“A lot of our friends are boaters,” said owner Bobby Smith, “and they complain there is nowhere to go by boat.”
Smith and his wife, Diane, solved the problem. Caribe offers its members many amenities, all built around a tiki hut-style restaurant with Caribbean-themed food. Meals include entrees such as crab cakes topped with mango salsa and coconut-battered shrimp, and can be consumed either indoors or outdoors on a screened-in porch. Then, after their meal, guests have much more they can do, including relaxing in the colorful chairs that sit alongside the pool. Those who arrive by boat (on a new dock) can play on the lake, fish from the embankment or ride in paddle boats or kayaks. Guests also can enjoy a swim in a large swimming pool, complete with a pool bar, or sit in the hot tub or the steam room.
The Smiths plan to feature a steel-drum band in the future. The restaurant is available for corporate parties, weddings and other events.
With the Caribe Club, one need not travel to the beach to feel as if they have been on a sea-island vacation.
Guests are welcome to visit the facility, and they may return if they buy a membership, which is $240 for a resident couple per year, plus a $50 initiation fee. Non-resident rates are cheaper. Hours are on Thursday–Sunday from 11 a.m. until guests leave each evening.
The rundown:
Location: 84 Blue Eye Road West, Lincoln, just a bit north of Interstate 20 at exit 165.
Website: www.caribeclubandmarina.com
Contact: 205-763-1478
