St. Lucia Offers a Culinary Escape for Nature Lovers, Stargazers

St. Lucia is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a variety of nifty vacation options for visitors.

A rainbow forms near St. Lucia's Pitons after a morning rain shower. David Dickinson/TNS

By Myscha Theriault Tribune News Service

For many, a Caribbean getaway means a week on the beach with afternoon cocktails and unlimited orders of cracked conch. While there’s nothing wrong with that travel plan, the nation of St. Lucia has notably more to offer. A UNESCO World Heritage site, volcanic hot springs, and clean-eating Caribbean cuisine are just a few nifty vacation options for visitors. Other highlights include double hemisphere constellation viewing, artisanal chocolate, and a captivation with country music that goes back to World War II. Intrigued? Follow these tips to make the most of your time there.

Appetites

When it comes to locally sourced food items, St. Lucia’s got a deep bench. Craft-grown ingredients aren’t the exception here. They’re the rule. Regular retail finds include cloves, coffee, cassava, and more. A notable segment of the island’s food diversity comes from the master growers of Helen’s Daughters. This women’s farm collective coordinates agricultural training, market access, farm tours, and more, making the tiny country’s culinary scene a cut above the norm.