The Bluest June Skies: A Walk Up Front St San Pedro
The hot sunny weather continues and over the last few days, a lovely, much need breeze has been added. (See Ambergris Caye wind and weather conditions here) And though I had planned to stay in yesterday and try to get some writing done, the sky was just…so blue and beautiful.
Inspired, I grabbed my camera, headed to town and walked the main boulevard in San Pedro town. Front Street – or “officially” Barrier Reef Drive. You’ll hear the unofficial name – along with Middle Street (aka Pescador Drive) and Back Street (aka Angel Coral Drive) WAY more often than the fancier names.
I’ve never heard someone say “meet me on Angel Coral Drive”.
So let’s take a walk…and start at the south side of Front Street. At the oldest school on the island, The San Pedro R.C. School. At lunch time and after school, this little dead end will be flooded with primary school kiddos.
The yellow building is the old Wild Mangos Restaurant, now closed.
And the very popular Belize Chocolate Company. Make sure you take a chocolate-making class – it’s a great introduction to their AMAZING chocolate.
Across the street, the total rebuild of the old Ruby’s Hotel. It’s coming along…
And an institution on the island – Master Lee’s. It’s been in a few different locations but he’s great signage always moves with him. (Here’s a great write-up on Master Lee from 2007 – enrolling in the Chinese army at 14?!?)
Across the street, the murals at the Holiday Hotel. The FIRST hotel in San Pedro. (Here’s a brief-ish history I wrote for the Holiday Hotel’s 50th anniversary)
And back across the street, Celi’s Deli. The BEST johnny cakes on the island – if you can get there in time. By 9-10am, they are sold out. My order? Ham and cheese (no beans) toasted. My mouth is watering just thinking about it…
Gift shops abound on Front Street.
And while we are on the subject of delicious breakfast foods – the Fry Jack House. Do you like a savory fry jack or a sweet jackie?
One of my favorite spots to browse and buy…Melody’s Art Gallery. Read: Melody Sanchez Wolfe is Making San Pedro More Beautiful. And not just because she was a Belikin calendar girl….
There two Belizean Breezes filled with soaps and fun products.
Our San Pedro town council building.
I popped into the Spindrift Hotel to check out the view. And I looked up the word spindrift again; I have a hard time remembering this definition.
spindrift: spray blown from the crests of waves by the wind. Huh.
The Parish Hall for the RC Church
And our Central Park.
And then the old Big Daddy’s Nightclub – which has recently been torn down. Daddy’s Bar was maybe the first bar on the island. It’s a hotly contest title.
I headed back to my golf cart…after traveling only about halfway up Front Street. Despite the breeze, a hot day.
I took a pic of this gorgeous flamboyant tree before I headed out.
A stunner.
If you are new to the island, start with my Guide to Ambergris Caye. And walk around town – park that golf cart and walk. It’s the BEST way to explore and enjoy.
AND if you would like to check out this same walk but over 6 years ago, check out my Walk Down Front Street in April 2017.
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Wait!! Wild Mango’s is closed? We’ll be back for our yearly trip in July and it’s a favorite. Say it isn’t permanently closed. 😭
it was one of our favorites too. There is no talk of re-opening, I’m afraid. I live on the island six months a year.
Thanks for the update. I thought it would be there forever – great food and view, always busy. We own a place north and I can’t believe all of the changes in the last few years. The Scoop keeps me up-to-date between visits (thanks Rebecca!).
It’s permanent – Amy the owner/chef has moved to Florida with her teen/adult kids 🙂
I’ll be going soon. Any advice on some fave spots we should go?
Check out my Ambergris Caye guide – I have a link to my top 12 things to do and a bunch of suggestions to get your started 🙂
Fantastic story and pictures. Thank you for sharing, you are kind.
Monte
Ask Dr. Fantastic
We just moved to Secret Beach. Any suggestions on where to get a street map of San Pedro?
The only ones I’ve ever seen is…thru golf cart rental companies. Try Carts Belize across from Tropic Air. And congrats on your move!!
Go check out openstreetmap.org I’ve mapped the entire island, every building and every street.
HOLY MOLY! When did you do this?! This is like finding the holy grail!
How long ago did you create the map?
HOLY MOLY! You’re right. I was today years old the first time I heard of openstreetmap.org. It’s awesome – worth the price of admission!
I loved this walk////////////////thanks
Thank you!
‘Smelly People Wanted’ – I love that tagline for Belizean Breezes Soap Co. During a visit in 2014 I bought a boatload of products and shipped home. The owner (Linda?) was very knowledgeable and fun to talk to. I hope she’s still there? This turned out to be one of our favorite shops and I recommend it a ‘must see’ when visiting…
Yes, Linda, the owner is still there! Wonderful lady, wonderful products!!!
She is – though I think the business is for sale – I saw it on businessesforsale dot com.
I bought a property lot (Grand Belizean Estates) in 2011 & have not been back to the island since 2015. The Secret Beach area was only known in 2015 by the locals.
I read now about how you can’t be a San Pedro visitor without visiting Secret Beach. Since my lot is a short distance from Secret Beach when I arrive off the plane in San Pedro will rent a golf cart & go straight to Secret Beach to see the changes in that area since 2015 as I have pictures of that area in 2015.
I think you are going to be VERY SURPRISED!
Beautiful article!