Roseau among 10 charming island towns with local flavor

View of Roseau with mountain backdrop

Dominica’s capital, Roseau, was among 10 island towns chosen by USA Today’s travel section with history and a local flavor.

According to the USA Today feature these towns “pack more punch than your typical beach-resort destination. They’re bursting with history, culture, and local flavor—not to mention beautiful sands and swaying palms. For a less-traveled summer vacation, skip the cookie-cutter resorts and set sail for one of the following vibrant island towns.”

This is the description given to Roseau by the publication:

“Known as the Nature Island, Dominica is a paradise for outdoorsy travelers. But if you peer beyond the island nation’s beaches and lush rainforests, you’ll find a wealth of culture in Roseau, Dominica’s capital. The town features an interesting blend of Creole and Caribbean architecture, as well as several old plantations. Keep an eye out for handmade huts, called ‘Ti Kaz, that were built by the island’s indigenous people. (Dominica is the only island in the Caribbean where pre-Columbian Carib Indians still reside.)

What to do: Head to the Old Market, where travelers can pick up handmade crafts, fresh fruit, and other locally sourced goods. The place offers some heavy history as well: It was once the site for slave auctions.”

Other towns on the list are Edisto Beach (South Carolina), Fernandina Beach (Florida), Brigus (Newfoundland, Canada) St. George’s (Bermuda), Hanalei Town (Kauai, Hawaii), Lerwick (Shetland Islands, Scotland), Cockburn Town (Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos), Lopez Village (Lopez Island, Washington), and Ermoupolis (Syros, Greece).

In March CNN and Lonely Planet named Roseau among the top eight Caribbean towns.

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58 Comments

  1. Gwada
    June 5, 2012

    I am from gwada and whatever I dont any dominican ancestries I felt for this wonderful country years ago and I adopt it as my second land. I cannot stop to admire the nature island, I am coming 2 or 3 times a month, but the difficulties of connection with l’express, the fact liat or any companies desrving the frenches territories at canfield airport is a brake for a good development of a tourism based on the frenches overseas land. L’express has a boat on friday morning to come down and monday after to come up to gwada, so how can you say you are coming down for a week end? till the tourism autorities dont make a serious deal about the timetable of plane and boat, and encourage the use of canfield Dominica will not take benefit of the plane hube coming from europe anf wich could bring some euros

  2. BeBackSoon
    June 4, 2012

    I love to hear these things about Dominica. I’ve just gotten back from there not three days ago after a family reunion. Dominica is a diamond in the rough with so much potential. The roads are improving and that is a step in the right direction, but what is up with Roseau closing at 2-3pm on a Saturday? Tourists always use Saturdays as their main day for sight seeing! Secondly the beaches and all else need maintenance. There is way too much rubbish on the beaches and it hinders visitors from truly appreciating that part of the island. And can someone tell me why Melville Hall is the only airport that I have been too without a souvenir shop? It’s really the little things that Dominica needs to work on in order to become a major tourist spot.

    ADVERTISE your prize! I didn’t see many advertisements for the many falls, or Skrews or the other a activities out there. It was all word of mouth. If people don’t know what Dominica has, why should they come? Dominica is tiny but it is charming and beautiful and the people are intelligent and hard working. Something must be done to use all of the resources of the country!

  3. patriot
    June 4, 2012

    I SPENT APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS IN THE BRITISH COLONY OF MONSTERRAT AND IT WAS ONLY AFTER RETURNING HOME I WAS ABLE TO SEE THE RADIANT BEAUTY OF THIS BLESSED COUNTRY.

  4. Matriculation
    June 3, 2012

    Dominica keep on getting TOP did and TOP dat, yet it remains at the BOTTOM of the heap when it comes to TOURIST arrivals specially STAY-OVER visitors.

    Dominica must spend more time positioning itself to take advantage of its unique strengths A load of accolades is worth nothing when you have to have it on a hungry belly.

    So of the approaches that need to be taken include a name change, since most of Dominica`s tourism exposure results in increased traffic to the more popular Dominican Republic, which has no problems with that at all.

    There is a urgent need for an international airport, no more excuses.

    There are several other areas but due to limited space will stop here

    • Gwada
      June 5, 2012

      I agree with dat ur saying. One of the thing is that u can have a full week in a dominican’s tourism spot as punta cana, all inclusive, for 700 euros, when u spend 550 euros per person to spend 4 days in Dca. The fact that all kinf of accomodation in dominica is over 70 US and all accomodation rates is established in euro whathever staf and bills are still payed in EC…Why all small resort and hotel spots put prices so high wathever they are still paying their staff on a local basis…if they want to make more bisness they must me less greedy and work to develop the country

  5. Anonymous
    June 3, 2012

    But sadly we are Losing our vernacular architecture. The beautiful old buildings are being torn down and replaced with these vulgar concrete crates. Our streetscapesa are lost with irregular skyline and inconsistent architecture.Our cobblestone sidewalks that have lasted over 200 years are being covered up when they could easily be restored. All over Europe thes cobblestone sidewalks are maintained and lend an ambience to may a street plaza. Walkway or great house. The Chateau de Versailles entrance has the identical cobblestone that we have in Roseau..
    When are we going to wake up and see that our vernacular architecture not only is a thing of beauty but has great economic value

  6. Justice and Truth
    June 2, 2012

    This is good news. Let us be happy that Roseau is one of the 10 charming island towns… I do hope the streets in Roseau are repaired. I visualize that in years to come, Dominica will top the list of Number One.

  7. tect nee cal lity
    June 2, 2012

    Dominica is all dominican’s country it should be respected and supported not devided.
    the government gang, the oppositions, blue green and inbetween need to stop their childish behaviors and take Dominica to heart.
    Time is not our company,it is the ansewer to all.
    wake up dominicans stop the hate parade,there is a nation to build.

  8. Holiday Island Boy
    June 2, 2012

    As a frequent visitor to Dominica,they are more positives to the country than the negatives. Why highlight the negatives in a forum such as this? Go ahead and agitate for the righting of these evils, but do it domestically. A thousand visitors could praise Dominica,or any other country for that matter,to the highest, but a large percentage of potential visitors, will moreso listen to what a resident/native/local/citizen has to say.

  9. EMILE Zpatos
    June 2, 2012

    I keep my home clean:not for visitors but because it is my home .I have flowers planted in front of my home and fruit trees in my back yard ;not for visitors but because it is my home.I do not DUMP trash in my yard or on the street where I live
    I treat my city with the same attitude as I do my home because the city or towns or villages and my country is not a DUMP and I wiil not treat it like one.

  10. re
    June 2, 2012

    Please Please Kind Goof Sirs of the government at LEAST fix the benches on the bay front… it’s becoming and eyesore

  11. Anonymous
    June 2, 2012

    Please Please Kind Goof Sirs of the government at LEAST fix the benches on the bay front… it’s becoming and eyesore

  12. visitor
    June 2, 2012

    DOMINICA is a beautiful island , rich in culture the people are beautiful,Roseau has some wonderful architectural buildings that should be preserved,reconstuct, preserve them , please donot get rid of them, this is history and heritage,there is also a french flavor to the island keep it going,donot get too americanized and have too much chinese influence, retain your own culture.Keep the island unique.The cobble stone side walks are great, but the roads needs to be fixed Roseau needs to be cleaned, too much small trays and food selling on the road side , it reminds me of some places in Asia.Preseve Roseau keep that uniqueness going.

  13. Senses
    June 2, 2012

    WE need more public bathrooms in Roseau

    • Justice and Truth
      June 2, 2012

      @ Senses

      You made me laugh. :lol: In progressive countries and/or big countries as Canada, two important things which are necessary are public telephones and washrooms. Today with cellular phones, etc. public telephones may no longer be as important as they were in former years but washrooms are truly a necessity. All big stores, restaurants and fast food outlets have them. I hope in time you will get your wish. :)

  14. Sleeping
    June 2, 2012

    There needs to be a shakup in the tourism department. Tourism officials have gone cold, they are growing old, and they lack the kind of direction which is needed at this time.

    There needs to be a revival…give the young people with energy – like Sammy – with fresh ideas a chance. COLIN is tired, he does not even sound Dominica anymore. No offence meant, but the tourism big wigs are just NOT agressive enough. They are also bowing to the political bench mark and is time they stop…come on man, give DA a chance! Papa met oye!!

    • Observer
      June 2, 2012

      What the tourism sector needs right now is a big budget to promote the island. You can put whom ever you want in the top management position but if the org does not have adequate resources it gets nowhere.

  15. Myself
    June 1, 2012

    We have so much going for us here in Dominica and them ‘Good For Nothing Red People can’t capitalize on them.

  16. lol
    June 1, 2012

    aye! Dominica! We moving!

  17. Anonymous
    June 1, 2012

    Please the mayor of Roseau need to get on the job, he should be on administrative leave without pay, untill he clean up the town of roseau.

    And stop procrastinating about what he is going to do to clean the town.

    • No Affiliations
      June 1, 2012

      it is every Dominican business to keep Roseau clean.

      • Malgraysa
        June 2, 2012

        Agree but is the mayor who is ultimately responsible. That’s what we pay him for.

  18. EMILE Zpatos
    June 1, 2012

    Why do we think the beauty of Dominica is for tourist to enjoy .First and foremost it is for us to enjoy preserve and protect .It is a blessing from above .No other place have such beauty.We must show appreciation by bthanking God for this precious gift.
    Yes ,let visitors come and bathe in this natural beauty .But let us not forget it is ours firstto love and cherish

  19. Anonymous
    June 1, 2012

    wE NEED TO REPAIR THE SIDE-WALKS IN ROSEAU,CLEAN THE DRAINS,FRESH MEAT INSTEAD OF THE FROZEN MEAT FROM A YEAR AGO AT THE LOCAL MEAT MARKET, MORE FARMERS NEED TO TAKE THERE MEAT TO MARKET FRESH.

    WE THE DIASPORAS ARE COMING HOME , TO INVEST, AND RETIRE, AND TO CREATE JOBS FOR OUR FELLOW DOMINICANS.

    A native son in california.

  20. EMILE Zpatos
    June 1, 2012

    Why do we think

  21. Anonymous
    June 1, 2012

    Great news for my beloved D/a.

    Please Mr.Skerritt, do something about the roads in Wall House, it’s been in a deplorable state for many years. It’s a nice place to live, but it’s difficult to get tenants because of the sad state of the roads.
    The `Paros’ lining the roadsides is also a very sad and sorry site, should’t they be in a rehab.or some place where they can receive care and treatment and become productive to their country?

    • EMILE Zpatos
      June 1, 2012

      Anonymous,

      Thanks .This is the kind of comments that is a positive contribution .Keep it up .Maybe others wiil follow your trend .
      Maybe the P M WIIL HEAR AND ACT .In fact you should put this and other positive comments you have in a letter to him.This is so matute

    • yep
      June 2, 2012

      THATS PART OF THE HERITAGE

      OOOPS!
      HERE COMES THE THUMBS

  22. real
    June 1, 2012

    Get Rid of these fire Hazard buildings in the middle of “De City”. Maybe it will achieve its full potential

    • wong ping
      June 1, 2012

      they are part of the history of roseau

  23. JO
    June 1, 2012

    They got it right but please Roseau….clean it up! On a hot day it stinks…trash everywhere!

    • Anonymous
      June 1, 2012

      The trash does not walk in the town, it us us DOMINICANS that must learn to keep the town clean.

      • Malatete
        June 2, 2012

        And what if we don’t? I’m still waiting to hear about a fine or conviction for littering during the past ten years! Our authorities bark once in a while but don’t bite. Set a few examples and you’ll see how quick our attitude will change.

      • SMA 1988
        June 2, 2012

        AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • EMILE Zpatos
      June 1, 2012

      Well in a lot of countries people do volunteer work to keep their environment clean and healthy .
      Maybe we should do the same .O YES PLANT SOME TREES

      • No Affiliations
        June 1, 2012

        Tell @Zapatos them it is every Dominican’s business to kep Roseau clean

  24. June 1, 2012

    Hello! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Dominicans are we listening? We have what it takes so lets take advantage of it. Just recently and Aussie writer dubbed Dominica`s newly built Windsor Park Stadium as the “LORDS for cricket in the Caribbean. We need to see those images in every corner of Dominica and in every medium and social media come on lets grab this opportunity with both hands and promote Dominica till the World know who we are we can do it people lets get to work A.S.A.P.

  25. Asterix
    June 1, 2012

    Well the palace may just erase part of our treasured culture and history

    • EMILE Zpatos
      June 1, 2012

      No the state colege will be enhancing.We must be ready for overseas students . Oh yes our kingdom will have a palace .
      Somebody has a vision of greatness and beauty

  26. Dorival John
    June 1, 2012

    What is the tourism minister going to do about such news?

    Where is the Discover Dominica Authority?

    Shouldn’t they be scrambling about to capitalize on this?

    Where are the creative thinking people of this country?

    • EMILE Zpatos
      June 1, 2012

      You are a creative person so do something.Do not sit on the side of the road and cry .Do something

      • No Affiliations
        June 1, 2012

        Say it again Zpatos. Every Dominican can /should contribute to the development or enhancement of Dominica!

  27. SafetyForDominica
    June 1, 2012

    They will surely regret these nice descriptions if the crime is not controlled.

    • NORTHSIDE
      June 1, 2012

      WHAT CRIME DOMINICA HAVE CRIME,

  28. DA
    June 1, 2012

    DEVELOPE PORTSMOUTH AND IT WILL BE IF NOT ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING TOWNS IN THE CARIBBEAN BETTER THAN ROSEAU FOR CERTURN.

    • What?!
      June 1, 2012

      Oh please hater. Rather be in roseau than portsmouth for anything. Carnival proves that.

      • DA
        June 4, 2012

        WHEN DA WAS DISCOVER I THINK PEOPLE SAW THE POTENTIAL IN PORTSMOUTH AS BEING THE CAPITAL IT WAS THEN CHANGED TO ROSEAU BECAUSE OF CERTURN REASON.WE ARE IN A NEW ERA WHERE THAT POTENTIAL IS AGAIN REALIZE.PORTSMOUTH HAS EVERY THINK CUT OUT TO BE ONCE MOORE THE CAPITAL AND TOURIST DESTINATION SPOT SO MR PM LETS MAKE IT HAPPEND FOR THE GOOD OF ALL DOMINICAN.

  29. What?!
    June 1, 2012

    Respect de CITY!

  30. dominican in antigua
    June 1, 2012

    thats good news ill be happy to know i can help in time to come to see the guys off the street of roseau to give the people that come to dominica a free time to walk the city and take there pictures and the next big problem we have in d/a is tomany old cars on the side of the roads

    • Cerberus
      June 1, 2012

      That is wonderful to read but how do we transform that in tourist arrivals? We also boast about our unrivalled natural beauty, justifiably so in my opnion. At the same time it is vexing that we are unable to turn this to our advantage compared with other Caribbean destinations. Take St. Lucia for example, which most closely resembles us amongst the English speaking islands. They too have an aerial tram, operated by the same company that owns the one in Dominica I believe. However,I can not think of any natural wonders or flora & fauna St. Lucia has that outshine ours. Yet the cruise ship arrivals scheduled for Castries for the season 1 Oct. 2012 – 31 March 2013 is 205, compared with only 97 for Roseau during the same period i.e. more than double!. In addition there are another 43 arrivals scheduled for St. lucia’s other three cruise locations at Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay and Soufriere whereas we show none for the Cabrits.
      I do not pretend to know the answers, leave alone offer a solution but we have some serious thinking to do as to why this is so. We are good at apportioning blame and finding excuses but that is futile and does not get us anywhere. Let’s look at what other destinations do, swallow our pride, benchmark and learn. We should not shy away from truths and be humble enough to realise that there is always room for improvement.

  31. Anonymous
    June 1, 2012

    I am pleased to read this story, but please clean up the town, the last time I walked in Roseau the gutters are full of moss, rubbish and grass and they stink.

  32. african queen
    June 1, 2012

    good stuff to read way to go DOMINICA I LOVE YOU SEE YOU IN THE SUMMER AM COMING TO ENJOY ALL YOU HAVE

  33. smh
    June 1, 2012

    Good Stuff !

  34. grell
    June 1, 2012

    Thats why we have to continue preserving our culture and forest..

  35. law and Order
    June 1, 2012

    Preserve the old that is where the money is, the history. The historical buildings,so dontpull down the old governors house, that is history.

    • Correction
      June 1, 2012

      it is not being pulled down it is being renovated..

      Don’t believe all what you hear.

  36. law and Order
    June 1, 2012

    REtain the caribbean flavour, dont get to Americanised.

    • Malgraysa
      June 2, 2012

      Retain caribbean flavour but introduce American sanitatation regulations and enforcement.

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