Although the historic and picturesque capital of Basseterre certainly deserves to be the most visited community in St. Kitts, there are several cities across the island that offer unique tourist opportunities. One such destination is the sleepy town of Cayon, a seaside town nestled in a green valley by the sea a few miles from Basseterre. Although Cayon’s landscape and friendly spirit can be appreciated year-round, the city is an especially exciting destination during the annual late-spring celebration known as the Green Valley Festival. Despite being little known outside of St. Kitts, the Green Valley Festival is actually the second largest event on the island behind the immensely popular National Carnival celebration. Visitors to Cayon can also explore Spooner’s Ginnery, one of the most interesting historical industrial sites in the Caribbean.

Although the city of Cayon receives far fewer visitors than the capital city of Basseterre, this stark community is said to be one of the friendliest in St. Kitts. Much of the welcoming nature of the city seems to come from the spirituality of the locals (the small community is home to nine different churches) and their simple and relaxing way of life. Cayon is also home to some of the most unique scenery in St. Kitts, as the city rests in a mountainous valley near the Caribbean coast that is surrounded by green pastures and sugar cane fields.

While Cayon’s landscape is certainly a worthwhile attraction, the city has much more to offer during the month of May. Every year since 1997, the Green Valley Festival has helped St. Kitts welcome the summer season with live music, unique Caribbean cuisine, and other special events. Since its inception, the Green Valley Festival has represented a true community effort, as the citizens of Cayon organize and operate the event with the assistance of a select group of local sponsors. Having expanded each year, the Green Valley Festival now boasts a wide lineup of local and regional musicians, performing everything from reggae, calypso and other Caribbean genres to soul, gospel and rock, numerous food vendors offering cuisine inspired by the island and artists who sell their hand. -Handcrafted creations. Much of the action at the Green Valley Festival revolves around downtown Maynard’s Park, home to the main music and events stage.

One of the most popular events at the Green Valley Festival is the elegant and exclusive Caribbean Queen Pageant. Each year, several local women don their most ornate and island-inspired dresses and compete on stage for a chance to represent the united community and a seat of honor in the festival’s closing parade. During the parade, the Green Valley Festival Queen walks past local marching bands, dance groups, and other costumed performers demonstrating some of the region’s lesser-known art forms. As the closing parade traverses most of Cayon, excellent viewpoints can be found on several of the city’s narrow streets.

One of the most interesting colonial sites in St. Kitts is along the northeast coast, just a few miles from Cayon. Spooner’s Ginnery, also known as Spooner’s Estate, is home to the last remaining cotton gin in St. Kitts, one of the most important relics of the island’s transition from colonial rule to a modern economy. From the mid-18th century to the early 20th century, Spooner’s Estate was one of the most productive sugar mills on the island. After ownership changed hands, the new owners converted the steam-powered sugar mill into a mechanical gin and began growing cotton in the rolling fields. Spooner’s Ginnery remained in operation until the 1970s, when the local government purchased the property and began treating the site as an unofficial historic destination. Today, visitors to Spooner’s Ginnery can explore ruins spanning three centuries of St. Kitts’ unique industrial and cultural history. The gin site also offers great views of one of the most tranquil rural landscapes on the island.

When visiting St. Kitts, tourists who want to experience the quiet charm of local life are encouraged to visit the town of Cayon. Although the month of May is presented as the most exciting time to visit this area, tourists visiting any time of the year can still delight in Cayon’s picturesque seaside location and friendly atmosphere.