Located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Vincent is a jewel of an island that offers a lot to do and see for every visitor. Aside from the blue waters that offer up fishing, boating, swimming and diving, there are ways to experience the culture, history, and soul of the island on your trip. One way to get a real feel for the island is a trip down the Leeward Highway. Usually, a highway is not the highlight of a trip, but consider what the Leeward Highway has to offer you and you will see just how worth your while it may be.

As the highway stretches North of Kingstown, you will find out that the west side of the island offers some of the most dramatic and exciting scenery in the Caribbean. As you work your way through the mountainous terrain, you will find breathtaking views at every turn. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to gaze upon what is widely considered one of the best petroglyphs in the region, the Carib Rock. The rock has a carving of a human face that dates to around 600A.D.

Eventually you will reach the village of Barrouallie. There, you will find a time honored tradition still in effect. Occasionally, whalers jump in their brightly colored fishing boats, arm themselves with harpoons, and go whaling. The city is one of the few places in the world where the practice is still legal, and officials from the island say that the affect on whale populations is negligible because they kill so few annually. When they do manage to bring a whale in, a festival usually ensues as part of the celebration. Beyond that, you can witness fisherman coming in to sell their catch, market activity, and the culture of the islands past.

The highway ends up at Chateaubelair. There you can visit Richmond Beach and take a dip in the warm Caribbean waters. Once you have gotten your fill of the beach, you can set out back for Kingstown. From this part of the highway, there are a number of things you can do. If you do not want to drive back, there are a number of hikes and nature viewing areas you can take in. Additionally, the beaches make for a great romantic walk in the evening. No matter what you do, you can do so having seen much of what the island offers culturally and naturally.

As you probably already know, St. Vincent is a wonderful Caribbean destination. Its beaches are second to none, and the waters offer up plenty of activity and enjoyment for those who visit and stay on the island. However, consider a trip on the Leeward Highway to get a real feel for the island. With stops to see fishing villages, ancient stone carvings, breathtaking views, and finally a picturesque beach, the highway is more than just a drive. It is also a way to experience the island and get a feel for its soul in just a few hours. So when you make a trip to St. Vincent, take a few hours to explore everything that the Leeward Highway has to offer you.