THE BAHAMAS BEST-KEPT SECRET: Abacos Island gives tourists a taste of true Bahamas life. (Video)

     *When most people think of vacationing in the Bahamas, particularly Americans, there are mainly two popular locations that come to mind: Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island.

     EURweb would like to introduce The Abacos to our tropical travelers, and let them know what they've been missing.

     "I think that's it, they (tourist) don't know about it (Abacos)," said Avis Miller, a representative of Treasure Cay Resort in the Marina of Abacos, to EUR's Lee Bailey. "Once you get here you would see the beauty and you would know ... Abacos is here, Treasure Cay is here."

     (Note: in The Bahamas, the word Cay is pronounced "key.")

     Michelle Mikula, a Ministry of Tourism representative says one of the main misconceptions of the Bahamas, is people fail to realize how much it really has to offer. There are about 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, and each with its own personality. Mikula says as a member of the ministry, she along with others, promote tourism to the islands of the Bahamas and not just the Bahamas itself.

     "There are many islands here, and you can get to these islands just by flying from Florida," said Mikula. "For people wanting to come here (The Abacos), just know that it's a small community, although it might not have the nightlife (of) Nassau or Grand Bahamas, it does have the basic amenities."

     Mikula adds, on the weekends is usually when the place comes alive, with live entertainment from Friday to Sunday, and there are always water adventures and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

     The Abacos has its own 120-mile-long island chain; complete with its own Out Island. Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco serve as the "mainland," with a string of barrier islands separating them from the Atlantic. The Abacos is also known as "The Sailing Captial Of The World," and because of its hospitable people and amenities, it's rising on the popularity charts.

     "Abaco is quickly becoming the second city," mentioned Miller. "Abaco is doing better in tourism than Freeport which is now the second city." She also says that though they are gaining in visitors, there is always room for more.

     By the way, if you're looking for a great vacation home, or another source of income, there are residences located, at The Abaco Beach and Resort.  Currently there are ten buildings, but the real estate project is still a working progress.

     "There will be one hundred of these, [they consist of] two and three bedroom units," explained Michael Choiniere, Vice President of Abacos Beach and Resort, about the current Condos for sale. "They are individually-wholly owned properties, and you have a choice of having them for yourself or putting them back in our management program."

     Condo's put into the management program, allow the owner to stay as often as they like and still earn income to offset the cost. The starting price is 1.4 million including slip; lease for about $1,700 a month and to rent a bedroom will cost $800 a night.

     Choiniere also mentioned that the condos come complete with a boat slip, which is almost impossible to buy in the Bahamas. "To have the luxury of a boat slip on this type of property is just unheard of and quite a unique prospect."

     Picture this: Treasure Cay is north of Marsh Harbour, it's a hotel, golf, marina and real estate development wrapped around one beach.  It's known for having the whitest and softest sands. To the south lies Little Harbour, a beautifully protected bay with a small artist colony based around the Johnston family and Pete Johnston's Pete's Pub.

     The Abacos were settled by English colonists who remained loyal to the crown after the American Revolutionary War, which is why the settlements like Hope Town and Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay have the look of New England fishing towns complete with picket fences and gingerbread trim.

     For more information on the Abacos Beach and Resort, go to www.abacobeachresort.com

     For more information on the Treasure Cay Resort, go to www.treasurecay.com/. 

     For more information on The Abacos and the other islands of the Bahamas, or to set up your tropical adventure, go to www.bahamas.com.

Check out some Bahamas tourists have big fun with the dolphins:

 RADIOSCOPE IS BACK & ONLINE!
The award winning, legendary RadioScope
is BACK and is now powered by EURweb.
HEAR today's top news and more TODAY
via our daily podcast. Check it out here:
   www.eurweb.com/media.cfm

ULMII TALENT COMPETITION
KDAY 93.5 The Beat hosts the Los Angeles
Sun., Oct. 18th ULMII Talent Competition
showcase at the Los Angeles Convention
Center (West Hall-Theater) from 5-7pm.
Call toll free 866-938-5220 for more
info. Sponsored in part by EURweb.com.
www.UpliftingMinds2.com