Hi-

if you guys can help me that would be awesome- and I appreciate it-

The deal is that my wife and I are planning a first real vacation June 18- we are locked into that week

We have reservations at Gallows Bay on St. John and were really looking forward to it-
But flights are $850 to $900 for that week after checking every site everyday for weeks- I really can't pay $2,000 just for air-fare.

I was thinking about switching to the Bahamas- maybe flying to Nassau (Flt's are $450 from Nashville) and taking the fast ferry to Harbor Island-

I am wondering if Harbor Island would be good- it looks beautiful Cape-Cod'ish- but it looks like there's not a lot of restaurant choices and they seem very high- and not a ton of things to see- can you for instance ferry to other islands easily for restaurants, shopping, hiking, etc- maybe horseback riding?

I was thinking Runaway Hill, Coral Sands, Rock House or The Landing (looks like a nice inn)-

any ideas?

also- are there hotels near the ferry in Nassau - I think we would need to spend one night there before hitting the ferry-

Thanks for the help-
Jim

Wow that is high for airfare..we just got airfare on Travelocity for 6 from RDU (Raleigh/Durham) to STT for the week of June 1st-7th for $451 a person.Check out www.travelocity.com.Where are you flying from?

Also if your days are flexible by a day or so..you might find cheaper air.

I've been going to Harbour Island for almost 18 years, and love it there.

It does look like a New Englandish island and if you are looking for a lovely beach vacation, then it's a perfect location.

There are several restaurants on island, so you won't have a problem finding something that fits your taste, and I think the hotels are still doing a "dine around" program you can eat at any of the resorts.

Also there is the Harbour Lounge and The Landing, both very good restaurants.

Runaway is our favorite and we think the best food on island. Breakfast is wonderful, homemade breads and whatever suites you fancy. Miss Rica's french toast is legendary.

Runaway also has an "honors" bar, so you take whatever you want out to the beach or pool.

There are also several grocery stores on island, a deli, 2 bakeries, several take-a-way food restaurants, 2 liquor stores, ANGELA'S STARFISH RESTAURANT, and Tingum Village (for the BEST cheeseburgers)

There are 2 dive shops on island, so you can snorkle or dive with them, or head out to a reef right off shore for some great snorkling.

You can also arrange an off island day to visit Spanish Wells or have your own island off shore for a day.

There is some shopping on island, a lovely boutique at Miss Mae's, Pink Sands, a couple of art galleries, a couple of clothing stores of locally made "island" clothing, and a few gift shops.

The beach is one of the best attractions of the island 3 miles of beautiful pink sand.

Downtown Nassau, I think the closest hotel would be the Colonial Hilton, and there are several nice restaurants in that area as well.

Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions.

BTW, JetBlue is now flying into Nassau from the NYC area and I think the price is around $200rt.

Have a great time.

I just used Sidestep to search for flights for your dates--- they were showing $496pp inc. tax for your dates on AA.
We love St. John--it's a beautiful island. We stayed in a villa--might have been our most romantic vacation ever. Gallows looks like a very nice place to stay. I would also rent a car before you arrive---lots of beautiful beaches to drive to.

Both places look great..I think that you will have fun which ever you chose.

I am going to STJ in June and Harbour Island is next on my list.