<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss xmlns:a10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title>Hope Town Hideaways</title><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/feed.aspx</link><description>&lt;p&gt;Private Home Rentals - largest collection in Abaco, Out Island of the Bahamas. Hope Town Hideaways, leaders in Abaco's home rentals. &amp;nbsp;Exclusive listings from staffed beach &amp;amp; pool houses to cozy cottages in the historic village of Hope Town. &amp;nbsp;Quaint boutique resorts and modern marinas. Private Islands. Hope Town Hideaways offers Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Tilloo Cay, Tahiti Beach, White Sound, Guana Cay. &amp;nbsp;Book Today. Full-service Luxury Private Home Rentals. &amp;nbsp;Beach &amp;amp; Pool houses.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><managingEditor>reservations@hopetown.com</managingEditor><item><guid isPermaLink="false">340581</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2013/5/18/public-holiday-may-20th-2013</link><author>samara@hopetown.com</author><title>Public Holiday May 20th 2013</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Dear Client,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;&lt;span style="text-align: center;"&gt;Our office will be closed on Monday May 20&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup style="text-align: center;"&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span style="text-align: center;"&gt; in observance of the Whit Monday Holiday and re-open on Tuesday at 9:30am.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size:60.0pt"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2013-05-18T14:22:45-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">301238</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2013/3/26/come-out-and-support-the-abaco-rage-the-dove</link><author>samara@hopetown.com</author><title>Come out and support the Abaco Rage &amp; The Dove</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f4e8cd84-ddf5-4ff2-9c7b-23fd626ea302.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2013-03-26T10:19:31-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">293212</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2013/3/7/wine-art-and-tapas-at-hummingbird-cottage</link><author>samara@hopetown.com</author><title>Wine, Art and Tapas at Hummingbird Cottage</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/53108770-08a0-4714-8f72-75c6fdb3f05c.jpg" width="576" height="815" alt="" /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2013-03-07T11:30:43-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">287979</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2013/2/27/come-and-enjoy-the-cay-topics-10th-anniversary-event</link><author>samara@hopetown.com</author><title>Come and enjoy the Cay Topics 10th Anniversary Event</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/46ed335c-64b4-4345-9c55-27c7ef071d24.jpg" width="680" height="885" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2013-02-27T16:31:21-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">95644</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2013/2/26/issues-with-1-242-366-0224-telephone-number</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Issues with 1-242-366-0224 telephone number</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="270" height="202" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3000bbe3-1a5e-4619-aa22-fae457a71738.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;We want to give 5 star service!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;We are experiencing issues with our main telephone # 366-0224&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;Alternate contacts if calling from the US&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;1-561-208-8369 or 1-561-656-9703&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(51, 204, 204);"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Local #'s 1-242-366-0436 or 1-242-366-0663 or 1-242-366-0216&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2013-02-26T14:42:30-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">248444</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/12/26/cracker-ps-full-moon-party-on-lubbers-quarters</link><author>samara@hopetown.com</author><title>Cracker P's Full Moon Party on Lubbers Quarters</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Cracker P's Full Moon Party&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, December 28th, 2012&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All u can eat Buffet - $25&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Music by Rock Around the Clock starting at 7:30pm until...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Jeff's Ferry Service&amp;nbsp;from Marsh Harbour at 6:45pm and Hope Town at 7:10pm. Call 359-6136 or 367-2848&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-12-26T18:13:57-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">195203</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/10/11/7-nights-accommodation-starting-from-288-pperson</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>7 Nights Accommodation Starting from $288 p/person</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="381" height="756" alt="" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/45db18f2-8a30-478f-93c9-62b2346f2d7a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-10-11T09:51:52-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">84350</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/3/26/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-a-wine-tasting-silent-auction</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town hideaways Invites you to a Wine Tasting &amp; Silent Auction</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;img width="284" height="400" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/c165c7ae-7440-4f28-bdf6-f17f8bb30d07.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;Wine Tasting &amp;amp; Silent Art Auction&lt;br /&gt;
to benefit Hope Town Primary School PTA&lt;br /&gt;
$25&lt;br /&gt;
Tuesday, March 27thfrom 5 &amp;ndash; 7 p.m.&lt;br /&gt;
Hope Town Harbour Lodge&lt;br /&gt;
Wine provided by Tupps Wines and Spirits&lt;br /&gt;
The Lodge will offer dinner and a movie&lt;br /&gt;
down by the pool immediately following&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-03-26T09:02:39-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">84586</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/3/26/website-on-the-go</link><author>realestate@hopetown.com</author><title>WEBSITE On the Go!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;BOOK HOPE TOWN on the Go!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Offering our full-service website on your mobile phone!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Great advantages because it is&amp;nbsp;Faster loading, all relevant info still there but built for smaller screens.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Property/Availability is on live feed from our regular site &amp;ndash; syncs automatically.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
All Inquiries and Bookings processed normally &amp;ndash; business as usual.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Share this with your friends! &amp;nbsp; www.hopetown.com is mobile.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Give us your feedback if not working to perfection! &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-04-21T15:09:52-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">81933</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/3/15/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-a-gala-dinner-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways invites you to "A Gala Dinner" </title><description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/0439c808-d7df-4776-8206-b2d867c1691c.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-03-15T16:58:17-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">74898</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/2/24/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-a-fun-night-of-dancing-at-the-hope-town-harbour-lodge</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Invites you to a fun night of Dancing at The Hope Town Harbour Lodge</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;The New Entry Band will start playing at 6:30pm this Saturday night (25th Feb., 2012) down at&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;the pool bar at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;H'orderves will be served,&amp;nbsp;along with a fresh raw bar until &amp;nbsp;it is all gone!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;Come down and enjoy!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left; "&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/4bac26ff-5252-4dc0-b879-d71c1d173a4b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-02-24T16:34:11-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">74710</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/2/24/the-winners-have-been-chosen-for-the-hope-town-hideaways-firefly-sunset-resort-16-island-uk-wedding-promotional</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>The Winners have been chosen for the Hope Town Hideaways &amp; Firefly Sunset Resort 16 Island UK Wedding Promotional</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;The Winners have been chosen for the Hope Town Hideaways &amp;amp; Firefly Sunset Resort&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;16 Island UK Wedding Promotional!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bahamas16weddings.co.uk/home"&gt;www.bahamas16weddings.co.uk/home&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="996" height="578" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ee10e860-57bf-441c-988f-30068385ceab.jpg" /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-02-24T16:25:05-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">74163</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/2/22/hope-town-hideaways-firefly-sunset-resort-are-chosen-for-the-bahamas-16-island-uk-wedding-promotional</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways &amp; Firefly Sunset Resort are chosen for The Bahamas 16 Island UK Wedding Promotional</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger; "&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial; "&gt;Hope Town Hideaways &amp;amp; Firefly Sunset Resort are chosen for &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger; "&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Arial; "&gt;The Bahamas 16 Island UK Wedding Promotional! &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger; "&gt;For more information, click on the link below:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center; "&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bahamas16weddings.co.uk/home"&gt;www.bahamas16weddings.co.uk/home&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/af501351-4944-4eb7-b381-4c31407b9486.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-02-22T15:22:15-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">70813</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/2/13/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-the-hope-town-harbour-lodge-for-their-valentines-day-dinner</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Invites you to The Hope Town Harbour Lodge for their Valentine's Day Dinner</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a85ebef7-faae-4244-932c-a17eb85db988.jpg" style="width: 1009px; height: 781px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/5535bb88-8341-4491-be9d-9747e87a6f0a.jpg" style="width: 1003px; height: 774px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-02-13T16:57:53-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">70173</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2012/2/8/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-the-reef-ball</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Invites you to The Reef Ball</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/cd9a5d7f-c4b6-41bf-92eb-26d5543488ad.gif" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2012-02-08T13:16:34-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">61949</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/29/hope-town-hideaways-featured-in-the-weekend-getaway-magazine</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways featured in the Weekend Getaway Magazine!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hope Town Hideaways featured in the Weekend Getaway Magazine!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/db811e8c-9416-47a9-ba59-8e82da5426f1.jpg" style="width: 525px; height: 682px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-29T13:53:41-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">59154</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/14/holiday-dates-for-2012-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Holiday Dates for 2012 </title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 394px; height: 495px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/9dcdbdf1-d5ec-417d-b644-4b192b17dd35.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-14T11:57:53-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">58983</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/13/bella-vista-now-available-dec-26th-jan-3rd</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Bella Vista now available Dec. 26th - Jan 3rd!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bella Vista &lt;/strong&gt;has just come available for Dec.26th - Jan.3rd! Call or e-mail if you would like to visit Hope Town for the New Years!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="432" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f59e238e-5ed7-43c9-9373-94c53627346e.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-13T16:54:07-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">58380</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/9/remeber-nicole-megaloudis-soccer-clinic</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Remeber Nicole Megaloudis Soccer Clinic</title><description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;big&gt;Soccer Clinic&lt;/big&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Date: December 29th, 2011&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Time: 10am-12pm&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Location: Taylor Park&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Who: All ages welcome (Beginners to Expert)!&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;u&gt;Notes:&lt;/u&gt; &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Wear athletic shoes.&lt;br /&gt;
If you have a soccer ball or gear bring it.&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Games. Prizes. Special memorial for Nicole!&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="383" height="480" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/fde46436-c693-4661-8fd0-76cfc7389d7b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-09T12:38:08-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">58349</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/9/cracker-ps-opens-for-the-season-26th-dec-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Cracker P's opens for the season 26th Dec.!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cracker P's is opening back up for the season on the 26th December! &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Come and join in the Holiday Festivites!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;img width="425" height="550" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/d2bc35f9-2be5-481c-9228-906ab8a3f15e.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-09T10:12:20-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">56978</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/12/1/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-adventure-to-petes-pub</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Invites you to Adventure to Pete's Pub</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hope Town Hideaways Invites you to Adventure to Pete's Pub in Little Harbour! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/0b027fd3-7e08-42d5-a70e-5c764a3c2f4e.jpg" style="width: 480px; height: 360px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-01T12:59:10-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">56665</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/30/hope-town-hideaways-invites-you-to-a-party</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways invites you to a Party</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 686px; height: 1061px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/90cebf1a-d070-460a-a4a1-c26fcbdac401.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-12-02T13:14:31-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">56735</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/30/hope-town-hideaways-promotes-the-christmas-holiday-plant-sale-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Promotes the Christmas Holiday Plant Sale! </title><description>&lt;p&gt;Come by Hope Town Hideaways for the Holiday Christmas Sale!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/1a4083f4-0996-4334-a2d8-90f31020bbaa.jpg" style="width: 728px; height: 933px;" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-30T12:23:15-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">55933</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/25/hope-town-hideaways-invites-its-guests-to-the-annual-box-cart-derby-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways invites it's guests to the Annual Box Cart Derby </title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hope Town Hideaways invites it's guests to the annual Box Cart Derby on Big Hill this Saturday! The event raises funds for the Hope Town Youth Programs :)&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 294px; height: 237px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/5f0b8934-55f9-4c00-81ae-28049696d53b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-25T13:38:09-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">55946</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/25/20-discount-for-all-pre-stays-and-post-stays-during-the-bahamas-international-film-festival</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>20% Discount for all Pre-Stays and Post Stays during the Bahamas International Film Festival</title><description>&lt;p&gt;20% Discount for Hope Town Hideaways Rentals for all Pre-Stays and Post Stays during The Bahamas International Film Festival on selected homes while in The Bahamas!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Contact us for details.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.bintlfilmfest.com/"&gt;www.bintlfilmfest.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="304" height="450" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/cd5152a4-95fe-4499-8e77-575694a187fa.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-25T13:50:42-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">55295</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/21/hope-town-hideaways-invites-its-guests-to-the-12th-annual-arts-crafts-festival-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope town Hideaways Invites it's Guests to The 12th Annual Arts &amp; Crafts Festival </title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/55b5acdf-460f-4337-b91e-0b1be0a7ab52.gif" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-21T15:36:28-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">54527</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/16/hope-town-hideaways-invites-its-guets-to-the-elbow-reef-lighthouse-fundraiser</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways invites it's guets to "The Elbow Reef Lighthouse Fundraiser"</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/47038906-c439-4dc4-98c2-99f568d4774b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-21T15:34:49-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">53874</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/11/hope-town-hideaways-invites-our-guests-to-join-hope-town-boot-camp</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways invites our guests to join Hope Town Boot Camp!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/d51ca91a-ff39-4ec7-ab49-d74408a3a685.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-11T12:07:41-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">53883</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/11/11/continental-airlines-now-offering-flights-from-orlando-florida-to-marsh-harbour-abaco-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Continental Airlines now offering flights from Orlando, Florida to Marsh Harbour, Abaco! </title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="187" height="38" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/d4137874-964f-4553-81a2-42983c19a80b.gif" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;Continental Airlines now offering flights from Orlando, Florida to Marsh Harbour, Abaco! &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/Default.aspx"&gt;www.continental.com/web/en-US/Default.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-11-11T12:19:07-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">49789</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/10/22/banana-spilt-offering-great-off-season-specials</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>"Banana Spilt" Offering Great Off Season Specials</title><description>&lt;p&gt;From now until 10 December&amp;nbsp; you can rent the upstairs with a 35% discount.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Note: The home owners will be staying down stairs in the separate apartment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Untiil the 10th December , you can rent the downstairs for $800/week (sleeps 2).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Note: The home owners will be staying upstairs in the main house at that time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="480" width="640" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3d5dde60-18d6-498d-b2ee-80a71c020b58.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-10-24T20:41:20-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">47611</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/10/3/abaco-special-150-00-round-trip-till-nov-15-call-ibc-travel-at-954-356-1540-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Special $150.00 Round Trip till Nov 15 Call IBC Travel at 954-356-1540! </title><description>&lt;p&gt;Abaco Special $150.00 Round Trip till Nov 15 Call IBC Travel at 954-356-1540! &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-10-03T20:07:14-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">47441</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/10/3/friends-of-the-environment-and-the-abaco-cancer-society-host-the-first-annual-kayak-challenge-on-october-15th</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Friends of the Environment and the Abaco Cancer Society Host the first annual Kayak Challenge on October 15th</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Friends of the Environment and the Abaco Cancer Society are working together to present Abaco's first annual Kayak Challenge on October 15th at Abaco Beach Resort.  We're thrilled to be organizing a positive, healthy event for Abaco to benefit two great local causes. All monies raised will be split equally between the two groups and will stay in Abaco to benefit the local community.  We hope this event will only grow and plan to have people from around the Bahamas attend, we already have interest from persons in Nassau and Eleuthera.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Any craft you can paddle will be welcome, from kayaks, paddle boards and canoes - just no engines!  There will be 3 courses to choose from: 20 miles, 12 miles, or 7 miles. Support boats will be on hand to assist paddlers, make sure they stay on course and provide water and snacks.  Paddlers will be welcomed back with a beach party. Boat Harbour will be offering a bar and grill. Music will start at 1 with New Entry playing at 4 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We hope that we can count on your support for the event. For a donation of $500 you may post your company&amp;rsquo;s banner the day of the event and your name will appear on the event t shirt.  A contribution can be made in the form of a minimum $500 donation to the event or by sponsoring paddlers $500 for the challenge.  Please let us know by Friday, September 23rd as we need to finalize the t shirts by the end of September.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More information about the event is available: &lt;a href="http://www.FriendsoftheEnvironment.org"&gt;www.FriendsoftheEnvironment.org&lt;/a&gt;  or &lt;a href="http://www.abacocancersociety.com"&gt;www.abacocancersociety.com&lt;/a&gt; or on Facebook. Your support will go a long way towards making the event an even greater success! Thank you for your consideration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-10-03T07:36:20-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">45937</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/9/26/town-break-new-owners</link><author>realestate@hopetown.com</author><title>TOWN BREAK - NEW OWNERS</title><description>&lt;p&gt;We are pleased to announce that Town Break has new owners. They are currently upgrading the following:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BRAND NEW GENERATOR&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;New Furnishings&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wi-Fi Access&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;New Linens&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-28T12:34:11-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">43699</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/9/13/long-distance-contacts-</link><author>realestate@hopetown.com</author><title>LONG DISTANCE CONTACTS </title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;HAVING PROBLEMS REACHING US ON OUR LOCAL PHONE PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING VONAGE CONTACT NUMBERS.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;1-561-656-9703&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;or &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;1-561-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;208-8369&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-13T13:13:11-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">43406</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/9/9/om-grown-greens</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>Om Grown Greens!!!!!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Courier New;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Let's Go Green with &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Courier New;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Om Grown Green&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Courier New;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;!!!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 406px; height: 285px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/b5b359ac-9651-451d-a3c2-9c3c64c2ee2c.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"&gt;For further information please contact &lt;strong&gt;Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/strong&gt; at 242-366-0224 or VHF Ch. 16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-13T12:44:03-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">42654</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/9/2/major-off-season-special-harbour-vista-for-just-650-per-week</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Major Off Season Special. Harbour Vista for just $650 per Week!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;This beautiful Bahamian cottage is located right in town, over looking the Lighthouse and comes with a private dock slip in front of the home!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Come and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Off Season here in Hope Town at Harbour Vista!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;$650 per week + 16% tax from Sept 15th - Dec. 15th (excluding the week of Thanksgiving)!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/cb1d4835-ad97-4def-a9b4-d09e2a7e36b6.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-02T17:16:13-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39382</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/13/bahamas-express-summer-specials</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Bahamas Express Summer Specials!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Bahamas Express Summer Specials&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;**BIMINI 250.00&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;**ABACO 325.00&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;**ELEUTHERA 375.00&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;**MARATHON 299.00&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;COMING SOON TALLAHASSEE AND JACKSONVILLE&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="300" height="207" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/1bde3848-5cff-4dac-81d0-2788153dd02e.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-08-13T10:41:09-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39113</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/12/new-off-season-restaurant-scheduling-2011</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>NEW "OFF SEASON" RESTAURANT SCHEDULING 2011!</title><description>&lt;h2 style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;RELAX and ENJOY by Dining at these Fabulous Local Establishments During &amp;quot;Off Season&amp;quot;!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Harbour Lodge&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 325px; height: 187px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f6184e5a-b0c4-4fde-a85d-8af5e19bcb9a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Bar &amp;amp; Grill at Sea Spray&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 337px; height: 188px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/0905f93d-cfa3-4857-b3ed-377889228e26.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Wine Down &amp;amp; Sip Sip&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 333px; height: 221px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/c1462cb5-93ac-4b19-8e1d-9dbf5503ba5c.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Mackey's Take-Out, Sugar Shack, Captain Jack's, and Lubber's Landing are open!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Hope Town Coffee Shop, Harbour's Edge, Abaco Inn, and Cracker P's will reopen in November.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-10-05T13:54:16-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39122</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/12/hideaways-golf-cart-fall-special</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>Hideaways Golf Cart Fall Special!!!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;ISLAND CART RENTALS FALL SPECIAL!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-large;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/d7b30d1a-3779-4edb-aa03-4169eecd88ae.jpg" style="width: 226px; height: 126px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;ONLY $215.00 FOR A WEEK RENTAL FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER &amp;amp; OCTOBER!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="http://info@islandcartrentals.com"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/6e273699-ad37-45f5-8ff0-dfe4241e6347.jpg" style="width: 471px; height: 59px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;STARTING AUGUST 1st THROUGH NOVEMBER 1st, 2011&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;ALL LUXUARY STRETCH CARTS WILL BE $270.00 PER WEEK&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;4-PASSENGER CARTS FOR $250.00 PER WEEK&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.elbowcaycartrentals.com"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 463px; height: 139px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ddbbfc5d-5934-4aa1-88f9-6b6b86edc021.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;&amp;quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;OF&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;F SEASON&amp;quot; SPECIAL RATE THROUGH OUT SEPTEMBER &amp;amp; OCTOBER&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;ALL 4-PASSAGERS CARTS WILL&amp;nbsp;BE $215.00 PER WEEK!! &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;For further information please contact&lt;strong&gt; Hope Town Hideaways &lt;/strong&gt;at 242-366-0224 or VHF Ch. 16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-13T13:07:46-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39157</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/12/airline-special-for-fall-2011</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>Airline Special for Fall 2011!!!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;Fantastic Airline Rates from Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour all under $400.00!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/6215f9e0-46c5-441a-908d-27feeca2a8a1.jpg" style="width: 194px; height: 81px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;Bahamas Express Round trip for $325.00&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;This rate does not include departure tax.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;flybahamasexpress.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 191px; height: 79px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/20975426-eba8-464f-965f-e70f13934175.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;IBC Airways Round Trip for $359.00 &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;This rate does not include departure tax.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: smaller;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;www.ibcairways.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;For further information contact&lt;strong&gt; Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/strong&gt; at 242-366-0224 or VHF Ch. 16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-09-13T13:10:37-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39186</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/12/seahorse-boat-rental-off-season-discounted-rate-</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>Seahorse Boat Rental "Off Season" Discounted Rate </title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 319px; height: 146px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/c1f50f4a-5736-4971-8268-cbdd4ba1db05.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;35% Off On ALL Boat Rental starting August 14 until December 17, 2011!!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-08-12T14:37:03-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">39345</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/8/12/basra-fundraising-raffle</link><author>hopetowninfo@gmail.com</author><title>BASRA Fundraising Raffle</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;BASRA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt; (Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-small;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt; is the only dedicated search and rescue organization in The Bahamas. It is made up of volunteered men and women,that is supported by donations, grants and legacies from all sectors of the community. Visit their website at&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt; &lt;a href="http://www.basra.org/"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-small;"&gt;www.basra.org&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/77861231-d337-4bde-8b82-2563e649db26.jpg" style="width: 424px; height: 295px;" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;Purchase a ticket for $25.00 or a booklet for $100.00 and have a Chance to WIN a Brand New Club Car!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: small;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 0);"&gt;Tickets on Sale Now @ Hope Town Hideaways!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-08-12T15:58:30-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">37436</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/30/get-back-to-abaco-with-western-air</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Get Back to Abaco with Western Air!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Click on the link below for more details. See you soon!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=tzu96nbab&amp;amp;v=001WB-nvaGMG3-xuR6xR-97RT0p1jyeLW87zJ0rkHFrwWvZBnntqq0ihpXSLxxBubB424s34SKMrG57_ywv2sww2l0oY8UHXRxRMk3fIUK1VWuX30O3-4SLdghV1Ks7L5RdmmShezFVeniSm_CvCK8mrfYGxREwh-5I2jAjUi2g39U%3D"&gt;campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="600" height="840" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/4288d3a1-9ce9-42cb-97e0-cf4da509110b.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-30T13:29:01-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">33991</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/13/last-minute-booking-special</link><author>cjthompson90@gmail.com</author><title>LAST MINUTE BOOKING SPECIAL!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 210px; height: 198px" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/bc545419-28fa-4209-8f86-f364925cce8b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style="text-align: center; color: red"&gt;&lt;big&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
LAST MINUTE BOOKING SPECIAL!!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/big&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3 style="color: red"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;&amp;ldquo;Breezy Palms&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 217px; height: 194px" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ca7f4534-076a-42dc-9ee7-56959865c117.jpg" /&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;img alt="" style="width: 211px; height: 192px" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/af5142c6-de52-4dfb-969d-11108c280857.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3 style="text-align: center; color: red"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Large 5 bedroom/5.5 bath beach front home with a private pool &amp;amp; dock slip!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3 style="color: red"&gt;&lt;span style="background-color: #ffffff"&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Sleeps 10!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Many amenities including internet &amp;amp; generator&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Last minute low rates available! (July 18-30)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Please visit our website for full property details&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #9999ff"&gt;Don&amp;rsquo;t miss this opportunity!!! Call us today!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-13T17:56:17-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">32256</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/2/regatta-time-in-abaco</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Regatta Time in Abaco!!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Join us here in Abaco for the sumer time Regatta with great specials at the Hope Town Hideaway Villa's and Marina! Call us today to find out more!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="592" height="415" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a599e634-917d-471a-9ad7-7a1164792c7a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-02T15:17:43-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">32251</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/2/new-home-on-our-rental-market</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>New Home on our Rental Market!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/b16e7496-6437-4979-93ff-714b50fe0755.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-02T14:59:51-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">32230</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/2/good-times-in-da-islands</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Good times in "da islands"</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Friends had a great time here in Hope Town, staying at Firefly Sunset Resort and enjoying all that Abaco has to offer!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="870" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/868d5ab2-5258-407d-8410-ab3c88878051.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-02T14:53:28-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">32281</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/2/abacos-top-chef-competition</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco's Top Chef Competition</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/1b046b6e-9094-4971-a57c-6ae779291d1d.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-02T16:22:09-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">32164</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/7/1/hope-town-hideaways-is-participating-in-the-two-fly-free-program</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways is participating in the "Two Fly Free" program!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Great news, Hope Town Hideaways is participating in the &amp;quot;Two Fly Free&amp;quot; Campaign through the Out Island Promotion Board. Please contact us at 1-242-366-0224 to find out more!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Dear Members,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;As a &amp;quot;kick off&amp;quot; to this Summer Domestic campaign, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board is launching our Two Fly Free program for Bahamians and residents of the Bahamas encouraging vacations in the Out Islands for this period.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;Announcements regarding this focus on the domestic market will be launched late next week with MOT/BOIPB leading a number of events in Nassau to promote the campaign. This year we will also focus on the domestic Airlines being partners in promoting the campaign offer. The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board will be executing several on-island initiatives as part of our promotion efforts for TWO FLY FREE FROM NASSAU!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="248" height="146" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/94d9412f-a513-466c-ba36-3e5b45bc7daa.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-07-01T14:05:32-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">26020</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/5/14/abaco-pathfinders-2011-harl-taylor-fashion-show</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Pathfinders 2011 Harl Taylor Fashion Show</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="520" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/52dc61f6-985c-480c-8bcf-b2054f892b9b.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-05-14T12:42:48-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">24119</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/5/6/abaco-star-of-the-sea-is-now-offering-2-500-1-5-ppl-until-the-end-of-may</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Star of the Sea' is now offering $2,500 (1-5 ppl) until the end of May!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="1175" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f0e3d795-c96b-407a-91e4-2c321e7cb546.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-05-06T12:56:13-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">23892</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/5/5/15-off-last-minute-may-rentals-for-beach-bags</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>15% Off Last Minute May Rentals for Beach Bags!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;15% Off Last Minute May Rentals for Beach Bags!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="150" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/8c95ad0d-0ac3-45a3-8c1d-a81b8ff83ff5.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-05-05T11:26:49-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">21969</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/22/hope-town-is-spearheading-a-fundraising-effort-to-restore-our-old-1965-landrover-fire-truck-the-spitfire-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town is spearheading a fundraising effort to restore our old 1965 Landrover Fire Truck the “Spitfire”.         </title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hope Town is spearheading a fundraising effort to restore our old 1965 Landrover Fire Truck the &amp;ldquo;Spitfire&amp;rdquo;.      &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our goal is $10,000.00.  Once restored, our hope is to place it next to the museum or in front of the fire house in Hope Town so everyone can enjoy it for years to come.  This is a very important part of Hope Town Fire &amp;amp; Rescue history.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We will be running various fundraiser events.  On Easter Saturday &amp;ldquo;Family Fun Day&amp;rdquo; we hope to move the truck to in front of the Abaco Inn Restaurant for the children to see and enjoy.  On May 7th we will hold a &amp;ldquo;Grill Night&amp;rdquo; with music, and on July 4th, we will have a big bash with a silent auction, music, great food and fun.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We&amp;rsquo;d appreciate any donations of any amount towards our goal, either monetary or for the silent auction.  All monetary donations should be made out to &amp;quot;Hope Town Fire and Rescue&amp;quot; with a note that it should be for the Fire Truck Restoration.  &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="123" width="166" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a2074215-4f1e-4a91-8363-7ff5efa8b781.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-22T19:58:34-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">21968</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/22/50-off-for-banana-split-upstairs-only-from-23-april-15-may-2011</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>50% Off for Banana Split. Upstairs Only from 23 April - 15 May, 2011</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="480" width="640" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/c919792f-5e9f-4096-b661-4b56d86bbb88.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please see link below for full property details, photo's and rates. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;http://www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/villa-hopetown-banana-split&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-22T19:45:24-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">21663</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/19/corsairfly-and-bahamasair-team-up-with-direct-flights-from-europe</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Corsairfly and Bahamasair team up with direct flights from Europe!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Great news, Bahamasair has teamed up with Corsairfly from France to fly directly to the Bahamas!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We welcome our French friends to the stunning islands of The Bahamas!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="315" height="281" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/635b73a5-e348-4c5d-a7a7-96a0cfa30474.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-19T17:04:20-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">14781</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/9/celebrity-sitings-here-in-hope-town</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Celebrity Sitings here in Hope Town!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Vern, most famous for his role as &amp;quot;Mini Me&amp;quot; in the Austin Power movies is enjoying a quiet relaxing week of fun and sun in one of &lt;strong&gt;'Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/strong&gt;' upscale homes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="225" height="224" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ab76503a-186d-4ca3-838c-1064c9f87946.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Beyonce' and Jay Z reserved the top floor at Nipper's on Guana Cay for their large group of friends and everyone seemed to have a great time - but of course everyone has a great time at Nipper's!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They also came to visit us here in Hope Town for an afternoon over looking the Hope Town Lighthouse at &amp;quot;Harbour Edge Restaurant&amp;quot; across from the &lt;strong&gt;'Hope Town Hideaways'&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="243" height="400" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/e65226d3-e7b3-494b-81e3-f4b269e430a9.jpg" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-09T16:53:18-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">14780</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/9/hope-town-featured-in-february-april-additions-of-coastal-living-2011</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Featured in February &amp; April additions of "Coastal Living" 2011</title><description>&lt;p&gt;ELBOW CAY: THE ISLAND THAT FORGOT TIME...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hope Town featured in TWO &amp;quot;Coastal Living Articles&amp;quot; for February and April sharing our special island life with the world!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Check it out and hope to see you here some day!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/other-coasts/elbow-cay-bahamas-00414000069863/page11.html&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="400" width="400" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/fbea8044-f43c-49da-ac79-2c2152abd1f3.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-09T20:33:55-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">14763</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/4/8/hideaways-ballerinas-teach-locals-to-twirl</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Hideaways Ballerinas Teach Locals to Twirl!!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="432" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/124e0d6c-f458-4266-8038-940a642c0252.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Article Published in &amp;quot;The Abaconian&amp;quot;. Vol. 19. Number 7. April 1st, 2011&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;quot;Many visitors come to Abaco every year at the same time to visit their favorite places here and enjoy all that our communities have to offer. The Stockstill family has been coming down to Hope Town for spring break for the past several years and staying with Hope Town Hideaways. This year their daughter, Annie Stockstill (17), and her friend, Emily Beard (17), wanted to give back to the community by offering a 3 day ballet class that was open to all.  Annie has been studying ballet since she was 3 years old and Emily from the time she was 8. Both young ladies are members of the Ballet Abilene School and the Abilene Ballet Theatre in Texas.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Wednesday, the 15th of March, the first class was held at 5:00pm at the Hope Town School. All of the boys and girls lined off in rows in the hall way with one hand on their chair, acting like a ballet bar and the other ready to move. Emily and Annie walked through the rows showing the children different positions and how to point their toes and move their hands, while their parents watched proud.  The event was so well received that organizers felt they needed a larger space for all of the participants. The plan was to move the group to the assembly space in the front of the school on the second day, but the rain changed these plans.  The girls tried to think of a place that a group this large would be able to practice. Peggy Thompson (owner of the Hope Town Hideaways) decided to call Tom Hazel at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Tom is always open to idea&amp;rsquo;s and small events such as these and was happy to accommodate Emily and Annie. The tent at the Lodge was temporarily taken over for one hour, for two days, by little Toto&amp;rsquo;s.The back drop was stunning. The ocean lay beyond, while the children of all ages, from 3 &amp;ndash; 11, practiced their ballet moves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This event, like so many Abaco hosts each year, shows what a great impact our local tourism industry has on our communities.  Many thanks to Peggy Thompson for organizing the event, to Emily and Annie for taking time out of their vacation to share their talents with the community and to Tom for providing such a stunning back drop and venue.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-04-08T18:15:06-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">11648</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/16/what-is-this-the-hope-town-lighthouse-is-going-to-painted-green-white-</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>What is this....the Hope Town Lighthouse is going to painted green &amp; white....</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Come and enjoy all of the fun Saint Patrick's Day celebrations here in Hope Town this Thurseday!!!!!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="350" height="609" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a89aaaea-3d4f-45e5-939f-cabacbdb03d2.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-16T09:30:34-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">11388</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/14/lionfish-from-predator-in-the-bahamas-to-main-course-in-washington-d-c-</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Lionfish: From predator in the Bahamas to main course in Washington, D.C.</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Check out this interesting article by Khyle Quincy Parker on the Lionfish and how it is becoming a part of the Sustainable Seafood Dining Series at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C.&lt;img width="250" height="167" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/44da485f-0bd9-4d1d-9ae7-cd344016fb83.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;WASHINGTON, DC &amp;ndash; The National Aquarium in Washington DC inaugurated its Fresh Thoughts: Sustainable Seafood Dining Series in March, featuring lionfish collected in The Bahamas.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Cornelius A. Smith attended, and was enthusiastic about both the evening&amp;rsquo;s success and the initiation of a charge to develop a potential market for the consumption of the lionfish in the DC Metro area. Given the threat the lionfish represents to traditional fisheries exports like grouper, the creation of such a market would be a boon of immeasurable worth to The Bahamas.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;At a time when fisheries exports in The Bahamas are not as strong as is desirable, the opportunity to create a new source of revenue for our marine sector is very welcome. Add to that the chance to exert a measure of control over this predatory species, and you begin to see why we are excited about this venture and what it may mean,&amp;rdquo; Ambassador Smith said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;I can only hope that the marine sector in The Bahamas will be encouraged by this event to redouble efforts to build an export market for lionfish. Such foresight will only redound to the benefit of our people, reaping commercial rewards and conservational benefits.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is not native to the Atlantic. In fact, this fish has been invading tropical Atlantic waters at an alarming rate and, in addition to causing major concern in The Bahamas, is threatening aquatic ecosystems as far east as Bermuda, and south to the entire Caribbean.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The National Aquarium, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) have studied methods of controlling the population and impacts of the lionfish. After those studies and consultation with the restaurant sector, human consumption has emerged as a viable method to control the population of this venomous pest species.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;At a time when concerned vendors, restaurateurs and diners are seeking sustainable seafood choices, biologists are suggesting that the red lionfish may provide a commercial opportunity as well as a means to control an invasive species,&amp;rdquo; said Andy Dehart, Director of Fishes and Aquatic Invertebrates at the National Aquarium. &amp;ldquo;With so many fish stocks over-exploited, we&amp;rsquo;re thrilled that lionfish offers a great-tasting fillet and we&amp;rsquo;re excited to finally introduce it to Washington DC food enthusiasts.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This was the impetus behind the decision to feature lionfish at the inaugural Fresh Thoughts event. Chef Xavier Deshayes partnered with the Aquarium to launch this sustainable seafood dining series at the Aquarium&amp;rsquo;s DC location. Fresh Thoughts is intended to celebrate &amp;ldquo;sensible and scrumptious seafood choices with the help of renowned Washington DC chefs.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chronicling The Journey&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Aquarium staff journeyed to Nassau, Bahamas, to meet with officials from the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and to document what the Aquarium called the &amp;ldquo;ocean-to-plate&amp;rdquo; journey of the lionfish from capture and handling to preparation and serving.&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-14T18:39:20-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">11224</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/11/abaco-pathfinders-poolside-runway-fashion-show-march-18th-2011-</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Pathfinders Poolside Runway Fashion Show March 18th 2011 </title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="893" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/193277d0-43b3-4793-87cc-0a56fb461296.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-11T17:30:50-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">11054</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/10/come-down-and-check-out-stop-motion-productions-photography-exhibit-and-3d-wine-tasting</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>Come down and check out "Stop Motion Productions Photography Exhibit and 3D Wine Tasting"</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date &amp;amp; Time&lt;/strong&gt;	: Friday, March 11 &amp;middot; 6:00pm - 11:00pm&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Location: Wine&lt;/strong&gt; Down &amp;amp; Sip Sip&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Low Down:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Featuring Dominic Duncombe and Ronald Archer.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This unique Hope Town experience will pair incredible shots&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;and dynamic displays of photography with the wines &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;that will enhance the visual experience.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img width="200" height="100" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/7c7e6e34-3e87-474a-b7ca-bfa46247629a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-10T17:48:13-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">10187</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/9/hope-town-heritage-day-2011</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>HOPE TOWN HERITAGE DAY 2011!!!!!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;We had the best Hope Town Heritage Day Event this year!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There was a 'Historical Home Tour&amp;quot;, museum tour, arts &amp;amp; crafts, games for the children, the &amp;quot;sexy knee&amp;quot; competition and an interactive learning center for everyone to enjoy!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many thanks to all of the supporters, vendor's and volunteer's!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="432" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/61247410-35c4-4678-b880-94f537b46708.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-09T18:36:28-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">9457</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/3/3/what-a-dive-the-underwater-realm-in-abaco-that-inspired-james-camerons-new-3d-film-sanctum</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>What a dive: The underwater realm in Abaco that inspired James Cameron's new 3D film Sanctum!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="202" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/51f649a7-43d3-4674-85c6-eee417192584.jpg" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
80ft below the surface, the Cascade room in Dan's Cave, on Abaco Island in the Bahamas, is one of the most sensational chambers in the cave system.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please check out this great article from British newspaper the Daily Mail by Chris Hall.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1357666/James-Camerons-Sanctum-Underwater-realm-inspired-new-3D-film.html"&gt;www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1357666/James-Camerons-Sanctum-Underwater-realm-inspired-new-3D-film.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;No, it's not a still from Sanctum - although James Cameron's new diving film was inspired by a near-catastrophic expedition by the man who took these pictures, Wes C Skiles.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is a real photograph from one of the most mysterious environments in the world. You could visit Abaco Island, in the Bahamas, and have no idea that beneath you lies this vast network of caves, accessible by as many as a thousand 'blue holes' - submerged vertical caves peppered with entrances to this forbidding domain.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Exploring these passages is the diving equivalent of climbing K2  -  you've got to be exceptionally well trained and well prepared. Even then, safety is no guarantee; Wes C Skiles died during a dive last summer. Sanctum is dedicated to him.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="253" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/fbe6a556-7bae-4ecf-96fc-98929037e490.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Of the 1,000 or so blue holes in the Bahamas, fewer than 20 per cent have been investigated, and almost none fully explored. It's a perilous mission to undertake; the caves are pitch black, vast and labyrinthine: the deepest blue holes can be 600ft deep, and the connecting caves run on for thousands of feet in all directions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="470" height="423" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f22ce318-2764-40e8-a21d-defedebaac4a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Light filters down from the entrance of Ben's Cave (left) in Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. There are over six miles of caves under Grand Bahama.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="470" height="423" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/765db6c3-d86a-4caf-bc3a-763f45b83104.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;There are over six miles of caves under Grand Bahama. The caves can get so narrow that the divers have to remove their equipment to fit through the gaps. Here one of the team explores Garbage Hole, with his guideline clearly visible in the foreground.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Divers maintain a taut safety line at all times. Without it, it could be nigh on impossible to find your way out before your air supply runs out. Divers carry three tanks of nitrox mix - one to use on the way in, one on the way out, and one for emergencies - and three lights, which are used to communicate as well as navigate. Standard practice states that if any one light fails for any diver, the whole dive is called off.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="286" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/44250eb2-32a2-4e75-b5d9-321280ddd8d3.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;In Sawmill Sink, another of Abaco's blue holes, bacteria colour the water a violent red, and signal the presence of hydrogen sulphide clouds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As well as the routine hazards of diving, the unique water chemistry of inland blue holes brings its own problems.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In inland blue holes, a thin layer of fresh water, provided by rainfall, sits on top of denser salt water. The fresh water acts as a lid, preventing oxygen from entering the water.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bacteria in the salt water produce hydrogen sulphide as a result, generating toxic clouds of gas, suspended near the surface throughout the caves.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Divers cannot spend too long exposed to these clouds; it can penetrate their wetsuits and skin, leading to nausea, delirium and even death.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="472" height="502" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/9b8c0861-6122-40de-9120-b91a6e2c9b82.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Wes Skiles died during a dive last summer. Sanctum is dedicated to him.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These conditions also contribute to the blue holes' interest, however.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Life on Earth began in prehistoric times, when oxygen was vastly less prevalent in the planet's atmosphere.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;By exploring these caves, and studying the bacteria that exist here, scientists can learn not only about life as it was four billion years ago, but as it might exist now on other worlds: it is possible that there are pockets of liquid water beneath the surfaces of Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa, and distant planets.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The oxygen-deficient conditions also preserve animal remains.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Marine biologists have recovered the remains of crocodiles and tortoises with their soft tissues perfectly intact, even after thousands of years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="313" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3532ccb6-1659-4dfe-b3a3-dfc16a210bee.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Divers thread a careful path between stalactites and stalagmites in Dan's Cave. The fragile rock formations are tens of thousands of years old.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;img width="310" height="440" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/cfbab6ea-9f0f-4fb9-a939-a388bc5fb8e2.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dean's Blue Hole (right), in a cove on Long Island, is the deepest known underwater cave in the world, stretching down more than 600ft.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: right;"&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/be17f9ba-7983-4d89-a9c0-2c1bf144e33e.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: right;"&gt;A team of divers explore the north passage of the blue hole known as Stargate, on Andross Island.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;img width="310" height="440" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/96cd88a1-99fa-4142-ae67-1c85f6b5ef5e.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Divers Brian Kakuk and Kenny Broad from the team of scientists exploring the blue holes, surface in Sawmill Sink.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1357666/James-Camerons-Sanctum-Underwater-realm-inspired-new-3D-film.html"&gt;www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1357666/James-Camerons-Sanctum-Underwater-realm-inspired-new-3D-film.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-03-03T17:17:24-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">8223</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/2/23/abaco-anglers-fishing-tournament-april-21st-april-30th-2011-</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Angler's Fishing Tournament April 21st-April 30th, 2011.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="http://efishingtips.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/abaco-fishing11.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Abaco's fun family fishing tournament begins April 21st 2011and ends at 12:00 noon April 30th, 2011.The Dinner Banquet is April 30th. This is the one!  A great fishing tournament suitable for the beginner to professional fishermen!  Fabulous prizes and categories to ensure chances for all the fishermen in your family. Call Lighthouse Marina at 1-242- 366-0154 for more details - open to all boats and you don't have to fish every day!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-02-23T15:15:00-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">7392</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/2/15/join-us-for-heritage-day-2011-in-hope-town</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Join us for Heritage Day 2011 in Hope Town!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="867" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f396a815-a1d4-4864-aa43-8119619cd30f.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;THE FACE OF WYANNIE MALONE CONTEST:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Wyannie Malone, Loyalist and founder of Hope Town has many descendants (both here in Hope Town, and all over, so keep that in mind!) Which descendant do you think most resembles Wyannie Malone when she first settled this beautiful island of ours centuries ago? Do you think Wyannie was a brunette? Blond? or maybe a Red Head? Were her eyes green? Blue? Brown? Was she tall? Small?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please nominate whom you think is the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;FACE OF WYANNIE MALONE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; by sending an email to; &lt;a href="http://info@hopetownmuseum.com"&gt;info@hopetownmuseum.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The top 10 will be displayed in the park on March 5th and you can vote for you who think most resembles Wyannie Malone. With $1 votes - we will determine the winner by the largest amount of &amp;quot;votes.&amp;quot; Bahamian Artist, &lt;strong&gt;Alton Lowe &lt;/strong&gt;is supporting the Wyannie Malone Museum by creating an image of the winner of The Face of Wyannie Malone contest winner for 2012 Heritage day. So come out on March 5th and vote for who you think is the Face of Wyannie Malone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-02-15T12:07:39-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">7349</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/2/14/join-us-in-orlando-hope-town-hideaways-attends-showalters-bahamas-day</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>JOIN US in ORLANDO! Hope Town Hideaways attends Showalter's Bahamas Day</title><description>&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"&gt;&lt;u&gt;JOIN US! February 19th, 2011 from 10am-4pm at Showalter Flying Service 400 Herndon Ave., Orlando, FL 32803.&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/e9dcadf4-c001-454d-bbcc-13db50e25fc7.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please join us for this free event geared towards pilots who want to learn more about flying to the Bahamas. There will be information both on the procedural aspects of your trip as well as the places to see and things to do once you&amp;rsquo;re in the islands. If you have ever dreamed of island flying then this event will help give you the knowledge and the confidence to make your dreams reality!&lt;br /&gt;
Exhibitors Include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;* Bahamas Tourist Representatives&lt;br /&gt;
* Hoteliers from many of the 700 islands&lt;br /&gt;
* Charter Operators&lt;br /&gt;
* Pilot supply products&lt;br /&gt;
* And much more&amp;hellip;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Seminars:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;* Over Water Flying Operations&lt;br /&gt;
* Official FAA Safety Class&lt;br /&gt;
* U.S. Customs and Border Patrol eApis Briefing&lt;br /&gt;
* LIVE Life-Raft Demonstration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As a bonus you see a performance from an authentic Bahamian Junkanoo Band. And you won&amp;rsquo;t want to leave without buying a delicious Bahamian Cuisine Lunch!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more infomation please visit the Showalter website at &lt;a href="http://www.showalter.com/bahamas-day/"&gt;www.showalter.com/bahamas-day/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="365" height="365" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a752ab2b-1524-45e3-b052-6b84c0f3ace6.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-02-16T14:02:15-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">7298</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/2/12/da-market-february-26th-2011-bnt-marsh-harbour-900am-100pm</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Da Market February 26th, 2011. BNT Marsh Harbour 9:00am-1:00pm</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="612" height="792" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3e16bd09-43da-4ad4-9be8-9f6a0ca3c29b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-02-12T08:51:12-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">5908</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/1/29/5-cashback-bonus-on-your-next-hope-town-hideaways-vacation-restaurant-purchases</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>5% Cashback BONUS* on your next Hope Town Hideaways Vacation &amp; Restaurant Purchases!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="200" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/e141f40c-6776-4c71-aa9f-7414d635eb51.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 204);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;has partnered up with &lt;strong&gt;Discover Card&lt;/strong&gt; to offer you a 5% &lt;em&gt;Cashback Bonus&lt;/em&gt; on up to $800 in travel and restaurant purchases from January through March 2011. Just sign up at&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.discover.com"&gt;www.discover.com&lt;/a&gt; and you can earn more rewards for booking with us at &lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com"&gt;www.hopetown.com&lt;/a&gt;, located in gorgeous Abaco, Bahamas. Also, while you are enjoying some exotic carribbean cuisine at one of the many delicious restaurants you can earn &lt;em&gt;Cashback Bonus's &lt;/em&gt; on your restaurant purchases. You'll also earn up to 1% unlimited &lt;em&gt;Cashback Bonus&lt;/em&gt; for all other international purchases -- just like back at home! So sign up and book you&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;r&lt;span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 204);"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;vacation today!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="340" height="255" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ea1e9117-5324-4ef9-bb25-75fffae57a5a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.google.bs/imgres?imgurl=http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/497247030/Hope_Town_Hideaways_Logo_normal.jpg&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://www.wordiq.com/definition/John_Fletcher_%28Methodist%29&amp;amp;usg=__SK9e3vbBQuaBi2Pkb_4mtjIdPhs=&amp;amp;h=900&amp;amp;w=900&amp;amp;sz=231&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;start=12&amp;amp;zoom=1&amp;amp;tbnid=lH_HaRVZcg41QM:&amp;amp;tbnh=135&amp;amp;tbnw=131&amp;amp;ei=MJFETarPMcL48Aaei4G-AQ&amp;amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhopetown%2Bhideaways%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D582%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C468&amp;amp;itbs=1&amp;amp;iact=rc&amp;amp;dur=418&amp;amp;oei=LJFETfaPIoP88Ab6sqm-AQ&amp;amp;esq=2&amp;amp;page=2&amp;amp;ndsp=15&amp;amp;ved=1t:429,r:3,s:12&amp;amp;tx=42&amp;amp;ty=26&amp;amp;biw=1024&amp;amp;bih=582" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img src="http://www.google.bs/imgres?imgurl=http://www.credit-card-logos.com/images/discover_credit-card-logos/discover_network1.jpg&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://www.credit-card-logos.com/&amp;amp;usg=__VowT_Q00FLAOb3Za3u0p3T6jHno=&amp;amp;h=96&amp;amp;w=150&amp;amp;sz=5&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;start=0&amp;amp;zoom=1&amp;amp;tbnid=xnOm2p_ZlMZqtM:&amp;amp;tbnh=76&amp;amp;tbnw=120&amp;amp;ei=npFETe6BJYL78AamnIi1AQ&amp;amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddiscover%2Bcard%2Blogo%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D582%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&amp;amp;itbs=1&amp;amp;iact=rc&amp;amp;dur=372&amp;amp;oei=npFETe6BJYL78AamnIi1AQ&amp;amp;esq=1&amp;amp;page=1&amp;amp;ndsp=15&amp;amp;ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&amp;amp;tx=53&amp;amp;ty=46" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-01-29T17:38:20-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">5678</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/1/28/electrical-company-apologizes-for-last-summer-promises-reliable-power-for-2011</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Electrical Company Apologizes for Last Summer; Promises Reliable Power for 2011</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Please check out this update from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (B.E.C.)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="821" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/9b77536b-00e6-473c-ae9f-bdd72b2db11d.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="826" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/77089f56-f8d3-4897-be70-fa7c617a080c.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-01-29T17:42:51-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4556</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/1/7/update-lines-are-back-up-call-us-today-to-book-your-abaco-vacation--relocal-lines-are-out-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>UPDATE: Lines are back up! Call us today to book your Abaco Vacation!         RE:Local Lines are out.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;UPDATE: Lines are up and running! Give us a call and book your Abaco vacation today!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1/22/2011: Due to last night's lightening storm, all local lines are out here on Hope Town.&amp;nbsp; But, no worries, you can reach us on our vonage lines, which may also be a little cheaper.&amp;nbsp; The numbers are:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;561.656.9703&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;561.208.8369&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you for your understanding as the local phone company is working at this time, to assist with this problem.&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-01-29T17:43:33-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4548</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2011/1/4/-visitors-home-owners-length-of-stay-in-bahamas-increased</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title> Visitors &amp; Home Owners Length of Stay in Bahamas INCREASED!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Ministry of Foreign Affairs &amp;amp; Immigration  &lt;br /&gt;
Jack A. Thompson  &lt;br /&gt;
Bahamas Immigration Department  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Press Release &lt;br /&gt;
In recent weeks a number of queries have been lodged with the Department regarding length of stay for Canadian, American and British nationals in The Bahamas.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;* All bona fide visitors (nationals) from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom are landed at all ports for thirty (30) days.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*Visitors from the aforementioned countries are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for a period up to eight (8) months. Stay periods are approved following an interview with an Immigration Officer(s). In instances where visitors are desirous of additional time, an extension should be requested.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*Visitors arriving by Pleasure crafts are required to complete the requisite forms and are allowed to remain in The Bahamas for up to eight (8) months.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This policy also applies to the Home Owners.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*The Department of Immigration encourages all foreign homes owners in The Bahamas to apply to the Department for a Home Owners Card in accordance with the International Persons Land Holding Ltd.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Department is ever mindful of its mandate to welcome genuine visitors while safeguarding our borders against undesirables.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-01-04T13:33:35-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4538</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/12/31/beach-house-featured-in-cosmopolitan-offers-big-discount</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Beach house featured in Cosmopolitan offers BIG discount!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Featured in a swimsuit spread for world renowned Cosompolitan magazine, Seaduction is a 3 bedroom/3 bath luxury island home reminiscent of a classic beach home in Nantucket / Martha's Vineyards, but with that carefree atmosphere only found on the unique island of Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas. Check out this property at &lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/villa-hopetown-seaduction"&gt;www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/villa-hopetown-seaduction&lt;/a&gt; and book online today to receive&lt;strong&gt; 50%&lt;/strong&gt; off!!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="450" height="684" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/6bc9217e-9c02-4110-a843-095d4db406c0.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/villa-hopetown-seaduction"&gt;www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/villa-hopetown-seaduction&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="988" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/42126dec-c2fb-4c52-bf93-9c2cbf058f20.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2011-01-30T14:12:08-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4531</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/12/28/abaco-luxury-for-half-the-price-</link><author>info@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Luxury for half the price! </title><description>&lt;p&gt;Always Wendy is offering an unbeatable deal of 50% off on all bookings from January 1st through February 26th. Always Wendy is 5 bedroom/4 bathroom luxury home. The house is perfectly appointed with comfortable d&amp;eacute;cor to make you feel right at home. Larger extended families, groups of traveling friends and two or three families can enjoy this spacious home. It is equipped with a gourmet kitchen with large island bar that seats 7 and the best of everything from granite counter-tops to stainless appliances. The view is all ocean from just about every room. Step onto the large covered porch set up as second outdoor living area which runs right into the freshwater swimming pool. From the pool deck you can head straight down the stairs to the beach. If this sounds like your type of accommodations, hurry up and book with us now so that you can take part in this great deal! Check the links below for more information!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="650" height="488" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/30cfa210-5255-4cb2-9129-29900ed2ca4e.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/always-wendy"&gt;www.hopetown.com/rentalsearch/always-wendy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com/specials/specialsdetails.aspx?keyid=401"&gt;www.hopetown.com/specials/specialsdetails.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-12-28T12:16:45-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4472</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/12/16/hope-town-christmas-play</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Christmas Play!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;The First Day of Christmas&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="480" height="246" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/9f3f9ec3-478a-403a-bb8e-67a7bafa1a79.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;The first day of the play was great success, raising funds for the orphans to go to Summer Camp.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;There's still 2 nights to go.&amp;nbsp; Hope you have tickets, because it's a SOLD OUT show!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Don't Miss It!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-12-16T15:33:36-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4471</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/12/16/getting-to-know-us-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Getting to know us...</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Meet Peggy Thompson.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="275" height="410" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/631c6cfe-e7bc-465e-9f7c-63de3713a7d6.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Peggy J. Thompson is the Manager at Hope Town Hideaways.&amp;nbsp; In 2009, Peggy was awarded the Cacique Award.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cacique Awards Objective&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The purpose of the Cacique Awards is to recognise the roles played by those individuals and organizations whose performance or products have consistently made a positive impact on the quality and the growth of tourism in The Bahamas. The Cacique Awards have an illustrious foundation in the National Tourism Achievement Awards and the Bahamas Hotel Association Awards.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;History of Cacique&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The name &amp;quot;Cacique&amp;quot; was chosen for the new tourism leadership awards to honour the Lucayans, the first Bahamians, and to keep them in memory, even though their physical presence was lost to us so many years ago.  The leader of a Lucayan community was called the &amp;quot;Cacique&amp;quot;.  As the supreme figure of authority, he would administer justice, reslove disputes, issue decrees, receive visitors in much the same way as a leader in our sphere would do today.  The use of the name &amp;quot;Cacique&amp;quot; also pays tribute to the generosity of the original inhabitants of The Bahamas, who greeted the first European visitors with great warmth.  It shows that the tradition of hospitality is being perpetuated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Great Job Peggy!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-12-16T14:38:09-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4435</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/12/11/december-2010-holiday-festivities</link><author>reservations@hopetown.com</author><title>December 2010 Holiday Festivities!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;tt&gt;&lt;big&gt;Join in all the fun Hope Town has to offer this holiday season!&lt;/big&gt;&lt;/tt&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;big&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;tt&gt;From the staff here at Hope Town Hideaways to you &lt;img src="http://controlpanel.bookt.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/tt&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/big&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;tt&gt;&lt;img height="502" width="650" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/e43efb34-b12c-4ce3-a7a7-e07cfacbd4d0.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/tt&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-12-29T14:05:38-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4172</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/15/abaco-cancer-society</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Cancer Society</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Abaco Cancer Society&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;CHRISTMAS SHOP&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="350" height="484" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/1dcbc093-0804-43b0-86c6-851b3394f920.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;At The Old John Bull Shop by Mangoes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;November 18th - December 23rd, 2010&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Monday - Saturday&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;9:00 a. m. - 6:00 p. m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;For more information Call: 367-3744&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ALL PROCEEDS go to the ABACO CANCER SOCIETY&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Be sure to check this out on your way in or out of your Vacation destination.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-15T15:53:44-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4154</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/13/12th-annual-boxcart-derby-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>12th Annual Boxcart Derby...</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Bahamas Boxcart Association&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Presents the 12th Annual&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Boxcart Derby&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="268" width="432" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/91261c93-c85b-45a1-be6f-ea9c2e137b55.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;November 27th, 2010&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Racing Noon - 4:00 p. m.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;Hope Town, Abaco&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;VIP Section with shaded seating &amp;amp; best views.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Food, drinks, Bars including famous SWIGGLE&amp;nbsp;BOOTH&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;T-Shirts, Displays, Music, Transportation to/from Ferry&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Lots of Good Family Fun&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;ATTENTION RACERS&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Adult and Junior classes&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Anyone can enter.&amp;nbsp; Helmets are required.&amp;nbsp; &lt;em&gt;Brakes are optional.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Points are rewarded as follows:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;1-10 for fastest Downhill (gravity power only)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;1-10 for fastest Slalom (less penalties)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;1-10 for Showmanship&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Costumes, skits, decorated boxcarts, exploding confetti displays, etc.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;American Soapbox Derby wheels suggested for durability &amp;amp; speed&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Trophies &amp;amp; prizes awarded afterward&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;To enter or for information contact Stafford Patterson&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;242.366.0023 or splug@abacoinet.com&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All proceeds go to the Hope Town Playground.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-13T13:22:31-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4151</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/12/13th-annual-toys-for-tots</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>13th Annual TOYS-FOR-TOTS</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Thirteenth Annual&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;TOYS-FOR-TOTS&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Saturday, November 20th&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;11:00 a. m. - 6:00 p. m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Across from Memorial Plaza, Marsh Harbour &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Don't miss SANTA...&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="380" width="340" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/4855b797-379f-4e10-8515-bbe12c9690b7.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Will Be There&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Bouncing Castle, Food Booths, Games, Cotton Candy, Face Painting &amp;amp; so much more!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;They really need your support this year, so please come by and Drop off a toy on the day or at Lofty Fig in Marsh Harbour (Sidney). Make a child's Christmas special!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-12T13:49:21-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4145</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/11/new-rental-in-hope-town-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>New Rental in Hope Town.</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;HopeTown.com is exciting about a new rental complex we just added.&amp;nbsp; &lt;strong&gt;Firefly Sunset Resort&lt;/strong&gt; is brand new and promises to be an unforgetable experience for all those who experience this luxury Vacation Rental.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="400" height="300" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f2c9548a-4b95-4d06-b65c-9c746090ebf2.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;Firefly Sunset Resort has 3 2B/2B Cottages, 2 4B/4B Villas, Java Plantation Beach House 3B/2B and Mint-2-B, which is a 2B/2B Honeymoon suite with private plunge pool.&amp;nbsp; Each unit is complete with modern kitchen, comfortable living room, dining room. Wireless internet, IPOD docking stereo system and Cable television as well as games and books guarantee there's something for everybody. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;Architectural features include over-sized windows to capture the water views, bay window dining and sitting area, gigantic deck, additional out door deck furnishings and gas Bar-B-Q grill. Guest enjoy private club membership with a living room set up over looking the Sea of Abaco. Major sporting events are shown on a big screen T. V., complimentary coffee and tea, lending library and pool table. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;Complimentary Golf cart parking and boat docking are included with your villa rental. Upon check in Guests are authorized for charge accounts at the restaurant, bar and grill on property.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;Although Firefly Sunset Resort will not accommodate Guests until Summer 2011, it's not too early to get your reservations in, as this promises to be a hot location.&amp;nbsp; Ask about options to rent the entire property.&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-11T11:56:48-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4108</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/6/dont-forget-to-fall-back-time-change-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Don't forget to "Fall" Back (Time Change).</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour at Midnight.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="300" width="300" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/1816ac08-d31d-48fe-895b-c15debe6e47a.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;.Ah, an extra hour of sleep and time to DREAM about &lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com"&gt;Hope Town&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-07T07:59:55-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4094</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/5/monkeys-uncle-storewide-thanksgiving-sale</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Monkey's Uncle Storewide Thanksgiving Sale!</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Monkey's Uncle is giving you a little something more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;For the entire month of November, they're having a 10%-25% Storewide Sale!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="400" width="300" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/131f7170-9e0a-4285-b860-583e90be45f0.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;From Clothing to Frangrances, Souvenirs and More!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="225" width="300" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/279a9e73-ae6c-4033-a367-a5a961787f61.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;See you there!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-05T11:39:26-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4090</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/11/5/halloween-in-hope-town</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Halloween in Hope Town</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Our Accountant, Marji, and Hubby dressed as Rock Stars to celebrate the Halloween festivities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="400" width="300" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/4423e281-2143-4a84-9425-8ee33063ba00.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-11-05T09:23:53-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4028</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/10/25/private-pilot-discount-in-bahamas</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Private Pilot Discount in Bahamas!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hope Town Hideaways invites private pilots to take advantage of a nation wide discount of $300.  Just book one of our waterfront private villas for at least four nights and receive an instant credit of $300!  Your villa includes a full kitchen, boat, internet, phone, satellite tv, pool, maid, kayaks, etc.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Enjoy a visit to the Bahamas' quaint historic village of Hope Town with enticing shops and waterfront eateries as well as two underwater sea parks, coral reefs just off shore, candy-striped lighthouse and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Hope Town with a discount!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-10-25T12:20:44-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">4022</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/10/23/monkeys-uncle-10-october-sale-breast-cancer-awareness</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Monkey's Uncle 10% October Sale! (Breast Cancer Awareness)</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Monkey's Uncle supports Breast Cancer Awareness!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img width="350" height="467" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/55eeae40-2838-463e-b44d-517f1e1e652b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Monkey's Uncle supporting Breast Cancer Awareness week by giving a 10% discount and free raffle drawing.&amp;nbsp; You don't want to miss the hand-dyed fabrics, perfect for wraps, table cloths, window decorations.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;TELL YOUR FRIENDS!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;See you at Monkey's Uncle!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-10-23T18:26:28-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3985</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/10/18/hope-town-birds-</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Birds.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;For all you Bird Watchers and Lovers, here's a few you can find here in Hope Town.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/7f791954-735c-40fb-bc98-d5592b2d4b4a.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird (Male)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f4332895-94b3-47f2-857e-7cd55a05d8fa.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird (Male)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/009c29eb-c44f-4595-bd3e-7fe446f8e4d2.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Black-Throated Blue Warbler&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/f14c4524-4170-49a1-8f4f-8f416fbcdeea.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bananaquit&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/419c9d27-ace6-4984-8c42-14a64ff8c180.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Northern Mockingbird&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a8b20e2c-059d-4282-b7d8-7069d831e277.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird (Male)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/dfae98ea-b4dd-4482-b17a-477ca9fa8d58.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;House Sparrow&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/25b5916b-888a-4817-91bf-0a5c4c31ea81.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird (Female)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/c98609e9-ad20-46e4-a020-8f3762a10682.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cape May Warbler (Male)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3f465589-4293-4560-a32c-cb81179b2ffa.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bananaquit&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/6f66149a-3634-4ac7-a614-1e1d8969bf6e.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cape May Warbler (Female)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/14874d47-b4bc-4a37-8a1a-08e283cd90d8.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yellow-Throated Warbler&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/49f0d0b3-f55b-4e9e-9f5a-6871a99ed991.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Cape May Warbler (Male)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/a9100d44-70eb-4d05-8346-be03b2637df4.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yellow-Throated Warbler&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/8cf2b1c9-6726-4c0f-b3b6-e9746fa0e2fe.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Northern Mockingbird&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/3e14895d-3b62-4579-87f0-f3939f85af73.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;House Sparrows&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width="200" height="134" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/38b480c5-3f0c-4f0e-bf50-72d758b67433.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird (Female)&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-10-18T12:26:33-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3800</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/10/1/get-low-in-abaco-october-special-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Get Low in Abaco. October Special. </title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;$199 Nightly&lt;span style="font-size: xx-large;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;+ 16% Tax . Direct Booking Only&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;img height="193" width="243" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/23772a1b-12d1-4299-84aa-34ea9297e73e.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: left;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;From October 01st - November 01st 2010&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;1-4 People&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Escape to Island Adventure.&lt;br /&gt;
2B/2B Villas Include:&lt;br /&gt;
2 Queen Beds + Double Futons&lt;br /&gt;
Satellite TV, DVD, Internet, Phone, VHF, Stereo&lt;br /&gt;
Motorized Habour dinghy, Maid Service&lt;br /&gt;
Gourmet Kitchen, Private Deck, Teak Furniture, BBQ&lt;br /&gt;
Freshwater pool, docking, gazebos, hammocks&lt;br /&gt;
Lighted fish cleaning dock &amp;amp; private marina&lt;br /&gt;
15 Acre tropical landscaped Gardens&lt;br /&gt;
Private Harbour beach with Complimentary Kayaks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;img height="191" width="232" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/24f15b95-bf69-4036-946c-15d98ffc0386.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Call NOW and book:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;242.366.0224&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Or Email:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;Reservations@HopeTown.com&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-10-01T15:12:23-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3772</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/9/28/hope-town-hideaways-marina</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Marina</title><description>&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-large;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Hope Town Hideaways Marina&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="263" width="350" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/ea5b5d1f-6af5-4853-aecb-37e8e065febc.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: medium;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;One Captain said, it's the beauty and peacfulness of being anchored off shore in a remote area, but with all the amenities - pool, internet, laundry, beach, BBQ area, ping pong, bocceball, hammocks, fire pit, private harbour beach, lighted fish cleaning dock, complimentary gazebo shower.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Come&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;t&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;o Abaco!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;We're waiting for you!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-10-18T14:29:01-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3522</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/9/10/keep-hope-town-pristine</link><author>Katrina@hopetown.com</author><title>Keep Hope Town Pristine!</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: xx-large;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HOPE &lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);"&gt;TOWN&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;PRIDE&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: x-large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Verdana;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keep Hope Town&amp;nbsp;Pristine!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="357" width="475" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/58ace897-e4fc-4efb-971f-e8536308d7f0.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;Friends of the Environment are coordinating their annual International Coastal Clean (ICC) up activities, in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy.  The litter that is collected is recorded and reported to the Ocean Conservancy and calculated with other countries participating worldwide.  They can actually track where the beach trash in Hope Town is from and then try to stop it from the source.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;If you would like to help, join in on &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;Saturday September 25th 8:00 a. m. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;at the &lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"&gt;Post Office dock&lt;/span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;Let us know if you will be on island and we can get you the necessary registration form. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: large;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma;"&gt;366.0224&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-09-10T13:06:35-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3396</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/8/26/local-lines-on-the-blink-but-we-can-still-be-reached</link><author>sweet_shannon_8@hotmail.com</author><title>Local lines on the blink...BUT we can STILL be reached!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Sorry the island phones have been intermittent&lt;img alt="" src="http://controlpanel.bookt.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/cry_smile.gif" /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You can always try our VOIP Vonage phone:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;(561) 208 - 8369&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="http://controlpanel.bookt.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/thumbs_up.gif" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;(561) 656 - 9703&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;img alt="" src="http://controlpanel.bookt.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/thumbs_up.gif" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If we don't answer, leave a message and we will call you back.  Speak clearly as the computer transcribes the message!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Hideaways Gang&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-08-26T09:14:41-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3385</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/8/24/15-off-season-discount-on-selective-homes</link><author>Janetschamback@bellsouth.net</author><title>15% Off Season Discount on selective homes!!!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Specials start now until December 15th; see link for more info: &lt;a href="http://www.hopetown.com/specials/15-off-season-discount-on-selective-homes-247"&gt;http://www.hopetown.com/specials/15-off-season-discount-on-selective-homes-247&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="151" width="226" alt="" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/5f77e42b-81ef-4191-bc61-20ca406ffb4b.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-08-24T10:38:02-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3313</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/8/10/some-of-our-favorite-guest-the-sage-family-hope-town-june-2010-view-from-captains-quarters</link><author>Janetschamback@bellsouth.net</author><title>Some of our favorite guest - The Sage Family!!!! Hope Town, June 2010. View from Captains Quarters!!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="" style="width: 382px; height: 466px;" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/da7bbf90-23d4-43ff-a458-2a3ded718566.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-08-10T11:24:02-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3305</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/8/7/cool-video-on-bahamas-look-for-peg</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Cool video on Bahamas - Look for PEG!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hey Miss Peggy,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You looking good Mama :  ) :0:49 and 1:26&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;object height="385" width="640"&gt;
&lt;param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xyRfVJNS0w&amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;fs=1?rel=0&amp;amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;amp;color2=0x6b8ab6" name="movie" /&gt;
&lt;param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /&gt;
&lt;param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /&gt;&lt;embed height="385" width="640" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xyRfVJNS0w&amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;fs=1?rel=0&amp;amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;amp;color2=0x6b8ab6"&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://youtu.be/9xyRfVJNS0w"&gt;Click here to see it on Youtube!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-08-09T14:24:04-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3192</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/7/25/lobster-season-yeah-memories-from-2009-get-ready-for-2010</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Lobster Season YEAH!!! Memories from 2009 - get ready for 2010</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img height="433" width="650" src="//s3.amazonaws.com/cdnmedia.bookt.com/1013/4a8a9e3b-36c9-4abe-aca4-07d72936c1ba.jpg" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-07-25T17:28:10-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3004</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/7/4/guana-hideaways-marina-and-real-estate-office</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Guana Hideaways Marina and Real Estate office</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Guana's newest marina - offering 38 deep water dock with complimentary internet.&amp;nbsp; Dockmaster Darvin Curry ensures your boat is tied perfectly and you know where all the fun in Guana is --- Nipper's Beach Bar &amp;amp; Grill, Grabber's.&amp;nbsp; If you love Guana Cay with its laid back island time ambiance, let Darvin give you a tour of all the listings.&amp;nbsp; Beaches in Guana Cay are amazing - wider with higer elevations - lots of raw land for building your dream house.&amp;nbsp; Come stay at Guana Hideaways and enjoy all that Guana has to offer!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-07-04T12:31:34-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">3003</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/7/4/abaco-bakeries-are-the-best-in-the-world</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Bakeries are the best in the world!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Abaco has some of the best bakeries to offer&amp;hellip;enjoy tasty fresh homemade breads, rolls, buns and best of all coconut bread! &amp;quot;Island Bakery&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Da Best Bakery,&amp;quot; which are located in Marsh Harbour. A lot of folks stop by on their way to Hope Town in case they miss Vernon's breads. These Bahamian bakeries offer more than bread - select light homemade meals, sandwiches and souses. Here in Hope Town you can get fresh breads, buns, dinner rolls, pies and cookies from Vernon's Grocery Store. You may want to order your pies' ahead of time, since Vernon's is famous for their Key Lime Pie and it might just be sold out!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-07-04T11:51:45-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2409</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/6/9/abaco-artists-showcase-art-at-sea-spray</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Artists Showcase Art at Sea Spray</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Saturday, June 26 be amazed and start your Christmas shopping early as the best of the best artists will be showing their wares!  Please pass the word.  This is a first for Sea Spray !  Come see Junior and all the local artists and artisans (about 15 all told). So come view, buy if you are so inclined, and eat and drink your full between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 26.  Mark your calendars and hope to see you there.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-06-09T18:34:56-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2408</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/6/9/join-abaco-rage-at-1st-annual-general-meeting</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Join Abaco Rage at 1st Annual General Meeting</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Sunday June 27th at Cracker P&amp;rsquo;s A.R.S.S (Abaco Rage Sailing Syndicate)&amp;nbsp; will be holding our first Annual General Meeting of members and members to be.&amp;nbsp; Cracker P's is the official clubhouse for the Rage and hopefully the team drink - Swiggle - will be served.&amp;nbsp; During this short but to the point meeting we will ratify our Constitution*,&amp;nbsp; and proceed forward with the schedule of events as proposed. You can apply and pay for your Annual membership while there ($50:00 per person) There will also be other activities such as a trash can regatta, a Rage/Sailing trivia quiz, kids activities and story telling. The time is 11:30 to 4:30. Please tell all your friends and anyone else you think might be interested as all are welcome you do not need to be a member. Please come!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-06-09T18:35:09-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2346</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/5/27/hope-town-announces-new-ferry-service</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Announces New Ferry Service!</title><description>&lt;h2 style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;&amp;quot;Hope Town Turtle Express&amp;quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;img height="166" width="221" alt="" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/BooktCDN/de587d29-847e-4832-9286-3f63079b387c.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"&gt;Chris Thompson takes the inaugural ride!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-05-27T14:55:21-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2272</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/5/14/hope-town-hideaways-makes-a-touch-down</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town Hideaways Makes a Touch Down!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Hope Town Hideaways &amp;amp; Craig Air together donate jet fare &amp;amp; a week's accommodations in Abaco for David Garrard's Fishing for a Cure.&amp;nbsp; This NFL event have over 30 boats registered with 20 NFL&amp;nbsp;players participating.&amp;nbsp; There is a MVP event following the tournament at the Conch House Marina &amp;amp; Resort in St. Augustine. This fundraiser will share our island with the Who's Who of Jacksonville &amp;amp; St. Augustine as well as lots of Jacksonville Jaguars and players from many NFL&amp;nbsp;teams.&amp;nbsp; Good luck boys - and the junior and lady angler categories!&amp;nbsp; Looking forward to next year's tournament, how about Hope Town?&lt;img src="http://www.fishingforthecure.org/DGfoundation_logo_white.gif" alt="" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-05-22T10:08:44-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2100</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/4/15/airgate-aviation-free-t-shirts</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Airgate Aviation Free T-shirts</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Airgate Aviation offers flights from Daytona Beach to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. They have some flights from Sanford / Orlando to Marsh Harbour. Be sure and ask Captain Frank, Susanne or Erika for the very cool new t-shirts! I love this airline - great planes, fabulous service and NOW complimentary t-shirts!&amp;nbsp; Got to Go to Abaco!&amp;nbsp; Check&amp;nbsp;out &amp;nbsp;Airgate Aviation &lt;a href="http://www.flyairgate.com"&gt;www.flyairgate.com&lt;/a&gt; and tell them Peggy sent you so you can get that free Abaco T-shirt!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-04-15T12:40:26-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2097</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/4/15/abaco-anglers-fishing-tournament</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Angler's Fishing Tournament</title><description>&lt;p&gt;April 15 begins Abaco's fun family fishing tournament....This is the one!&amp;nbsp; A great fishing tournament suitable for the beginner to professional fishermen!&amp;nbsp; Fabulous prizes and categories to ensure chances for all the fishermen in your family. Call Hope Town Hideaways or Lighthouse&amp;nbsp;Marina for more details - open to all boats and you don't have to fish every day!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-04-15T12:30:19-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">2096</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/4/15/lion-fish-tournament-saturday-april-17</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>LION FISH TOURNAMENT Saturday April 17</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Lionfish are beautiful to look at but are a HUGE danger to Abaco native fish.&amp;nbsp; The Lionfish have a voracious appetite and eat crawfish, grouper, hog snapper and just devastate all sea life in the reefs they live in. Marsh Harbour is the place for the tournament and there is Entertainment, Great Food, Education and fun for the whole family as well as Prize Money&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1st Place $2,000&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place $1,000&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place $500 &lt;br /&gt;
*Additional Prizes will be given for the smallest and largest lionfish&amp;nbsp; .&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A great family event in Abaco, Bahamas while doing good deeds for our world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Of particular interest is recipes will be shared and the Lionfish gathered throughout the day will not go to waste but will be cleaned and eaten!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Help control the growing lionfish population in Abaco,&amp;nbsp;Bahamas.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday, April 16, 2010 at 5:00pm Sign up and get rules ($100 per boat) Marsh Harbour Marina and Jib Room&lt;br /&gt;
Saturday, April 17, 2010 at sunrise&amp;nbsp;the Lionfish Derby begins and fish must be back at the dock by 4 p.m.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information call Hope Town Hideaways or Friends of the Environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-04-15T12:15:25-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1721</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/2/17/bahamasair-march-madness-99-round-trip</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>BAHAMASAIR MARCH MADNESS! $99 Round-trip</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Abaco Lovers now there is no excuse!&amp;nbsp; According to late breaking news, BahamasAir is offering $99 RT (excluding taxes) to anywhere BahamasAir flies from March 1 - March 25.&amp;nbsp; Call Bahamasair directly to book your flights...1.800.222.4262.&amp;nbsp; Let me know when you have bought your tickets - it sounds TOO&amp;nbsp;GOOD&amp;nbsp;to Be True!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-02-17T21:17:35-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1648</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/2/6/rain-an-award-winning-movie-filmed-in-the-bahamas-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Rain - An award-winning movie filmed in the Bahamas.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold; "&gt;Rain will appear on the Showtime network&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;on&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold; "&gt;February 18th and 19t&lt;/span&gt;h at 8pm; and&amp;nbsp; again on February&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold; "&gt;20th&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;at 6:15pm; the&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold; "&gt;22nd&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;at 8pm; and the&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold; "&gt;23rd&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;at 1:35am. The Bahamian director tells the story of a young Bahamian girl raised by her grandmother in the out islands. &amp;nbsp;When her grandmother dies so rides the mailboat in search of her mother in Nassau. &amp;nbsp;It is not a happy reunion as her mother lives in a shanty town part of the Bahamas capital. &amp;nbsp;Enjoy the Bahamas scenery and a story line of overcoming prejudices and life's hard-knocks.&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-02-06T17:59:20-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1646</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/2/5/abaco-blue-holes-on-pbs-documentary-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco Blue Holes on PBS documentary.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Some of our favorite family outings have been to the Blue Holes, &amp;nbsp;the inland mainland of Great Abaco and in the water just off of Little Harbour. &amp;nbsp;Discover the Secret Depths after a year long study by scientists working for National Geographic. &amp;nbsp;The program is on Tuesday, February 9 on PBS at 8 p.m. EST. Here is a little sample - sounds intriguing and exciting. &amp;nbsp;I rode on an Airgate flight to Orlando with one of the cameramen. &amp;nbsp;There are also a few http://video.pbs.org/video/1398380542/&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-02-05T20:43:53-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1639</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/2/4/sweetings-grocery-closed-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Sweeting's Grocery closed.</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Just wanted to share that the Sweeting's Grocery near White Sound is no longer open.&amp;nbsp; We still have three very well-stocked stores in Hope Town including Vernon's Grocery &amp;amp; Bakery and Harbourview Grocery as well as LVA Convenience Store.&amp;nbsp; Vernon of course, has a lot of specialty cheeses, olives, fruits &amp;amp; veggies as well as his famous bakery - I can smell that hot Bahamian bread now! Harbourview with healthy Thomas leading the way has a great selection of organics and just healthy whole grain selections along with the ice cream, cookies, hot dogs, etc.&amp;nbsp;LVA is open later and really, you can cook a meal from&amp;nbsp;LVA's&amp;nbsp;inventory from steak and chicken to potatoes, lettuce, onion and sour cream.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;At Hope Town Hideaways we are happy to arrange grocery delivery, e-mail or contact us today if we can help take one more thing off your holiday&amp;nbsp;TO&amp;nbsp;DO&amp;nbsp;list!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-02-04T08:35:29-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1488</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2010/1/7/valentines-specials</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Valentines Specials</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Valentines is steadly approaching, have you made preparations as yet? We here at the Hideaways would like to help you and that special someone in your life make arrangements.&amp;nbsp; &amp;quot;Rumor has it&amp;quot; plans are underway for entertainment, specialty dinners, a Sunday brunch and much more through various local restaurants in Hope Town! The Hideaways Villas are offering a 3day/2night romance package. Selected homes are offering 10 - 15% off on weekly rentals (last minute bookings)! Give us a call or send us and email to make reservations, 242 366 0224, reservations@hopetown.com or info@hopetown.com. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-01-07T15:55:00-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1425</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/12/24/holiday-happenings-2009</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Holiday Happenings 2009</title><description>&lt;p&gt;From our Hope Town Hideaways family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! There are many events happening in Hope Town during the holiday season and to ensure you don't miss out on any of the festivities you will find a list of scheduled activities. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;u&gt;December 26th&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
New Entry Band is performing live at the Boat House Restaurant. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;u&gt;December 29th&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Golf Cart Parade to begin at 4pm at Taylor Park, $10 dollar entry fee (sign up on the spot). Many Great prizes!&lt;br /&gt;
Abaco Rage's Annual Fundraiser at Jarret Park at 11am - until. Food, Drinks, Music and so much more!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
December 30th&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cracker P's Full Moon Party. Music By DJ &amp;quot;Rock Around The Clock&amp;quot;. Contact Cracker P's for transportation information from town to Lubbers, 242 366 3139.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
December 31st, &lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Junior Junkanoo, 2pm at Jarret Park. Come and show the kids your support!&lt;br /&gt;
Estin Sawyer and Rod Stewart (nearly) live at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Advance dinner reservations required, call 242 366 0087.&lt;br /&gt;
Junkanoo festival at The Boat House Restaurant. Advance dinner reservations are required, call 242 366 0065.&lt;br /&gt;
Local Vibe performing live at the Harbours Edge. Advance dinner reservations required, call&amp;nbsp; 242 366 0087.&lt;br /&gt;
Sons of the Beaches and Jamin' Jam live at the Abaco Inn. Advance dinner reservation required, call 242 366 0133.&lt;br /&gt;
Fireworks in town at Midnight!!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;u&gt;December 2nd&lt;/u&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Fireworks display courtesy of John Bull's 80th Anniversary, off of Tahiti Beach.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Take a look at our site, www.hopetown.com for a complete list of our rental homes. Give one of our reservation agents a call at 242 366 0224 or send us an email, reservations@hopetown.com or info@hopetown.com and we will be more than happy to assist with finding you your perfect vacation home. Don't forget to book early for next year! Want to stay longer? Take a look at www.elbow-cay.com for listings. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Happy Holidays!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Management and Staff&lt;br /&gt;
Hope Town Hideaways&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-12-24T12:06:09-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1294</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/11/20/night-life-in-hope-town</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Night Life in Hope Town</title><description>&lt;div style="line-height: 14.95pt; background: white"&gt;&lt;span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt"&gt;Hope Town has a variety of activities to enjoy at night.&amp;nbsp;Each night of the week something different if offered to see! From Local Bands, to DJ&amp;rsquo;s, to Bahamian music you will find it all here.&amp;nbsp;Experience delightful dinner at one of our local restaurants and then stay out after to listen and enjoy local music &amp;ndash; you&amp;rsquo;ll surely end up dancing the night away or at least dancing those calories off!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="line-height: 14.95pt; background: white"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="line-height: 14.95pt; background: white"&gt;&lt;span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;nbsp;Full Moon Parties, hosted by Cracker P&amp;rsquo;s over on Lubbers Quarters, last all night.&amp;nbsp;There is nothing better than a captivating boat ride under the moonlight over to Cracker P&amp;rsquo;s for the party.&amp;nbsp;(There is the option to take your own boat or there are charters that leave at specific times to go over for a small fee.)&amp;nbsp;Once you arrive you can mingle with other tourists and locals or just go straight to the dance floor! Our other restaurants have theme nights and if your in town for this you could end up coming to our YE-HAW party where the theme is Cowboy&amp;rsquo;s &amp;amp; Indians, The Naughty Santa Party, Masked Ball, plus many more!!! &amp;nbsp;If you want a taste of Hope Town come check out our own local band, &amp;ldquo;Local Vibe,&amp;rdquo; that offers a wide array of music for you to dance to!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-11-20T12:09:22-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1188</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/weddings-in-hope-town</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Weddings in Hope Town</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 9.5pt"&gt;Why not create a destination wedding? Spend quality time with your family&lt;br /&gt;
and friends. This is a memorable occasion, make it as special as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
Our wedding coordinator, Peggy Thompson, will guide you through a tiny&lt;br /&gt;
quaint village wedding or a fantasy island festival -- you are the bride and&lt;br /&gt;
room -- you decide!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 9.5pt"&gt;There is a white chapel overlooking the beach. The white walls overhang with&lt;br /&gt;
scented frangi pani and brilliant bougainvillea. The bell tower plays your&lt;br /&gt;
special song and your very closest friends and family surround you with&lt;br /&gt;
their smiling and supportive faces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 9.5pt"&gt;You marry in the church, you have a lobster luncheon and the beautiful&lt;br /&gt;
decorated catamaran docks to captain only the Bride &amp;amp; Groom off to their&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Secret&amp;quot; Honeymoon house. Very Romantic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T14:10:14-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1187</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/junkanoo</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Junkanoo</title><description>&lt;div&gt;Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival that occurs during the dark hours of morning on the 26th of December and again bringing in its first hours of light on the first day of the new year. Thousands dance through Bay Street, Nassau's town center, like a wild ocean of colour, while deep goat skin rhythms reverberate off the surrounding walls and cow bells chatter over the singing of brass horns. The sidewalk like a snake comes to life twisting blacks and browns while balconies and roof tops sway under the rhythmic feet of onlookers. There is a timeless sense, a feeling inside that is so vital that even the deaf feel to move. And as though possessed, these God-like cardboard sculptures dive and rise to the awesome music that lifts their spirits beyond the flesh.&amp;quot; (courtesy - c2000 M. Govan &amp;amp; E. Robinson)&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;To experience Bahamian culture and art, you should make plans to attend Junkanoo. The Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is an energetic, colourful parade of brightly costumed people gyrating and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. The celebration occurs on December 26 and January 1 -- beginning in the early hours of the morning (2:00 a.m.) and ending at dawn.&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T14:07:42-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1185</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/calendar-of-events</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Calendar of Events</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; March&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Spring Regatta &amp;ndash; Hope Town (HT) Sailing Club followed by Post Race party at Hope Town Sailing Club&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Heritage Day - Wyannie Malone Museum Hope Town...&lt;span class="untitled41"&gt;&lt;span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Tahoma"&gt;enjoy food and old time children's games and hear talks on genealogy and much more. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Friends of Environment Reef Ball&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Sailing Regatta &amp;ndash; Optimists, Sunfish and Abaco Dinghies, Hope Town, Guana Cay and Man-O-War Junior Sailors&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Barefoot Man in Concert&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 20.25pt"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; April&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Abaco Anglers Fishing Tournament&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Abaco Rage Fund Raiser &amp;ndash; Jarrett Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; May &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Island Roots Heritage Festival Green Turtle Cay&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Sea Spray Marina Fishing Tournament Hope Town&lt;br /&gt;
    &lt;br /&gt;
    &lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; July&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Regatta Time in Abaco &lt;a target="_blank" href="http://www.regattatimeinabaco.com/events.html"&gt;&lt;font color="#333399"&gt;http://www.regattatimeinabaco.com/events.html&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Bahamas Independence Day Celebrations&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;N. Abaco Festival and Power Boat Race Treasure Cay Ferry dock&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; August 1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Crawfish Season opens&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; September&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Abaco Swim Marathon between Marsh Harbour and Hope Town&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; October&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Trick or Treating in Hope Town Village, Pumpkin Carving Contests&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; November&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Box Car Derby&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Guy Fawkes Festival (great food, a huge bonfire, the burning of the guys and biggest fireworks show ever!)&amp;nbsp;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; December&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in"&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Annual Christmas Bazaar Marsh Harbour&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;St. James Methodist Church Jr. Christmas Play&lt;/li&gt;
    &lt;li&gt;Various singing cantatas&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-11-20T13:13:58-05:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1184</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/join-the-locals</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Join the Locals</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;Depending on what time of year the guests arrive, there are special events. In autumn, there is an open swim from the mainland to Hope Town, ending with a cook-out and award ceremony.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The locals hold an old-fashioned box car derby the Saturday after US Thanksgiving. The middle of the island has a big hill, (actually called &amp;ldquo;Big Hill&amp;rdquo;) and the entries take turns drag racing down while spectators line the road.&amp;nbsp;Lots of food and drink are available and the day is exciting and fun for all ages.&amp;nbsp;Christmas and New Year&amp;rsquo;s in the Abacos is one of the favorite times because there are so many activities from singing cantatas, to caroling throughout the village, to fireworks and junkanoo parades.&amp;nbsp;Accommodations book up fast as many families make it an annual event and reserve for the next year upon leaving. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;In February the Hope Town Fire &amp;amp; Rescue holds an all-day event including raffles, local food specialties, games from the lollypop pull to darts, auctions as well as demonstrations on safety.&amp;nbsp;The Abaco Rage, a classic wooden sailing sloop that is based in Hope Town but races throughout the Bahamas, has several large fundraisers that include locals and visitors, alike.&amp;nbsp;They are memorable days to be sure and these &amp;ldquo;dock parties&amp;rdquo; usually commence after Christmas and Easter.&amp;nbsp;Easter Sunday is the annual candy hunt at the center of the village.&amp;nbsp;Children come from church, sailboats moored or from other islands just to gather up the candy and hunt for the golden egg containing a cash prize.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;On weekends there are often wine tastings or art showings or special fundraisers usually involving food &amp;ndash; grilled fish, conch salad, conch fritters, chicken souse, roasted wild pig, etc.&amp;nbsp;There are fishing tournaments in April &amp;amp; May and all are welcome.&amp;nbsp;Throughout the season (November to August) there are dog parades, talent shows, and impromptu beach volleyball, bingo &amp;amp; trivia nights at Capt. Jack&amp;rsquo;s, outdoor movies at the Hope Town Lodge and youth group on Saturday night at the church. The Hope Town Sailing Club invites any sailboat (rental or private) to their race series free of charge.&amp;nbsp;It is fun to watch even if you are not on a racing sailboat.&amp;nbsp;Sailing continues into the summer with Regatta Time in Abaco &amp;ndash; a 10-day island-hopping race filled with parties and special events.&amp;nbsp;In August, the opening of lobster season is another popular time to visit Abaco. There is a &amp;ldquo;sail away&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; a tradition gleaned from Nassau, where boats all meet off a sandy beach for music, barbecues, tropical drinks, and games.&amp;nbsp;This event, like most in the area is a fundraiser for local charities. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:52:59-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1183</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/why-hope-town-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Why Hope Town?</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;Well, Hope Town is not just a place it is a state of mind. When you leave, you just can&amp;rsquo;t wait to come back&amp;hellip;here are a couple of quotes from some of Hope Town Hideaways past guests.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;My dad takes us fishing but my mom cooks the fish, &amp;ldquo;explains Brennon W. of Sparks NV.&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;We eat fish every day when we are here.&amp;nbsp;I only use my Game boy on the plane because I am too busy fishing when I get to Hope Town.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;I like to come to Hope Town because I am allowed to go to the grocery store all by myself,&amp;rdquo; details Bonnie W. of Tampa, FL. &amp;ldquo;My mom gives me a list and I walk to Harbourview groceries and get whatever she needs.&amp;nbsp;At home, I have to go in a car and with my mom.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spend more time with our parents when we stay at Hope Town Hideaways then at home,&amp;rdquo; details Lilly B. of Orlando, FL. &amp;ldquo;They are both doctors and very busy.&amp;nbsp;In our villa we cook together and eat all our meals together &amp;ndash; very unusual at home.&amp;nbsp;Sometimes we come three times a year and we always make our family photo Christmas card in Hope Town.&amp;nbsp;It is our favorite place to go and one day I am going to bring my children here.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;I hate going back home, &amp;ldquo;declares Marie V. of Savannah, GA. &amp;ldquo;My sister Julie cries the whole way back on the airplane because she does not want to leave either.&amp;nbsp;My mom has to explain, we can&amp;rsquo;t come &lt;i&gt;back&lt;/i&gt; to Hope Town again if we don&amp;rsquo;t leave first. This usually works.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;And so it goes, the families keep coming back again and again for the old-fashioned quality time that is rare in today&amp;rsquo;s hectic world.&amp;nbsp;As the world deals with economic woes and people worry about their depleted financial investments, it may be wise to consider the most important investment: your family.&amp;nbsp;Hope Town, Abaco, really brings in the dividends and high returns.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:50:50-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1182</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/things-to-do-in-hope-town-when-you-are-not-boating-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Things to do in Hope Town when you are not boating.</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;If anyone options out of the boating day there are still lots to do: yoga classes; a community swimming pool &amp;ndash; short term visitors&amp;rsquo; memberships are available; eco tours with kayaks, fishing guides, luncheons with guest speakers; art showings; a beauty parlor; several masseuses; scenic walking paths zigzagging across the island and most accommodations have &amp;ldquo;share libraries,&amp;rdquo; internet, board games, hammocks, etc.&amp;nbsp;There really is something for everyone!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2010-07-04T14:30:24-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1181</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/boating-in-elbow-cay</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Boating in Elbow Cay</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;By far the best part about staying on Elbow Cay is boating.&amp;nbsp;Most folks rent a boat from one of the companies on the island or in Marsh Harbour. Preparations for a day of boating fun are made simple as several shops provide picnic fare including The Sugar Shack, Munchies and Hope Town Coffee Shop. Snorkel gear is available for purchase or rent at Froggies Out Island Adventure, fishing supplies can be found at Lighthouse Marina, children&amp;rsquo;s beach toys at Sundried T&amp;rsquo;s and hats and cover-ups at most gift shops. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;Luckily we found a waterproof book on sea life at Ebb Tide,&amp;rdquo; details Elizabeth W. from Chevy Chase, MD.&amp;nbsp;&amp;ldquo;Our son and daughter had so many questions after snorkeling that we had to buy a reference.&amp;nbsp;We loved flipping through our book to determine which fish we had seen or would look for tomorrow.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:42:38-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1180</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/something-for-all-ages</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Something for All Ages</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;The Abacos in general and Hope Town specifically have a unique mix of adventure, relaxation and fun that appeal to the entire family.&amp;nbsp;Grandmother enjoys the holiday as much as Junior!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The technology that wedges the generations apart is forgotten in the excitement of swimming with wild dolphins, a big fish on the line or spotting a diving turtle.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Abaco is the one place where the whole family finds common ground.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;With no traffic in the village proper, children are free to ride bikes and just play as they did in the &amp;ldquo;old days.&amp;rdquo; They enjoy a sense of freedom unknown to many children in today&amp;rsquo;s modern world.&amp;nbsp;Being able to venture out on their own makes Hope Town a memorable holiday for the youth and allows the adults to truly relax knowing they are safe within the village of Hope Town.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;&amp;ldquo;It reminds me of my childhood,&amp;rdquo; quips Donna D. of Chichester, UK. &amp;ldquo;We&amp;rsquo;ve been coming for years and it is our family tradition for my grandsons to ride their rental bikes to Vernon&amp;rsquo;s grocery to buy the bread straight away from the oven.&amp;nbsp;I&amp;rsquo;ve learned to give them enough money for two loaves as one undoubtedly gets sampled and I can&amp;rsquo;t blame them. When they pick up a key lime pie, we ask them to leave the bikes as we&amp;rsquo;ve had a few 'upside down pies' in the past.&amp;rdquo; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:43:02-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1179</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/28/hope-town-elbow-cay-or-abaco-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Hope Town, Elbow Cay or Abaco? </title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;Hope Town is a quaint village on the island of Elbow Cay due east from Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The scenic harbour, shadowed by a candy-striped, hand-wound lighthouse is dotted with boats of all sizes and shapes from all over the world.&amp;nbsp;The coastline boasts sandy white Atlantic Ocean beaches and coconut-lined Sea of Abaco cove beaches; thus one always can find a beach to enjoy even on a windy day. Hope Town Hideaways offers a variety of accommodations from beachside cottages, staffed villas to luxury beach houses, private homes with docks and private islands!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 12pt"&gt;The 5.5 mile cay can be explored by rental boat, bike or golf cart.&amp;nbsp;Albury&amp;rsquo;s Ferry Service provides round trip tickets from the mainland of Great Abaco where the Marsh Harbour International airport is located.&amp;nbsp;The ferry schedule provides lots of choices throughout the day and one may charter also.&amp;nbsp;Guests enjoy visiting the Wyannie Malone Museum, library, playground, gift shops, coffee shop, ice cream shops, deli, wine bar, bakery and of course, climbing the 101 steps of the Elbow Cay Reef Lighthouse.&amp;nbsp;Not to mention the selection of beaches!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:40:47-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1175</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/village-tour</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Village Tour</title><description>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;font size="6"&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;VILLAGE TOUR&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The &lt;b&gt;Elbow Cay Reef Lighthouse&lt;/b&gt; is open for visitors during the day with a donation box at the first step.&amp;nbsp;The tower (local name) has not won any safety awards so be very cautious if touring with small children.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Remember the lighthouse keepers live in the cottages at the foot of the lighthouse and have been up all night winding the light, so ascend quietly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Lighthouse Marina&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; offers gas &amp;amp; oil and a great gift shop and marine hardware store.&amp;nbsp;You can buy T-shirts and fishing tackle or beach toys and anchors.&amp;nbsp;Adjacent to the marina, &lt;b&gt;Hope Town Wine &amp;amp; Spirits&lt;/b&gt; will deliver your liquor order if you call 366-0525 or you can pick up cold beer &amp;amp; sodas on your way out of the harbour on the boat&amp;hellip;bait and beer, now that&amp;rsquo;s the life!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Hope Town&lt;i&gt; proper starts&lt;/i&gt; just north of the harbour entrance and ends just south of Hope Town Harbour Lodge.&amp;nbsp;There are two cement 10-foot roads, Harbour St. (Front St.) running along the harbour front and Queen&amp;rsquo;s Highway (Ocean St. or Back St.) following the Atlantic Ocean. Right by the Hideaways real estate office it merges into one (The Jib).&amp;nbsp;There are small sidewalks and sand paths connecting the 2 village roads and there are several marked beach accesses.&amp;nbsp;Great photo opportunities (what honeymoon couple does not take a photo under &amp;ldquo;Lover&amp;rsquo;s Lane,&amp;rdquo; and family bike outing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Just north of the village is called &amp;ldquo;down thru&amp;rdquo; and is a narrow strip with beach house on one side and their dock on the other.&amp;nbsp;The north end of Elbow Cay is called, well, &amp;ldquo;North End&amp;rdquo; and is a nice place to have a morning walk or run.&amp;nbsp;It is 3.5 miles from the Sailing Club dock past &amp;ldquo;Down Thru&amp;rdquo; and around &amp;ldquo;North End&amp;rdquo; and back.&amp;nbsp;Go for it!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Starting at the North end you will find &lt;b&gt;Vernon&amp;rsquo;s Grocery&lt;/b&gt;, by the Lower public dock (across from lighthouse).&amp;nbsp;Mr. Vernon is quite famous for his pies and bread.&amp;nbsp;He stocks gourmet cheeses, earthen jars of great Greek olives, small sections of health food and lots of produce.&amp;nbsp;To be honest, I often have to ask where an item is located as the store is so packed that I often miss some of the best stuff!&amp;nbsp;BE SURE TO ENTER IN ONE DOOR AND EXIT OUT THE OTHER.&amp;nbsp;Mr. Vernon is the most popular marriage official and is the lay minister at St. James Methodist Church, often leading the 11 a.m. service.&amp;nbsp;His wife Bobbi is also very delightful and often is at the register.&amp;nbsp;If you need baked items for a special occasion (keep in mind he loves to make dinner rolls and hamburger buns but hates to make hot dog buns) just call ahead and he will put you on the baking calendar.&amp;nbsp;366-0037&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;On the other side of the road, Dedrie braids hair and along with her daughters weaves one-of-a kind baskets, hats, etc. at &lt;b&gt;Edith&amp;rsquo;s Straw Market&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;Next to her shop is her sister Sheila who is quite a seamstress and runs a gift shop called &lt;b&gt;Kemp&amp;rsquo;s Souvenirs&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;In case of missing suitcases, this shop has inexpensive sandals, bathing suits, and even underwear!&amp;nbsp;She also has the fun tourist stuff too like coffee mugs and beaded t-shirts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Under the same roof is &lt;b&gt;Munchies Restaurant&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;This little takeaway is popular with the locals.&amp;nbsp;I often will order ahead 366-0423 then send one of the kids to pick up the best Bahamian Fried Chicken you have ever had!&amp;nbsp;The price is right too.&amp;nbsp;There are ice cream cones, cold drinks and an informal hangout for children.&amp;nbsp;I sometimes take a book and let the kids run around until our conch fritters, grilled fish, chicken nuggets, etc. are passed through the small window.&amp;nbsp;You can also get a mean hamburger or conch burger and even a tuna fish sandwich &amp;ndash; quite handy if you are packing a picnic &amp;ndash; just grab the chips.&amp;nbsp;Munchies hours are great too as they cook in the &lt;i&gt;in between&lt;/i&gt; times when the other restaurants are preparing for dinner, Munchies is still serving.&amp;nbsp;They are open for lunch and dinner, 7 days and don&amp;rsquo;t close until after 9 p.m.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;There is a little side street called Cemetery Lane that leads to the beach. Further down is a two-story building with &lt;b&gt;El Mercado&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;Here you will find a great selection of gold, beach wraps, t-shirts, art and fun souvenir goodies.&amp;nbsp;The owner of the shop has a South American connection so you also find custom made arts and crafts.&amp;nbsp;On the right just a block away is another two-story building.&amp;nbsp;If you take the little path before the building you will see a moss green house on your left.&amp;nbsp;Pass the house and a little garden path leads you to &lt;b&gt;Chopping Block&lt;/b&gt;, beauty salon.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Margaret Fox and her daughter Monica Cook offer a wide range of services from kids and adult cuts to shampoos, color touch-ups, highlights, manicures and pedicures.&amp;nbsp;It is best to call ahead and make an appointment, 366-0052.&amp;nbsp;Monica and hubby Richard are great chefs and will soon be opening a courtyard breakfast &amp;amp; lunch eatery called: &lt;b&gt;Monc&amp;rsquo;s at the Yard.&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;They promise delightfully different delicacies and will feature a lot of bakery items including custom cakes. &lt;i&gt;Wedding or Birthday cake anyone????&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;A Salt Weapon &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;is a popular charter boat company&lt;b&gt;,&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; in the village, and has fresh and fresh frozen fish for sale &amp;ndash; you can meet Captain Ira at the dock when he come in to chose your &amp;ldquo;catch.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;Call 366-0245 or VHF 16 &amp;ldquo;A Salt Weapon.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The next two-story building has &lt;b&gt;Lighthouse Liquors&lt;/b&gt;, 366-0567, and an adjacent wine bar called &amp;ldquo;&lt;b&gt;Wine Down &amp;amp; Sip Sip&lt;/b&gt;&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; &lt;i&gt;sip sip is the Bahamian equivalent to gossip.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;Owners Bonnie &amp;amp; Arnold Hall help you relax with cool air conditioning, crackers and cheese and music.&amp;nbsp;Bonnie is Vernon&amp;rsquo;s daughter and has a great bridal coordinating business.&amp;nbsp;She also is well-known for her wine gift baskets.&amp;nbsp;The wine bar does offer other items like martinis, Wednesday margarita night, sipping rums, ports, etc.&amp;nbsp;Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Patrons can also take home purchases from the Lighthouse liquors. Reserve the wine bar for a casual get together or just drop in for a perfect quiet evening after a day of fun and sun. 366-0399.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Two other Charter Captains sell fish but they are not in the village. &lt;b&gt;Lowe&amp;rsquo;s Fish Market&lt;/b&gt; is in the creek, and they will deliver it to any village dock.&amp;nbsp;366-0266 or VHF 16, &lt;i&gt;minimum purchase of 5 lbs.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Island Girl Boutique and Seafood&lt;/b&gt; is tucked away in the middle of the island; they have other items like stone crab claw and conch with no minimums.&amp;nbsp;The boutique is still in the works, but expected to be completed early 2008.&amp;nbsp;Call Danielle or Peter at 366-0430.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The first part of the village tour featured shops and services located on Back Street but if you walk along the harbour from the lower public dock you will discover &lt;b&gt;Fantasy Boutique&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;There are fun t-shirts, maps and great gift souvenirs but also pottery, English tea sets, bathing suits, gold, Cuban cigars and more.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Caddy corner from Fantasy is the new and very popular, &lt;b&gt;HOPE TOWN COFFEE SHOP.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;Andrew and Heather are friendly, artsy and have created a great haven for quiet conversation, book reading, relaxing and meeting up with folks.&amp;nbsp;It has a living room set up and outside deck offering fabulous harbour and village views.&amp;nbsp;Marilyn, Andrew&amp;rsquo;s mom is a fabulous cook and each day adds to their bakery case where they offer homemade quiche, delicate pastries and rich cakes, etc.&amp;nbsp;Their selection of beverages ranges from fruit smoothies and frappes to cappuccino and espressos.&amp;nbsp;They actually roast their own beans!&amp;nbsp;What a great souvenir to take back home &amp;ndash; Hope Town Coffee Roasters fresh coffee.&amp;nbsp;The bright and airy dining area provides lots of artwork, reading material and a specialized gift shop featuring many one of a kind items.&amp;nbsp;Hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.&amp;nbsp;Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Across from them on the water is &lt;b&gt;Iggy Biggy&lt;/b&gt;, great tropical attire and accessories.&amp;nbsp;Gorgeously displayed are candles, shoes, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, vases, etc.&amp;nbsp;Mary Beth does a fabulous job ordering unique island stock.&amp;nbsp;Cheri and Sandra will even gift wrap!&amp;nbsp;These clothing lines are hard to find resort wear and really do look great on the island and back home (not like that grass skirt you bought last holiday).&amp;nbsp;Look for the Bahamian handprint and Abaco Ceramics items as they are great souvenirs and gifts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Next-door is &lt;b&gt;Captain Jack&amp;rsquo;s&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;This is a combination bar and restaurant.&amp;nbsp;The menu is fun and casual with daily lunch specials.&amp;nbsp;Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered.&amp;nbsp;Closed on Sundays.&amp;nbsp;There is happy hour every day and often music on Wednesday and Friday but always best to check ahead in case something has changed!&amp;nbsp;Owner Lana tries to keep everyone entertained with fun activities like bingo and trivia night, just check the schedule of any fun days during your stay.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Harbour View Grocery&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is the blue building painted with swimming dolphins. It boasts its own dock so you can &amp;ldquo;park&amp;rdquo; there for shopping.&amp;nbsp;They sell bakery items sent to the shop daily from two very good bread makers and sometimes they have cinnamon buns or other goodies. &amp;nbsp;Their inventory includes a variety of organic, whole grain and natural products.&amp;nbsp;There are a few shelves of medical supplies as well. Mercedes is the cashier.&amp;nbsp;She is Cuban and the wife of Maitland (Bonefish Dundee).&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;rsquo;t forget to buy your &amp;ldquo;green bag&amp;rdquo; so you can help the environment, carry more groceries and have a souvenir from Abaco.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Just south of all this is the point where both roads merge and you will find the &lt;b&gt;Hope Town Hideaways Office&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;Stop by and see what the current real estate listings are or latest weather report.&amp;nbsp;We offer everything from recipes to fishing tips to babysitters and rentals of private islands.&amp;nbsp;We always look busy but we really &lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;do&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt; enjoy putting faces to the names so don&amp;rsquo;t be shy. In reservations we have Sharon, Dielta &amp;amp; Terry.&amp;nbsp;Marji is in accounts, Greg &amp;amp; Chris in Real estate and Peggy just floats around, mostly chatting!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Harbour&amp;rsquo;s Edge Restaurant &amp;amp; Bar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is green two-story building located next to the Hideaways Office.&amp;nbsp;The &amp;ldquo;Edge&amp;rdquo; serves lunch &amp;amp; dinner daily except Tuesdays.&amp;nbsp;The menu ranges from lobster, to specialty salads, to grilled fish, lamb and nachos.&amp;nbsp;They have a children&amp;rsquo;s menu and even some crayons. There are 3 TVs and board games. Lunch specials daily, and Saturday night is pizza night.&amp;nbsp;Yes you can order conch on your pizza!&amp;nbsp;There is usually dancing music after dinner on Saturday nights.&amp;nbsp;A little playground is outside or if the children are older, they often walk to the park.&amp;nbsp;This allows the grown-ups some time and the kids don&amp;rsquo;t get squirmy.&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;rsquo;t forget the pet fish for your leftovers&amp;hellip;very exciting to watch them jump.&amp;nbsp;The bar is a great place to not only have a specialty drink &amp;ndash; watch out for those curly tails &amp;ndash; but also to check your e-mails.&amp;nbsp;For patronizing the bar, you get a special wep key code that accesses the internet on your lap top.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The &lt;b&gt;library&lt;/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;museum&lt;/b&gt; are next and hours may vary due to the fact they are run by volunteer staff.&amp;nbsp;The museum is a must-see and you may end up going more than once!&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;AA&lt;/b&gt; meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. in the library or the clinic.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;St. Frances Catholic Church&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; holds mass under the cork tree in the park outside the library Sunday at 12:45 p.m.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The &lt;b&gt;Hope Town Clinic&lt;/b&gt; has a Government Doctor on a 2-week schedule so you may get lucky but really the Nurse is quite good with earaches, stitches, rashes, tummy virus, etc.&amp;nbsp;Her number is 366-0108 or she monitors vhf 16 &amp;ldquo;Hope Town Clinic, Hope Town Clinic, - say your house or boat name,&amp;rdquo; then switch to another channel.&amp;nbsp;&lt;i&gt;&lt;u&gt;If it is an emergency or you need help with transportation, &amp;ldquo;Hope Town Fire &amp;amp; Rescue&amp;rdquo; is always standing by on the radio.&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Just behind the clinic is &lt;b&gt;St. James Methodist Church&lt;/b&gt;. They have an uplifting &amp;ldquo;family service&amp;rdquo; on Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.&amp;nbsp;The children participate and there is a lot of singing.&amp;nbsp;The regular service is 11 a.m.&amp;nbsp;to 12 noon and at Christmas and Easter join the sunrise services and evening programs.&amp;nbsp;The kids play a medieval British instrument called an ocarina. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;LIGHTHOUSE Ministries&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; holds services mid-island on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.&amp;nbsp;Complimentary picks up at the Post Office Dock 20 minutes prior to each service.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Ricky Sweeting leads the uplifting Full Gospel Church services that are a balance between traditional and contemporary music, often accompanied by guitar or keyboard. All denominations welcome and should you have questions, call Ricky or Betty 366-0080. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The very next historic home is &lt;b&gt;Ebb Tide&lt;/b&gt;, a great shop with latest magazines, books (many hard to find Bahamian authors or island-themed) including a great selection for children as well as authentic BAHAMIAN gifts.&amp;nbsp;I love the Abaco Gold as well as the conch jewelry and bowls.&amp;nbsp;The shop has some great artwork as well as inexpensive prints.&amp;nbsp;Androsia is a handmade batik in vibrant colors and lasts forever, be sure to invest in a beach cover-up or t-shirt.&amp;nbsp;The carved boxes in shapes of grouper or dolphin, etc. are great take home gifts as well as the conch serving dishes, jams and rum cakes.&amp;nbsp;Debbie Patterson is the owner and assisted by Lucille will help you choose the perfect Bahamian gift or souvenir.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The &lt;b&gt;Post Office&lt;/b&gt; dock is where the vehicular traffic stops (note the gate).&amp;nbsp;Nora is our postmistress and she is on the second floor of the blue two-story building.&amp;nbsp;She will be happy to send your postcards, etc.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; If you make reservations at the 2 &lt;i&gt;out of village&lt;/i&gt; restaurants you can arrange for them to pick you up here.&amp;nbsp;There are a couple of benches so relax and watch the comings and goings at this very busy spot.&amp;nbsp;Around 3 p.m. each day the freight boat unloads groceries, vehicles, furniture, construction material, etc. Monday through Friday.&amp;nbsp;Most of the stuff has already been on a larger freight ship from the U.S., Nassau or Great Britain.&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;rsquo;t miss the island&amp;rsquo;s only bread fruit tree in the corner of the walled garden.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;If you would like to continue your journey out of the village by bicycle you can stop by &lt;b&gt;Sun Dried T&amp;rsquo;s&lt;/b&gt; right next to the Post Office Dock.&amp;nbsp;Bikes are rented there for everyone in the family even the babies. And now you can explore by HARBOUR CRUISERS, cool pedal boats that are great for popping over to the lighthouse. They have everything you need for island living from beach toys, umbrellas and sun block to bikinis, Columbia brand fishing clothing to artsy local made t-shirts.&amp;nbsp;Speaking of t-shirts, if your visit is a special occasion, talk to them 366-0024, they will custom design a t-shirt, hat, bag, etc. for your group.&amp;nbsp;They embroider as well!&amp;nbsp;It is great to support the local businesses and this one has a lot to offer!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;As you wander down the Back St. you will see a memorial garden complete with gazebo.&amp;nbsp;Rest awhile and contemplate life as there is a lovely view and breeze at the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean beach.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Next door to Sundried T&amp;rsquo;s is &lt;b&gt;FROGGIES&lt;/b&gt; &lt;b&gt;OUT ISLAND ADVENTURES.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;Owners Theresa and Lambert take out snorkel / dive trips all week long. They can customize a trip for your group to include island hopping and dining on other islands. The resort course is great, practice in the pool in a.m., tank diving the same day! They can also help with your certification (PADI) if you need your open water dive, etc.&amp;nbsp;Their dive shop offers swimming/surfing skins, gloves, snorkel and dive gear for rent and purchase as well as underwater cameras, t-shirts, shell bags, etc.&amp;nbsp;Their boats and captains are also available for trips like cocktail cruises, dinner drop-off and pick-up on other islands, etc.&amp;nbsp;Check their board for upcoming trips and be sure to sign up as they are limited on space.&amp;nbsp;366-0431.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The &lt;b&gt;Hope Town Harbour Lodge &lt;/b&gt;is easy to find as it straddles both lanes.&amp;nbsp;Catherine Ketay (owner) stocks the little gift shop with real treasures.&amp;nbsp;There is breakfast, lunch and cocktails by the pool and dinner on the upstairs terraces, balconies and air-conditioned main dining room.&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;Ray&amp;rsquo;s Place&lt;/b&gt; is famous for its martinis and Monday night Karaoke.&amp;nbsp;For dinner, reservations are a good idea, 366-0095.&amp;nbsp;The staff at the Lodge seem more like friends helping you &amp;ndash; Tom is truly the epitome of a &amp;ldquo;people&amp;rsquo;s person.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;Lunch is very casual and surrounds the pool so mom can tan and read while the little guys swim and there is one of the best swimming and snorkeling beaches just behind the resort.&amp;nbsp;Beach or Pool?&amp;nbsp;Pool or Beach?&amp;nbsp;It is so hard to decide!&amp;nbsp;Gary makes a great pina colada &amp;ndash; the little floater of Meyer&amp;rsquo;s dark rum is the trick.&amp;nbsp;He can also make non-alcoholic versions.&amp;nbsp;The new ice cream bar is great and perfect after a long hot day at the beach. The Lodge hosts a lot of weddings and parties so don&amp;rsquo;t save dining there until you last night as it may be booked by a bride! Tuesday nights are outside movie nights.&amp;nbsp;Enjoy a classic flick or latest release while dining beachside on their casual menu.&amp;nbsp;Yes, of course there is popcorn! Both the movie and popcorn are complimentary!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Batelco&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is the blue &amp;ldquo;cottage&amp;rdquo; building and they will help you with purchasing phone cards, operator assisted calls, faxes and shore to ship calling.&amp;nbsp;They are open Mon &amp;ndash; Fri. 9:30 to 4 p.m.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Hope Town School&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is one of our historic buildings.&amp;nbsp;They love visitors especially if you have something to offer like a good story or a musical instrument you can play.&amp;nbsp;Candace Key is the principal and welcomes you with open arms.&amp;nbsp;You will be impressed by the wonderful manners of the children if you do stop by.&amp;nbsp;They have various fundraisers throughout the year and invite everyone to join in.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Just out of the village proper, is &lt;b&gt;On Da Beach&lt;/b&gt; a great relaxing beach bar &amp;amp; grill open for lunch and early dinner, Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 &amp;ndash; 7 p.m.&amp;nbsp;Sunday is the popular souse chicken breakfast &amp;ndash; a Bahamian favorite and not to be missed.&amp;nbsp;I love to sit up on the lovely bluff and enjoy the beach views.&amp;nbsp;My kids love this beach as they say the waves are best here - faster.&amp;nbsp;By the way, it has one of the longest Happy Hours anywhere in the Abacos - 4-7! On Tuesday the chef will make whole Rotisserie chickens to go, but do call ahead as very popular.&amp;nbsp;366-0558.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Then &lt;b&gt;LVA Convenience Store&lt;/b&gt; (Lawrence, Val and Aidan &amp;amp; Anson) is tucked down a drive and is our island style 7-11, but so much more.&amp;nbsp;Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. &amp;ndash; 2 p.m. you won&amp;rsquo;t believe how neat and tidy and well-stocked this tiny shop is!&amp;nbsp;Someone from the family is always there to help you and Lawrence is quick with a smile and chuckle.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;A&amp;amp;E liquors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; offer a drive up service for your alcoholic beverages.&amp;nbsp;They have everything from sodas to cold beer, ice and a good wine selection. Edward is knowledgeable on the brands and even drink recipes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Sugar Shack, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;home of the world-famous chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches is just a few houses down and right on the beach. You&amp;rsquo;ll easily find this colorful two storey cottage with a swinging surfboard sign &amp;ndash; official clubhouse of the local surf team.&amp;nbsp;This little ice cream shop stocks a wide variety of premium ice cream and boasts a deli and gift shop.&amp;nbsp;The bread is baked fresh daily with sandwich offerings from hot pastrami, Italian cold cuts to chicken &amp;amp; tuna salad.&amp;nbsp;Whether you are grabbing sandwiches to take on the boat or eating in, you will find the shopkeepers Anna &amp;amp; Koops delightful, the gift shop well-stocked with T-shirts custom designed for the Sugar Shack by a variety of artists.&amp;nbsp;A kids&amp;rsquo; section is popular for their sea life stuffed animals. This little takeaway deli has an air-conditioned &amp;ldquo;dine-in&amp;rdquo; living room set up as well as an outside porch.&amp;nbsp;Food can be light snacks or an entire dinner if you add one their salads like Greek or macaroni.&amp;nbsp;Need a dessert for a special occasion or gathering? Order cakes and any flavor pie &amp;ndash; ice cream to apple to coconut pies.&amp;nbsp;Hours 11:30 to 8 p.m.&amp;nbsp;Summer hours extend until 9 p.m.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Tiffany Cleaners&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; &amp;ndash; Full-service Laundry. Just call, they will pick it up and like magic, your dirty laundry comes back clean!&amp;nbsp;Free pick-up and drop off.&amp;nbsp;Call Carolee 366-0122.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Sweeting&amp;rsquo;s Grocery&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is our largest grocery on the island and also has a regular supply of baked goodies from Belle Albury.&amp;nbsp;The store is open 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday closes at 7 p.m.&amp;nbsp;Closed on Sunday.&amp;nbsp;They also have a good selection of drug store items. Don&amp;rsquo;t forget to try the Nautilus water.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;Native Collections&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; is just past the T&amp;amp;N Golf carts, around the corner on White Sound centerline road.&amp;nbsp;She offers Bahamian made jewelry shell, straw bags and hats of every size and shape, wood carvings depicting bird and sea life, souvenir ornaments, custom made bathing suit wraps, etc.&amp;nbsp;Brenda Arnette is not only a talented craft person she is an accomplished chef and baker offering bread, pies, cakes and catering for your every need.&amp;nbsp;The best news is Brenda&amp;rsquo;s new takeaway called; well she is still not sure, but probably her family name, &lt;b&gt;Mackey&amp;rsquo;s Takeaway&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;Brenda specializes in native dishes from breakfast to dinner and everyone&amp;rsquo;s favorite, Crab and Rice!&amp;nbsp;366-0396. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The Abaco Inn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; has a cute gift shop and a bar on those occasional rainy days they have lots of games.&amp;nbsp;They serve an ocean side breakfast, lunch and dinner.&amp;nbsp;Reservations are necessary for dinner and they will pick you up complimentary if you ask.&amp;nbsp;There is&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;music some nights, happy hours and lots of special events.&amp;nbsp;Tuesday is their open grill night and usually includes live music. Their alfresco under the star tables for evening meals is not to be believed!&amp;nbsp;I&amp;rsquo;m sure I could reach out and touch the stars!&amp;nbsp;They seem so close!&amp;nbsp;Very romantic.&amp;nbsp;366-0133&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt;The Boat House&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 11pt;"&gt; restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.&amp;nbsp;They serve pizzas every night and check with them for special events.&amp;nbsp;They have an air-conditioned inside dining room as well as a casual outside patio deck area with the &lt;b&gt;Garbonzo bar&lt;/b&gt;.&amp;nbsp;During their annual fishing tournaments they have cool events like live music and Junkanoo bands.&amp;nbsp;Their Bahamian fare for breakfast is popular with the locals including stewed fish, souse chicken and boiled fish.&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;rsquo;t forget to try the old-fashioned Johnny cake!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-27T17:06:19-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1173</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/villas-vs-private-home</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Villas vs. Private Home</title><description>&lt;div&gt;The Hideaways Villas are actually privately owned by Chris and Peggy Thompson and though each is built as a private home, they are together on 15 acres.&amp;nbsp;In some ways there is more privacy then some of the rental homes because there are a lot of gardens.&amp;nbsp;Here is brief fact sheet about the villas so you can compare them to a private home.&amp;nbsp;Some of the private homes can sleep up to 14 so with the villas if you have a large group you would book several villas.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;This is often done for weddings, birthday parties, reunions or other special occasions.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;b style=""&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 16pt;"&gt;&lt;font face="Times New Roman"&gt;Hope Town Hideaways &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b style=""&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 16pt;"&gt;&lt;font face="Times New Roman"&gt;Fact Sheet&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;b style=""&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: 16pt;"&gt;&lt;font face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Papyrus;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Papyrus;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Property:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;15 Acres from sea to harbour.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;The first 5 acres are manicured gardens, followed by small farm of citrus, banana, papaya, sugarcane.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Property host housing.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Accommodations:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;Private villas with 2 master bedrooms each with Queen bed, vanity area with chair, magnifying mirror, hair dryer.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Oversized closets and bureaus.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Double French doors open to balcony and deck area.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;st1:city w:st="on"&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st="on"&gt;Reading&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt; lights. Overhead ceiling fan. Valted ceilings. Central Air Conditioning but ample windows for cross ventilation.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Custom linens of the finest quality including hand-dyed Bahama Hand print drapes and accent pillow with such themes as Happy Hibiscus and Purple Sea Grape.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Additional sleeping provided on double futon in living area.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Kitchen:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;Whirlpool appliances including full-size range and oven, dishwasher, refrigerator &amp;amp; freezer with ice maker.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Small appliances include:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;blender, drip coffee maker, and toaster.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Full china for up to 10 guests.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Quality knives and flatware. Glassware and variety of wine glasses &amp;ndash; champagne to Red.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Salad green spinner, baking dishes, all stainless steel pots and pans, decorative serving platters and dishes.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Guests have a private BBQ on their deck as well as use of a larger Stainless Steel grill in shared courtyard&amp;hellip;And much more.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Living area:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;1 couch, 1 love seat or 2 day beds, 1 chair.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;All villas have 1 futon for additional sleeping.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;st1:city w:st="on"&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st="on"&gt;Reading&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt; lights, CD Stereo with ipod (MP3) connection. Satellite TV with international programming, premium sports and movie channels.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Collection of books, games, puzzles, CD&amp;rsquo;s, VHS tape, DVDs.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Direct dial phone and vhf Marine radio.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Dining area:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;Guests may select from inside dining table with seating up to 8, breakfast bar with stools for additional 4 persons or lighted deck alfresco dining on teak table for 6.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;There is also a trellised dining area for guests only with tiled tables, stainless steel oversized grill and tiki torches for small gatherings or special occasions.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;&lt;font face="Times New Roman"&gt;Gardens:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;&lt;font face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;26 Varieties of Hibiscus, 100&amp;rsquo;s of Crotons and towering palms, wild orchids, carambola, giant milkweed, African tulip, exotic bromeliads, bougainvillea, flowering vines, passion flowers, bird of paradise, etc.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Paths, hammocks, gazebos, &lt;st1:place w:st="on"&gt;Adirondack&lt;/st1:place&gt; chairs, porch swings, picnic areas, beach and all time favorite, Fire Pit under a small coconut grove.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Amenities:&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;span style=""&gt; &lt;/span&gt;New outdoor furniture including two wicker chairs and cocktail table in addition to large teak dining table and 6 chairs on each villa deck.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Pool side lounge chairs, Covered gazebos with tables and hammocks surrounding freshwater pool at water&amp;rsquo;s edge.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Ping Pong, Croquet, Volleyball, Kayaks, Boat with Motor for use in harbour, marina slip up to 26 foot boat. Guests only laundry room.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Internet business center as well as wireless.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Lighted fish cleaning dock. Ice machine.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;TRAVEL ITINERARY:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Fly into &lt;st1:placename w:st="on"&gt;Marsh&lt;/st1:placename&gt; &lt;st1:placetype w:st="on"&gt;Harbour&lt;/st1:placetype&gt; &lt;st1:placename w:st="on"&gt;International&lt;/st1:placename&gt; &lt;st1:placetype w:st="on"&gt;Airport&lt;/st1:placetype&gt; from &lt;st1:city w:st="on"&gt;Nassau&lt;/st1:city&gt; or gateway cities in &lt;st1:state w:st="on"&gt;Florida&lt;/st1:state&gt;, &lt;st1:country-region w:st="on"&gt;USA&lt;/st1:country-region&gt; - &lt;st1:city w:st="on"&gt;Miami&lt;/st1:city&gt;, &lt;st1:placetype w:st="on"&gt;Ft.&lt;/st1:placetype&gt; &lt;st1:placename w:st="on"&gt;Lauderdale&lt;/st1:placename&gt;, and &lt;st1:city w:st="on"&gt;&lt;st1:place w:st="on"&gt;West Palm Beach&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt;.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Taxi 3.5 miles to either Albury&amp;rsquo;s Ferry Service or Abaco Ferry &amp;ndash; both in same location but leave at slightly different times about every hour so you will find one to &amp;ldquo;match&amp;rdquo; with your flight.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"&gt;&lt;font size="3" face="Times New Roman"&gt;Tell the Ferry Captain you are staying at Hope Town Hideaways and he will call us via Marine radio.&lt;span style=""&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;We will meet you on our dock and go carry luggage directly to your private island villa.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:03:33-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1172</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/cooking-your-fish</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Cooking Your Fish</title><description>&lt;div&gt;With our children we have a strict fishing rule: if you catch it and don&amp;rsquo;t release it &amp;ndash; you eat it.&amp;nbsp;So as my children bring me six fat yellow tail snapper, I have to come up with some easy and delicious recipes to stick to my &amp;ldquo;you eat it&amp;rdquo; policy.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;You would think getting fish recipes from locals would be easy, but it isn&amp;rsquo;t.&amp;nbsp;I don&amp;rsquo;t believe there are any measuring cups or spoons in Abaco.&amp;nbsp;Some ladies are willing to share a recipe but they say things like &amp;ldquo;season it. &amp;ldquo; With what? How much? HELP!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;My mother-in-law, Mary Thompson, aspired to create an Abaco cookbook and was looking forward to a long awaited interview with a local Hope Town fisherman. She considered his fried fish the best in the world and wanted to share all the details of his recipes in her new book.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;But when they sat down, Mary with notebook in hand, no matter how she worded the question the response was &amp;ldquo;joint and fry.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;That was it.&amp;nbsp;She did discover from his wife, that he put &amp;ldquo;sour&amp;rdquo; (fresh squeezed lime juice) on the fish prior to dredging it in spice and flour.&amp;nbsp;What kind of spices, what kind of oil, what types of fish?&amp;nbsp;How long, what temperature?&amp;nbsp;Always the same -joint and fry.&amp;nbsp;The bottom line is, when you are cooking fish as fresh as your Hope Town catch; it&amp;rsquo;s tasty no matter what!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;If your kids do catch small, boney fish, they are delicious, just a lot of work.&amp;nbsp;Remove the head or leave on for real island style and then just scale the fish, gut it and cut off the lower fins.&amp;nbsp;Clean well and pat dry.&amp;nbsp;Make slight cuts diagonally into the meatiest part of the fish to allow the marinade to saturate the meat.&amp;nbsp;Squeeze lime or old sour (slightly fermented sour orange juice with salt and bird pepper usually bottled in an old Kalik bottle and available in local shops) over the fish and sprinkle with salt.&amp;nbsp;Let stand at least an hour &amp;ndash; flipping fish once.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Thinly slice potatoes and onions.&amp;nbsp;Take squares of heavy aluminum foil and place the now seasoned fish in the middle.&amp;nbsp;Line the top of fish with onion slices then potato, dab with butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.&amp;nbsp;Most local groceries have dried thyme in stalks&amp;hellip;place the thyme (just sprinkle dried thyme if no stalks) and a wedge of lime the in the fish belly.&amp;nbsp;Close the foil around the fish and seal but leave enough space for steam.&amp;nbsp;Place sealed side up on a grill for about 10-15 minutes.&amp;nbsp;You should test one first by pulling one packet off and see if the potatoes are soft and fish meat is white.&amp;nbsp;This is the way we prepare fish when we have a beach fire.&amp;nbsp;It beats hot dogs hands down.&amp;nbsp;However if you do end up with hot dogs you will find them much improved by pre-ordering homemade hot dog buns from the local baker, Vernon.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;If you cook in your rental home or villa, the fish can be served with traditional peas-n-rice.&amp;nbsp;The quickest way to make it is to grab a can of the pre-mixed ingredients on the grocery shelf and follow label directions &amp;ndash; just add long grain rice and water.&amp;nbsp;Pigeon peas are the legume of choice for Abaconians and you will find it in restaurant specials, such as peas and dumpling soup, or peas and grits.&amp;nbsp;They are readily available at grocery shops.&amp;nbsp;Look for Albury&amp;rsquo;s brand as it is prepared in a family tradition preferred by Abaconians.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:15:08-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1171</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/enjoyable-reading</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Enjoyable Reading</title><description>&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;There are a lot of great books about the area.&amp;nbsp;A lot of our rental homes will actually stock the books in their libraries.&amp;nbsp;Otherwise, stores like Ebb Tide or Monkey&amp;rsquo;s Uncle have them for sale. They are great for gifts to take back because they are unique to Abaco.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;You also may want to read the &lt;u&gt;Abaconian&lt;/u&gt;, our local paper to get an idea of upcoming events and just get the feel of what is available in activities or to purchase, etc.&amp;nbsp;The Abaco Life is a wonderful artistic seasonal publication that has more in depth articles and delves into all aspects of &amp;ldquo;Abaco Living.&amp;rdquo; This is available in the Hope Town Hideaways office and you may even score a back issue or two if you ask the girls.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;I have to whole-heartedly recommend, &lt;u&gt;I Wanted Wings&lt;/u&gt; and &lt;u&gt;Sea to Sky&lt;/u&gt; were both written by Chris' father, Leonard&amp;nbsp;Thompson and the second one especially talks about island life in the old days.&amp;nbsp; He was born in the front room of a two room Abaco Pine house about where the Hope Town Harbour Lodge Pool is now.&amp;nbsp; They eventually sold the home and moved to Nassau.&amp;nbsp; The original family home&amp;nbsp;was dissembled and moved to Marsh Harbour where it survived until about a year ago when it caught on fire.&amp;nbsp; (Back then the wood was worth more than the land.)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;u&gt;The Land of the Pink Pearl&lt;/u&gt; is an account by a British subject who sails between the entire chain of Bahamian islands in the 1800's as sort of a teacher / judge.&amp;nbsp; There is only a small bit about Hope Town but I remember one line in particular -- &amp;quot;the Irish brogue was so thick, I thought I was in County Cork&amp;hellip;&amp;rdquo; this might explain all the freckles and Malone surnames!&amp;nbsp; We do have a lot of red heads especially in the little settlement of Cherokee, only in the past decade or so did it have a road connecting it to the mainland....it is a lovely village where men still hunt, fish and farm as their &amp;quot;careers,&amp;quot; and life just seems so peaceful and less complicated.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;u&gt;The History of the Abacos&lt;/u&gt; by Steve Dodge.&amp;nbsp; He&amp;nbsp;owns several homes&amp;nbsp;here&amp;nbsp;and is a professor of History at Milliken University in Illinois -- sure he loves coming here in winter.&amp;nbsp; He also writes a nice &amp;quot;&lt;u&gt;Cruising Guide to the Abacos&lt;/u&gt;&amp;quot; which is a little of everything -- a fishing story or two, maps of course, recipes, ads, etc.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;u&gt;The Fledgling&lt;/u&gt; is a novel by Leonard's younger brother, Chester Thompson. It details a boy&amp;rsquo;s life on an island as he comes of age.&amp;nbsp;It currently is required reading for all school-age Bahamian children. I know from Leonard that because they were sons of a boat Captain they had some advantages including the first hand pump INSIDE the house and bringing barrels of flours to Hope Town when most folks only had potato flour &amp;nbsp;--&amp;nbsp;then they would start sharing it out until the barrels were empty! With any luck you will meet Chester Thompson who tends to stay during the week in his home in Nassau but comes to Hope Town, Abaco on the weekends.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&lt;u&gt;Winds from the Carolinas&lt;/u&gt; is a novel based on historic fact and follows one of the Loyalist families from the colonies where they were no longer welcome by the Revolutionaries to the voyage and final settling in the Out islands.&amp;nbsp; Everyone enjoys reading it as it has a bit of adventure, history and love.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;Out Island Doctor &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;span style="font-size: larger"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: Times New Roman"&gt;by Cottman is a book about a science teacher who took the year off to sail around and ended up being the local &amp;quot;doctor.&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp; One of the main ailments was constipation as everyone's diet was so poor.&amp;nbsp; He built the castle in Marsh Harbour and married a local girl.&amp;nbsp; His daughter is a friend of ours and she still lives in the castle built from limestone.&amp;nbsp;Full of real life drama and humor as well as a bit of local colorful history.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:18:23-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1170</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/curly-tails</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Curly Tails</title><description>&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;If you get down low and squish your eyes up you can pretend they are miniature dinosaurs&amp;hellip;really, and so they do appear a little scary!&amp;nbsp;But the curly tail lizards will actually eat from your hand if suitably tamed.&amp;nbsp;Start with little pieces of bread / fruit and try to not scare them when they eat.&amp;nbsp;They will get closer and closer.&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;rsquo;t try to catch them or put them in a cage as they will drop their tail!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:19:01-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1169</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/origin-of-pot-cakes</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Origin of Pot Cakes</title><description>&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;They say the Lucayan Indians, the orginal inhabitants on these island shores kept dogs as pets.&amp;nbsp;How do they know that?&amp;nbsp;I guess they dug up the skeletons along with the Indians but how do they know they weren&amp;rsquo;t just eating them?&amp;nbsp;Anyway, if they did have pets maybe Abaco&amp;rsquo;s potcakes are descendents because I can&amp;rsquo;t see any modern dog in them.&amp;nbsp;Description of a pot cake ranges from curly tail, half standing half flopping ears, coloring from raccoon eyes to pure white with those sort of on the skin cow polka dots, brindled to golden retriever furry.&amp;nbsp;Apparently they are a registered breed but how does the Kennel Club officials determine the best qualities if all the features are amazingly varied.&amp;nbsp;One thing I know Is they will eat anything, lay down their life for their owner and love water &amp;ndash; if I can generalize as I am sure there are exceptions.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;The name perhaps came from the old days when the burned part of the rice, pot cake, was thrown out to the dog.&amp;nbsp;There are several organizations locally that help the pot cakes so if you are an animal lover and want to get involved ask the Hope Town Hideaways office staff, their favorite one!&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:17:20-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1168</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/activities-for-children</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Activities for Children</title><description>&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;Probably our best days were when we made hermit crab castles. We call them &amp;ldquo;soldier crabs&amp;rdquo; in Abaco.&amp;nbsp;But you go to the beach, usually having already gathered your tenants, then make a great big castle with lots of tunnels and bridges and walls.&amp;nbsp;Sometimes they would start the crabs at one end and see who made it out the other side.&amp;nbsp;Often the design would have to be changed as one of the fast crabs would scamper over a wall or up a drift wood draw bridge.&amp;nbsp;The end was to let them go just on the fringe of the beach, always a big production, which crab goes where but you always leave the sand castle in case them come back &amp;hellip;you know to throw a dinner party or something.&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:19:51-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1167</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/fun-times-for-toddlers</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Fun Times For Toddlers</title><description>&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;One of the great things about Abaco is everyone has a great day, old and young.&amp;nbsp;So if the children are little toddlers, can&amp;rsquo;t really let them swim in the ocean.&amp;nbsp;What I did when my three children, Jade, Shannon &amp;amp; Dylan were little was take a little cheaply plastic blow-up pool to the beach.&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I would set up pretty far from the water&amp;rsquo;s edge &amp;ndash; umbrella, my towel and book, little cooler with water and juice boxes.&amp;nbsp;I filled the pool with sea water using their sand bucket.&amp;nbsp;Plopped them in the middle and started reading.&amp;nbsp;They would climb in and out, completely fill the pool with sand, sit on the edge with their little puff&amp;nbsp;bellies (what is up with that?) and let all the water out.&amp;nbsp;I would get the bucket and fill it back up and sometimes give them an extra bucket full.&amp;nbsp;They would play and play and I would not worry as they were right next to me and no wave action .&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:21:09-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1165</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/food-choices-in-abaco</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Food Choices in Abaco</title><description>&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;"&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;A few years ago one of my French friends said how can they take all this wonderful fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood and ruin it.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Of course this IS my French friend who has something to say about everything&amp;hellip;.but I think what she means is &amp;ndash; sometimes the recipes complicate what would be fabulous without &lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;batter, heavy seasonings, &lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;and all deep fried.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;But the good thing about Abaconians is they like to travel and try new things.&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;They bring home many of their food discoveries so menus that in recent years literally had the same 5 things:&lt;span style="mso-spacerun: yes"&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;fried chicken, fried fish, fried conch, fried fritters, fat-laden peas-n-rice (sounds healthy &amp;amp; it is delicious but definitely whenever I see a recipe with the first ingredient FAT Back&amp;hellip;I worry ).&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;"&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;Now Menus&amp;nbsp;include sushi or tuna tartar, Panini sandwiches, grilled fish, lobster, conch &amp;amp; shrimp.&amp;nbsp;Specialty salads.&amp;nbsp;I know for a fact Harbour&amp;rsquo;s Edge only serves fresh vegetables always cooked al dente.&amp;nbsp;The seafood pasta at the Hope Town Lodge is not to be believed &amp;ndash; conch, fish, lobster, shrimp but in small pieces so as you bite it literally explodes in your mouth but you don&amp;rsquo;t know which of the seafood you are getting so it is delicious and sort of fun!&amp;nbsp;The boiled fish breakfast at Sea Spray is made to order (so don&amp;rsquo;t be rushing) and there is nothing else like it in the world &amp;ndash; protein for breakfast it is going to be a great day &amp;ndash; lots of energy.&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;"&gt;&lt;font size="3"&gt;Hope Town Harbour Lodge does amazing foods including outdoor lobster and shrimp boils, guest chefs with themed dinners and just always on the cutting edge.&amp;nbsp;When you can&amp;rsquo;t possibly eat another piece of seafood, the Pepper Filet is a wonderful cut of meat and rich and delicious.&amp;nbsp;On da&amp;rsquo; Beach has great grilled and casual dining and some of the Hope Town Hideaways houses are within walking distance up the beach&amp;hellip;how fun, go to dinner barefoot on the beach.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;Captain Jack&amp;rsquo;s has traditional Bahamian cooking but also healthy alternatives and specials.&amp;nbsp;Abaco Inn has menus for special occasions and holidays and their blackened entrees are wonderful.&amp;nbsp;Munchies is just a little takeaway but Norris does an excellent job and cooks to order and al a carte.&amp;nbsp;So make a salad or side dish then get the cracked conch, fried fish or chicken from Norris at Munchies and have a great meal while enjoying the view from your beach house!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;The grocery stores in Hope Town (Harbour view Groceries, Vernon&amp;rsquo;s Grocery, Sweeting&amp;rsquo;s Grocery and L.V.A. Convenience store) offer a great selection of just everything you need to cook in your private rental home or villa.&amp;nbsp;Your Hope Town Hideaways home should come well stocked with pot, pans, bakeware, utensils and often stocked with basic spices and necessities &amp;ndash; is ketchup really a necessity?&amp;nbsp;In my house YES!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;One idea is to get either the main dish or the sides from one of the restaurants or carry-outs.&amp;nbsp;Locals will cook out of their home and become quite famous for a special dish liked souse chicken or pea soup or stewed fish.&amp;nbsp;Just check with the Hideaways office to see if any of these yummy native dishes are offered during your stay.&amp;nbsp;If not, you can sometimes arrange your personal chef or come back again!&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:34:13-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1164</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/-raining-outside-now-what-</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title> Raining outside...now what?</title><description>&lt;div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"&gt;No boating? &amp;nbsp;Try board games, cooking, reading, sitting on the covered verandah just out of the rain but still feeling the mist.&amp;nbsp;Major explore when its over if BIG stormy rain that the tropics are famous for &amp;ndash; comes quick, passes fast &amp;ndash; back to boating.&amp;nbsp;Nothing is slicker than the sea after a storm has come and gone.&amp;nbsp;They say the tuna bite best after a spring or summer storm.&amp;nbsp;If the kids are not with you, then there are certainly other activities that in this modern hectic world, sometimes we forget just how pleasant then can be&amp;hellip;so reconnect with your significant other&amp;hellip;.even when the rain stops.&amp;nbsp;Abaco is very romantic.&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:25:06-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1163</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/no-such-thing-as-boredum</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>No Such Thing as Boredum</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt"&gt;(With all the electronic gadgets out there, are you worried your children will be bored in an Out Island?)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt"&gt;In the Abacos, every day is like the summer days from childhood&amp;hellip;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt"&gt;Abaco for me is my childhood &amp;ndash; more specific my summers.&amp;nbsp;Wake up to sunshine and&amp;nbsp;make a plan.&amp;nbsp;Take a walk and see what happens, hop on your bike to explore unknown parts, wear a bathing suit all day.&amp;nbsp;I mean it is the relief of not having it all figured out&amp;hellip;non-scheduled, spontaneous fun.&amp;nbsp;Water everywhere &amp;ndash; kids are fascinated with water&amp;hellip;throw a rock or two in, float a homemade boat of leaves and twigs, fish off the dock, swim off the beach.&amp;nbsp;Hope Town has all the water a kid and an adult needs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:30:34-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">1162</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/2009/10/27/abaco-true-family-vacation</link><author>peggy@hopetown.com</author><title>Abaco - TRUE FAMILY VACATION</title><description>&lt;div&gt;The Out Islands of the Bahamas are renowned for their relaxed lifestyle, quaint historic villages and pristine beaches. Abaco is truly the most popular for adventurous family fun boasting the largest amount of national parks in the whole country!&amp;nbsp;The Abaco Islands are a series of islands in a long chain in the northwest Bahamas.&amp;nbsp;Almost touching Grand Bahama (Freeport) in the North and &amp;nbsp;less than a 30 minute plane ride to Nassau (south) and under an hour to the east coast of Florida, these islands are remote only in ambiance.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;They are so close to the US, some families bring their own boat from Florida cities such as Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.&amp;nbsp;The captain can follow the Bahamas bank and most folks enjoy an easy, safe passage in site of land after crossing of the.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;If you don&amp;rsquo;t bring a boat, don&amp;rsquo;t worry, we can arrange to rent a boat once in the islands, dozens of boat rental companies offer everything from a 15-ft Boston Whaler to a 26-ft. twin engine Paramounts or Albury Brothers.&amp;nbsp;For those who want to boat but not captain, there are dive and snorkel excursions, kayak trips or day sails.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Hope Town is a fishing village curved around a coconut fringed Atlantic Ocean beach.&amp;nbsp;The offshore reef is teeming with fish and sea life and guests walk in off the beach to snorkel. The island of Elbow Cay has more than a dozen beaches even though it is only 5 miles long. The village is only bike or foot traffic and allows children the freedom to explore without fear of traffic.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; It is old-fashioned with neighbor greeting neighbor and children playing without worries in larger cities.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The calendar of events offers many activities for the whole family from outdoor movies to fundraisers with kids&amp;rsquo; games to candy Easter hunt and the popular Boxcar derby and junkanoo.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The main airport in Abaco is Marsh Harbour (MHH) and it is serviced by American Airlines, USAIR, Continental, Bahamasair, Twin Air, Yellow Air Taxi, and numerous charter companies. &amp;nbsp;All flights are met by taxis for the 3.5 mile ride to the Water Ferry.&amp;nbsp;The ferry brings you directly to your house&amp;rsquo;s dock or the nearest community dock if you are on the beach. Your caretaker will meet you and help you settle into your island home.&amp;nbsp;Hope Town Hideaways will continue to be your on-island hosts and will assist with any needs during your stay.&amp;nbsp;Your welcome book gives great details on the house, the area and local happenings.&amp;nbsp;It also has after hour contact numbers should you have questions or need assistance after the office is closed.&lt;/div&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-10-28T10:31:26-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">626</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/summer-in-abaco-bahamas-626</link><author>sam@bookt.com</author><title>Summer in Abaco Bahamas</title><description>&lt;p&gt;Summer is one of the best seasons in Abaco Bahamas. The sun is strong, the water is clear, and the breeze is abundant. If you haven't visited Abaco, there is no better time. There are excellent vacation rental deals for weekend, week, and even monthly rentals.&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-08-19T17:28:25-04:00</a10:updated></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">625</guid><link>http://www.hopetown.com/blog/a-b-a-c-o--lets-go-625</link><author>sam@bookt.com</author><title>A-B-A-C-O :: Lets Go!</title><description>&lt;p&gt;There are so many reasons to visit Abaco. The diving, the swimming, the ocean breeze, and of course the long walks on beach!&lt;/p&gt;</description><a10:updated>2009-08-19T17:27:01-04:00</a10:updated></item></channel></rss>