12BNBDA
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Definite do-not miss things:
South Shore beaches, famous for their pink sand. All of the beaches on the South Shore have pink sand. Most tourists go to Horseshoe Bay - it's definitely the most popular beach. There is a snack bar, restrooms, changing rooms, etc - OK if you are going to spend the full day there and need those facillities. Also, it is a long hike back uphill from the beach - if you are not on a moped, you will have to hoof it back up to the bus stop - there is a shuttle that takes you back to the top for a dollar. I personally prefer Warwick Long Bay - I think that it is more scenic and it is definitely less crowded. There is a great little cove right next to it - Jobson's Cove - where lots of people snorkel. Other nice beaches are Elbow Beach, Chaplain Bay, Stonehole Bay and Church Bay (the best for snorkelling - equipment rental place right on the beach). All of the public beaches are part of their park system, so they are easily identifiable. Whatever you do, do not leave your stuff unattended on the beach. While violent crime is not too much of an issue on the island, petty crimes like pickpocketing and stealing unattended items is picking up.
Your ship will dock in one or two of 3 places: Hamilton, St. George's, and/or Dockyard. Here's what to see in each of those areas:
Hamilton: the capital and the only true city on the island. Start on Front Street. This is where you will want to do any shopping - but to be honest, there really is not a whole lot there that you can’t get at home – and since they have to import everything, some stuff can be pretty pricey – but there are a few things that are unique to the island and worth purchasing. Definitely check out the Island Shop – it is on Queen Street, which intersects with Front Street at the birdcage (where the policeman directs traffic – you’ll know it when you see it). It has a lot of really nice things, and I feel that it is the best place for gifts. For gifts/souvenirs, also try AS Cooper (they are building a mega-store, so their shops/departments are scattered throughout). For jewelry (or jewellery, as they spell it), your best bet is probably Crisson (best quality with lots of BDA-themed items) or Astwood-Dickinson. For T-shirts, my favorite is Flying Colours (next to the Island Shop).
Also in Hamilton, definitely go to the Cathedral – it is a beautiful, gigantic gothic cathedral – you can pay a couple of dollars and climb to the top of the tower – the view is worth it.
During tourist season, on Wednesday nights, they have Harbour Nights - do not miss this - Front Street is closed to vehicular traffic and the street comes alive with sparkling lights, vendors offering the best in local arts and crafts, and music.
St George’s: the old capital and a pretty little town, and a World Heritage site. There is a replica of the Sea Venture (the ship that wrecked on Bermuda on its way to Virginia, bascially establishing Bermuda as a colony), and it is really interesting to see that right next to the gigantic cruise ships. There are several things to do there as well. St Peter’s church is oldest continually used Anglican church in the western hemisphere (or something like that), and is a pretty little church, made with lots of Bermuda cedar. I suggest getting ice cream at Temptations Ice Cream Shoppe next door, and eat it on the steps in front of the church. Fort St Catherine is pretty much what it says it is – a fort – it’s pretty large, and they have turned it in to somewhat of a museum – if you have some time, go, but it’s a pretty good walk – the bus does not go up to the fort – you might want to take a cab. There is also a little town square where they do a reenactment daily – I believe it is around 11:30 or so – of public punishment – it’s actually pretty amusing, and I try to see it whenever I get the chance. They also have stocks, which I guess is always good for a family photo. There’s some shopping, but it is mostly just a good little town to walk around in – quaint alleys, etc. – there is also a good size beach in Tobacco Bay – it has a snack shop, etc – but it is also a good walk (about 20 minutes from the dock). On Tuesday nights, they hold Heritage Nights - similar to Harbour Nights in Hamilton, but on a smaller scale. They also do the punishment re-enactment during Heritage Nights.
Dockyard: the old naval dockyards. There are really only 3 things to do there: the Maritime Museum/Dolphin Quest (where you can swim with dolphins), the Dockyard Mall, and a snorkel park that is actually quite nice. My personal opinion of the best thing to do in Dockyard is to get on the bus and head up to the South Shore. If you get on the bus at Dockyard (which is the end of the line), take the 7 bus, and make sure you sit on the right side of the bus – it has the better view. Dockyard is not the best place to be at night - they are starting up an event similar to Harbour and Heritage nights, but as a general rule, I would stay away from Dockyard at night (unless your ship is there, then you'll probably be OK). It seems that the rare instances of crime tend to happen around here. But it is perfectly safe during the day.
The best way to get to Dockyard is by ferry. It goes from (and to) Hamilton regularly, and in the high-season, it goes from St. George around the outside of the island. I love riding the ferry. Sit on the top deck for some great photo ops.
Other places to go:
Flatts: This is one of my favorite places on the island. There is a nice Aquarium/Zoo, and a cute little Harbor. Not much to do other than the Aquarium, but it is just a nice quiet place to explore.
Bailey’s Bay: this area has what is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bermuda, the Swizzle Inn. It’s been around forever, and it just seems to be "the" place to go. Make sure you take a business card or two to tack up on the wall, and of course, you must have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark 'N Stormy. Bailey’s Bay also has the best ice cream/sandwich shop - Bailey’s Ice Cream. Bailey’s ice cream is great (and also what they serve at Temptations in St George). Get a cone and walk around the corner to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves – an underground cavern that is pretty cool.
Gibbs Hill lighthouse: make sure that you check with the Tourism Board office to see if this has reopened – the railing was damaged by a hurricane a couple of years ago, and it was closed – but if it has reopened, it is definitely worth the climb to the top – the views are awesome.
Somerset Bridge: the world's smallest drawbridge - about a foot wide - just wide enough for a sailboat mast to go through.
Verdmont: if you’re into the historical preservation thing, this is one of the oldest houses on the island, furnished with 17th or 18th-century items.
Buses are the best and safest way to get around the island. You should be able to get a bus pass on-ship and a map/schedule. It is very easy to read, and the drivers are very nice (as long as you're nice to them). Buses will take you all over the island. You can also rent a moped, but that's kind of risky - roads are very narrow, and they drive on the left, which can be kind of hard to get used to. You can also hire a taxi guide to get you around the island, but this is pretty pricey). |
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