Living like a local in Antigua – Time Warner Cable News’ Valarie D’Elia has some tips on how to experience the Caribbean island as the locals do. She filed this report.
From the moment you arrive on the 108 square mile island in the Eastern Caribbean, you can have a bespoke experience.
"In Antigua you can get something at Noreen Phillips Couturier in two hours or less. You don’t have to wait 48 hours to get it in the mail," says Noreen Phillips of Noreen Phillips Couturier.
Cruise passengers who want to be sartorially ship-shape can head just a short distance from the pier in St. John’s, to make a fashion statement.
"I never know what I am going to make of the garment until it is literally on the cutting board, so it is cut free hand, there are no patterns," says Phillips.
She makes five trips a year to another island, Manhattan, to shop for fabric in the Fashion District.
"Absolutely fabulous clothes, a lot of them are one-offs," says one customer.
Close by, you can grab a cup of joe with an island twist.
"We do our own coffee. It's more than a coffee shop. We call ourselves the little Starbucks. I have 17 different blends," says Shirlette Thomas of Heavenly Java 2 Go
Travelers leaving the island by air can also depart with one of a kind bling.
"My jewelry I consider to be art, and that's what it is, art. A conversation piece, whenever you walk out someone says ‘Wow, I love that.’," says jewelry designer Miranda Askie.
Her creative jewelry is made from a mélange of semi-precious stones, brass, copper, turquoise and coral - fashioned into stunning works.
For local flavor you can chew on, head to The Backyard, a causal outdoor restaurant with fresh specials and a side of camaraderie.
"I have lots of family that come by, a lot of family and friends that come by, and locals alike and we all make it one here," says John Fernandez of The Backyard.
Find more information about Antigua and Barbuda here.