Epicure Magazine, St. Martin

I'm writing articles these days, for a start-up magazine with a friend in St. Martin.
Getting some ad space as a perk.

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It wasn't Sandy's running form that caught Jimmy's eye on Baie Orientale early that morning. It's what happened when she finished running.
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Take a trip over the border and explore French St. Martin

In responses to my Facebook posts from our island adventures, it became apparent to me that an old friend who has been to the island many more times than I had never really gotten out and explored everything “the rock” has to offer. She and her husband had never taken the hike to Happy Bay, never climbed to the top of Fort Louis to take in the spectacular view of Marigot, and never enjoyed the fine cuisine found in Marigot, Grand Case, and Orient Village. “You are missing out,” I told her. Although the Dutch side holds many attractions all its own, the French side experience is decidedly more European in its culture and “feel” (do I state the obvious?).

For us, a trip to Port de la Royale is mandatory for a late lunch after spending a beach day at Baie Rouge or Cupecoy. Just a short walk from a spacious parking area, it is tucked into the Simpson Bay Lagoon where Marigot “proper” begins. A three-sided boardwalk surrounds the end of the lagoon with a large number of restaurants. You have your choice of open-air dining or inside dining at most (if not all) establishments. A beautiful young lady or entertaining gentleman waits outside each one to draw you in to sample their respective cuisines.

Take a table near the docks and relax as the dinghies bring in folks from their yachts, or enjoy the people watching as others stroll the boardwalk. We like to debate whether the impeccably dressed woman casually walking by is a celebrity or famous model…you never know who may show up there.

The variety of dining choices is near endless, from lobster-stuffed chicken filet to submarine sandwiches (on banquette of course); we have never been disappointed on our visits to this port.

Once you exit the Marigot area, you will encounter rolling hills and pastures with grazing cows, along with goats and chickens carefully navigating the edge of the roads. Look for a left turn just past the small airport to arrive in Grand Case, a wonderful area with a lively street scene. There is parking available in a large lot and the narrow avenue is resplendent with restaurants and shops; again, an excellent opportunity to stroll and take in the French Island culture. The variety of epicurean delights is far greater than you might expect, with fine French cuisine to simple, yet tasty (and completely affordable) grilled fish, chicken, and ribs found at the outdoor Lolos that overlook the Grand Case beach.

Any establishment on the water offers a spectacular sunset; it is a good opportunity to take photos of your significant others with a breathtaking backdrop. Some places are energetic and crowded with locals, while others are quietly sophisticated. You can peruse the menus on signs posted outside most restaurants to decide what you are in the mood for while browsing the merchandise in an artist’s studio or learning to make your own perfume. Grand Case is a must-do every time we visit St. Martin.

Another area we favor is Orient Village, where we always feel we have been transported to a small town somewhere in France. The large courtyard behind the Orient Beach resorts features just a few restaurants with a great variety of cultural specialties and some of the friendliest staff you will ever encounter anywhere. Sit back and enjoy the open-air dining while watching the progress of a game of Pétanque on the gravel quad or listening to live music (not loud) on a stage in the center of this square. A completely relaxing and delightful “old world” experience.

I have since convinced my friend to stray from their timeshare on the Dutch side and get out and enjoy everything French St. Martin has to offer. There is much more to explore than simply Orient Beach for a day trip. Bon Appétit my friends!

Tim Stelma, contributing writer and author of the Happy Bay Novel series.

 click here to find out more about the Happy Bay book series

Island Reading

amazon.com/author/tstelma

Kindle is King

Kindle is still the king of eBooks and Amazon is the place to find the Happy Bay Book Trilogy. You can locate all three on my Amazon Author Page:amazon.com/author/tstelma

International Review

Here is a nice review from a St. Martin resident on the Happy Bay Book Series.
Click for review
Available worldwide online. All formats of eBook and softcover.
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This is not a paid celebrity endorsement

Another satisfied customer. Thanks Kim!

Today at 6:32pm
Just finished the third and final book in the Happy Bay Series. Here is the absolute truth. I first bought all of them because T. Stelma is my best friend's cousin and I wanted to support his efforts. But when I started the first book, I was hooked. I'm a very diligent reader and read many books a week. These books have everything you could want. Suspense, murder, fashion, sex and rock and roll! And at such a reasonable price (underpriced if you ask me). So, go out and buy these books! You'll be glad you did. And you'll be impatiently waiting for him to write more. I'm not gonna lie, I was happily surprised. I don't know why since I know Tim is a creative guy, but I was. Make these books part of your summer reading. Don't miss out!

Links to eBooks and paperback

Great local video.

Happy in SXM

Happy Bay book series

A review of Sandy Ground from a trusted source.

Here's a review from St. Maarten and St. Martin Weekly News:

"Ilene may be the most avid reader you might ever hope to meet. She devours 300-page books in a day. When we asked her some time ago to be our official reader of author Tim Stelma's trilogy of St. Maarten-related books, she quickly agreed.
After reading the climactic third book in the series, titled Sandy Ground, Ilene said she loved it and looks forward to his next books.
"I couldn't put it down," she said. "It's a follow-up to his second book, Cole Bay, incorporating the same characters. It's a mystery loaded with twists and turns that you will never expect, making it riveting. Any reader will love it."
You can find it available on Amazon (and everywhere else online).

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Beach reads

I know what a lot of folks in St. Martin are going to be reading on the beach next week. Sandy Ground. If you can't make it to the beach just yet, lose yourself in this trio of island adventures from the comfort of your home. $8.97 gets you all three eBooks. www.happybaynovel.com has all the links for whatever tablet you might have.

Number #1

Sandy Ground is #1 in romantic Caribbean suspense-mystery-action with a little beach whoopee (okay, so I created my own category).
www.happybaynovel.com

Available on Scribd!

All three of my novels are available on Scribd. This link has the first and third. Cole Bay Band has to be searched separately. T. Stelma Novels on Scribd

Need Sandy Ground on iPad?

Sandy Ground iBook

Sandy Ground now available on Kindle!

Click for Kindle version

Coming soon!