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Explore St John

By

Danielle Miller

December 5, 2019

With many French names like Gouyave and Palmiste, St John is probably the parish most occupied by the French during colonial times. The parish is very heavily-agriculture orientated with the biggest nutmeg factory on the island in Gouyave, the main town. It also boasts incredible natural beauty with waterfalls, hikes through the rainforest and more.

Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Plant

Sacks of nutmeg at the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Plant

Step back in time, with little changing in the way that nutmeg pods are processed, graded and packaged for export all over the world. Tours are offered and visitors can get their own nutmeg jute bag with a personalised stencil.

Gouyave

Traditional architecture in Gouyave, St John

Renamed by the French because of the abundance of guava trees, the town was originally named Charlotte Town by the British after Queen Charlotte. The annual Fisherman’s Birthday celebrations are held in Gouyave, a predominantly fishing community. There is also a weekly ‘Fish Friday’ festival with seafood and entertainment. Gouyave is also the home of Kirani James, Grenada’s 400m Olympic gold medalist.

Concord Waterfall

Concord Falls, St John

A beautiful and easily-accessible fall plunging into a deep pool where you can swim. There are two further falls nearby that require a scenic hike through nutmeg plantations.

Dougaldson Estate

Dougaldston Estate, St John. (Photo courtesy Grenada National Trust)

Grenada’s largest spice plantation gives an indication of the scale of the spice industry. This historic plantation features ruins of the sugar industry alongside the working installations for drying and processing nutmeg and other spices.

Fedon’s Camp

Named after Julian Fedon, a black planter who owned Belvedere Estate and led a slave uprising in 1795, this lofty peak at 767 meters (2,516 ft) above sea level offers beautiful views as the reward for the strenuous hike to the top.

For an insightful island tour of Grenada, taking in spice plantations, waterfalls and more, check out Caribbean Horizons Tours.

Explore other parishes of Grenada in our Sightseeing Section.