Can anyone recommend a good place to eat lunch in Hopkins? I will be stopping there on my way to Placencia to check out accomodations for an upcoming trip. Just there for a short time. Would appreciate a suggestion.

I would say Beaches and Dreams is about the best place to eat in Hopkins -- excellent food and not too expensive. Hamanasi's restaurant is good, too. And there are several small restaurants in homes of local people in Hopkins that are cheap and interesting.

--Lan Sluder

I was just in Hopkins and ate at a local restaurant called the Hideaway, local Belizean food. The sign isnt very big, you'll just have to ask locals where it is. The location is right in the middle of the Village, 2nd row from the waterfront. I also ate at Jabiru Restaurant & Bar, very good food. Its on the junction road that leads out to the highway.
--Silk
www.caribbean-colors.com

Beaches and Dreams is tops on my list. Delicious food and great rooms.

Jim

Thanks all for the suggestions. I hope to find a good place to stay in Hopkins for the November Garifuna Settlement Day festivities while I'm there. Is Beaches and Dreams far from the "center" of town? We want to book a hotel early to get a better choice of rooms as it looks like there may be a group of us going in November. I'm traveling from Gales Point to Placencia on this trip. Thought I'd check out Hopkins on the way (going via hired car). I should have (I hope) an interesting trip report when I get back. Will try to see whale sharks at Gladden Spit and spending two nights on Ranguana Caye. Oh, and I'm doing "drum school" at Gales Point. Can't wait!

The main settlement day celebrations are in Dangriga, not Hopkins. I've not been in Hopkins on that day, but understand there are a few things, but not like Dangriga.

--Lan Sluder

Have you looked into Kismet Inn Cabanas, located at the North end of Hopkins?
--Silk

I thought long and hard about Hopkins vs. Dangriga. Most that know recommend Hopkins for the celebrations. It is smaller and can be enjoyed on a more personal level. I can always go to Dangriga next year. Hopkins sounds more my speed.

Oh, and hi silkpainter! I met you on Caye Caulker in November at the shop.
As for a place to stay, I think we need to be in town and it seems many of the resorts are a mile or two outside. Anyone stay at Hopkins Inn? Accomodations can be simple, but clean.

I was lucky enough to be in Hopkins last November 19th... The celebration was very local, no big party like in Dangriga but it was very special...Beautiful drumming and singing... I felt really lucky to be there...
If you stay at Beaches & Dreams, you could probably borrow bicycles to get to the village for the "arrival"...

karin - did you stay at Beaches and Dreams or in town? I think Hopkins sounds great!!!!
I went to the Garifuna Cultural Pagent on Ambergris Caye last November and met the nicest people. They suggested Hopkins as a place to go for Settlement Day festivities. I plan to stay 2 to 3 days.

This time, I stayed at Tipple Tree Beya in the village, but have stayed at B&D before and loved it...
If you have a few days, try to get there a couple of days before. There are small celebrations and parties almost every evening in the village... A small group of guys have been playing drums almost every evening at King Kassava. I just have to look at all my pictures and I am ready to go back ... ;-)

That's exactly what I had in mind. Sounds perfect.

You will have a great time ! I am so jealous !... ;-)

Hi Karin,
Are you the Karin I loaned my vest to in Hopkins?
Conrad

Sorry, been away for a couple of weeks... Haven't met any Conrad or Kathy in Hopkins... Maybe next time ! ;-)