PreviousThe wonders of Nassau
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JAN 2008
The wonders of Nassau
Not to be missed on your visit
As the top commercial and tourism destination in The Bahamas, if not the entire Caribbean area, Nassau is rich in culture and scenery.
There is such an abundance of things to cpture your attention that you'll find it difficult to choose what to include and what to leave for your next holiday. Here are just a few of the scores of attractions you'll find around this historic city.
? Fort Charlotte, built in 1789, is the largest f the remaining forts around New Providence. Just walking through this impressive limestone complex (it's actually three forts in one) takes you through a time warp to the 18th century where you can see a waterless moat, drawbridge, ramparts and dungeons From the ramparts you can see:
? Arawak Cay, locally known as "The Fish Fry," which is as popular with Bahamians as it is with visitors. Visit any one of the side-by-side Bahamian eateries here and enjoy fresh conch salad or delicious fried snapper wit a cold Kalik, the Bahamian beer. A short walk up nearby Chippingham Road brings you to:
? Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center where you can see flamingos, the rare Bahama parrot, iguanas, snakes, monkeys, jungle cats and even a lazy Vietnamese pt-bellied pig asleep under a tree. On the other side of town, under the exit bridge from Paradise Island you will find:
? Potter's Cay, another place to savour Bahamian cuisine. It's an authentic Bahamian marketplace where vendors offer caught-that-day fsh, fresh vegetables and Bahamian snacks. This is also the terminal for Bahamas Ferries, which can whisk you away to other islands, including Spanish Wells and Harbour Island with its famous pink sand beach. Across the bridge is spectacular:
? Atlantis, he largest mixed-use resort and hotel in The Bahamas, which includes one of the country's biggest marinas, a famous aquarium and multi-acre water park with slides, river rafting, pools and beaches, along with a large casino and an extensive collection of amous restaurants.
Bay Street treasures
Bay Street, the main downtown thoroughfare, is the place to see several don't-miss sites. Among them is:
? Parliament Square, with its marble statue of Queen Victoria. The square is surrounded on three sides by goernment buildings, including the Senate (directly behind the statue) and the House of Assembly (to the west, on your right as you face the Queen). Behind the Senate is the:
? Garden of Remembrance, including a moving memorial to Bahamians who died in theFirst and Second World Wars. From here you can also see the:
? Public Library-a pink, three-storey, eight-sided building that was once the colony's main gaol or prison. Back on Bay Street you'll see:
? Rawson Square, opposite Parliament Square, a popula meeting place. The imposing bust is that of Sir Milo Butler, the country's first Bahamian-born Governor General. Walking west from Rawson Square, you will see the imposing:
? British Colonial Hilton, a century old hotel that now rests on the former siteof Fort Nassau. The original British Colonial was built in 1900. It burned to the ground in 1922 and was rebuilt in record time for the 1923 tourist season. The beach behind the hotel is the site where:
? Captain Woodes Rogers, The Bahamas' first Royal Gvernor, hanged eight desperados circa 1718, ending a decades-long period when bloodthirsty pirates ruled Nassau. You can see Rogers' statue, guarding the hotel's main entrance. Back around the corner, you will see:
? The Straw Market, still in temporary ented quarters after a disastrous fire burned down the original a few years ago. This is a lively place where visitors can pick up everything from inexpensive souvenirs and mementos to one-of-a-kind wood carvings. There are smaller markets on West Bay Stret opposite the hotels along the Cable Beach strip and outside Fort Charlotte. Walking the long block up Blue Hill Road from the British Colonial you will see:
? The Governor General's residence on your left. Pink, like most government buildings, this isthe home of The Bahamas' head of state, representing Queen Elizabeth. Opposite the residence is:
? Graycliff, now a top-rated hotel, famous cigar factory and five-star restaurant with a wine cellar holding more than 200,000 bottles. Graycliff was originaly built by a privateer and later owned by-among others-a British peer and a woman who was reputed to be a friend of gangster Al Capone. A block past Graycliff, to the west, you will come upon a large pastel yellow and white building:
? The National Art allery of The Bahamas, housed in what was once called the most beautiful building in old Nassau, Villa Doyle. Inside you'll see another wonder: the remarkable artistry of Bahamians on display in sculptures, textiles, ceramics, photography and paintings.
till not mentioned among the wonders of Nassau is the sparkling clarity of the Atlantic Ocean around New Providence and the spectacular colours of coral reefs that lie just offshore. Another is the abundance of marine life that can be seen on any snorkellng or diving excursion.
Then there are the beaches. Two of the most popular are Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island and Goodman's Bay near Cable Beach.
You'll have to agree, wherever you turn in Nassau, there's something wonderful to see and do.
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