| Bermuda
is neither a Caribbean island nor a tropical island. It is in the North
Atlantic about 650 miles due east of Charleston, South Carolina. And, yes, it tends to
be rather chilly in the winter. Bermuda is more than just one island
though Bermuda Island is considered the 'mainland'. Bermuda and the other
Bermuda Islands are all by themselves. At last count there were over 150
islands in the Bermuda Islands group, many not much bigger than stepping
stones in a garden, others large and amenable enough to be well populated.
Lobster Lovers
Heaven
Do you like lobster?
Bermuda's lobster season extends from late September through early March.
The locals have ways of preparing this delicacy in ways you've probably
never tasted. You've got to try some of their lobster dishes. True, these
dishes are high in calories but, hey, live a little once in awhile!
National Sports
In the summers
Bermuda is almost idyllic: mild temperatures and great beaches and an
assortment of tourist-orient activities ("something for
everyone") have made it a popular destination - especially for
American tourists. Bermuda is a very sports-conscious country. Bermudans
are so involved in their sports that, their Annual Cricket Cup match each
August is actually a national holiday. Even most of the shops and
restaurants close so everyone can watch the matches.
Activities for the
Active
Though the national
sports, soccer and cricket, involve mainly the island's residents, there
are significant opportunities for tourists in such popular activities as
bicycling, bowling, bridge, fishing, golfing, ping-pong, racquet ball,
sailing, swimming and scuba diving, squash, tennis, water skiing and wind
surfing.
What You Need You
Can Probably Rent
You can rent most
anything needed to enjoy your favorite activity. They can direct you, at
your hotel, to reputable vendors and even the preferable locations where
you may enjoy your chosen activity in safety.
Helmet Diving
As would be expected
on an island, boating is very popular and there are many places to go. One
unusual activity which is very popular is 'helmet diving'. You are
equipped with weights and a helmet which is connected to the air supply on
the surface by a hose (just like on TV). You walk on the bottom; no
swimming skills are required. A great way to watch all the marine life
without having to learn how to scuba dive.
Sightseeing
Destinations
Hamilton Parish
At the
northern tip of the main (Bermuda) island, and at the south end of the
causeway to St David's Island.
Bermuda
Aquarium, Natural History Museum & Zoo - On view in the aquarium
is a collection consisting of most of the species of land and marine life
found in the Bermuda Islands.
Bermuda
Perfumery & Garden - View their exceptional gardens on a marked
nature trail. Then go inside and pick from a vast array of perfumes and
scents manufactured from the local flora.
Crystal
Caves - Descent into these interesting caves which you fiew from
floating walkways on the surface of the large underground lake.
Paget Parish
Botanical
Gardens - The largest of the many gardens in Bermuda, this 36 acre
beautifully landscaped showpiece features the Arrowroot Factory and Fern
Collection, Base Garden, a special Bulb Border display, a Cacti and
Succulent Collection, the Camden Lawn, Conifer Collection, Cycad
Collection, Economic Collection, Kitchen and Trial Gardens, Native and
endemic plants, a Shrub border and the Woodlands along Berry Hill Road.
This is the site of the Camden House, technically the official residence
of the Governor of Bermuda (who does not live there by special
arrangement). You'll find not only the gardens are very interesting but
the history and accompanying stories about the house and estate.
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from column one
Pembroke
Parish
Site of Hamilton, current capital of the self-governing colony of Great Britain.
Fort
Hamilton - Here is a complete restoration of a 18th-19th century
fortress complete with moat, underground tunnels and 18-ton cannon. Though
never involved in combat, it has a history as interesting as the viewing
of the many artifacts.
Ocean
Discovery Centre - This is a 'must see' - covering marine science from
the aspects of the Physical, Chemical, Biological, Geological, Meteorological and Technological. Then you get to view the whole thing from the Human involvement and aspects. One very popular exhibit is the 'Dive' which is a simulation of a dive in a capsult to the ocean floor 12,000 feet below the surface. Fascinating to say the least!
Par-La-Ville
Garden - If you're going to the post office, the Perot Post Office is
sited in the middle of the Par-La-Ville Garden. Though the post office is
open the usual hours, 9a - 5p, the garden is open 24 hours daily.
St George's Parish
St
George's Island (previously Tortus Island) is the northernmost of the
three main interconnected islands which most people think of when they
think 'Bermuda'. It wraps around St George's Harbour and is bounded on the
south by the much larger Castle Harbour. The initial European setlements
were sited here.
Bermuda
National Trust Museum - Once the headquarters of Major Norman Walker, representative of the Confederate States of America to Bermuda, it now contains a variety of relics from the Bermuda's involvement in the American War Between the States. There was a thriving trade in gun-running from St George's to various ports of the Confederacy bypassing the blockade set up by the Union Navy.
Carriage
Museum - If you are interested in the horse-drawn carriages which were
the primary mode of transportation before the introduction of the motor
car to Bermuda in 1946, then you must visit the Carriage Museum. Here is a
collection of meticulously restored carriages: broughams, phaetons,
runabouts and even an opera bus. The museum is across from the Tucker
House on Water Street in St George's.
Deliverance
Replica - a full-scale replica of
the Deliverance which was a small sailing vessel (called a pinnace). Built in 1609 by the survivors of the Sea Venture who had shipwrecked on the island, it eventually carried them on the the American mainland.
Featherbed
Alley Printery - The history of printing really starts with Johannes
Gutenberg's invention of moveable type and the printing press in the mid
1400s. Here you can see a replica of the Gutenberg type of printing press.
Ft
St Catherine - Strategically located on a high point of land at the northeastern tip of St George's Island, the view from here is as awesome as is the restored fort. Built in 1614, its purpose was to safeguard the island from pirates and other marauders. On display are replicas of the British Crown Jewels guarded by a wax figure of a Beefeater, a weapons collection. Along the walls are some of the old cannons still guarding
St George's from the ghosts of the long-gone pirates.
Sandy's Parish
Bermuda
Maritime Museum - Housed in the Fortress Keep of the Royal Navy’s mighty HM Dockyard, the fort was built by convicts in the early 1800s. The fort was the principal base and headquarters of His Majesty's Navy’s Western Atlantic base for a century and a half. There are many displays in several buildings within the walls. Recently opened to the public is a special historical exhibit outlining a more recent period of maritime history: "From the Era of Steam Ships to the Age of Cruise Ships". Also included in the displays is the Tucker Treasure retrieved from the the San Pedro, a 16th century Spanish galleon.
Royal
Navy Dockyard - On the opposite end of the main islands from St George's is Ireland Island - not much more than a spit jutting into the North Atlantic. A long and exciting history for naval buffs chronicles the building of the fort and dockyards. Now, however, the shipyard houses a maritime museum, shopping centre, arts center, theater and restaurants. You'll find exploration of the underground tunnels
intriguing. Many are also fascinated by the two clock towers, one showing the time of day and the other showing the tides. You can spend a few hours here but it is doubtful you will be disappointed.
Somerset
Bridge - Now you can say you have viewed the worlds smallest
drawbridge: a full 18 inch long span is cranked up by hand to allow taller
masts of sailing boats to pass through.
Smith Parish
Spittal
Pond Wildlife Preserve - Bermuda's largest wildlife sanctuary, the 60 acre Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is the most important of the Bermuda National Trust's open spaces. Many species of waterfowl can be viewed from November to May and some 500 species of birds can be seen on or near the pond.
Southampton Parish
Gibbs
Hill Lighthouse - Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world. Built in 1844 - 1846, it is perched some 245 feet above sea level; the light is another 110 feet above sea level. The lighthouse was built to warn ships of the treacherous reefs south of the island.
View their web site at: www.bermudalighthouse.com
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