This Caribbean staple is drawing a surge of new interest.
by Luisa Esquiroz Arellano
The Bahamas is seeing a new surge in tourism thanks to an advertising
campaign that is reaching out to new markets.
"Our media advertising campaign has attracted a diversity of markets with
the U.S. being our main market and more coming in form Canada, says Obie
Witchcombe, minister of tourism for the Bahamas. "We are now planning new
airlift coming from Chicago".
Approaching the 40th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain,
the Bahamas harbors new and traditional hotels along with an attractive mix of
historical and modern attractions for visitors, whether they are vacationers on
a quick getaway or cruise passengers visiting for the day.
Deep-rooted traditions add an interesting dimension to this island nation,
which is a winter home to millionaires and movie stars such as Sir Sidney
Portier, a native son, who was recently honored when the causeway connecting New
Providence and Paradise Island was renamed Sir Sidney Causeway.
Bahamian beaches of pure white sand and a translucent ocean have been a
constant attraction since British colonists set foot on Nassau in the late
1600s. New providence Island and Paradise Island, which was named after William,
prince of Orange-Nassau and then successor to the throne of England.
The island's protected harbors also attracted a large number of pirates in
the 18th century. The Pirates of Nassau and Museum bears witness to this era. It
is located in the Lofthouse building on Marlborough Street and showcases
wonderful interactive about this era when pirates and buccaneers dominated the
Bahamian seas.
Today, however, luxury cruise ships roam these waters, where Prince George
Wharf can harbor up to a dozen ships on any given day with thousands of
passengers coming ashore to tour the island or just shop. Festival Place, a
colorful marketplace built in the style of a Bahamian village, is right on the
wharf. Spices, ceramics, arts and crafts are available here and at the famous
Straw Market on Bay Street, home to about 400 vendors in one large building. In
contrast, several exclusive boutiques, also on Bay Street, sell high-fashion
articles such as shoes, bags, clothes and jewelry for free-spending
clients.
Just a short walk from the Straw Market, Parliament Square features a
life-size statue of Queen Victoria, surrounded by a small garden.
Pastel-colored, colonial-style government buildings with white columns line the
square, which is the stage for colorful ceremonies.
Nearby, several historical landmarks from Nassau's colorful past beckon the
visitor. The elegant 20-room Graycliff Hotel stands out. First built in 1740 by
a pirate as a vantage point from which to watch ships sail into the harbor, the
former resident is now an exquisite boutique hotel whose grounds also house a
chocolate and cigar factory. Totally renovated by owner Paolo Garzoli, the AAA
Four-Diamond Graycliff Hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places. The 20-room hotel's wine cellar contains 250,000 bottles from vineyards
in 15 countries, including one of the largest collections of rare Cognacs,
Armagnacs and --Ports in the world. Two pools on the grounds are among the many
modern comforts offered at the hotel (855-472-9254 and www.gracliff.com).
Right next to the Graycliff, Government House has been the official
residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas since 1901. This lovely
residence was home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor during World War ll, when
German submarines roamed the Caribbean. The Changing of the Guard ceremony can
be seen every Saturday at 10 a.m.
A vantage point from which to watch for enemy ships was no doubt Fort
Fincastle, at 200 feet above sea level, the highest point of the island. A
126-foot water tower (featuring an elevator) offer panoramic view of Nassau and
its harbor.
Other historic fortifications near Parliament Square include Fort Montagu
and Fort Charlotte. Fort Montagu, the oldest of the island's three forts, was
built in 1741 as a stronghold against Spanish invaders. A public beach stretches
beyond the limestone fort, which overlooks Montagu Bay, where several
international yacht regattas and Bahamian workboat races are held during the
year.
Named after the wife of King George lll, Fort Charlotte dates to 1787. The
complex-includes Fort Stanley and Fort D'Arcy, a guardhouse, a dry moat,
underground chambers and powder magazines carved out of the bedrock
The Nassau Public Library Museum building dates back to the 1790s when it
was built as a jail house in the form of an octagon. In 1873 it was converted
into the island's first library. At present, the former jail cells are lined
with a large collection of colonial documents as well as modern
bestsellers.
A veranda wraps around the third level of the building, overlooking
Nassau's business and shopping areas.
Christ Church Cathedral is one of the oldest structures on the island. It
was built in 1754 after three previous church buildings had collapsed. Today
this enormous Gothic-style Anglican cathedral with marvelous stained-glass
windows towers over George and King streets.
Not to be missed, Arawak Cay is a ideal spot to experience the local
Bahamian food, and one of the best places to try fresh conch, conch salad,
native fish fry or a traditional drink of coconut milk and gin. A great choice
is the "DA Fish Fry" at DWaters Cafe (242-356-0038)
Fresh-seafood lovers should also visit Potter's Cay on East Bay Street
right under the Sir Sidney Causeway to Paradise Island. Potters's is home to a
variety of vendors, including a farmer's market and fisheries offering the fresh
catch of the day. Some vendors serve a variety of Bahamian dishes for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Potter's Cay is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.,
although some shops close on Sundays.
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center occupy five acres of tropical
greenery harboring an aviary of rare tropical birds. The zoo is famous for its
marching flamingoes, the national bird of the Bahamas, which perform daily at 11
a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (www.ardastra.com).
Located at the top of Elizabeth Avenue Hill (off Shirley's Street), the
65-step Queen's Staircase was carved out of a solid limestone cliff in honor of
Queen Victoria's 65-year reign. The original work was 66 steps, with one step
lost to modern paving. The Queen's Staircase leads to a panoramic view of the
island.
Clients who are lucky enough to be in Nassau on Boxing Day (Dec.26) and New
Year's Day can experience the Junkanoo festivities, a local tradition that dates
back to more than three centuries. This carnival-like parade fills the streets
with people dancing to the rhythm of cowbells, drums, horns and whistles, many
wearing fabulous costumes similar in style worn during the New Orleans Mardi
Gras.
Throughout the year, however,visitors can get a taste of the festivities at
the home of Silverbert and Arlene Nash Furguson on Petticoat Lane, about three
blocks from Nassau's downtown waterfront. Several rooms of the house are
dedicated to Junkanoo exhibits, from the first costumes made from paper by
slaves, to the most luxurious multicolored gemstone-and-feather attire featured
in the modern-day pageantry. Visitors also get chance to play the drums,
whistles and cowbells directed by Mr. Furguson, and dance to their own rhythms.
The Furgusons also organize tours that focus on promoting Bahamian history and
culture, highlighting African heritage. (242-328-DRUM).
Getting there:
Romero Farrington, owner of Romero's Executive Limousine & Tour Service
is an excellent contact with a vast knowledge of Nassau, and a great disposition
to help clients. (242-363-4728)
Nassau is also served by about a dozen airlines and charters form North
America, the closest point being Miami, only 30 minutes away.
