A Perfect Weekend in Turks & Caicos

~~Potcake Puppies - Potcake is the common name for the island dogs found in both the Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas. At Potcake Place, in Saltmills Plaza in Gracey Bay, the non-profit charity cares for rescue dogs and tries to find new homes for them both in T&C and abroad. One fun activity is for visitors to take puppies for walks and outings on Grace Bay beach, giving the dogs an opportunity to socialize, as well as gain exposure for adoption.

~~Explore Chalk Sound National Park - This is a gorgeous natural lagoon on the southwest side of Providenciales with brilliant turquoise water. Visitors enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding throughout this area, keeping an eye out for lizards and iguanas.

~~Tour by Jeep or 4x4 - An ATV or Jeep tour gives you a chance to explore the wild part of Providenciales and sister islands like Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Expect to see a wide variety of birds, such as flamingos, pelicans and herons, as well as a spectacular coastline.

~~Snorkeling - Snorkeling in Turks & Caicos is a treat. Two of the easiest snorkeling spots to access on Providenciales are Bight Reef and Smith Reef, both of which are about a 10-minute walk from Grace Bay, while many smaller boats can take you to secret spots where you and your group will be the only ones.

~~Island Hopping - Enjoying a private catamaran experience around the islands is a real treat. Cruise around beautiful Grace Bay Beach, stop at the Iguana Island reserve, visit Half Boon Bay and more, all while enjoying rum punch, snacks and music, taking snorkel stops along the way. You're on island time!

~~Eat Conch - Conch fritters is a signature dish in Turks & Caicos. Try some of the best at a local spot like Omar's Beach Hut.

~~Beach Hopping - While Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, the primary island in the Turks & Caicos, is spectacular, there are many other smaller-scale beaches on the island, like Sapodilla Bay Beach, on the southwest side of the island, known for its bathwater calm water, or Long Bay Beach, the destination on the island for kiteboarding.

~~Watch the Sunset on Grace Bay - Walk the soft sand beaches of Grace Bay with a drink in hand, or sit and enjoy at one of the many restaurants and bars along the beach.

Caicos Cafe - Just off Grace Bay, Caicos Cafe melds together Italian and Mediterranean flavors with a touch of the Caribbean. Upscale and relaxed, the seafood pasta is excellent.

Coco Bistro - A Providenciales mainstay, Coco Bistro brings fine dining to the island. The beautiful restaurant features tables under palm trees, decorated with twinkly lights. Wonderful, inventive dishes, many of which feature seafood, matched with a solid wine list.

Turks Kabab - For a casual lunch or dinner a few blocks off the beach, Turks Kebab brings mediteranean dishes to the island with mezze platters, big salads and even a selection of flatbread pizzas.

Cocovan - The casual food truck sister to Coco Bistro is located right off the beach and brings a fine dining spin to beach fare, like Pekin Duck Tacos and Mac & Cheese Balls with truffle oil.

Omar's Beach Hut - Off-the-beaten-path, Omar's is in an area of the island that is often very, very windy, which is part of the fun. It's a very casual beachfront spot with many dishes made with conch and excellent jerk chicken and rum punch. If the owner Omar is at the restaurant he is a gem and always pops from table to table to say hello.

The Deck - Located at the Seven Stars resort, this beachfront restaurant is perfect for lunch, offering salads, upscale burgers and even a kids menu.

Las Brisas Restaurant - If visiting Taylor Bay or Sapodilla Bay, Las Brisas is a great spot for lunch or an early dinner. Overlooking Chalk Sound, the two-story casual spot has great fish tacos.

Island Scoop Ice Cream - Located in the village area of the "downtown," this ice cream spot features the classics + locally inspired flavors like the excellent banana.