Visit The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm (La Ferme aux Papillons) is near Orient Beach on the French side of the Island. It is a small net-covered area located at the back of a house. When you enter the terrarium-like Butterfly Sphere, you'll see over 40 species of butterflies, numbering as many as 600. Admission includes a tour through the area where your guide will explain the different cycles of the butterfly’s life. There's also a gift shop on the premises selling butterfly art and memorabilia. The Butterfly Farm is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Tickets costs $12 and are good for the length of your stay in St. Maarten.

To reach the Butterfly Farm from the Dutch side, follow the signs to the Middle Region and Orient Beach. Just before you reach Orient Beach, you’ll see a sign at a narrow road on the right for Bay Side Riding Stables. The sign for the Butterfly Farm is on the left side of the road, but you want to turn right here at Rte. de Le Galion (Galion Road). The first place you’ll come to will be the Butterfly Farm.

Telephone: 590-873-121

Jimbo’s Blues & Rock Café

Jimbo’s is a true gem of a restaurant serving gourmet Mexican fare. It’s tucked away in a little shopping center at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club and Marina, but once inside “the outside” restaurant, you are surrounded by tropical trees and tranquility. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, the drinks flow and the music is good. I can testify to their claim of having the best hamburger on the island – it’s ½-lb of Certified Black Angus grilled over mesquite chips and is ever so flavorful! They have a huge menu with everything from burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, gazpacho, ribs, fish, shrimp, salads and sandwiches. You definitely will not go hungry or thirsty!

A small boutique on the premises sells an eclectic mixture of goodies such as cowboy hats, Cuban cigars, Mexican glassware, t-shirts and tank tops, baseball caps, jewelry and hot sauce.

Jimbo’s is open for lunch and dinner at 11:00 am, Monday through Saturday and Sunday for dinner starting at 5:00pm. They are located on Airport Road in Plaza del Lago behind Scotia Bank at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club and Marina. If you’re coming from the airport, look for Jimbo’s after the bridge about a quarter of a mile on the left. If you’re coming from Philipsburg, look for Plaza del Lago on your right on Airport Road.

Simpson Bay Fish Market

The new fish market on the lagoon in Simpson Bay opened in April, 2007. It provides fishermen with a place to display and sell their catch, stalls for fresh produce, tables for local artisans to display their crafts, and six small restaurants offering the catch of the day and local dishes. Fresh fish is available starting at 6:30 a.m. So, go early in the morning to have the largest selection of fish, browse the other stalls and stay for a locally prepared lunch.

Discover The Summit Hotel

The Summit Resort Hotel is tucked away in Cupecoy, high above Simpson Bay Lagoon. The hotel offers old-world Caribbean charm and a breathtaking panoramic view. The 57 quaint cottages are set among lush tropical plants, flowers and palm trees. All the rooms have air-conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, free cable television, high-speed internet access, clock radio and direct-dial telephone. Deluxe rooms include a full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, full size refrigerator and stovetop. The friendly hotel staff are happy to book activities such as snorkeling tours, horseback riding, jet skiing and excursions to nearby islands. Menus from restaurants on the French and Dutch side are available at the front desk. But, don’t forget The Summit’s own Kissing Fish Bar and Grill, located adjacent to the pool deck. Summer rates, from June 15 to October 14, are $110 for a Standard room and $150 for a Deluxe room.

Visit the Outdoor Market in Marigot

Every Saturday and Wednesday, the waterfront is abuzz in Marigot with its large outdoor market. You can find everything here – from fresh spices and produce, CDs of island music, T-shirts (3 for $10!), beach bags, clothing, jewelry, table linens, pareos, tambours (drums), decorative items with an island flavor, and much more – all at a good price. Like most outdoor markets, the vendors are willing to bargain and will often accept U.S. dollars for the asking price in euros – that can be up to a 37% savings given the current exchange rate. The market is located right on the waterfront and is right next to many little restaurants serving delicious local cuisine at outrageous prices! This is truly an island experience not to be missed. Just be sure to leave a little extra room in your suitcase.

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YACC: Yet Another Caribbean Cocktail

Sunset Cocktail

Ice cubes
2 ounces of orange vodka
Mango nectar
1 ounce of grenadine
2 ounces of dark rum

In a collins glass filled with ice, pour in orange vodka and fill almost to the top with mango nectar. Pour grenadine over top. As grenadine sinks, float dark rum by pouring over the back of a spoon.