The warm and tight-knit community is just one reason Ithalia Johnson returned.

But the pull of Harbour Island life brought her back.

I feel home when I’m here, she says.

Patio in Dunmore

Credit:Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

This is a little pocket that is so magical.

People from all over the world come here, says Johnson.

But there’s no gatekeepers, everything is open to everyone.

Pouring Pin Drop Rum into a glass

Courtesy of Pin Drop Rum

And you’re able to make things here.

With notes of tropical fruit like mango and banana, its a smooth sipping rum.

a fresh coconut spiked with Pin Drop.)

Close up of Bahamian woman making traditional conch salad

shalamov/Getty Images

When they drink it, she says, I want them to want to come here.

Conch is our national food, says Johnson.

They take it out of the shell, slice it up, and mix it with sour orange.

Scenic View Of Sea Against Blue Sky, Dunmore Town, Bahamas

R K/Getty Images

And if you would like spices we use our goat pepper, which is our version of hot pepper.

Its a classic place where you walk in the door and you feel history.

There’s a lady that bakes banana bread and drops it off at the Piggly Wiggly.

Getting a sense of its sustainability mission will give visitors a better understanding of the island.

We succeed because we have these beautiful waters, she says.

So protecting this environment is really important.