Q in the community
This is probably the biggest craze in Barbados at the moment. Great company, great food, dancing and not to mention the best of the best and the worst of the worst of Karaoke in Barbados. It gives seniors a great opportunity to come out and party like hard as though it was 1965.These events usually happen on select days at various spots around Barbados. Listen to Q 100.7 FM to find out about the next Q in the community near you.
Scenic tours/bus rides
This has become very popular in Barbados in recent times especially for seniors. Rides usually happen on select bank holidays but are also available throughout the year and are usually hosted by the Barbados Transport Board. You can make a day out of it by inviting friends and family along. These tours give you the opportunity to see some of the best spots in Barbados like never before.
Line dancing
While there is no select night or event for this as some of the others on this list, one can usually experience some good ol’ line dancing at Q in the community or even occasionally at the Oistins Fish Fry. Line dancing is one of the most popular dances in Barbados, especially at weddings. Also, many dance studios across the island such as Genesis Dance Studio and Livy and Betty Alleyne Ballroom Dance (check on this) centre offer line dancing classes.
Picnics
A very time honoured tradition in Barbados, picnicking is ideal for all ages. However, most seniors tend to enjoy this particular activity more than most. It provides you with the opportunity to sit and laugh with family and friends, while watching the young ones play and have fun. The best spots for picnics are usually Farley Hill National Park, Barclays Park and Folkestone Marine Park. The best part about this activity is that you don’t need to wait around on anyone else’s schedule. You can plan it yourself!
Oistins Fish Fry
Ask any local or tourist and they would tell you that the Oistins Fish Fry is probably the biggest event in Barbados on Friday Nights. The food alone is enough for you to be there. Alwatys available are some of the best fish such as mahi-mahi, marlin and of course our own Flying Fish. Even for those who aren’t a big fish lovers, chicken is also served. But what is special about the Oistins Fish fry is the fantastic, informal atmosphere. Always lively, you are sure to catch a few oldies playing dominoes or having a heated discussion about the newest issue in Barbados. And let’s not forget the music. This ranges from calypso to the “back in time” tunes we all know and love. You can go as early as 7 o’clock to catch a nice meal, usually for around $30.
Jazz Nights in Barbados
One of the most popular jazz nights in Barbados is Wine & Jazz hosted every Thursday at Ocean 15 Bar and Restaurant. However, the featured event most persons are looking forward to this month is Steak Night at the Colony Club with Arturo Tappin. Arturo is Barbados’ most renowned saxophonist. While the entry fee may be a bit on the steep side, hearing Arturo play is worth every penny. One thing you can be sure of, there is always a Jazz night or two hosted by a restaurant somewhere on the island every month.
Historical Sightseeing
There is a great collection of old Plantation Houses and Great Houses which date back to the early 17th century in Barbados. Touring these grounds can allow persons so see a bit of the architectural history of the island. In the western hemisphere, there are three remaining structures with a Jacobean style of architecture and two are in Barbados – The Drax Hall Mansion and St. Nicholas Abbey. However, the two best places for Historical Sight Seeing are the Barbados Museum and the Garrison Historic Area. Located within one area, these two sites are perfect for those persons who want to know more about the history of Barbados.
Garden tours
Barbados has a wide array of gardens that have some of the most beautiful collection of flora and fauna. Touring these gardens is a special experience. Some of the best Garden tours are of Orchid World and Flower Forest gardens. Flower Forest is open for tours daily from 8-4 except on Christmas Day and Good Fridays and tours are $25 with an extra fee if you require a tour guide. Orchid World opens from 9 am daily except on Good Friday and Christmas Day as well. Aside from these public gardens, the Horticultural Society opens some of the best private homes and gardens for public viewing throughout the year.
Heritage tours; Mount Gay Rum Distilleries
Mount Gay Rum Distilleries offer different tours which can be taken on separate occasions. The first is the Signature Tour. This experience begins with a presentation on the history of the rum and is followed but an audio-visual show in their comfortable theatre on how Mouth Gay Rum is manufactured, With this segment, persons learn about ingredients that are native to the island that play a crucial role in the flavour of this renowned rum as well as the processes that occur in its creation. The next part of the tour is arguably everyone’s favourite part: tasting. Even if you are not a huge rum drinker, this is still something you will enjoy. In this process, the tour guides take you through the various flavours and aromas expected from each type of rum. The tour concludes in the Mount Gay Rum Bar and Lounge where we see some of the best mixologists in the business whip up various cocktails, all featuring Mount Gay Rum. And of course, there’s sampling involved! Following this main tour, there is the option Bajan Buffet Lunch tour, where you get to eat some of our local dishes and try rum filled desserts and also the Mount Gay Cocktail Tour where you have a more in-depth session with the mixologist, who will guide you through the carious cocktails and drinks that can be made with this fine rum. The best part about this tour is that you get to create your own concoctions. The signature tour requires no reservations and occur Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 3:30 and on select Saturdays from 10:30 to 2:30. However, the Cocktail and Bajan Buffet Tours require reservations.
Therefore, as you can see, there is something for everyone over 60 in Barbados. Whether you prefer to be out and about during the day or night, there is always something on for you to do. Keep a look out for events near you and listen to your favourite radio stations to see what you can catch next. Who says there’s no life after 50?
To view image sources click here
