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Grand Turk

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By Angela Ash

Grand Turk is the largest island in the Turks and Caicos, located right in the sparkling Caribbean. It first received recognition when John Glenn's Mercury spacecraft landed off the shore in 1962. In fact, a replica of the Friendship 7 is still on display at the airport. Some even believe that Grand Turk is the original landing point of Christopher Columbus.

However, what can be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt is that Grand Turk is home to some of the clearest water and softest sand that most visitors will ever encounter, with the southwestern beach mere steps from the cruise port, making Grand Turk high on the list of the most convenient cruise ports.

Visitors may browse a small market area, or they can head immediately to the center of the action at Margaritaville... where it's always 5 O'clock somewhere!

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If your "best day ever" includes strolling off the cruise ship, strolling a few yards down the beach and playing the day away in a tropical paradise, then you have made it to the right place. So, kick off your flip flops, float about the gigantic swimming pool and stretch out on the soft sand beach with complimentary chairs for your ultimate relaxation.

Now, assuredly just about everyone alive has probably had a drink or two at a Margaritaville, but this Margaritaville truly sets the bar!  This is not merely a restaurant, but it is a place to party the day away, with delicious food and perfectly crafted cocktails.

And of course, you can't visit Margaritaville without having a margarita!  But the options are truly endless, so you will have to sample a few. (I find that the PERFECT excuse!) My absolute favorite drink, however is the Five O'Clock Somewhere, which is just right for a day with no schedule and no time clock to click.  Of course, the folks at Margaritaville are over-achievers in every way, so they offer take-home souvenir choices like a giant clock or an an imitation blender.

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Now when hunger calls, I absolutely dare you to try to make up your mind in five minutes! The menu is vast, offering all manner of tantalizing dishes.  If you'd like to start off with an appetizer, the Volcano Nachos will literally blow your mind!  A giant pile of tortilla chips are served, generously topped with all sorts of goodness.  Good luck in finishing this.  And if you want to tempt your palate with something else extraordinary, please indulge in the Lava Lava Shrimp.  Lightly breaded shrimp are tossed in a festive Asian aioli sauce, and then are presented on a platter... daring you to eat every bite!

Margaritaville also offers large sandwiches and burgers, like the legendary Cheeseburger in Paradise or the B.O.B. Burger, piled high with bacon, onion straws and bleu cheese.

If you are ready for a main dish, the Coconut Shrimp, jumbo skewered shrimp, fried in coconut batter, might just be one of the best dishes ever created. You may also want to try the Jerk BBQ Chicken.

Now, even if you think you can't possibly find room for dessert, the Key Lime Pie will most assuredly change your mind. 

Whenever you find yourself lucky enough to spend the day in Grand Turk, there's no better way to experience the paradise of this island than at Margaritaville!

For additional information, please visit Margaritaville Grand Turk online.

For more about Turk and Caicos, visit their tourism site HERE.