Thereabouts sits between Tarpum Bay and Rock Sound, though we think of ourselves as “Tarpum Bay people”. Both towns are small and quiet—a major departure from even small town-America. It’s all part of the charm of the real Bahamas.

Tarpum Bay, a five minute drive, slopes from a significant hill down to the waterfront. St. Columba’s Anglican/Episcopal Church, built in 1849, which sits across the Queen’s Highway from Tarpum Bay’s waterfront, must be one of the most photographed buildings on the island. Its quaint, spare architecture and vibrant colors typify the local design style. Bert’s for the Best is a small but reliable market. Kid’s love Bert’s for their popsickles. The Carey family that operates Bert’s is one of the “first families” of Tarpum Bay. They are friendly and helpful—like pretty much everyone else.

The Tarpum Bay waterfront is the place to buy fish. Local fishermen bring their catch to the two local docks mid afternoon—between 2 and 3 PM most days. You will never have the opportunity to buy fresher fish. Snapper, grouper, conch and lobster are commonly available. We don’t haggle with the fishermen—their work is difficult and dangerous and they earn their pay--but listen to a transaction or two and you may see it differently. One of the families who sell fish have several deaf-mute members—don’t think they’re unfriendly!

Kinky’s Kornor is the local gas station. Kinky is a wonderful man who could easily be an ambassador for Tarpum Bay. He sells water and can be an excellent source of information. Across from Kinky’s is the Carey’s hardware and Furniture store. They sell some fishing supplies and other odds and ends you might need. There is a new restaurant on the road between Kinky’s Kornor and town (Tarpum Bay) called Shantzii’s. The service is as warm as can be and the menu features all the Bahamian favorites.

Rock Sound is 20 minutes south. Significantly bigger than Tarpum Bay, it has a modern market, two liquor stores, a fully stocked hardware store and an auto parts store. In addition, it boasts a number of souvenir shops and a favorite restaurant—Sammy’s.

 The picturesque Government Building, which houses the post office, is worth a visit and makes a great stop on the way the world famous Ocean Hole. The Ocean Hole is a 600 foot deep, quarry-like natural “pond” with underwater connections to the ocean. Feeding its resident fish population bread and jumping off the rocky cliffs into the water are favorite diversions for locals and tourists alike.

Of the many churches on the island, few are as memorable as St. Luke's (1863) in Rock Sound.