Still feeling the effects of our hike up the volcano from the previous day, I was thrilled to hop on the St Kitts Scenic Railway. It’s the only operating train in the Caribbean and offers a journey filled with lots of rum and breathtaking island views.
The train has two parts: an air-conditioned lower section and an open upper deck. I chose the upper deck for its shaded area and potential for spectacular views. Soon, other passengers, many from cruise ships, joined us, and we set off with rum punch in hand.
Originally, the train was part of the island’s sugar production history. After sugar production ceased, it became a fantastic way to visually explore St Kitts.
As the train travels across the island, you zip past quaint villages, old sugar mills, beaches, and the beautiful coastline of St Kitts, revealing places you probably wouldn’t see otherwise.
The scenery is consistently stunning, and even local school kids, on their break, stop to wave as you pass by.
Eventually, the ride comes to an end, and you disembark at a different location than where you started, so it’s good to plan your return transportation. This train ride is an enjoyable way to spend a morning, especially when you’re not up for something physically demanding.
After departing near the botanic gardens (which also serves as the next tour’s starting point), we visited Brimstone Hill—a historic military fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by the British and built by African slaves long ago.
While not particularly fascinated by military fortresses, I appreciate their historical significance and the role they’ve played in shaping the island’s history. Most of all, I love the incredible view from Brimstone Hill; you can even see the islands of St Barts and St Martin from here.
We spent a good amount of time exploring the fort and soaking in its history before hunger prompted us to head into town for lunch.
Lunch that day was a bit different. It was a casual vegan meal at Ital Creations, a place started by a local Rastafarian and his wife, who is Latino. This couple has a passion for healthy, thoughtful eating, and it’s evident when you speak with them. It’s heartwarming to see how they, from different corners of the world, met, started a family, and built a business together.
Their food is pretty good and popular among locals, judging by the number of people during lunchtime.
Eventually, we returned to Ocean Terrace Inn to freshen up, relax by the pool, and prepare for a leisurely evening in town.
Our night was centered around dining at Sprat Net, a local spot known for fresh lobsters, barbequed ribs, chicken, and live music. It’s a favorite among both visitors and locals who enjoy the tunes of local bands.
While the food took a while to arrive, perhaps due to its rising popularity, there were plenty of distractions like music, engaging conversations, and a good supply of Carib beer. I recommend arriving early to settle in before getting too hungry.
When the food finally arrived, it absolutely met expectations. The lobsters were incredibly meaty, and the ribs were perfectly cooked. Any irritation from the wait melted away with the first bite, and by the time we were done, everything was forgiven.
Satisfied and entertained, we headed back to the hotel to rest our tired muscles, planning a late start for the next day’s activities. For such a small island, St Kitts certainly offers a lot to do!