Bermuda -- 400 years old & they can't wait to see you. 

Only 600 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina, this island is known for its pastel painted houses, brilliantly colored gardens, cricket matches and charming shorts. Its pink-sand beaches, excellent shopping, golf courses and proximity to the U.S. make it an ideal destination for a getaway cruise vacation.  Bermuda is more British then Caribbean and combines the business world with the lay back beach life.  You have quaint small British hotels, large American style hotels like Marriott and two Fairmount Hotels. One of my favorites is the Grotto Bay Resort.  Very British and on the St. George side of the island.

This small island has a rich history and is divided into 3 distinct areas.

Hamilton

This charming port is quintessential Bermuda, with pastel buildings and businessmen bustling around in their jackets, ties and famous shorts. From here, you can set sail to see the more than 350 islands that make up Bermuda. Or grab a game of golf at one of six world-class golf courses in this area, not to mention the restaurants. 

King's Wharf

This cultural center built at the remarkable Royal Naval Dockyard offers shopping, restaurants, art galleries, craft markets and eight wonderful museums. For water-lovers it also offers a snorkel park and an extensive watersports facility, making it an excellent destination for the whole family.  In the 1770's, men loyal to the American Revolution stolen guns and powder from here and shipped to George Washington, but forty years later, the British Fleet that burned Washington, DC in the War of 1812 sailed from these very docks.

St. George

In the oldest inhabited town of English origin in the New World, you'll find yourself surrounded by history. Visit the Old State House, constructed in 1620, and Gates Fort, built by the original settlers on the shipwrecked Sea Venture, which dates back to 1609. Or set out on a walking tour beginning on Ordinance Island and explore the cobbled streets in town.  You could spend a whole day exploring this town.

Getting there is simple!

Fly --- You can fly direct on US Airways for about $450/person at peak times (only a little over 2 hours)  Other airlines have one-stop flights, so book early if you want to go direct.

Cruise---- Both Royal Caribbean Lines and NCL cruise out of Baltimore directly to Bermuda.  The ships sail between late May and the end of October.  Royal Caribbean makes it a 5 day cruise while NCL makes it a 7 day cruise, witch give you more time in Bermuda.

This is also a great place of a weekend getaway.  I've been there is December and the weather was sunny and the water swimmable.  Check with your travel agent to see what activities are happening as they celebrate their 400 Anniversary.

Patrick Barney

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