My husband and I have a quick trip to Bermuda on Friday and I'm wondering what sort of clothes to pack and if there are 'don't miss' spots to include? I've done as much research as I've had time for, but haven't seen anything about how dressy to pack. We're staying at Fairmont Princess, and hope to spend lots of time outside exploring.

Are advance reservations for dinner a necessity?

Thanks!

Hi!
Check www.weather.bm before you leave - that will give you a five-day forecast. You'll probably want to have slacks/light sweaters for dinner - lean a little towards dressed-up vs. casual and you'll be fine. Tourist season hasn't really kicked in yet, so you shouldn't have a problem getting dinner, but most restaurants happily take reservations - if you know where you want to eat, go ahead and book. As far as what not to miss, what are you interested in doing??

Txgirl,
Thanks for getting back to me. We really don't have an agenda, will only be there for 2 full days, mostly just looking for a relaxing but entertaining break. We like being outside, will probably get mopeds and wander around. Looks like it will be too cool for much sunning on the beach, but I'm sure we'll go explore on a walk. I've seen the restaurant lists on another post, but we'll probably tend toward the casual.

Thanks for any suggestions!

The beaches are still nice for exploring - there is a tourist info desk at the airport near baggage claim. Pick up a bus map - it's got a well-marked island map on it. You can take the #7 bus and get off at the first Warwick Long Bay park stop along South Shore - make your way down the hill to the beach (there are little paths) and you can walk all the way to Horseshoe Bay Beach - some of the walk is beach, some of it is park - it's all pretty. The Railway trail is great - walking path created from the old railroad, goes from one end of the island to the other. There's a separate map brochure that lists each section. St. George's and Dockyard are fun historical areas to explore. My personal favorite is Ft. Hamilton Park - it's off King St on the opposite end of town from where your hotel is, and it's got a tropical-plant-filled moat surrounding it that you can walk all the way around, and great views from the park above, overlooking Hamilton Harbor.
Remember we drive on the other side of the road - unless you're already very comfortable on mopeds, for such a short trip it might be worth just taking the bus - it goes almost everywhere.
The small deli at the central bus terminal in town, City Cafe, actually makes a mean sandwich, if you wanted to grab your lunch there before you headed out for the day. Say hi to Vicenzo if you stop in - he'll take care of you.

txgirlinbda--
Thanks again for your suggestions --about to go pack for departure!

I have a res for Waterloo for Saturday dinner and Fourways for Sunday brunch -- and we'll be sure to stop by the cafe in the bus station to get a sandwich from Vincenzo. Any other (more casual) dining suggestions? My challenge is always "how many meals can I eat in 72 hours!"

Pittsburgher

OMG - you might not need to eat after Sunday brunch at Fourways - it is to die for!
OK, let's see - in town, I like Robin Hood for burgers, wings, 'pub food', Hog Penny is always a good bet, and there's another coffee shop/deli in the alley off Front St. (follow anyone's directions to Fresco's) called Common Grounds - very good lunch spot. For coffee and a big, fat cookie I love Rock Island on Reid St. If you do sushi, try North Rock Brewery on South Road - Freddie is the sushi chef there and he is super. (About a $15 cab ride from town).
Hope you have a great time!

Lemon Tree and Aggies are very good casual restaurants. Food is very good. For atmosphere, I second txgirlinbda's suggestion of the Hog Penny. Friday will be your only chance for Aggies (small servings, pick up a bottle of wine at Miles next door and eat sitting on the harbor) or the Lemon Tree (enjoy your meal in Par La Ville Park).
Ascots at the Royal Palms is a good spot for lunch.

Where is that trip report, Pittsburgher?

You know how much fun it is coming HOME from vacation! Have meant to do this all week - thanks for the prompt!

We had a great time, beginning with the high tea at the hotel soon after our arrival on Friday -- we could both feel the stress oozing away! Wandered around town later, had dinner at Hog Penny -- great atmosphere, okay food. Had a late breakfast Saturday, then took the ferry to Dock Yards, took the #7 bus back into town, with a hop off at Horseshoe Beach, enough to say we were on the beach.

Back to the hotel, and a fabulous dinner at Waterloo House - and a good thing, since they've been bought and will no longer exist after July!!! Sad news, as we would've loved to stay there.

Sunday brunch was as incredible as you said at Fourways -- wish we'd had longer to indulge, but I had a pedicure & facial at the hotel spa. Spent the rest of Sunday sitting by the pool, reading and enjoying the breeze, and dinner Sunday night at Portofino -- really excellent seafood risotto. Quite a busy place!

The weather was much nicer than we expected, and we really enjoyed the trip. Probably would stay elsewhere (different hotel) if/when we go back -- but we loved being in town to explore. The hotel was okay, but they've obviosly spent more $$ to upgrade the Southhampton. The spa really isn't, but the facial was one of the best I've ever had.

All in all, just the trip we were looking for! Thanks for the guidance, and we've still got things to see next time that we missed on this trip!

Postscript: I forgot to say that we were very glad that we didn't bother with mopeds. The public transportation was better than adequate, cabs were not too pricy, and there were two terrible moped accidents (both involving locals) while we were there.

Thanks for the trip report, Pittsburgher. It will help tide me over till I return in June.

I loved staying at the Waterloo and am so sorry to see such a marvelous historical property destroyed. Very sad, but that's the way of progress.

Welcome home!