Lucaya's capacious and lively shopping complex—a dozen low-rise, pastel-painted colonial buildings whose style was influenced by traditional island homes—is on the waterfront 4 mi east of Freeport and across the street from a massive resort complex. The shopping center, whose walkways are lined with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and croton, has about 100 well-kept establishments, among them waterfront restaurants and bars, and shops that sell clothes, crystal and china, watches, jewelry, perfumes, and local arts and crafts. The marketplace's centerpiece is Count Basie Square, where live bands often perform Bahamian music, jazz, and gospel in the gazebo bandstand. Lively outdoor watering holes line the square, which is also the place to celebrate the holidays: a tree-lighting ceremony takes place in the festively decorated spot and fireworks highlight the New Year's Eve party.
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