Grenada:
Most famous as the island the U.S. marines invaded in order to quash a communist-style government in 1983, Grenada is now settling into its role as a Caribbean vacation spot.
The country consists of three main islands, Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, and a number of tiny islands. The other thing Grenada is famous for is its nutmeg production; after Indonesia, it is the second-biggest producer of this spice in the world. The richest people in the country are the nutmeg producers, and the rest of the population lives a comfortable life, mainly in the countryside. There isn't much forest left, and the increase in tourism is putting pressure on the nice white-sand beaches, causing erosion.
As a tourist destination, Grenada represents good value, according to David Swanson, author of Fielding's Carribbean: "It has a well-rounded slate of activities and a good quantity of inexpensive to moderate hotels and restaurants," he writes.
Grenada has the reputation of being a foodie's paradise; there are a lot of small, cozy restaurants where you can eat delicious, perfectly cooked food, especially seafood.
This page last updated May 18, 2001.