I'll have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when my fiance suggested a trip to the Bahamas for Winter Break 2003. Being from Florida, I thought it wouldn't be worth a plane ride. I had also been to Nassau, & Freeport on cruises and was disgusted with the corruption of the natural beauty of the landscape and people.

I have been to the Abacos out islands twice now and have to say it is my favorite place on earth. The only way to describe it is: Elbow Cay is everything Key West wishes it could be. It takes an hour by plane to Marsh Harbour from West Palm. Just a 15 minute rental boat or ferry ride from Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay is just remote enough to forget about bills and errands. The lighthouse is gorgeous at night. I have heard more than one person describe Hopetown as an adult Disney World, which I take as an insult on principle, but can agree with because it is too good to be true.

Both houses we have rented (one on Elbow and one on Lubbers just across White Sound) have been well appointed, clean, and tropical. I recommend the conch fritters at Harbours Edge restaurant and the fish sandwich at Sea Spray marina. Although we have never had much luck fishing for dinner in the Sea of Abaco, we were kept busy catching interesting reef fish and tossing them back or using them as bait to try to lure a decent grouper out of his hideehole. I'm sure we will have better luck when we rent a larger boat and go out one of the passes to the ocean.
The beaches are gorgeous, but I have much more fun spending the day on the boat.

Elbow Cay is absolutely beautiful. The beaches were picture perfect with turquoise clear waters and powdery white sand. The town is very charming with quaint little houses for rent throughout the year. Most everyone drives around in little golf carts. This island is for people who want to relax and unwind and not be bothered with crowded beaches and lots of people. Nearby Great Abaco Island is accessible by ferry, though. There are more shops and places to eat there, and the people are very friendly.