Graycliff Cigar Company & Chocolatier

Founded by Graycliff owner, Enrico Garzaroli, in 1997, the Graycliff Cigar Company was started in Garzaroli's search for the perfect cigar. He didn't have to go far to find who - not what - he was looking for. A quick trip to Cuba led him to Master Torcedore Avelino Lara. Originally from Cuba, Lara had exercised his skills mixing blends for international corporations and rolling cigars for Castro. When Garzaroli brought him to Nassau it was with one purpose in mind: to create a lush cigar blend. And he did. Since then, Graycliff cigars have been winning awards and selling across the globe; the company now boasts 16 master rollers and seven cigar blends to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

To see a master roller in action, pop into Graycliff's Cigar Company, located on West Hill Street; their operating hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For those looking to savour something equally as fine, but of another nature, the Graycliff Chocolatier sits next door, with mixers at the ready. The chocolatier opened its doors in October 2012, and business has been booming since. Offering more than your average fruit and nut, the factory sells everything from bonbons to cookies, but what's most exciting for both visitors and head chef, Erika Davis, are the chocolatier's tours. The factory features two tours: a walk-through tour and a hands-on tour. Both give guests the opportunity to see the journey of a Graycliff chocolate from the instant the liquid is folded into a mixing bowl to the moment its package is sealed, as well as the chance to sample one of the sweet treats, but the hands-on option passes the reins to visitors, who make their own bars, mixing in sweet delights like tropical fruits or marshmallows.

The chocolatier has partnered with several cruise lines to lead guided tours for its passengers. Members of the public are also welcomed to participate. Though tours can accommodate up to 24 people at one time, reservations are recommended. Tours start every hour on the hour and are $10 for the walk-through tour and $49.50 for the hands-on option.