txgirlinbda

There's a prettier bus ride option that might take a little longer but avoids going all the way to the main bus terminal in Hamilton. Take the no. 1 bus out of St George's, ask the driver to let you off at the Botanical Gardens or the hospital. (if you used tickets instead of a pass, also ask for a transfer when you get on - driver will give you a ticket that gets you on next bus.) Get off at the Botanical Garden or hospital, cross the road to the blue pole bus stop and hop on the next no. 7 going along South Shore.

Digbydog

You all have been so helpful and are so knowledgeable. Can you help me with one more thing? I want to make sure we aren't missing something in our visit that we would like. We like being outdoors--hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. We like beautiful views and interesting towns/villages. Would prefer not to be inside in a museum unless it is something special.

We plan to explore St. George, Hamilton, and Somerset Village. Want to walk the South Shore trail and visit the beaches. Plan to snorkel with Jesse James. Would like to visit Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and Fort Scaur. Might do the Botanical Gardens if there is time.

Should we add Hog Bay Park, Spittal Pond Nature Preserve, Fort St. Catherine, anything else?

cmcfong

I enjoy the views from Fort St. Catherine a great deal and Spittal Pond is a very nice walk. I also like walking up to Fort Hamilton. I would keep them on your list of options.....but keep in mind you may just fall in love with the first beach you see and nevrr want to move!!!!

txgirlinbda

If you do the Railway trail section we talked about earlier, there's a little trail that shoots off and takes you to Ft Scaur. I am pretty sure there's a little sign marking the way.
Love Love Love Ft. Hamilton - great views, be sure to turn left as soon as you cross the bridge in to the park and go down the stairs on your left - the entire fort is surrounded by a dry moat, one side has old munitions storage tunnels you can explore. It's like your own private tropical jungle trail.
If you feel like breaking a sweat, you can climb the bell tower at the Cathedral in Hamilton. Pay the lady who runs the gift shop and she'll unlock the door for you. Best views of town.
In St George's, be sure to walk the few blocks up to the Unfinished Church. And If any of you like beach glass, try the beach at Alexandra's Battery in St George's. Enjoy!

Digbydog

Great suggestions! Thank you! We plan to do the forts and also to climb the bell tower. I'm glad to know how we get up there. Also plan to see the Unfinished Church. I've decided to skip Tobacco Bay and take the bus to Church Bay. We'll hope for calm seas. If we have time, we may do Spittal Pond, but I do want to leave plenty of time for those South Shore beaches.

cmcfong

txgirlinbda and I are missing Bermuda...how about a nice trip report to boost our spirits?

Carib_Ian

Okay, here you go....we just came back from 4 days at Cambridge Beaches over this long Victoria Day weekend. Sadly, the weather was disappointing -- ranging from dull and cloudy to rain. Anyway, this did not stop us from having a wonderful time. I highly recommend Cambridge Beaches -- it was amazing. This place is superb. From the service and staff who are excellent to the gorgeous views, we found this place peaceful and picturesque. It was fairly easy to get around. We took the ferry over to Hamilton and did some shopping, stopped at the Hog Penny for a pint. Then we took the bus out to South Swizzle (which I think is more relaxing than the Swizzle Inn). We had a nice lunch then got on the bus again to Cambridge Beach. We had great dinners at the Salt Rock Grill in Somerset and Waterlot Inn. On Sunday, we went to the Dockyards and were really impressed with how it has expanded since the last time we were there (in 2004). The Maritime Museum is very impressive. We also had a nice lunch at the Frog and Onion. So, all in all we still were able to enjoy Bermuda's charms!

cmcfong

Thanks, Ian. Bermuda is another world.