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Archive for September, 2006

Enjoy San Salvador Island In The Bahamas

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

San Salvador, one of the many small islands that make up the Bahamas, is a beautiful and cultured place, with a rich history. In addition to its lovely beaches, it offers a wide variety of sights and activities.

 

Among the interesting cultural sites is the New World Museum. This is found on North Victoria Hill, and is open every day during daylight hours, although you may have to invest a little time in finding someone to let you in. This museum features exhibits of artifacts left behind by the original native tribes that inhabited the island before the arrival of the Europeans. Quiet and private, this is a thought provoking experience.

 

There are many unusual historic structures in San Salvador. Watling’s Castle, in Port Nelson, once belonged to the pirates that terrorized the towns and waters of the islands that make up the Bahamas. Also in Port Nelson is the Fortune Hill Plantation. Once a grand cotton producing plantation, it now is open to the public for tours. Farquharson’s Plantation is found west of Queens Highway, not too far from South Victoria Hill. All that remains of this ambitious plantation are ruins, but the shape and size of the great house and kitchen areas can be detected in the foundation parts that remain. The failure of this plantation was assured when Britain signed the legislation that ended slavery.

 

Guanahani Dive Ltd. is located in San Salvador and has three boats available for charters, which allows them to offer a variety of tour packages. These include a selection of diving opportunities, snorkeling, fishing and boating trips. They also offer a double occupancy 5 day and 4 night package, working with Riding Rock Inn, that features lodging, meals, transportation, diving and gear rental. The per diver rate is between $654 to $710.

 

There are remarkably secluded beaches, their natural beauty still unmarred by excessive commercial development. In the glistening blue waters that lap the edge of the 6-mile long East Beach, at Port Nelson, sharks can occasionally be seen. Bamboo point, Sandy Point, Long Bay and Fernandez Bay are other beach areas that should not be missed. These beaches usually quiet and peaceful and are excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

 

There are fine examples of Bahaman cuisine available for diners on San Salvador, and among the delectable offerings, of course, seafood figures prominently. At The Riding Rock Resort and Marina, they serve tuna and wahoo almost right out of the ocean. At the 80-acre compound that makes up the Club Med Resort on San Salvador, reservations by non-guests can be made to enjoy luxurious buffet style lunches and dinners.

 

San Salvador Island is the perfect vacation destination for people who enjoy spending time with each other. Quiet and secluded, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist industries, this is an excellent place for families, newlyweds and second or third honeymoons. In short, if you’re looking for a beautiful place, away from the rapid pace of your daily life, where you can relax and enjoy the offerings and activities of the island without being too distracted from the most important thing of all – each other – then San Salvador Island is the perfect Bahamas travel destination for you.

Dining On Bahamas’ Paradise Island

Tuesday, September 26th, 2006

When it comes to opportunities to enjoy good food, Paradise Island of the Bahamas is aptly named. On this small island, the cuisines of the world are represented. There are a wide range of cuisine choices and dining settings.

 

Anthony’s Caribbean Grill, located at the Paradise Island Shopping Mall, serves Caribbean and American foods. While the Caribbean is – to be truthful – rather Americanized, the quality of the ingredients is high, and the food, whichever culinary genre it may properly or officially belong to, tastes good and is satisfying. Among the eatery’s offerings are pizzas with a plethora of available toppings, barbecued chicken and ribs, fried chicken, ribs with Caribbean-style barbecue sauce and a host of large sized salads that serve as meals. A broad range of mixed drinks is available. The hours are from 7:30am to 11pm, and it is open daily.

 

At The Water’s Edge, a nightly seafood buffet is served. The culinary influence is decidedly Mediterranean, and in addition to an abundance of seafood, there are many pasta dishes, including penne a l’arrabbiata. Pizzas of various types and styles are also a part of the buffet. The dining area itself is beautiful and works to set the tone of the meal. There are immense chandeliers and an artificially created miniature lagoon with three waterfalls adds an interesting touch. Reservations are strongly suggested for this establishment, found at the Atlantis. It is open daily, from 6pm to 10pm.

 

Mama Loo’s specializes in Asian cuisine, though there are a few dishes with a Caribbean touch. The décor of the restaurant, with its ceiling fans and potted palms, does add a sort of Far East mystique that is enjoyable. Szechwan, Cantonese, and Polynesian cuisines make up most of the menu, though there are a few Caribbean dishes as well. The specialties of the house are the stir-fried lobster, beef, and broccoli with ginger, the shrimp in spicy chili sauce with a peanut sauce, and the deep-fried chicken filets with honey-flavored garlic sauce. Reservations are strongly suggested for this restaurant, located in the Coral Tower of the Atlantis. Mama Loo’s is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm to 10pm.

 

The Cave, located at the Atlantis, offers simple fare that is delicious. Burgers, sandwiches, salads and ice cream draw a casual crowd, many right off the beach which is close by, and many families with children. The prices are reasonable and the hours are from 10am to 6pm every day. 

 

Villa D’Este serves what many consider to be the best Italian food on the Island. Located in the Coral Tower of the Atlantis, this restaurant serves a variety of traditional favorites that take their influence from the Tuscany region of Italy. Some of the more interesting dishes are whole roasted rack of lamb coated with red wine sauce and rosemary potatoes and pan-fried chicken breast with artichokes and mushrooms in a lemony white wine sauce. Reservations are essential and the hours are 6pm to 10pm, Thursday through Tuesday.

 

Paradise Island is indeed a heavenly experience for those with an adventurous and discerning type of culinary taste. There’s a lot to choose from, and certainly nobody will have to leave the island hungry.

Enjoy Great Golf In Jamaica

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006

A vacation destination for decades, Jamaica is home to a number of quality golf courses. The temperate climate is a welcome part of the golfing experience, as is the general atmosphere of the golf courses, with many being notable for their outstanding customer service focus and their beautifully kept grounds. It should be noted that while many of the golf courses are private, most of the more exclusive facilities do make day passes available for vacationers.

 

Half Moon Golf Club, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is known among tournament players throughout the world for its classic lines and challenging set up. Open and beautiful, one of the most challenging aspects of this golf course is the wind. Over 7,000 yards long, this course offers a good work out, in addition to a fine game.

 

Luxurious, enchanting, and uniquely challenging are apt descriptions of the White Witch Course, a recent addition to the famed Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The course is named for the infamous Annee Palmer who is said to haunt the area, and rumored to have indulged in illicit relationships with the slaves she held and treated brutally during the 1800’s to run her huge sugar plantation, and also said to have murdered three husbands before turning up strangled herself. 

 

This magnificent course was designed by Robert Von Hagge, Rick Baril and Mike Smelek, and has a slightly different style from the typical Caribbean golfing experience. While there are stunning ocean views to be had at 16 of the holes, they rest upon high ground, as the course wanders through strong hills and players are cooled by the unobstructed ocean breeze.

 

Three Palms Ocean Course, found at Wyndham Rose Hall, is renowned through Jamaica and well beyond the island for the amazing scenery that its 6798-yard course is built around. Golfers will play alongside of the family graveyard of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the ruins of an aqueduct from the 18th century. There will be ocean side holes, canyons, waterfalls and gorges. This is a truly beautiful and historic course, and can only be an unforgettable golfing experience.

 

The Tryall Golf Course, at the Tryall Club in Montego Bay hosts the Johnny Walker World Championship and is a favorite playing spot of golfers all over the world. The 6,772-yard course extends from flowering forest to cool seaside, and includes mountain and ocean views that are simply spectacular. Fascinating relics of history along the course include an 18th century water wheel. 

 

There are several other notable golf courses in Jamaica. These include the Manchester Club, one of the oldest facilities of its nature, which also makes available tennis and billiards, the rugged terrain of the Negril Hills Golf Club, which is known to be a challenging and exhilarating play. Breezes Golf and Beach Resort offers truly upscale play.

 

Whether you’re planning a vacation devoted to enjoying the very best courses that Jamaica has to offer or you are a casual golfer seeking fun greens for a day or two’s play, Jamaica is home to some of the finest golfing opportunities in the entire region.

Dining On Bahamas’ Long Island

Wednesday, September 20th, 2006

Dining in the Bahamas always offers the possibility of a grand culinary adventure. This is particularly true in Long Island, where the strong influence of local culture shapes the cuisines offered there.

 

The Forest offers Bahamian cuisine and American casual fare in a rustic, simple sort of atmosphere, just outside of Clarence Town. Among the culinary offerings are a variety of finger foods, such as hot and spicy chicken wings, potato skins, cracked conch, barbecued chicken, and grouper fingers. There is a bar and pool table, an invitation to linger. Live music and dancing are a part of every other weekend’s festivities. Credit cards are not accepted, so you should remember to come prepared to pay in cash.

 

Once the exclusive domain of the ultra-rich and famous, including such illustrious names as the Kennedy, DuPont and Kellogg, the Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort has a fine restaurant that serves a variety of well prepared dishes, clearly influenced by the local cuisine. The seafood is fresh and plentiful and the broiled lobster and conch salad are especially good.

 

Max’s Conch Grill and Bar is simply fabulous, a must visit for both the quality of the food and the atmosphere. It’s a fun place, drawing as many, if not more, locals as tourists. Open from 9am to 9pm every day of the week, staying open later is there’s a good flow and vibe in the bar. The conch salad is exceptional, as are the conch burgers, and the conch dumplings tasty.  Daily specials include baked ham or steamed pork. On site, there’s general store and a miniature golf course that is free to play.

 

Kooter’s offers simple food in a casual atmosphere, with daily specials that sometimes can be seafood, on other days, ribs. Conch burgers that are counted among the best of the island and club sandwiches, served with homemade French fries are popular favorites. They also serve ice cream. Most like to take their food and drink out on the deck, where there is a lovely view of Mangrove Bush Point. 

 

Earlies Tavern, aside from being a popular nightspot among the locals, also serves excellent quality, simple tavern style food.  The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, grouper, cracked conch, lobster and fish. Boxed lunches for picnic or just general take out orders are available upon request. This too, like many of the eating and drinking establishments, is a cash only operation. You’ll need to come prepared to pay cash.

 

At Chez Pierre Bahamas, at Millers Bay Beach, Chef Pierre does amazing things with his homegrown ingredients and fresh caught daily seafood. This small, ocean side restaurant is worth seeking out. The food is exquisite. 

 

Jeraldine’s Jerk Pit, serving tradition jerk foods and conch salad, and Mario’s Blue Chip, serving among many other satisfying dishes, grouper fingers and fresh crayfish, are both popular roadside stands on Queens Highway

 

The food on Long Island is clearly heavily influenced by local cultures and cuisine. It makes for a rich culinary exploration of the subtle qualities of Bahamian cuisine. Your meals here will be satisfying and memorable.

Eleuthera Island of the Bahamas

Sunday, September 17th, 2006

Eleuthera Island of the Bahamas could be said to be the first among many. While that phrase could certainly be used to describe its many watery charms, it is also a phrase to be used quite literally. For, Eleuthera was the very first of the many islands that make up the Bahamas to have a permanent settlement. Those early colonizers arrived in 1648, pursuing their vision of religious freedom, a concept held within the name they gave the island. Eleuthera is a Greek word meaning freedom.

 

Those who enjoy nature’s many wonders will have a lot to admire on and around Eluthera Island. There are caves, and underwater geological formations and reefs that attract divers and snorkelers from all over. The beaches are beautiful and the fishing is outstanding.

 

The caves draw many visitors. However, for safety’s sake, it is better to use a guide in the mile long Hatchet Bay Cave. In addition to a variety of other cave-dwelling wildlife, Hatchet Bay Cave is home to many bats. Preacher’s Cave, which is found on the northern part of the island, has a church-like size. Other geological sites of interest include Glass Window, which is a rock formation that frames a spectacular marine view.

 

The Current Cut is one of the more popular snorkeling sites, due to the reef area, which serves as a haven to a variety of marine life. The Devil’s backbone is another favorite reef area, shallow enough for easy exploration. Divers favor Ocean’s Hole, a diving site popularized by unique rock formations and other interesting sights.

 

The beaches of Eleuthera are simply superb, nature at its best and most natural. Pink Sands Beach is a favorite for diving and snorkeling, as well as wide open views of surf and sky. Gualding’s Cay is an isolated mile long beach with glistening white sand, surrounded by fragrant pines. The snorkeling is great, but its privacy lends a special enjoyment to swimming and sunbathing.

 

There are several resort communities on the island. These include Bannerman Town, which boasts an impressive view of Mt. Alvernia from its pristine beach. Rock Sound is the classic picture-postcard perfect seaside town, with well kept, richly hued cottages and homes, accented by very green gardens and very bright tropical flowers. 

 

The food is good on the island. Jack’s Outback serves Bahamian cuisine at its finest from a very clean little establishment. Prices are reasonable, and meals are served every day from 9am to 10pm. Sammy’s Place is a must experience eatery, as much for the local crowd it attracts as the excellent food it serves. Located in Rock Sound on Albury’s Lane, Sammy’s Place serves a variety of fare, some Bahamian food, some Creole influenced dishes, some just plain good eatin’ and is open daily, from 7:30am to 10pm.

 

As a vacation destination, Eleuthera Island is aptly named. This is a location in which visitors have the freedom to be at peace and the freedom to enjoy the perfect atmosphere for recreation and relaxation.

Dining On Bahamas’ Harbour Island

Friday, September 15th, 2006

Bahamas vacation destination Harbour Island offers a wide variety of cuisines and quality dining experiences. International, Bahamian, and American cuisines are readily available throughout the island.

 

Angela’s Starfish Restaurant offers both classic and unique native dishes, Bahamian cuisine and some American foods. The native dishes truly have that authentic quality, and many of the customers seen in eating in the restaurant are local people enjoying the classic favorites. Many of these are based on seafood of various types and cracked conch. The setting is simple, small tables on the lawn with folding chairs, and the food is delicious. Credit cards are not accepted, so you’ll need to remember to come prepared to pay cash. The restaurant is open every day, from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

 

The Landing is well known for its fine Australian and international cuisines, Located on Bay Street, the eatery is housed in a beautiful antique building that adds ambiance to an already excellent dining experience. Because fresh ingredients are preferred by the chef, the menu varied with what is in season. House specialties include capellini with lobster, and a very special dish that consists of lobster wrapped in banana leaves, braised romaine, chili, and lime juice. The Landing also serves an excellent pesto sauce, rich in flavor and a delight to the nose. This establishment is open on Sundays, from 8am to 2pm, and Thursday through Tuesday, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Reservations are strongly suggested to secure a table for dinner at this quality restaurant.

 

On Court Street, Bahamian and Mediterranean cuisines are presented in their finest forms at Restaurant Sip Sip. It is truly an amazing restaurant. The menu varies, according to the current interest of the proprietors Jim Black and Julie Lightbourne. The menu most often contains dishes based upon Bahamian, Italian, French, Thai, or Pacific Rim cuisines, though the degree to which the focus rests upon any one of these culinary traditions

changes periodically. Occasionally you’ll see eggplant dishes from Lebanon, Mexican inspired cuisine with tropical flavors, and a variety of other culinary inspirations and fusions. This restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays through Mondays, from 11:30am to 4pm. This is a place that definitely should not be missed.

 

Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is located on Colebrook Street in a small wooden house of orange and yellow. The tiny restaurant is very clean and the food is simple and hearty Bahamian fare, a favorite among locals. It is a family own and operated establishment that does a brisk business all day long. Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is open every day between the hours of 6:30am and #pm and from 5:30 to 10pm.

 

There are numerous little dining spots featuring a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant fine dining to the simple charms to be found in house converted to a restaurant serving dishes made from grandmother’s oldest recipes. Harbor Island is a place to indulge the taste buds, rather than to worry about a waist line. 

Dining In The Bahamas’ Abaco Islands

Tuesday, September 12th, 2006

One of the things that make a vacation destination special is the food, and dining in the BahamasAbaco Islands is sure to please. The islands offer a wide variety of cuisine in a multitude of settings, ranging from the luxuriously formal to beach side casual.

 

Abaco Inn, located just outside of Hope Town, specializes in Bahamian and American cuisines. The menu is variable, changing with what fresh ingredients are in season. In addition to seafood dishes and meat dishes, they also offer vegetarian selections, including an impressive pasta primavera. Diet plans should be postponed until the return home, because the desserts at this restaurant are fabulous. Offerings include key lime pie, coconut cream pie, chocolate silk pie and even a fine crème brulee. Open daily, the hours are from 8am to 10:30am, from 12pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 8pm. Reservations are essential for dinner.  

 

Mangoes Restaurant is located on Front Street in March Harbor. Bahamian and American foods are served in a tasteful atmosphere, to a crowd that includes local residents. The fish is excellent – fresh, then fabulous after it leaves the skilled hands of the chef.  Reservations are strongly suggested for this establishment, which is open daily. Hours are 7am to 3pm and 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

 

The Jib Room is a must do for those who like to eat where the locals do. It’s a relaxed place, where diners do not feel rushed out the door. The food is hearty Bahamian and American fare, with barbecue, steaks, baby back ribs and lobster being among the favored items. Found in the Marsh Harbor Marina, this restaurant and bar is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11am to 2:30pm and from 7pm to 11pm

 

Mother Merles Fishnet is a take-out joint beyond compare, serving among other dishes, fish and chicken cooked Bahamas style. This is a cash only enterprise, no credit cards accepted, so enter prepared. An island favorite, located in Dundas Town on the main drag – you won’t miss the cement house with the delicious smells wafting out into the air — this spot is open Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 10:30.

 

Wally’s is a different sort of dining experience, as the restaurant features not only the cuisine of the Bahamas, but also features international cuisine with a distinct French influence. The setting is lovely, though pretty might be a better word. This Marsh Harbor eatery serves a variety of foods and the cooks have a fine hand with their spices and fresh herbs. In addition to delicately flavored seafood dishes, there is filet mignon, tarragon chicken and lamb chops prepared just right. Entrees are served with house salads and vegetables. Reservations should be made for dinner. Wally’s is open Monday through Saturday, from 11:30am to 3pm and on Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant is also open for dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

 

Dining in the Abaco Islands is a pleasant culinary adventure and a social delight. The excellent and varied cuisines are the perfect complement to an Acabo Islands Bahamas vacation.

Dining In Bahamas’ Exuma Islands

Saturday, September 9th, 2006

The peaceful, beautiful atmosphere of the Exuma Islands is the perfect place to enjoy a good meal. Fortunately, there are a number of dining options that will provide that – a good meal – and better. The food is excellent on the islands.

 

Club Peace and Plenty serves fine quality Continental, Bahamian, and American fare on Queens Highway. This restaurant prides itself on using the finest ingredients possible to carefully create classic dishes that are authentic and original dishes that are creative. Among the appetizers are conch salad, a salad made from the heart of an artichoke, and another featuring hearts of palm. Some of the lunchtime favorites are homemade soups, conch burgers, chef’s salad, and deep-fried grouper. Popular dinner entrees include Bahamian steamed grouper, simmered with onions, sweet pepper, tomatoes, and thyme and a roasted herb-flavored Cornish game, and, of course, fresh seafood dishes. At breakfast time, the full range of traditional favorites is usually available, including the traditional Bahamian breakfast of boiled fish and grits. Reservations are essential for dinner and the hours are from 7:30am to midnight, every day.

 

Sam’s Place is another special dining establishment. Located on the second floor, this restaurant and bar enjoys a clear, beautiful view of the capital city’s harbor. The atmosphere is a truly tropical type of laid-back cool. The food is excellent, and offerings range from morning breakfast foods to delicious curry chicken to roast lamb to pan fried grouper. The dinner menu changes daily, but diners can always be assured that something tempting will be there. Sam’s Place is open daily from 8am to 9pm and is right on Main Street.

 

Coconut Cove serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, in addition to some Bahamian dishes, from its location in the Coconut Cove Hotel in George Town. The appetizer list includes such things as seafood salads, linguini marinara, onion soup, jalapeño peppers, breaded mozzarella sticks, and breaded calamari with oregano and parsley sauce. The dinner menu rests heavily upon seafood, with some of the more remarkable dishes being prepared with stone crabs or crayfish. Steaks and pizzas are also served. The prices are definitely fair at the Coconut Cove, and the days and hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, from 6pm to 9pm. Reservations are necessary to ensure a table.

 

Fisherman’s Inn is yet another unique dining experience on this island. Hidden far away in the countryside, this restaurant is about an hours drive from the capital. Reservations are essential, as that’s a long way to travel without being sure that there will be anything left to serve you and the hours of operation tend to be a bit unpredictable. The menu is made up of hearty traditional and authentic local fare and the food is absolutely excellent, well worth the drive. Credit cards are not accepted, so it is important to remember to bring cash. In the most general sense, the restaurant is open every day from 7am to midnight.

 

There are some very special eating establishments in this part of the Bahamas. If at all possible, you should try to visit each one mentioned above. Those will be culinary experiences that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

Choose The Best Beach In Jamaica For You

Wednesday, September 6th, 2006

People, obviously, have different needs and different styles. What constitutes a great beach for one person may not be all that enjoyable for another. What makes Jamaica a great travel destination is that, as an island nation, there are a variety of beaches to choose from. Knowing what you want and where to find it will help you to make the very most of that precious vacation time.

 

There are the classic Caribbean beaches that feature the traditional joys of pristine white sand and blue, blue waters. But, there are also the craggy, undeveloped beaches that are perfectly suited for those hoping to avoid crowds or for those who best enjoy nature in its natural state. There are beaches known for the gentle waters that are perfect for families with children visiting Jamaica and still others with rougher waters and currents that attract surfers. There are beaches known for their active social scene and others that are serene and quiet.

 

In Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one fine example of the classic Caribbean vacation beach. Five miles of fine, white sand beach that borders clear, cool waters attract visitors to Jamaica from all over. Because of its broad popularity, it is likely to be frequently crowded. Cornwall Beach is another lovely, white sand beach found in Montego Bay.

 

In Negril, some of the most wild, untouched areas by the sea can be found. Craggy cliffs, amazing beauty, solitude – all of these are what bring naturalists to these shore areas in Jamaica. Crane Beach, by Black River, is a beach that has not been overdeveloped and is notable for the naturalness of its environment.

 

For families, especially with young children, there are several beaches in Jamaica known for their gentle waters that lack the strong currents and undertows found in other areas, making swimming safer for young or inexperienced swimmers. Among the best of these are the Walter Fletcher Beach in Montego Bay, San San Beach in Port Antonio, Blue Lagoon Beach, which is also in Port Antonio, and Dunn’s River Beach, located in Ocho Rios, fairly close to the famous waterfalls of the same name.

 

Surfers love Boston Beach, where surfing equipment is easy to rent. The beaches of Long Bay are said to offer the most consistent waves in Jamaica, and on the southwest coast, Treasure Beach can offer adventure to the surfer. Swimmers should take care, though, as the undercurrent can be strong.

 

Those in search of beaches that combine the joys of sun, sand and surf with an active social scene or party scene will certainly enjoy Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio. Another favorite spot is Seven Mile Beach in Negril.

 

Jamaica is a lovely island nation with approximately 200 miles of beaches. There are beaches to suit most every taste, ranging from family beaches to nude sun bathing beaches, from peaceful and natural surroundings to the pristine white sands and full services of the resorts, from beaches perfect for active water sports beaches to known for their active social scene. A little planning will help you to choose the best beach in Jamaica for you.

Bimini In The Bahamas

Saturday, September 2nd, 2006

Bimini, one of the several islands of the Bahamas, is a wonderful place to vacation. Many sights of natural beauty await the tourist, as well as a few interesting landmarks, beautiful beaches, and exhilarating outdoors activities. And all of that is made that much more pleasant by a welcoming climate and a laid-back atmosphere conducive to real rest and relaxation after the day’s adventures are done.

 

An unexpected pleasure, Compleat Angler Hotel in Alice Town Bimini, houses a variety of artifacts that belonged to none other than the famous American writer, Ernest Hemingway, who spent two years there, from 1935 to 1937. These items include manuscripts, letters and photos.

 

The Bimini Museum, on Kings Highway, is housed in a two-floor house that was built in the 1920’s. The exhibits are primarily composed of a hodge-podge of souvenirs left behind by famous people that have spent time on the island. Items that once belonged to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ernest Hemingway are among those on display. Other exhibits are made up of various historical items from the island. The museum is open Monday through Saturday and charges an admittance fee of $2 for adults. Children are admitted free of charge.  

 

Marine life and activities are a big part of the Bimini experience. Among the most popular are the dolphin interaction experiences. There are a variety of tour packages available to tourists, allowing for different water skill levels and creature interaction comfort zones.

 

Scuba divers and snorkelers will have plenty to explore in Bimini. There are numerous underwater geological formations and coral reefs, ripe with a broad variety of marine life. Among the favorite sites are Bimini Wall, Bimini Road, Tuna Alley and the Stones of Atlantis.

 

Fishing boats can be chartered at the Bimini Blue Water Marina. Another fine place for those interested in fishing and boating trips is the Bimini Big Game Resort and Marina. Keefe’s Bimini Under the Sea offers many diving and snorkeling packages, as well as a wild dolphin adventure package. They’ve also recently started a bed and breakfast program. 

 

A fine meal can be had at the Red Lion Pub on Kings Highway in Alice Town. The cuisine is primarily Bahaman, and well prepared seafood a main feature of the menu. House desserts include a delicious key lime pie and banana cream pie. The dining room has a nice view of the marina, and the atmosphere is comfortably casual. Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday, from 6pm to 10pm.

 

Interesting handcrafts can be purchased at the Bimini Straw Market. Usually around 20 vendors present, and the goods range from handmade jewelry to fresh baked bread. Pritchard’s Grocery is another favorite for quality local breads, as well as a variety of other needs. At the Gateway Gallery, in Alice Town, a variety of locally created crafts, fine arts, sculptures and music are available.  

 

Bimini is a peaceful hideaway from the world, which is perhaps why it has attracted so many public figures to its shores. It’s slow pace and focus on natural pleasures make it an ideal place to engage in true rest and recreation.