Ten Foot Square Caribbean

Shopping is another activity that is almost always present during any vacation. It may be hunting for the perfect memento that will remind you of one of the best times in your life. It may be a leisurely walk along the shopping district just to see if there is anything worth buying. Whatever your purpose may be, Bermuda has a lot to offer in terms of shopping. However, if you are looking for bargain prices and discount shopping, then you will be very disappointed.

Shopping in Bermuda is more about quality and not really about discounts and bargains. You will find a lot of good things to buy here, but at a price. Still, many of their imported goods are quite cheaper than if bought in the US, due to lower tariffs. Here are some of the things that you should look for when you go shopping in Bermuda.

Clothes
Clothing traditionally associated with the UK and Ireland abounds in Bermuda, due to their “colony-like” status with Great Britain. Shetland and cashmere sweaters, Harris tweed jackets, Scottish woolen goods and tartan kilts are generally at a lower price than in the UK and Ireland. The best shops are found in Front Street in Hamilton.

China, Silverware, Porcelain, etc.
These do not come cheap but when compared to the US, they are great buys! What many visitors do is stock up on table ware, silverware, crystal, and even jewelry. You can arrange them to be shipped to you for an additional fee.

Liquor
It is said that buying liquor is the best thing that you can do in Bermuda, if only because it offers the largest savings. Of course, you would have to remember that you can only bring in 1 Liter of liquor duty free. However, liquor is so much cheaper in Bermuda than in the US that even if you add taxes, it will still be well worth your while.

Antiques
Perhaps one of the best things that you can take back home with you. Of course, antiques do not come cheaply. Bermuda also abounds with all sorts of collectibles that do not really have a practical use but is a joy to own. You can get your hands on anything from furniture to engravings and nautical trinkets.

Tobacco
Cigar lovers will find Bermuda the perfect place to smoke that Cuban cigar without any censure. Illegal in the US, you can buy as many of these cigars as you want to in Bermuda but you have to smoke them there as well. If you want to bring something home with you, the cigar shops have other tobacco-related products and trinkets that you can purchase as well.

Bermudiana
This is the term used to refer to products produced in Bermuda or products made specially for local stores. Bermudiana covers almost any product – from watches to engravings to jewelry. Other decorative things made of wood, ceramic, or pewter are quite popular souvenirs. Of course, you can’t leave without getting at least a pair of Bermuda shorts!

Bermuda is well known for is reserve and unfortunately, this reserve extends to a certain degree to sexual orientation. Until a few years ago, Bermuda was not really welcoming to gays. The truth is, even today, it can be said that Bermuda is not the best place if you are looking for some gay action.

There are many gays who live and visit Bermuda. Yet open displays of affection between same sex couples will definitely be frowned upon whether you are at the beach, hotel, restaurant, or bar. Still, not all is lost to gay travelers. As lobbyists continue their efforts for equality for gays, more and more acceptance is being gained.

Though you won’t be refused outright at hotels for being gay, there are some hotels which are more “gay-friendly” than others. Small hotels include: Pompano Beach, The Reefs, and Harmony Club. If you prefer larger hotels, then try Grotto Bay, Elbow Beach, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, and the Fairmont Southampton. As for cottage colonies, some of the best to stay in would be Astwood Cove, Munro Beach, Four Ways Inn, and Ariel Sands. A good guest house to stay in would be Aunt Nea’s Inn.

The nightlife in Bermuda can be as good as in other bigger cities of the world. However, as already mentioned before, you may encounter some disapproval in certain locations. A polite and reserved people, Bermudians wouldn’t probably be outrightly rude towards a gay couple. Yet of course, you want to enjoy your stay as much as possible right? So here are some “gay-friendly” hang out spots which you can visit during your stay.

If you want to relax over a cup of coffee try the Rock Island Coffee Café at 48 Reid Street in Hamilton. They are open everyday except Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm. For a night of fun in town, visit Casey’s Lounge at 25 Queen Street in Hamilton. Wednesday and Friday nights are the best time to go there. Alternatively, you can go to Square One, located behind the Tuscany Restaurant in Hamilton. You have the choice of dining inside or outside as you sip luscious cocktails and take in the ambience.

If something classier is what you are looking for, Little Venice is the place for you. With a fully stocked wine bar, you can choose from the very best wines around the world. Look for this taste of Italy at 32 Bermudian Road in Hamilton. Open from 12 noon onwards Monday to Friday and 6:30 pm onwards on Saturdays.

Visit the newest and hottest club in Hamilton – Splash. You can find Splash on the Bermudian Road right next to Portofino Restaurant. Listen and dance to the latest hits from the US and the UK as well as local music. The bet DJs are to be found here so if this is your kind of gig, you shouldn’t miss out on Splash. They are open until the wee hours of the morning – 3 am. If you dine at the Portofino restaurant, your entrance to Splash will be complimentary.

Getting around in a strange place is always one of the main factors that tourists have to consider. There has to be a balance between convenience, cost, and authenticity. Of course you would want to experience the local culture as much as possible but you also have to consider the cost of getting around. Luckily, transportation in Bermuda is not really much of a problem. You have many modes of transport to choose from, each one easy on the pocket and convenient as well. Here are some tips to help you get on your way.

People in Bermuda drive on the left side of the road. As such, be careful as you walk the streets or go about on any mode of transportation. If you come from the US or any other country where driving on the right side of the road is the mode, then you would have to adjust your mindset for the duration of your stay.

Car rentals which allow you to drive your own car do not exist. However, there are other options available to you.

Mopeds are the most popular way to get around Bermuda. You can hire them for a day or more. Alternatively, you can rent one for half a day or for the whole duration of your stay. You do not need a driver’s license to rent one but you have to be at least 16 years old to do so. The cost of renting a moped depends on the style and type of the scooter. You would also need to give a deposit in order to rent one. Furthermore, a helmet is required when riding a scooter. The speed limit is 35 kms or 20 miles per hour. Gas stations are open from 7am to 7pm every day although there are a handful that are open until 11pm.

Taxis will get you around quickly without having the hassle of driving. All the taxis are metered and most of the drivers are honest and not out to scam tourists as they are closely monitored by the authorities. You can also hire a taxi for a day’s tour if you wish to do so. The rates are the same for all taxis although you would have to pay more if you hire one after 10 pm.

Buses
Their buses are colored pink and blue and bus stops are indicated by pole striped with the same colors. The bus system is very efficient and highly maintained. You can pay with either tokens, tickets, or coins. You have to have exact change, however. Alternatively, you can purchase Transportation Passes if you will be taking the bus a lot. You can purchase passes for 3 or 7 days.

Horses and Carriages
Though not used for day to day travel, horse drawn carriages are one of the best ways to go on a tour around Bermuda. You can rent a one-horse rig or a two-horse rig at prices mandated by the law. As such, you have no fear of being scammed of your money. During the day, riding around in a carriage is a great way to leisurely discover the many sights that Bermuda has to offer. Your driver will even serve as your guide, telling you stories about places you pass by. At night, riding a carriage would be one of the most romantic things that you can do.

Visiting another place always involves learning and experiencing the local culture and customs. That is why many people choose to go on vacations when there are festivals being held. Bermuda has its share of various festivals to suit a wide variety of tastes. Held in different months of the year, these festivals are sure to add some spice into your vacation. Here are some of the most interesting festivals in Bermuda.

The Bermuda Festival
The foremost festival held in Bermuda will fill your senses up to the brim with a wide variety of shows. Usually held sometime in January and extending to February, the events are well-spaced so that the visitor does not have to dash from one place to another. Indeed, the Bermuda Festival has been described many times as a way to leisurely enjoy what Bermuda has to offer. From music to jazz performances to dance and theater, as well as circus performances, you can get all of these during The Bermuda Festival.

Bermuda International Film Festival
Film lovers, this is something you shouldn’t miss! Though it was only started in 1997, the Bermuda International Film Festival has gained repute all over the world as one of the best small film festivals. Treat yourself to feature-length narratives, documentaries, and short films made by emerging filmmakers as well as veterans in the filmmaking industry. Held every spring, this film festival has indeed become so popular that last year’s guests included Michael Douglas and Willem Dafoe!

Bermuda Music Festival
If music is what drives your soul, then you really should go in October, when the Bermuda Music Festival is held. Enjoy performances by some of the best international and Bermudian musicians for several nights in a row. Last year, some of the distinguished performers included Gladys Knight and Maze. Events are held in a variety of places around Bermuda. Tickets are quite affordable, ranging from $50 to $300, depending on the nature of your pass.

Bermuda International Race Weekend
Sports buffs should visit during January as this is when the three-day festival is held. The Race Weekend starts on a Friday with a series of road miles. The next day a 10 km run is held. The finale is held on a Sunday with a marathon and a half marathon. Running these races have never been more pleasurable as you go through Bermuda’s courses overlooking grandiose views of the coast. A fine blend of physical activity and nature, that’s what the International Race Weekend is all about.

Bermuda Culinary Arts Festival
Food, food, food, and more food! All this and more awaits you at the Bermuda Culinary Arts Festival, held in October. The best chefs from Bermuda and around the world come together to put on one of the best culinary events. Sample a wide variety of cuisines from Bermuda and other countries. Enjoy cooking showdowns and watch experts whip up their concoctions. You can also sign up for classes to enhance your culinary skills. Treat your taste buds to some of the best wines available. You will certainly walk away from this festivals with a full tummy and a satisfied soul.

Bermuda is steeped in history almost everywhere you go. If you are the type who wishes to take a huge leap back in time, there is no better place to go than Bermuda. Spend your days walking around and feasting your eyes on these masterpieces of another age and time. Here are some of the best historical spots to visit while on a Bermudian vacation.

Crystal Caves
Go back to the Pleistocene Ice Age as you explore the many wonders of the limestone caves in Bermuda. As a matter of fact, if this is your type of adventure, you couldn’t have chosen a better place to go as Bermuda has one of the highest concentrations of limestone caves in the whole world. You can choose to walk in these underground caverns and marvel at nature’s powers or you can take it one step further by going spelunking. You can even hire a tour guide to help you throughout your adventure.

Fort St. Catherine
Located at 15 Coot Pond Road, this historic fort is open to visitors daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It was named after the patron saint of carpenters and wheelwrights. According to history, Fort St. Catherine is located on a cliff just above the beach where Sea Venture wrecked in 1609. Five years after that fateful event, the fort was built. It has been added onto and modified over the years, the last of which was done in between 1865 and 1878. There are various exhibits on display within the fort, which will give you a sense of Bermuda’s rich history.

Gates Fort
Named after Sir Thomas Gates, who was one of the original settlers who came on the Sea Venture, this old watch tower is now partially ruined. There is really nothing to see inside the two-story edifice. However, the rich history that surrounds Gates Fort is palpable even as you gaze upon it from the outside.

African Diaspora Heritage Trail
This was recently launched to commemorate the historic role of African slaves in Bermuda’s history. It is basically a self-guided tour which you can take. To help you on your way, you can avail of free brochures from the tourist offices. The brochure will point you to the different sites which hold a special place in this part of Bermuda’s history.

St. George
Well known to history buffs, this town’s history is closely linked with that of the American Civil War. It is so full of historical nuances that you might just feel as if you had taken a step back in time. Roads and lanes have names peculiar to that era – Petticoat Lane and Barber’s Lane are but some examples. When visiting St. George, the idea is to soak in the town’s atmosphere as a whole. There is no need to worry if you have no time to enter each and every building in town. Just make sure you do pay this town a visit. It is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!