Top 10 things to do in Bermuda
Jun 19th, 2006, 08:46 AM
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Top 10 things to do in Bermuda
I've read that Bermuda is a wonderful little island and is a favourite of many.
Besides hitting the beaches, what are <i><b>the top ten must do's </b></i>for a low-keyed single girl traveling to Bermuda for two weeks over Christmas & New Year 2006/7 , who loves museums, parks, experiencing different cultures and who needs a vacation badly!
Besides hitting the beaches, what are <i><b>the top ten must do's </b></i>for a low-keyed single girl traveling to Bermuda for two weeks over Christmas & New Year 2006/7 , who loves museums, parks, experiencing different cultures and who needs a vacation badly!
Jun 19th, 2006, 11:40 AM
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Ah, JAGIRL, you are talking about my favorite place. I usually go alone for a week two weeks before Christmas. I always want to be there during the Christmas boat parade. Bermudians love the holidays and there will be lots of parties going on while you are there. The beaches will be virtually empty as most locals find it too cold that time of year.
Here are my top ten:
1. ride a ferry at sunset
2. visit St.George
3. climb the hill to Fort Hamilton
4. ride a moped on the Somerset portion of the railway trail
5. walk the railway trail
6. visit the Underwater Exploration Museum
7. go to the HogPenny Pub on Friday night
8. sit on a bench at Church Bay and watch the tide roll away
9. go to Blue Water Divers, get a wetsuit and go for a snorkel trip over a shipwreck
10. Visit the Bermuda Botanical Gardens
Bermuda is a comfortable place to be on your own. The people are very kind and friendly but not overly demonstrative (bit of that Brit reserve). Bermuda has enjoyed the Caribbean influence (especially from the Bahamas and Jamaica) but it is quite distinct.
Have a wonderful time.
Here are my top ten:
1. ride a ferry at sunset
2. visit St.George
3. climb the hill to Fort Hamilton
4. ride a moped on the Somerset portion of the railway trail
5. walk the railway trail
6. visit the Underwater Exploration Museum
7. go to the HogPenny Pub on Friday night
8. sit on a bench at Church Bay and watch the tide roll away
9. go to Blue Water Divers, get a wetsuit and go for a snorkel trip over a shipwreck
10. Visit the Bermuda Botanical Gardens
Bermuda is a comfortable place to be on your own. The people are very kind and friendly but not overly demonstrative (bit of that Brit reserve). Bermuda has enjoyed the Caribbean influence (especially from the Bahamas and Jamaica) but it is quite distinct.
Have a wonderful time.
Jun 19th, 2006, 02:55 PM
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In my experience the weather has been fair and mild (I never need a coat or even a sweater during the day and rarely at night). There may be occasional showers but they really don't interfere with much activity. I prefer that time for my annual visit.
Jun 20th, 2006, 04:19 AM
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cmcfong has some excellent recommendations. Ride the ferry anytime. If you use the buses, hop off at Somerset Bridge and catch the ferry to Hamilton. The Railway Trail is Bermuda's hidden gem and I love Church Bay. Bermuda's offshore snorkeling is decent but may be a little chilly even for a wetsuit. Scaur Hill Fort is an interesting site.
One of our favorite is the private Palm Grove Garden on the South Road that is open to the public Monday to Thursday.
One of our favorite is the private Palm Grove Garden on the South Road that is open to the public Monday to Thursday.
Jun 20th, 2006, 07:25 AM
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I love Bermuda, too. We put off going forever - it seemed just too close and now we can't get enough!
I would add to the list:
Verdmont (do this and the Botanical Garden the same day - a good combo)
The Maritime Museum at the Dockyards
(go watch the glass blowers and have some rum cake there, too)
Crystal Caves - if you're into caves
Maybe go horseback riding on the beach - might be a good way to meet people if you are on your own?
My favorite activity won't occur when you're there - Horseshoe Bay Beach on Good Friday. Kite flying galore, hot cross buns, and fish cakes! You could take your own kite down there to fly, though
How about Dennis' Hideaway? I haven't been, but we have friends that always talk about the place whenever Bermuda comes up. Cmcfong? Thoughts?
My favorite experience in Bermuda, however, was walking into the courthouse (that's my thing - not for everyone, but I'm always curious about the judicial system) and wandering around. We were stopped by a man wearing pants and a golf shirt, carrying a bag of trash, who inquired as to whether he could help us, eyeing us suspiciously as if we were either trying to steal state secrets, or just silly tourists looking to get married or something.
We told him we were just curious to see the courts. He dropped the garbage and gave us a personal tour (nearly an hour, I think), explaining the court system, appellate process and the governmental system, as well as sharing many historical anecdotes. He then brought us into the (unlocked) chamber where Parliament meets and told us about several of the members. Turns out he was the clerk of Parliament! We finished and he walked back out, picked up his bag of garbage, and sent us on our merry way! Just one of the many people who made us love Bermuda!
I would add to the list:
Verdmont (do this and the Botanical Garden the same day - a good combo)
The Maritime Museum at the Dockyards
(go watch the glass blowers and have some rum cake there, too)
Crystal Caves - if you're into caves
Maybe go horseback riding on the beach - might be a good way to meet people if you are on your own?
My favorite activity won't occur when you're there - Horseshoe Bay Beach on Good Friday. Kite flying galore, hot cross buns, and fish cakes! You could take your own kite down there to fly, though
How about Dennis' Hideaway? I haven't been, but we have friends that always talk about the place whenever Bermuda comes up. Cmcfong? Thoughts?
My favorite experience in Bermuda, however, was walking into the courthouse (that's my thing - not for everyone, but I'm always curious about the judicial system) and wandering around. We were stopped by a man wearing pants and a golf shirt, carrying a bag of trash, who inquired as to whether he could help us, eyeing us suspiciously as if we were either trying to steal state secrets, or just silly tourists looking to get married or something.
We told him we were just curious to see the courts. He dropped the garbage and gave us a personal tour (nearly an hour, I think), explaining the court system, appellate process and the governmental system, as well as sharing many historical anecdotes. He then brought us into the (unlocked) chamber where Parliament meets and told us about several of the members. Turns out he was the clerk of Parliament! We finished and he walked back out, picked up his bag of garbage, and sent us on our merry way! Just one of the many people who made us love Bermuda!
Jun 20th, 2006, 07:39 AM
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I hear a lot of praise for Dennis' Hideway, too, cantstayhome. I have not been in over twenty five years though, so I am no use on recos there.
Funny you mention the courthouse. I always go if I have a chance. I love to sit in on trials if even for just an hour.
Funny you mention the courthouse. I always go if I have a chance. I love to sit in on trials if even for just an hour.
Jun 20th, 2006, 07:57 AM
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JAGIRL - I'm a lawyer, too - hence the courtroom stalking. Nothing beats Old Bailey in London, though! If you're ever in Boston, give me a heads up and I'll show you around.
cmcfong - I didn't catch a trial, but would love to. Last time we were in Bermuda there was a lot of talk about an incident that occurred in court. A criminal defendant pulled a knife during a hearing on one of the officers. My husband and I looked at each other over the paper and said, "gee, I can't imagine how that happened!" Considering the hoops I've had to jump through to get into court here (never mind getting my Palm Pilot in!), it's quite a refreshing change to just walk in there - no metal detectors.
cmcfong - I didn't catch a trial, but would love to. Last time we were in Bermuda there was a lot of talk about an incident that occurred in court. A criminal defendant pulled a knife during a hearing on one of the officers. My husband and I looked at each other over the paper and said, "gee, I can't imagine how that happened!" Considering the hoops I've had to jump through to get into court here (never mind getting my Palm Pilot in!), it's quite a refreshing change to just walk in there - no metal detectors.
Jun 20th, 2006, 08:21 AM
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cmc - my invitation extends to you, as well! How is it that so many lawyers seem to end up here? Is it the Type A personality that researches every last detail of a trip before going? Is it the promise of escape from the office if only for a non-billable minute at a time? Funny, though!
Jun 20th, 2006, 08:39 AM
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There are a lot of us on here Someone did a thread on the US Boards I think asking everyone to say what their occupations were. Turns out lawyers have a lot of spare time on our hands! 
You should go into a Jamaican courthouse (The RM Court) if you're ever there. Now <i> that's </i> an experience you're not likely to forget!
Someone did a thread on the US Boards I think asking everyone to say what their occupations were. Turns out lawyers have a lot of spare time on our hands! You should go into a Jamaican courthouse (The RM Court) if you're ever there. Now <i> that's </i> an experience you're not likely to forget!
Jun 20th, 2006, 04:00 PM
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quot;> Don't know yet cmcfong. I'm still trying to decide whether to do the Bermuda trip this Christmas or not...hence the thread First I look at what I want to do...then I decide (usually last minute) where I want to stay. Backward isn't it?
