Island Hopping to Hope Town

(12-9-17) The candy cane striped Hope Town lighthouse on Elbow Cay makes it easy to find this charming town.  However, the addition of the lighthouse in 1863 stopped the primary source of income for the island–salvaging wrecks.  They still had fishing and farming and now add tourism to this list.  The settlement was formed by British Loyalists in 1786.  Wyannie Malone and her four children came from South Carolina.  The Malone name is very common here and her influence on the island can still be felt.  

There are no cruise ships, no pushy vendors, or crowds here in Hope Town.  A permit is required for vehicles and most people get around by foot or golf cart. Most of the lodging choices are remodeled old homes or charming small inns and hotels.  There are no high-rise condominiums here.  All this and I haven’t even addressed the beaches.  

We came for the weekend to enjoy the Hope Town Music Festival.  This festival raised money for three charities–Every Child Counts (ECC), Hope Town Fire Department, & Friends of the Environment.  The festival is hosted by Combustion Music who bring their talented music writers to perform their own songs.  

The three-day event started on Friday (12/8) with a show at the Hope Town Harbor Lodge.  Saturday’s concert was held at Harbour’s Edge Restaurant.  On Sunday there were two concerts.  Abaco Inn held a concert at 1:00.  The final concert was held at 8:00 at the Hope Town Inn and Marina.  

Artists included:  Ashley Gorley, Brett James, Chris Destefano, Chris Farren, Jessica Farren, Jameson Rodgers, Hunter Phelps, Brent Anderson, Kelly Archer, Brent Rupard, Ashley Gurley and Anthony Olympia and the group Everett.  

We arrived around 10:30 on Saturday morning and got settled in at the Hope Town Inn and Marina.  There was a great representation of the RMHYC at the marina and in the mooring field.  Diane on Duetto met me as we were walking around and asked me to join her on a walk around Hope Town.  We hopped on the ferry and did some shopping.  The marina is on the opposite side of the bay so the easiest way to get to the other side is through the ferry provided by the marina.  It is a great service and runs on demand all day long.  

We returned just before lunch and waited for the predicted rains.  The skies darkened and the deluge began about 4:00.  The rain didn’t alter out plans.  We bundled up in our rain parkas and took the ferry to the Harbour’s Edge Restaurant for the concert.  

We sat one row back from the stage.  It was the most intimate concert we have ever attended.  The singers/songwriters are very talented and entertaining with the crowd.  It was great fun.

Joy