Verdmont Museum
This circa 1710 home is now part of the Bermuda National Trust. Currently, the home is only open Wednesday through Friday. Admission is $5. Located on Sayle Road, this Georgian-style treasure sits quietly and is untouched by modern conveniences of electricity and or other technological advances. A parking area for scooters is to the right of the front entrance. Most likely, the only sign of life will be the butterflies floating through the gardens. Check the schedule; don't be disappointed like us and find it closed.
This remarkable natural beauty is a must see for visitors. Formed over 30 million years ago, the crystal stalactites and stalagmites are located 120 feet underground. For an admission price of $20, you'll spend about 30 minutes on a tour to learn the basics. Quite beautiful but for the price, questionable. Fantasy Caves is a tougher excursion and an extra cost. Make sure you can handle the steps.
St. George
One of the most amazing sites was the Unfinished Church, located to the north of St. George on the way to Tobacco Bay (Head of Duke of Kent Street). Like Verdmont, it is a part of the Bermuda Historic Trust. Construction started in 1874, but was halted because of disagreements among the Anglican community and a debilitating storm caused costly damage. Unsure of the future of the structure, construction was halted immediately.
Visitors are welcome to roam the outside of the structure, but the inside is closed due to crumbling stones. If beginnings amaze, the Unfinished Church is a must. It must be on your Bermuda Bucket List.
Fort St. Catherine
Eastern Most Point of Bermuda
This is the first site you will see if you travel to Bermuda via cruise ship. We sat at Blackbeard's Pub (good food and they will fill your water bottle at the bar) and watched a Carnival Ship cruise toward the Dockyard. The current 19th century structure replaced an original 1609 structure built by the first settlers to defend the island from the Spaniards. A nice secluded beach.A nice ride on the scooter.
St. David's Lighthouse
St. David, St. George's Parish
Part of St. George's parish, St. David's sits on the highest point of the island. You might remember it from the movie, The Deep. It's told that the locals lured ships onto the reefs, causing ships to wreck and then the thieves would rack up on loot. The lighthouse was built to stop this practice. Today, it signals the end to many yacht races whose final destination is Bermuda.
It's a long winding road past the airport to this somewhat residential area.
For the classic tourist, it's the Dockyard. The Commissioner's House, Frog and Onion Pub (very historic and authentic, brews its own beer, but too pricey and not worth it), The Clocktower (filled with shops and restaurants), and the docking site for cruise ships. There are 'cruisers' everywhere on the days the ships are in town, so if you're interested in taking your time and not having to wait, plan accordingly. Most dive trips leave from the dockyard. Segway tours are available, too.
Queen Street, Downtown Hamilton
For those who still believe in the art of writing, this little piece of history will still place a Bermudian stamp on your letters and cards. The first stamp was issued in 1812 by postmaster William Bennet Perot.
King Square, St. George
Right on the square, White Horse is one of the oldest pubs on the island. Sit on the water. The signature club was perfect, and they have every beer on the planet. You'll even have the pleasure of tossing a few fries to the birds.
No comments:
Post a Comment