Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) selected Freeport as the site of our preclerkship campus based on a number of factors, including its accessibility; vibrant, yet small-town feel; and US-inspired modern amenities that make it a great place to live and learn.
Shopping
Port Lucaya Marketplace is Freeport’s main shopping district. You’ll find dozens of specialty boutiques, restaurants, and great entertainment, including the Count Basie Square where live performances take place in the evenings.
With two locations, Solomon’s is the largest grocery store chain on the island and is comparable to any contemporary grocery store you would find stateside. Sawyer’s Fresh Market is a popular grocery store as well. Other grocery stores include Stop & Shop Grocers, the Corner Store and Meat Market, and Martins. A bit on the smaller side, Carib Market & Seafood is another option to consider, as is a general store called Cooper’s, which also has to-go food and a gas station. Fresh seafood can be found at Butler Specialty Foods or Lightbourne’s Seafood, both in the Freeport area. You may also seek out returning fisherman for the catch of the day or crawfish.
Restaurants
Freeport is home to an array of restaurants and culinary styles. From upscale dining at Cappuccino’s Fine Italian Restaurant and Viva Cafe, to traditional Bahamian fare at Daddy Brown’s Conch Stand and Bernie’s Tiki Hut, there is something to tempt everyone’s palate on the island.
In the mood for pizza? Try Marco’s. Looking for healthier fare? Zorba’s Greek Restaurant or Livity Vegetarian & Juice Bar are two of many possible options. Hankering for a hamburger? Try the Dive In Bar & Grill. Craving some hand-rolled sushi? Try the Bamboo Restaurant. And for those with a sweet tooth, Bootleg Chocolates offers island-inspired chocolates with a Caribbean twist, as well as fresh-roasted organic coffee and homemade ice cream.
Try This: A popular local treat called the Conchaccino, a Bahamian-inspired Frappuccino.
Things To Do
While WAUSM students’ primary focus is their studies, there’s still time to enjoy everything Grand Bahama Island has to offer, including:
- Visit Port Lucaya – A quaint harbor filled with small shops and restaurants such as Senor Frogs and Fat Tuesdays.
- Play Golf – Freeport has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
- Visit Lucayan National Park – Featuring three different ecosystems, including the largest underwater cave system in the world.
- Tour Garden of the Groves – Home to lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, you can choose to walk, bike, or take a jeep excursion.
- Enjoy the Beaches – Grand Bahama Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Junkanoo, Taino, and Gold Rock (where scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed).
Wellness
WAUSM students have access to an array of fitness and self-care service providers on Grand Bahama Island, including the YMCA of Grand Bahama where all WAUSM students have membership access and offers swimming, martial arts, tennis, yoga, and aerobics classes. CrossFit is another close option frequented by students.
Modern Amenities and Recreation
Representing the best of both worlds, Grand Bahama Island is a tropical paradise with all the modern amenities you would expect from a contemporary island located just miles off the Florida coast. An array of restaurants, places of worship, schools, golf courses, and day spas are located within a short distance of campus, in addition to various tourist attractions.