Aruba's Best Beaches--Baby Beach

Baby Beach is a small, quiet beach on the south end of the island, just south of San Nicolaas. As its name implies, Baby Beach is favored by families and children for its shallow waters and tranquil atmopshere.  Both a "baby" beach and a beach good for babies, kids, and grown-up kids of all ages.

Road to Baby Beach

Castaway Aruban Style

Just a note to let you know I've found suitable accomodations and won't be coming home anytime soon (lol). Seriously, more than just resorts, Aruba has ample opportunities for adventure tourism, including outdoor recreation and camping.  These improvised shacks provide windsurfers and fishermen protection against the sun and wind.  A great place to live out all of your castaway/Robinson Crusoe fantasies!

Zeerover--Where the Locals Eat

No trip to Aruba is complete without a visit to Zeerover in Savaneta.  This out-of-the-way, local restaurant favored by locals serves seafood right out of the ocean.  You can actually follow your meal from the boat to your plate--now that's fresh!  I had a basket with catch-of-the-day fish, shrimp, fried plantains, and french fries, washed down with Balashi--the national brew.  Great place to have a meal and watch the sunset.  Rough directions:  coming from Oranjestad, once you are in Savaneta look for a Domino's Pizza place on the left.  About 50 feet down, take a right and soon you will see the ocean on your right.  About a half-a-mile down is Zeerover.  Look for a large statue of Betico Croes holding an Aruban flag--the restaurant is next door on the left.  And remember, that's Zeerover, not Zeerover's or Zeerovers--because, as an employee explained to me while pointing to a pirate's flag above, "Zeerover is one, not many."

Fresh Fish!

The Regulars

Mahi with Shrimp

San Nicolaas

Charlie's Bar--An Island Institution Since 1941

With colorful buildings and an even more colorful history, San Nicolaas is Aruba's second largest city. Not as touristy as the north end of the island, San Nicolaas has a quiet charm and distinctly Caribbean flavor.  In fact, there is a Caribbean Festival held in downtown San Nicolaas every Thursday night.  There are also several good beaches nearby, including Baby Beach. Ripe for redevelopment, investors should check this place out--it is probably the most underrated coastal property in the Caribbean. As I know from growing up in South Carolina, it only takes a major project or two to send land values skyrocketing.  I love the last picture in this post--ultimate self-expression!

Historic White Star Rum Shop Since 1941

Sadly painted over by 2013

Was told "Mike" was an aspiring political candidate

Dushi (Sweet) Aruba

I love this old building in San Nicolaas.  I don't know what type of business it was, but I do know the owner was filled with pride for his or her country.  Clever how the flag shutters seem to open up to some kind of food stand or stall.  It's always interesting to me how people use art, architecture, and design to make some pretty big statements about themselves and their worldviews.  I doubt whether viable tourism can exist without room for such expressions.  NOTE:  Sadly most of the Aruba sign peeled off by 2013.

A Masterpiece on Every Corner

I love the island's vernacular architecture.  Recipe:  add centuries-old structures built by different cultures, add several layers of different construction materials, add different coats of color, and expose to relentless sun, sand, and wind.  Result:  an unassuming masterpiece on every corner, and every bit as important to tourism as "attractions."  Here you can see the classic Aruban house architecture of a moderately pitched tile or grooved roof, two front windows, and a front door with a small yard.  The back of the home is sometimes extended to accomodate extra living quarters.  Luckily, some of new houses pay homage to the island's past in style, color, and texture.  Much like his colorful and sun-drenched Spain, I think Picasso would love this place!