The Rusty Parrot

BY / ALITA SINGH

The Rusty Parrot

BY ALITA SINGH AHOY, MATEY!

Come join the “pirates” on The Rusty Parrot.

GRAB AN EYE PATCH and head for The Rusty Parrot, a “scuttled” ship in Philipsburg like those once used by marauding pirates. Now it’s the newest hot spot in St. Maarten/St. Martin, a favorite of history lovers and partiers alike.

The story begins with pirate enthusiast Raphael Dorra, the creative mind behind the new attraction. Dorra describes The Rusty Parrot as an “immersive experience” designed to show what life was like for infamous Caribbean pirates like Jack Rackham, known to history as Calico Jack. Visitors enter the bowels of the “ship” to learn more about Rackham through special effects and many surprises.

Dorra, who grew up in Tahiti, says there are many stories surrounding pirates; but most are distorted, based on legends, not facts. When the opportunity presented itself for a unique adventure, Dorra was ready to hoist the Jolly Roger, the internationally known symbol of pirates created by Rackham.

The Rusty Parrot takes visitors through the life of Rackham based on researched materials, artifacts, some plotline twists, and a few turns.

“The idea is to present history in a fun way,” says Dorra. “This is a total experience for family, friends, groups, anyone who wants to experience something exciting and different.”

Tours are offered in five languages — English, Dutch, French, German, and Spanish — and the “crew” dresses in full pirate garb to lend authenticity to the experience.

Continue your pirate adventure with gear from the gift shop. Then head up to the deck for a view of Philipsburg and Great Bay. Topside, enjoy drinks and tasty tapas at the bar and lounge as you take in the island’s balmy weather. Music is also on the menu.

“Visit us at The Rusty Parrot,” Dorra says. “It’s an adventure like no other.”

BY LOREM IPSUM

DUTCH BLONDE EXPERIENCES

Home of THE OFFICIAL BEER OF SINT MAARTEN™

DUTCH BLONDE WAS BORN IN EARLY 2019 when St. Maarten/ St. Martin’s Caribbean Brewing Company started with the production of local St. Maarten/St. Martin beer. The company has continued to pride itself on its consistency, palatability, and variety. Its beers are made fresh with the finest malts, hops, and natural ingredients; they’re also organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized and don’t contain any corn syrup or preservatives. Caribbean Brewing Company offers a unique brewery tour that gets you up close and personal with the entire beer-making process. In the taproom, you can sample the various flavors. Take a video and make all your friends jealous by drinking straight out of the fermentation tank! The tour has been rated the No. 1 brewery tour on Tripadvisor.

As one of the most popular beers they brew, Dutch Blonde received the 2021 London Beer Competition Silver Medal. The jury described the brew as “fruity and spicy with honey, orange, and clove flavors … overall very complex and refreshing.” Caribbean Brewing Company was also awarded the 2022 North, South & Central Americas Travel & Hospitality Award, an honor based on the aggregation of reviews from multiple thirdparty sources. Winners are those who can demonstrate their uniqueness, quality of services and facilities, and exceptional levels of customer care across a number of categories.

Proudly named after this “lady,” Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, located on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg, is the newest hot spot offering a great variety of entertainment and true goodies. You can have a great time enjoying the best beers, cocktails, wines, and creative mixes like the Naughty Blonde. Many gather on Friday evenings for karaoke or come to play giant Jenga. Once a week you can take part in a wine tasting of five thoughtfully selected French wines paired with five Dutch cheeses. And every day of the week, you can eat your heart out enjoying special Dutch pancakes and poffertjes, among other delicious dishes and snacks. Don’t forget to try the Dutch stroopwafel and the yummy stroopwafel cheesecake!

Also at the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, you will find the Caribbean’s premier escape rooms. Experience this exciting reallife adventure game in one of four settings. Discover clues, solve puzzles, and complete tasks in order to accomplish your goal and escape the room. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.dutchblondeexperiences.com or call 721-543-3314. This hot spot has it all!