconut Beach, either. There, you can get a selection of delicious Creole dishes, and sip on a nice refreshing drink—all while you comfortably plant your feet in the sand.

If you're looking for fine dining options, Savvy's Restaurant at the Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club is your best bet for high quality and taste without breaking the bank. A top-flight meal here might set you back $40 or $50. Personally, I strongly advise you to try the catch of the day, which can be anything from king fish to barracuda—and it is always delicious.

If you ask my local guide, he'll also tell you not to miss out on Umbrellas Beach Bar. Located on Grand Anse Beach, it is the most famous bar on the island among locals, and it gets packed on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're looking for a lively place to get a drink or a snack, this is definitely the place to be.

For those in need of a night cap—head over to West Indies Beer Company, which has a thumping, yet distinctively laid back, night scene. Post up for a few hours and try the IPAs—you'll be doing what the locals call "liming," which is less an activity so much as a state of being, I'm told. The art of hanging out, let's call it.

As far as museums go in Grenada, there is one you definitely don't want to miss out on—but you'll have to arm yourself with snorkeling gear to actually see it. The Underwater Sculpture Park is exactly what it sounds like—an open-air (or, in this case, open-water) museum made of sculptures entirely submerged in Grenada's waters. The art installation dates back to 2006, but over the years, more and more sculptures symbolizing different Grenadian traditions and traits have been added to the underwater park. Through a dedicated and guided snorkeling excursion you can comfortably check out all the statues (there are 75 of them), but scuba diving outings and glass bottom boats are available too. All excursions depart from St George's and Grand Anse Beach, which are just a short boat ride away.

For a cultural excursion that locals love, the River Antoine Rum Distillery is a destination you should add to your list. It is a privately owned rum factory that dates back to the 1800s, and for just a few bucks, visitors can learn by watching on site all the steps necessary to produce rum. At this distillery, it kind of feels like you're going back in time—the main energy source to work the sugar canes and extract the juice is, to this day, a huge water wheel fueled by the nearby river (hence the name of the distillery).

Nearby is also the Belmont Estate, a 17th-century plantation that has been repurposed into an agritourism showpiece, and one that's well worth the visit to learn about the history of Grenadian food culture and history. Visitors can tour the property, visit the organic farm and gardens, learn about chocolate production, and dine on traditional Grenadian dishes. There, visitors with a sweet tooth will want to take part in a chocolate factory tour, where a guide will explain the entire chocolate-making process, from planting the cocoa trees on the estate to bringing the sun-roasted beans to the laboratory and creating real, delicious, and organic chocolate (which, of course, you'll be able to purchase).

One thing about Grenada is that if you're a nature lover looking to experience the outdoors, you'll always have plenty of options available to you. In a relatively contained space, the island flaunts a variety of ecosystems, each one with its own flora and fauna. To give you a sense of it, just think about the fact that in a mere 20 minutes, you can go from snorkeling off Grand Anse Beach to feeding mona monkeys in the rainforest. And that's just a taste of what the island has to offer.

Closest to St. George's is La Sagesse in Saint David parish. It's a mangrove estuary along the southwestern coast of the island with three secluded beaches, a salt pond ideal for birdwatching, and a vibrant coral reef just off the shoreline.

On the northern shore of Grenada, instead, is Levera National Park, covering over 450 acres in Saint Patrick parish. Here, too, are mangroves, seagrass beds, white sand beaches, and reefs ideal for snorkeling. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach here during the late spring and summer. Hikers can take walks around Levera Pond or Lake Antoine, a crater lake.

Farther inland is Grand Etang National Park in Saint Andrew parish, which at its center has a large, post-volcanic crater lake, Grand Etang Lake. Locals call it "the bottomless lake," since, according to my guide, nobody has ever found its exact depth. In the middle of a rainforest at the heart of the island, it's one of the most stunning, lush places to hike in Grenada. On a clear day, climbing to its highest point offers views above the trees to the ocean beyond.

Not too far from there, scattered along the main roads, you'll see signs pointing you in the direction of waterfalls. These are another one of Grenada's main natural attractions that should be part of any visit to the island. I will advise you, though, to opt for those requiring a short hike to get to your destination, so you have better odds at finding fewer people there.

Some locals also enjoy hanging out at the sulphuric springs, which are directly connected to Grenada's nearest volcano, dubbed Kick 'Em Jenny and located a few miles off the coast of the island. If you're in the mood for a quick dip in the natural pools you can surely do that, or you can sit outside and grab a refreshing drink at the kiosk.

If you have extra time or who want to go farther afield, consider staying on (or visiting) Carriacou or Petite Martinique—the country's far less inhabited islands, which have small hotels and are ideal for hiking, camping, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, or just about any other natural pursuit someone could be interested in while in the Caribbean.

If you want to go big, stay on Grand Anse Beach. Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club is a favorite among locals, long-time visitors, and first timers to Grenada alike. Perched atop Mount Cinnamon—it really is the Spice Island, don't forget—the hotel offers villa-style accommodations, and if you're looking for an intimate hotel with a vaguely Mediterranean feel, it's definitely the place for you, since it only houses 37 suites and villas.

On site, you'll also find a small pool, spa services, a 24-hour Peloton gym, a tennis court, complimentary yoga sessions, and watersports activities. The property also offers organic and local homestyle cooking and its own beach area right on Grand Anse, which is just a short walk down the hill and through the resort's gardens and lawn. The beach has a view of St. George's and Grenada's lush, green mountains that tumble right into the ocean.

Plus, the hotel just underwent some gorgeous renovations and, according to the owner Barry Collymore, they're not actually done yet, as he's planning to expand the property in the next year or so by adding another 30 rooms as well as a new pool and a new restaurant.

Another hit on Grand Anse Beach is Spice Island Beach Resort which stands apart from Mount Cinnamon with a more international feel and it technically operates as an all-inclusive resort. It flaunts 64 suites, 32 of which are directly on the beach, and 17 come with their own pool. Here, you'll find all the amenities you're looking for, as well as a center for kids if you're planning to travel with your family.

If you're looking to spend your vacation surrounded by a different kind of nature, instead, you can plan to stay at La Sagesse, the mangrove estuary. Spending your entire vacation here wouldn't be cheating, and you can hunker at La Sagesse Hotel—a deal at around $200 a night.

Those looking to stay away from Grande Anse Beach and wanting to check out its sister, Petite Anse Beach, can find another solid beachfront hotel there. For a nice stay, you can book Petite Anse Hotel in the bustling village of Sauteurs.

The best times to visit the island are, ideally, during the dry season (from January to May) when you have much higher odds of sunlight and good weather. However, if you're looking to save a few bucks, locals will tell you to plan your visit in July or October. Those months technically belong to the wet season, but usually the rain isn't too bad then—and prices are lower.

Grenada observes Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4) all year, meaning that, for reference, it is one hour behind New York.

Grenada locals divide the year in two seasons, climate-wise. Namely, they are the dry season, which runs from January to May, and the wet season, which spreads from July through December. As their names suggest, depending on the season, the island gets plenty of or almost no rain.

Regardless of the season, though, temperatures tend to stay somewhat constant, with lows around 77 degrees and highs around 85 degrees.

Grenada's official language is English.

Grenada is considered a very safe destination and crime is lower than it is on other islands, so tourists shouldn't worry about exploring towns and walking around.

The roads are good, making it easy to tour the entire island in a day—ideal for exploring all of Grenada's parishes and hidden beaches and towns. To get to further destinations, you can always get a taxi (or a boat, if you're doing an excursion!) and prices aren't incredibly steep.

Prices are going to vary based on how much driving and how much boating you're doing; if you budget $100 a day for a driver and guide, you'll come away satisfied with what you get for the money.

The currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the USD. At the time of writing, 1 USD equals to 2.70 XCD

Oftentimes, local stores and shops also accept payments in USD. Make sure to bring cash with you, as many smaller stores and local spots don't accept credit cards or require a minimum payment.

In Grenada, they use Type G power outlets, which are also used in the United Kingdom—so you'll need to bring an adapter with you. Additionally, the standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

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