travel.adambryner.com

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort’s Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.

Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

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.

There is a reason that the Bahamas have long been a favored vacation destination. There is just so much to do and so much to see, that no vacation ever seems long enough. To take it all in, you have to return again and again. While, of course, there are many wonderful beaches to on which to enjoy the classic attractions of sun, surf and sand, the Bahamas has much more than that to offer tourists. New Providence Island in the Bahamas is home to interesting zoos and aquariums that are favorites among tourists, especially those traveling with children.

Ardastra Gardens and Zoo is located at Columbus Avenue and Chippingham Road in Nassau, on New Providence Island in the Bahamas. This is a remarkable place, with 335 animals and an incredible variety of lush, tropical plants pack into a space that covers about two acres of land. It is open every day, from 9am to 4:30pm, which is a good thing, as it will take the whole day to fully explore all that it has to offer. There is an admission fee of $12 for people aged 13 years and older, with a fee of $6 for children 12 years old and younger.

There are many fascinating animals to be seen, including quite a number of exotic creatures. There are tame boa constrictors, iguanas, many varieties of monkeys, including some from such far away places as Madagascar, a sloth, a margay, which is a rare wild cat found in Central America, and many more unusual animals. The species of birds found in this zoo include peacocks, the Pintail Bahama Duck, several species of parrots and conures, parakeets, pheasants, cockatoos, and an amazing flock of brilliantly pink performing Caribbean Flamingos.

For several decades, the zoo has featured performing flamingos. Watching the 38 graceful flamingos in synchronized marching drills is just amazing. They perform three times a day, at 10:30am, 2:10pm, and 4:10pm.

In addition to this collection of wildlife, drawn seemingly from every nook and cranny on the globe, there is a wide variety of plant life. There are paths featuring plaques that name the various types of plants. Among the plants to be seen are tropical vines, numerous species of shrubs, a wide range of trees, including varieties of mangos, bananas, sapodillas, breadfruit and cherries, sea grape, mahogany, crotons, frangipani, and cabbage palm, as well as many types of flowers.

There are many other sights to see. The aquariums and marine life collections are some of the best and most varied in the world. Waterscape is said to be the largest outdoor aquarium in the world. It has 40 waterfalls, 6 separate lagoons full of marine life, and innovative underwater walkways that allow visitors a marvelous view of the fish and other water creatures. At Predator Lagoon, marine predators, such as the black nosed shark, are carefully bred and protected.

New Providence Island of the Bahamas features a wide variety of wildlife in its zoos and aquariums. The plant life is delightful to experience and creates a wonderful environment for the animal life. These are special places, each unique and completely worth the time spent.

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, jalape o 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.

A vacation destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, the Bahamas offers a great deal more than the obvious pleasures associated with its pristine white sand beaches that border glistening, beautiful ocean waters underneath a wide open sky. The Bahamas also offer a wide variety of cultural pursuits. New Providence Island boasts numerous museums, housing a wide variety of exhibits, sure to stimulate the mind and imagination of all who visit.

The Pirates of Nassau Museum, located at Marlborough and George Streets in Nassau on New Providence Island of the Bahamas, offers a fascinating combination of history and entertainment. Open Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 6pm, and Sundays from 9am until noon, this museum charges an admission fee of $12 for adults, and $6 for children ages 3 to 18. With each paid adult admission, however, one child under 12 enters for free, as do children under 3. Beautiful, high tech displays that operate with motion detectors offer exciting insight into the pirate life that is a real part of the history of the area. Six million dollars was spent in the museum’s creation, and the result is fun, educational and simply remarkable. A perfect family outing, children really have a great time here.

The Pompey Museum of Slavery And Emancipation, found at Bay and George Streets at the Vendue House, is another wonderful place to visit. The museum site was once a place where slave auctions were held, and inside there are many historical exhibits from the era featuring artifacts and documents. On the second floor of the museum, there are art exhibits, with the work of the Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson holding a position of prominence. Open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm, and for shortened hours every other Saturday, this museum charges a nominal fee of only $1 for people 12 years of age and older. Those under that age are charged a mere 50 cents. A great bargain and an even better collection of art and artifacts.

The Nassau Public Library and Museum, located on Shirley Street, offers a fascinating look back into the history of the Bahamas and New Providence Island. The building itself has historical merit. It was built in the last years of the 18th century and served then as a jail and workhouse, making it the island’s second prison. Towards the end of the 19th century, the building became the island’s first library. The hours are from 10am to 8pm on Monday through Thursday. On Friday, the hours are from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday, the hours are from 10am to 4pm.

There are several more museums scattered throughout New Providence Island. Among the most interesting are the Junkanoo Expo, which displays costumes and floats from the yearly parade by the same name, the Atlantis Museum, which is devoted to natural history, and the Roselawn Museum, which contains a variety of artifacts, often gleaned from the sea, such as chunks of shipwrecked ships.

New Providence Island of the Bahamas is just full of pleasant surprises. One of the most interesting of these surprises is the degree to which the rich the history of this island is revered and preserved. It creates a well-rounded vacation experience by offering something out of the ordinary.

The tropical climate, cooled by ocean breezes, of Jamaica assures the growth of many fragrant and beautiful flowers. Jamaica is full of gardens, open to the public, in which to relax and smell the flowers, watch the birds flitting here and there, and enjoy the surrounding views of open sky and lush, tropical vegetation. There are also professional flower nurseries that can be toured, as Jamaica exports a large number of flowers.

Cranbrook Flower Forest is a wonderful example of what Jamaica has to offer those who choose to take the time to smell the flowers while on their Jamaican holiday. It is found at Llandovery, which is near Saint Anne’s Bay and located on what was once, during the colonial area, a water mill. It is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and does charge an admission fee, which includes a guided tour conducted by its knowledgeable staff. The fee is $6 for those 12 years of age and older and $3 for those under 12.

It is a professional nursery, growing an incredible variety of flowers on 130 acres. Many of these flowers are exported to the United States. There are greenhouses to be toured, with orchids and anthuriums, as well as beautiful outside gardens for wandering and relaxing. In addition to the gardens, there are numerous other sights to be seen, including waterfalls, natural rain forest growth, fountains and peaceful bodies of water. There are trails that can be explored, and for those who’d like to do so by horseback, the charge is $30 for a 2-hour excursion.

In the hills of Saint Andrew, Jamaica, visitors can enjoy a unique botanical experience at the Cinchona Botanical Gardens. This place is of historical relevance as well, as it has been in operation since 1868. In addition to a wide diversity of plant life, its altitude - which starts at 4,500 feet and extends to about 5,500 feet above sea level - offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Castleton Gardens is another remarkable, historic botanical garden site in Jamaica. It has been serving as a botanical garden site since 1862, and many of the plants species that were brought to the island, such as the tangerine, navel orange and Bombay Mango, were tried out first in this site to see if they would be able to survive in and adapt to the local climate. In addition to many, and often unusual, species of plants able to be seen at this 30-acre site, visitors will also see a wide variety of birds and other creatures. There are plenty of places for relaxing and swimming is also available.

Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo offers both beautiful floral and tropical plants, as well as a small zoo. Located in Saint Andrew parish, on Old hope Road, these gardens were once a part of the Hope Estate. In 1881, a segment was bought by the Jamaican government to serve as an experimental garden, to try out new varieties of export crops, particularly new strains of sugar cane and coffee. Today, it is an attractive and quiet place, wonderful for spending a relaxing afternoon.

The gardens Jamaica are a spectacular visual experience. They are also, however, an important part of the history of Jamaica. A trip to Jamaica should definitely include some time among the flowers.

Good food is an essential ingredient in the making of a truly great vacation, and with the broad array of quality eateries for you to choose from on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, you’ll be sure to make your vacation a memorable culinary experience.

The Bahamian Kitchen, in Nassau, right next to the Trinity Church on Trinity Place, offers authentic Bahamian cuisine. It is the place to go if you’re interested in experiencing ‘real’ Bahamian food. Specialties include such dishes as stewed fish, curried chicken, fried red snapper, okra soup, corned beef and grits, pea soup with dumplings, all served with the traditional johnnycake. Food is also available for take-out. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 10pm.

For luxury dining at its Bahama best, Chez Willie is the place to be. At these coveted tables - and reservations are definitely required - fine French and Bahamian cuisine are served. The seafood is divine, prepared careful and delicately seasoned with fresh herbs. Other superb dishes include lobster thermidor, beef Wellington, and grouper in puff pastry with crabmeat, served with a coconut cream sauce. This establishment strives for and easily achieves elegance. It is suggested that gentlemen dress for the occasion, jackets are considered a must at this West Bay Street restaurant. One of the best dining places in Nassau, the hours are from 6:30pm to 10pm daily.

Excellent North Indian cuisine is available at Gaylord’s on Dowdeswell Street at Bay Street, in Nassau. Offering a full array of traditional Indian favorites, including Punjabi dishes, tandoori dishes, kormas, and - of course-curries, as well as fine vegetarian options, this restaurant will satisfy Indian food lovers and convert the uninitiated. Open Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm and every day from 6:30pm to 11pm.

The Double Dragon Restaurant, located on Mackey Street in Nassau, presents Cantonese and Szechwan cuisines at reasonable prices. The best dishes are those of seafood, and the orange flavored shrimp are a local favorite. The hours are 12pm to 10pm on Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are from 4pm to 11pm and on Sundays, the hours are from 5pm to 10pm.

The Europe, located in the Ocean Spray Hotel on South Bay Street in Nassau, serves surprisingly good German food, and also has a variety of international selections. A host of traditional German foods, of excellent quality and reasonable price, are made available. Among these are pepper steak cognac, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and Wiener schnitzel. And, of course, the dessert menu includes a fabulous, classic German chocolate cake. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11pm, this is definitely a culinary experience to try.

Capriccio offers fine Italian and international cuisine, at West bay Street, in Nassau. They serve an excellent pesto sauce, fragrant and rich, over perfect pasta. Other entrees include a delicious chicken breast creation, served with a sage and wine sauce and an array of fresh seafood. Reservations are strongly suggested, the eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 5pm to 10pm.

New Providence Island is a place where you can experience the cuisines of the world under a big Bahamian sky. Dining on this island is a true culinary adventure.

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.

The Bahamas are a wonderful place for cave exploration. The caves found on Grand Bahama Island offer a variety of caving experiences, ranging from those that are suitable only for very experienced divers and spelunkers to those that are readily accessible to explorers of all skill levels. Each and every cave has its own special beauty and is worth visiting, especially for those with a special interest in geology.

Lucayan Nation Park is home to a vast network of underwater caves and caverns. It is, as of yet, not completely mapped, but many experts believe that this geological marvel could well be the largest network of its type, not only in the Bahamas, but also in the world. Of the caves and caverns that have been mapped, there are a few tourist favorites that stand out from the rest. Though, it should be noted that dedicated spelunkers and divers may well find the less traveled caves and caverns to have many characteristics and qualities that place them above those that the tourists have made well known.

In the park’s Burial Mound Cave, remains of the island’s original inhabitants, the Lucayas, were found. Scuba divers are able to view stalagmites and stalactites, in addition to many eye-catching rack formations. Ben’s Cave is the only cave where diving is still permitted, and is only open to experience and well trained divers. The Mermaid’s is a popular underwater cavern suitable for exploration by skilled scuba divers. It is definitely not a place for beginners.

The difference between a cave and cavern is that in a cavern, you can still see light and you can usually see the exit. Caves are deep and dark, extending often far beyond the entrance point and underwater cave exploration requires advanced diving skill. Zodiac Caverns can be explored by chartering a boat to bring you to their entrance.

One of the most well known cave and cavern tour providers is the Blue Holes Foundation. Stephanie Schwabe, one of the few female cave divers in the world, formed this non-profit organization, with her husband, the famous cave diver Rob Palmer, who passed away not too long ago, for the purpose of mapping and exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. The foundation offers a variety of tours to parties of up to ten people.

Safety is one of the most important concerns when exploring underwater caves and caverns. It is essential to make sure that you use quality equipment in good working order, and you’ll need to be experienced enough to be able to determine this for yourself. It is important not to overestimate your abilities and to stick to adventures and explorations that are within your skill level and comfort zone. Choose reliable and knowledgeable guides, using in-depth research to choose tour providers that are reputable and have a good safety record.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, you’ll be sure to have a positive and amazing experience exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. You’ll see rare and unusual marine life and geological formations. Cave and cavern exploration in this region is sure to be an unforgettable journey.