Barbados, Brunch & The Boat Yard

So I'd be totally lying if I told you the number one reason I was excited to go to Barbados wasn't for the fact that the FRIENDS cast went there in season 9. Even though they didn't REALLY go there. And it was a set in Burbank. 

But it totally was the reason I was so excited. I know most people dream of Barbados for the culture. The beaches. The rum. The food. But me, unique & quirky little me that I am, when I saw it on my tour itinerary my first thought was "Ross totally had his Paleontology event there." Anyone else crazy avid FRIENDS fans? Just me? O.K. moving on. 

It wasn't long before I stepped off the boat and fell in love with the many reasons people DO visit this beautiful island and my FRIENDS frenzy floated away. The colorful buildings were charming, a PURPLE art gallery, I mean come on. It was rows of canary yellow shops, teal cafes and pink homes and I swooned. 

My group and I decided to take the city by foot and explore. Gorgeous brick structures and old architecture reminded me of Europe while the colorful facades were reminiscent of my time in Puerto Rico and east Mexico. And one of the best parts of Barbados? The GLUTEN-FREE options. We grabbed fish tacos nearby in my pre-paleo days before spending the day ocean side, but there are MANY options for those traveling gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian and I've listed my favorites below. 

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Azul at Sea Breeze Resort
Highlights: Gorgeous ocean views, cozy upscale living room setting, high end menu with GF/DF customizations. 

Brown Sugar Barbados
Highlights: A dedicated Friday Gluten Free brunch, the Roasted Butternut Squash, Bajan Herbed Baked Chicken & Flourless Chocolate Cake

Lemongrass Noodle Bar & Grill
Highlights: Can sub any noodle dish for rice noodles, uses Kikkoman GF soy sauce, casual, relaxed environment 

Tides Barbados
Highlights: A gorgeous upscale eatery that's very photo worthy, ocean views, a full vegetarian menu with GF options 

Orange Street Grocer
Highlights: A great place to grab food to go or have a sit down meal, a full salad menu, The OSG salad, the wild salmon

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Tides - Credit: Tides Barbados PR

One of my favorite photos & buildings - an old clock tower we walked by in town

Only able to spend a few hours in Barbados before heading to our next island locale, we spent a majority of our day at The Boatyard. The Boatyard is an awesome cafe/bar/nightclub that features piers to jump off, floating trampolines and a floating rock climbing wall. It's like Caribbean ocean play for the child within. 

We sat seaside, toes in the sand at our table and enjoyed drinks before taking a dip in the calm, warm waters of the Atlantic and wearing ourselves out before it was time to go. 

View of the water on our walk through town.

Me at Independence Square Barbados - Spring 2007

Do you have a favorite place to dine or visit in Barbados? Or do you have a favorite island I have to check out? Leave it in the comments below! 

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