Town of St. George

ExpEriEncE
Town of
ST. GEorGE
2011 | 12
2
Experience Bermuda
International Centre
26 Bermudiana Road, Suite #410
Hamilton HM11 Bermuda
Tel: 295-6146
ExperienceBermuda.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Cover Photo: Charles Anderson
town of
st. george
Founders’
Legacy
A visit to Bermuda’s oldest community promises to be an
unforgettable voyage through time and history.
History runs more than 400 years deep in Bermuda, and nowhere is that more evident than in the
Town of St. George, a lovely little seaport in the eastern end of the island. It’s easy to see and feel the
long history of Bermuda’s first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sit under the candlelit chandeliers and exposed cedar beams of St. Peter’s Church, the oldest continually used Anglican Church in the
Western Hemisphere, and explore the hallowed halls of the State House, built in 1621 and once home
to the oldest legislature in the Commonwealth outside of Britain.
Jeffrey Porter
4
The narrow, winding brick lanes give
of the Sea Venture’s rigging and Bermuda
close-up views of pastel 18th- and 19th-
cedar. They continued with most of the Sea
century houses — Fanny Fox’s Cottage on
Venture’s passengers to Virginia, arriving
Duke of Clarence Street; Stockdale House
in May 1610, in time to save Jamestown’s
on the corner of Printer’s Alley and Needle
starving colonists.
and Thread Alley; and Tucker House on
The admiral returned to Bermuda in
Water Street — all marked with World
1610 for more supplies for Jamestown, but
Heritage Site plaques.
died before completing this task. Whilst his
As famous and historic as the town is,
body was returned to England, his heart
it’s a little confusing for visitors trying to
literally remained in Bermuda — buried
get directions there. The Town of St. George
near Somers Garden.
lies in St. George’s Parish, but locals often
In 1612 the first 60 settlers arrived in
call the town “St. George’s” as well, creat-
St. George on board the Plough, sent to
ing a bit of a semantical debacle.
make a permanent settlement on the island
St. George will impress the most serious
by the Virginia Company. Within three
Permanently settled
of history buffs. Permanently settled five
years the Somers Island Company had been
years after Jamestown, Va., it is the oldest
formed and the parishes of today are named
five years after
continually inhabited English-speaking town
after the original company shareholders.
Jamestown, Va.,
it is the oldest
in the New World. The two settlements have a
close relationship in history. The Sea Venture,
A Trip to the Past
one of a fleet of nine ships carrying settlers
Visit the town’s museums and you will
and supplies to Jamestown, was blown into
discover four centuries of colourful history,
Bermuda and wrecked on the reefs less than
including the town’s role in the American
a mile off of the east end at Sea Venture
Revolutionary War (islanders sent casks of
continually inhabited
Shoals. The ship’s 150 passengers, including
gunpowder to George Washington’s Continental
fleet commander Admiral Sir George Somers,
Army) and the U.S. Civil War. St. George
English-speaking
survived and came ashore at Gates’ Bay next
became a transhipment port for cotton coming
to the site of Fort St. Catherine. The men,
out of the South and war supplies arriving from
town in the
women and children spent 10 months on the
England, and reaped financial rewards with the
island surviving on fish, turtles, birds and
upsurge in town business.
New World.
Spanish hogs. Under the direction of Admiral
The World Heritage Centre at Penno’s
Somers and Sir Thomas Gates, they built two
Wharf offers a bright, welcoming space
new ships, the Patience and Deliverance, out
with a large reception desk. Visitors can
Gitte Brandenburg
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 5
6
Site information, fortifications, military bases
and the film A Stroll through St. George’s. It
is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(297-5791, stgeorgesfoundation.org)
Royal Beginnings
King’s Square is the best starting point for a
walking tour. Stop by the Visitors Information
Centre (297-5791) for information, self-guided
walking tour brochures and maps. Free guided
tours start at the Square Wednesdays and
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. from November to
March. After the tour the Mayor welcomes
visitors into the Town Hall and explains the
workings of the Corporation of St. George’s,
formed in 1797. The elected Mayor, Aldermen
Charles Anderson
and Common Councillors of the Corporation
have been meeting in the Town Hall since 1805
and portraits of past mayors adorn the walls.
There are also replicas of the British crown
jewels on display, plus a flag stone from the
home of Admiral George Somers.
proceed to the orientation gallery, the
Kids will love the Stocks and Pillory, where
Gateway to Bermuda exhibit, and upstairs
they can put their heads and arms through
to more exhibits and the theatre. Large
hinged wooden frames that replicate those
photo installations illustrate the splendours
once used to publicly humiliate townspeople
of St. George and its fortifications. The
guilty of petty crimes. The Ducking Stool,
centre provides a walkthrough of Bermuda’s
used to dunk women accused of being “nags
early history, from the Age of Discovery to
and gossips,” is also a hit, especially when
the U.S. Civil War. Interpretative panels
historical re-enactments are under way every
and audios describe Bermuda before the
Wednesday and Saturday at noon and a
English arrived, when New World explorers
costumed shrew hits the water.
used Bermuda as a navigational marker,
The Bermuda National Trust Museum
when mariners dubbed Bermuda the Isle of
(297-1423), on the northwest corner of King’s
the Devils, and when castaways explored its
Square, is a stately early 18th-century building
fruitful shores.
that was home to Governor Samuel Day and
Bermuda’s historic links to Jamestown
later the headquarters of Confederate agent
and the first settlers are illustrated. There is a
Major Norman Walker, who directed the flow
scale model of the town based on illustrations
of war supplies through Union blockades. The
from the 1626 John Smith map and other
museum tells in great detail how Bermuda
research, which includes the original State
played an important role in the U.S. Civil War
House, St. Peter’s Church, stone and wood
and features a film: Bermuda – the Centre of
dwellings, small bridges, model ships in St.
the Atlantic.
From the square, you will want to walk over
a bridge to Ordnance Island, where the British
military stored munitions long ago, and admire
George’s Harbour, and early forts. Upstairs,
there is a “time tree,” interactive touchscreens featuring UNESCO World Heritage
• Snorkeller’s Paradise
• Safe Haven for
Children
• Personalised Service
O
ur beautiful, sheltered,
secluded beach is a favourite
for visitors and locals alike,
and is especially popular
with families. If you’re
looking for the perfect tan,
a refreshing swim or a
snorkelling adventure
around the rocks, Tobacco Bay is the place to visit. The
clear, shallow water ensures water safety for kids.
Our facilities include a deck dining area - which specialises
in local cuisine - a beer & wine bar, gift shop and hair
braiding service. We also rent snorkelling gear, umbrellas
and loungers to make your day comfortable and fun.
Come and join us - we’re the family fun place
in St. George’s! Phone 297-2756.
W
e’re located just minutes from
the Town of St. George. Follow
Kent St. to Government Hill Rd.
which will bring you straight to us.
Or feel free to ask any friendly local
for directions.
The St. George’s Foundation
8
Finding Deliverance
To see how the shipwreck survivors of 1609
finally escaped this remote archipelago, tour a
life-size replica of Deliverance, newly restored,
with mannequins in period costume, located on
Ordnance Island in St. George’s Harbour.
In 1609, the newly constructed Sea Venture
and eight sister vessels launched from England
Jeffrey Porter
with colonists and supplies bound for the moribund
settlement of Jamestown, Virginia.
But Sea Venture never made it there. Instead,
it nearly sank in a storm before it was driven
on to a reef near today’s Town of St. George.
the Deliverance, a life-size replica of the ship that
The rigging, sails and planks, along with native
made the historic trip to Jamestown.
Bermuda Cedars, were used to build two smaller
Bermuda’s oldest stone building, the State
ships, Patience and Deliverance. In May 1610,
House, built in 1620 of limestone block with
these finally arrived in Jamestown, saving its 60
a mortar of turtle oil and lime, overlooks the
remaining settlers — there had been 500.
square from a hill. Since 1816, the build-
Four centuries later, concerned St. Georgians
ing has been rented for the annual sum of
rescued the replica of Deliverance, which was built
a single peppercorn by the country’s oldest
in 1967 and had fallen into disrepair. Now owned
Masonic Lodge, paid in an elaborate ceremony
and operated by the St. George’s Foundation,
every spring. The building’s notorious history
the ship underwent a five-month restoration
includes 17th-century witch trials.
and opened just in time for Bermuda’s 400th
anniversary in 2009.
Historical Remnants
St. Peter’s Church (297-2459) can be
The project built a new mizzenmast, replaced
rotten planks, repaired rigging, installed flood-
found on the Town’s main street, Duke of York
lights and waterproofed the ship. Now visitors are
Street, and was originally built in 1612. It
greeted by an animatronic William Strachey, the
is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through
Virginia Company secretary who wrote a firsthand
Saturday. It was was rebuilt in stone in 1713,
account about the founding of Bermuda and the
but the section around the pulpit dates from
salvation of Virginia. The Deliverance is open to
the 1600s. The church’s chalice is from 1625,
the public Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4
and the furniture is the oldest in Bermuda.
p.m. $3 adults, $2 students.
Charles Anderson
10
Don’t miss the graveyard, which tells the tales
of Bermuda’s past. Look for Midshipman
Dale, the last American to die in the war of
1812, or Pilot James Darrell, the first black
Bermudian to own a home. The western section
is a segregated graveyard, designated for free
blacks and slaves. You will find the African
Diaspora Heritage Trail plaque, one of five
in the Town. Another African Diaspora site
is the Bermudian Heritage Museum (2974126), on the corner of Duke of York Street
and Water Street. Here you may learn the
history of black Bermudians, from slavery to
segregation to emancipation, plus Bermuda’s
connection with American Indian tribes.
To see how early residents lived, visit two
homes that are now excellent small museums:
The elegant Tucker House Museum (2970545) on Water Street has ties with Colonial
Williamsburg and an archeology display;
and the St. George’s Historical Society
Museum, Printery and Garden (297-0423) on
Featherbed Alley with its kitchen garden and
original water catchment system.
Sights such as Gates Fort, Fort George
and Fort St. Catherine are not in the town
but a 20 minute walk away, or you can take a
taxi or a mini-bus. They are worth the visit as
St. George boasts the best example of British
masonry coastal defence outside of Britain.
Fort St. Catherine has a beautiful view down
the north shore of Bermuda and overlooks
Gates’ Bay where the shipwreck survivors of
1609 made landfall.
The best snorkelling in Bermuda is to be
found at Tobacco Bay and Achilles Bay, two
sheltered bays which are suitable for children. Both have seasonal beach houses which
rent snorkelling gear, chairs and umbrellas.
At Achille’s Bay you’ll find Blackbeard’s
Hideout, a great place for a cocktail, lunch
or dinner.
Taking It Home
As you wander through the town’s alleys
and streets, you’ll want to stop into the
quaint shops and boutiques that are just as
unique as the town’s heritage to bring back
a little piece of St. George.
At Somers Wharf is a branch store that
features a selection of merchandise from
the A.S. Cooper & Sons Ltd. family of fine
stores in Hamilton. Discover ladies’ fashions
and accessories, gifts, souvenirs, as well as
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 11
The Bermuda Perfumery
12
The Bermuda Perfumery
welcomes visitors to its
location in St. George.
Since 1928, The
fragrances at duty-free prices. (297-0925,
how perfumers create fragrances. During the
ascooper.bm)
summer of 2011, Lili Bermuda is launching
Belinda Tartaglia Gallery is located on
“Alegria,” a fragrance for women. Alegria was
Water Street in the Somers Wharf Complex
created to celebrate the rich cultural heritage
at the heart of the quaint Town of St. George.
of Bermuda. It is a white chypre fragrance
This unique gallery offers fine art, antiques,
with a heart of frangipani, Bermuda cedar,
antique paintings, and contemporary, vintage
tuberose and magnolia. Alegria is modern,
and antique prints. The gallery owner/artist
international and elegant. Lili Bermuda’s fra-
is on hand, usually painting or working on
grances are exclusively available in Bermuda.
giving a new life to a discarded object. This is
Open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
one gallery you definitely won’t want to miss.
(10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter). (293-
(297-0909)
0627 or 1-800-527-8213 toll-free in U.S. and
Nestled in St. George, at 6B Penno’s
When visiting the historic Town of St. George,
trove of items for everyone by local artists,
a must-stop is Cracker Box on York Street by the
artisans and the like. BBC’s Sun Shop offers
main bus stop, where you find a large selection
UV-protection clothing, hats and accessories
of seashells, T-shirts, silver and shell jewellery,
for those wanting superior protection from
Bermuda caps, straw hats and beautiful Bermuda
such brands as Tilley Endurables, Coolibar
watercolour prints by Amy Evans. Also find many
and Panama straw hats. (297-1605)
Bermuda-themed gift items from mugs and shot
Bermuda
Perfumery
blends fine fragrances for
women and men under
the brand Lili Bermuda.
Canada, lilibermuda.com)
Drive, is Bermuda Beauty Crafts, a treasure
The
Perfumery creates and
welcomes
glasses to wooden frogs, cats and Bermuda
visitors to its location in St. George. Since
houses. When in Hamilton, remember to visit the
1928, The Perfumery has been creating and
other store, The Hodge Podge, behind the ferry
blending fine fragrances for women and men
terminal. (297-1205)
under the brand Lili Bermuda. Visit for a
Crisson Jewellers embodies Bermuda’s
unique olfactory experience and to discover
finest and most cherished traditions. A fam-
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 13
Meredith Andrews
14
What’s in a Name?
The Town of St. George, named after
invoking their past residents. Barber’s Alley pays
the patron saint of England, was founded by
homage to Joseph Rainey, a free black American
Bermuda’s first Governor, Richard Moore, in
who set up shop in town during the American
1612, and the names of the streets reflect the
Civil War. He later went on to become one of
history of the settlement through the centuries.
the first black Americans voted into the U.S.
One of the oldest names used by the
House of Representatives. Printer’s Alley is the
original settlers and still used today is Water
home of Stockdale House, where the publisher of
Street, which runs along the waterfront of
Bermuda’s first newspaper lived. Major Norman
the town. During the 1700s and 1800s,
Walker, the Confederate shipping agent who
most streets were given names which simply
oversaw the interests of the South from 1891 to
described who lived on them, or where the
1895, lived on Blockade Alley.
street would take you. After the American
Church Lane runs behind St. Peter’s
Revolution loyalists to the British Crown
Church, the oldest Anglican Church outside
led a flurry of renaming to demonstrate
of Great Britain in continuous use. Church
allegiance with the mother country – thus
Folly Lane takes you to the Unfinished
were born Queen, King and Princess Streets,
Church, grand remains of a house of worship
plus roads named after Dukes Kent, York,
whose construction began in 1874 and was
Clarence and Cumberland.
never completed. A nearby farming district
Colloquial names came later in the
1800s, when locals renamed Duke of
Cumberland Street Old Maids’ Lane (for
exported so many turkeys that its local road
was titled Turkey Hill.
One fact remains true of all of the streets
obvious reasons!) Blacksmith’s Hill was so
of St. George — they are difficult to drive
named because Samuel Brown’s blacksmith’s
around! The town has a complicated system
shop was located at the bottom of it.
of one way streets for a simple reason: The
With the arrival of tourists in the early
streets of today were the footpaths of the
1900s, streets which had remained thus far
first settlers who arrived in 1612 on board
un-named were duly christened with monikers
the Plough.
St. George...
worth the trip!
Frangipani
From History to Bermuda’s best
in Duty Free Shopping St.George
will be your best day in Bermuda.
Come by fast ferry. Bus back to
the Aquarium and Hamilton. Or
stay all day and take the evening
ferry back to the Dockyard.
ily business since 1922, the Crisson name is
Creative designers specialise in contemporary and
synonymous with quality and value. In St.
traditional arrangements, events, weddings, cor-
George, you’ll find a Crisson store on Water
porate work, conferences and special occasions
Street, with boutique shopping and a distinctly
large or small. They have fruit and gourmet gift
old-world flavour. The atmosphere is relaxed
baskets and unique soft toys and balloons. The
and intimate, yet you find the same eclectic
Flower Alley offers fast, free delivery islandwide.
collections, value and prices as in Hamilton.
(297-1929, eastendfloweralley.com)
(297-0107, crisson.com)
The best of the traditional Hamilton store
For a choice of Bermuda-made goods,
is found here at The English Sports Shop in
located just off King’s Square, Dockside
St. George. Colourful Bermuda shorts, blaz-
Glass & Rum Cakes offers a display of col-
ers, ties and resort wear for both men and
ourful hot glass in its smallest shop, welcom-
women offer a unique, fashionable souvenir of
ing you with a taste of Bermuda Rum Cakes
your visit. (297-0142)
and choices of classic art, small collectibles,
Wander
up
Water
Street
in
the
and hand-made jewellery. The Bermudian
400-year-old Town of St. George and find
artists have been very creative and busy, and
the lively new shop Frangipani. From the
the shop is open every day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
cheerful batik sundress in the window to the
and until 9 p.m. when a ship is at port. (297-
dramatic wall of jewellery inside, you will be
3908, dockglass.com)
delighted at the eclectic range of beautiful
Best known for the latest in European
and elegant clothing, shoes, bags and gifts
designs, East End Flower Alley is the premier
found within. Whether you’re stepping off a
florist in Bermuda. Nestled in the historic town
cruise or relaxing at a resort, be sure to take
of St. George, this eclectic florist is well worth
the time to visit, as it is open six days a week
a visit. Showcasing exclusive gifts, Steiff teddy
from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (297-1357,
bears and original works of art, the fragrance
[email protected])
from the exquisite, fair-trade, organically grown
The Island Shop is a must-visit for unique
flowers (veriflora.com) greets you at the door.
ceramic and linen products, all designed by
Lladro make
the finest porcelain figurines in
the world today.
Vera Card shows
Bermuda’s largest
Llladro collection.
From whimsical to breathtaking;
pieces for every setting and emotion all at Duty Free prices saving
you 30% over those in the US.
Our Lladro Bermuda Moongate
is available only in Bermuda and
only from us.
Jewelry is for memories. From our Gemstone
globes to delicate European silver to traditional
gemset and diamond
brilliance,
Vera
Card has collected beautiful jewelry from around the
world. This is the finest
in design, craftsmanship
and stones at GuaranteedValue prices.
Vera Card has a wide
collection of Original M.I.Hummel
figurines including the
specially made Limited
Edition ‘What’s new in
Bermuda’ featuring the
image of St.Peters Church.
22 Water St., St.George, Bermuda GE-05
T 441- 295-1729, F 441-295-2833
vcard @ ibl.bm
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 15
Map of Town of St. George reproduced courtesy of Bermuda Department of Tourism
16
Town of St. George
Advertisers
A.S. Cooper & Sons Ltd.
B6
K.S. Watersports (Jet Ski & Parasailing Adventures)
E5
Belinda Tartaglia Gallery
C5
Oleander Cycles
D4
Bermuda Beauty Crafts / BBC Sun Shop
A7
Peniston Brown
E4
Bermuda National Trust Museum
E4
Somers Wharf Shopping & Dining Complex
B6
Bermuda Perfumery, The
C3
St. George’s Ferry Stop
Blackbeard’s Hideout
Northeast of G1
St. George’s Club, The
A4
Cracker Box
B5
Temptations
D4
Crisson Jewellers
E4
Tobacco Bay Concession
Dockside Glass & Bermuda Rum Cakes
F4
Vera P. Card
C5
East End Flower Alley
F4
Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio
D5
Frangipani
D5
White Horse Pub & Restaurant
E5
Griffin’s Bistro & Bar at The St. George’s Club
A4
World Heritage Centre
Island Shop, The
C6
Visitors Information Centre
North of F1
West of A7
Historical Points
of Interest
Alexandra Battery
Barber’s Alley
Bermuda National Trust Museum
Bermuda Perfumery, The
Bob Burns Park
Bridge House
Building Bay
Charlotte Hope’s Grave
When in St. George’s
be sure to visit our store
CraCker
Box
York STreeT
(aT The Main BuS STop)
ST. GeorGe’S
Tel: 297-1205
Deliverance II
Fort Bermudian
King’s Square
Mitchell House
(St. George’s Historical Society)
Old Rectory
Pilot Darrell’s House
Segregated Graveyard
at St. Peter's Church
Sir George Somers Monument
Somers Garden
St. George’s Foundation
St. Peter’s Church
State House
Stewart Hall
Stocks and illory
Town Hall
Tucker House Museum
Unfinished Church
Whitehall
Belinda
Tartaglia
Gallery
• FINEART
• PHOTOGRAPHY
• PRINTS
• NOTECARDS
• WOODWORK
• CERAMICS
AR TIST
Heritage Museum
B
Globe Hotel
elinda Tartaglia
Fort St. Catherine
kl
14WaterStreet
SomersWharfComplex
St.George’sGE05
441-297-0909
[email protected]
Opening Hours: 10am - 4 pm Tues-Sat
1pm - 4pm Sundays
World Heritage Centre
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 17
18
A Small Price to Pay
How much would an ancient Masonic
lodge pay to lease the oldest British stone
structure in the New World and the original
home of Bermuda’s Government? At the age
of 391, the State House, an Italianate-style
building constructed between 1618 and 1621,
is home to the Freemasons’ lodge on King
Street in St. George — and it may continue to
be so for the next 391 years. That’s because
the organisation gets a sweet deal on rent:
one peppercorn, just enough to bind a contract
under English common law.
Open to the public on Wednesdays, the
State House once served as the legislative
assembly hall in Bermuda. When the capital
was moved to Hamilton in 1815, the government leased the building to Masonic Lodge
St. George No. 200 of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland. Since 1816 the rent has never
increased and a tradition now in place sees
the Peppercorn Ceremony mark the payment
of annual rent. Much pomp and circumstance
surround this day, one of only three state
occasions in Bermuda’s calendar (the other
two being the reconvening of Parliament and
the Queen’s Birthday Parade). To the delight
of locals and visitors, the spectacle takes place
each April on the Wednesday closest to St.
George’s Day. It begins when the Bermuda
Regiment gathers and marches on to King’s
Square. Then the premier, mayor and other
dignitaries take their places, as the town crier
rings his bell to introduce each dignitary as
they enter the square.
A 17-gun salute announces the governor,
who makes a grand entrance in a horse and
carriage and inspects the honour guard as the
the mayor of St. George demands the rent be
tendered by the lodge to the government: a
single peppercorn presented on a silver plate
atop a velvet cushion.
Gitte Brandenburg
regimental band plays. With great flourish,
Barbara Finsness. Resident and visitor comments include, “Finally
a beautiful shop to buy our gifts,” and “I want to buy everything in
your store.” Barbara’s designs are colourful and tropical, reflecting the best and lasting images of Bermuda. Each item is specially
made and labelled with her signature. The Island Shop won Best
of Giftware in The Bermudian magazine. New designs are continuously added to the collection. (297-1514, islandexports.com)
Peniston Brown on Water Street is the fragrance specialist.
Excellent service and the most popular fragrances from around the
world for men and women are hallmarks of this quaint boutique.
Exclusives include Chloé, Ed Hardy, Guerlain, Marc Jacobs, Vera
Wang and Versace, all at duty-free prices. (405-0005)
The Somers Wharf Shopping and Dining Complex, created in 1978
by developing the historic St. George’s waterfront, sits on land reclaimed
from St. George’s Harbour. Buildings in Somers Wharf, including the
rugged Coal Shed, the long, pink Longhouse and the newly restored blue
Hunter, were built in the late 1700s. Today Somers Wharf is situated ideally in the middle of St. George, within easy walking distance of bus, ferry
and cruise ship terminals, idyllically on the harbour front. A vast selection
of apparel can be found in the shops and boutiques along the wharf, as
well as treasures like fine crystal, artists’ collections and Bermudian crafts
and souvenirs. A dockside pub satisfies hunger and thirst. (296-6185,
somerswharf.com)
Located at 7 and 20 Water St. in St. George, Vera P. Card offers
jewellery, watches, figurines, crystal, clocks and gifts from around the
world at duty-free prices. Selections are varied, and prices are guaranteed to offer savings over stores in the United States. Jewellery is
Discover the shops and restaurants of historic
SOMERS
WHARF
S T. G E O RG E ’ S
“value guaranteed” against an appraisal of your choice. Vera P. Card
features the largest collection of Lladró, M.I. Hummel and Nao-byLladró in the Caribbean, along with the complete Swarovski silvercrystal collection. The shop also has a wide collection of fine crystal
and glass. The jewellery collection emphasises unusual, high-value
stones, as well as exceptional workmanship in gold and sterling silver.
There is also a wide collection of beautiful gemstone globes, which are
shipped free to North America. (297-1718, [email protected])
Pick Up the Pace
Even in quiet St. George, you can find exciting and heart-racing
activities to enjoy.
Get ready to have the time of your life with K.S. Watersports (Jet
Ski & Parasailing Adventures), Bermuda’s No. 1 water sports company for fun and excitement, offering Jet Ski rentals and parasailing
out of Royal Naval Dockyard and Town of St. George. Experience the
adventure of a lifetime on one of the ultimate Jet Ski tours, where you
Experience the relaxing waterfront atmosphere enjoyed by
Bermudians and visitors alike.We offer casual or upscale
dining and boutique stores amid Old Towne history.
www.somerswharf.com
splash and dash through Bermuda’s aqua-blue waters, passing many
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 19
© istockphoto.com / onepony
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reefs, shipwrecks, forts and beautiful landmarks around the eastern
and western ends of the islands. Regular tours are 75 minutes long
and perfect for families and solo riders who seek fun and excitement
in their vacations. All ages are welcome, but you must be 16 or older
to operate a Jet Ski. Instructions are provided for beginners.
Fancy something a little more daring and exciting? Then experience the high-flying thrill, panoramic views and pure excitement
of parasailing in Bermuda, the best way to see the islands and
all the beauty they have to offer. Soar over crystal-clear waters
onboard the Thrill Seeker. The powerful winch boat allows you to
take off and land without getting wet, unless of course, you request
a dip. The professional crew assures you a safe and memorable
experience. All ages are welcome, and no experience is required.
Dockside Glass & Rum Cake
(1-441-297-4155, kswatersports.com)
No trip to St. George would be complete without a stop at the
beautiful Tobacco Bay beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs and
rocks carved by the elements. The sheltered bay and nearby waters
are a playful playground of colourful fish and coral for snorkellers
of all abilities. On the beach, there are chairs, loungers, umbrellas
and snorkel equipment available. (297-2756)
In the old towne of St. George’s
Hand made in Bermuda
“Bermudiana”
It’s fun to rent a scooter at Oleander Cycles, whose local shop
Our gallery of
Glass & Jewelry
Bermudian Art
is on York Street. Oleander is Bermuda’s No. 1 cycle livery and
offers quality scooters at competitive rates. You receive safety
instructions in a private practice area. The St. George’s location is
open seven days a week. (297-0478, St. George; 236-2453, main
office, oleandercycles.bm)
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Following a walking tour of St. George’s museums and shops,
or a day of fun in the sun, a great meal or round of drinks is well
deserved. In St. George you’ll find some of the best bars and
restaurants on Bermuda.
Sit and watch the sun go down from the terrace of Blackbeard’s
Hideout, overlooking Achilles Bay, for cocktails, lunch or dinner. A
popular local spot with casual atmosphere and great food, this true
Bermudian experience is not to be missed. It is great for private
functions. (297-1400)
www.dockyardcompany.com
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Located next to the World Heritage Center at
The Old Shed Building, 6B Pennoʼs Drive, Hunterʼs Wharf, St.Georgeʼs
With breathtaking views overlooking St. George’s Harbour,
Griffin’s Bistro & Bar is located at The St. George’s Club on top
of Rose Hill. Join them for lunch or dinner in the newly refurbished
Harbour View dining room, and enjoy great food and friendly
service. Griffin’s is the jewel in the crown of St. George’s. (2974235, stgeorgesclub.com)
Temptations specialises in great-tasting, affordably priced food
to satisfy any appetite. Enjoy a hearty breakfast bagel, delicious
homemade soup, the best sandwiches in town, sinful desserts, ice
creams and sherbets, or a piping-hot cup of tea or cappuccino. Eat
in or take out, open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday,
from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (297-1368)
If you’re at beautiful Tobacco Bay, don’t miss the concession
there, which has an inviting bar with tasty light meals and snacks.
Experience Bermuda 2011 | 12 21
Charles Anderson
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Restaurant, Pub & Sports Bar
Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio is centrally located in the heart of the
historic Town of St. George and boasts panoramic views of the harbour. It offers a wide range of menu choices guaranteed to satisfy
any picky eater, from the famous locally caught fish items, including
wahoo nuggets, rockfish Picasso and, of course, the award-winning
fish chowder, to the delicious schnitzel sandwich and ever-changing
pasta special. Bring your family for a nice relaxing meal, or come for
a romantic dinner overlooking the moonlit harbour. (297-1307)
The White Horse Pub & Restaurant is Bermuda’s favourite pub
and seafood restaurant, in Town of St. George. It is well known for its
creative and colourful dishes, friendly service and breathtaking views
of St. George’s harbour. The pub offers covered waterside dining and
an outdoor bistro area where you can soak up the sun if desired, not
to mention feed the fish right below your table! The White Horse
serves a wide selection of fresh local fish and grilled steaks, as well
as your English and Bermudian pub favourites. When it comes to
entertainment, nobody does it better, providing entertainment day
and night at the outdoor Native Islander Bar. Sit back and relax to
Bermuda’s favorite pub &
seafood restaurant in St. George’s
...with excellent service, great prices
and a relaxed atmosphere the White Horse is sure to please.
• Waterfront dining
• Live satellite sports coverage
• Happy Hour 5 to 7pm daily
• Indoor and outdoor bars
• Entertainment daily
• Popular bar for locals and
visitors alike
• 2 min walk from Ferry stop
Food Served: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Bar Open: 11:00am to 1:00am
8 Kings Square, St. George’s, GE05
Tel: 297-1838
www.whitehorsebermuda.com
TEMPTATIONS
A hearty breakfast bagel,
soups, best sandwiches
in town sinful desserts,
all your favourite songs of the past and present while enjoying one
ice creams and sherbets,
of the bar’s signature cocktails made especially for you. For all you
friendly fast service
sports fans out there, this is Bermuda’s No. 1 sports bar in St. George,
so sit back and enjoy wall-to-wall sports coverage of your favourite
teams, from morning to night. The White Horse is open seven days
a week for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with bar
open until 1 a.m. or later. Takeout is available. (1-441-297-1838,
Tel. 297 1368 • 31 York Street • St. George’s Bermuda
[email protected]
Juliet Hoerrmann
Owner/Manager
whitehorsebermuda.com)
Where to Stay
Nestled on top of Rose Hill, with spectacular views of St. George’s
Harbour, is The St. George’s Club, Bermuda’s premier cottage
colony and vacation ownership resort, with one- and two-bedroom
cottages in the Bermudian architectural style. Guests enjoy beautifully
manicured gardens, three swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurant
and bar, cycle livery, on-site grocery adjacent to the golf course
— currently being updated to championship level — and pink-sand
beaches, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Town of St. George
and its pristine harbour. E-mail reservations@stgeorgesclubcom or
[email protected]. (297-1200 reservations, stgeorgesclub.com)
36 Water Street
St. Georges, GE 05
Bermuda
Phone - 297-1307
[email protected]
www.wahoosbistro.bm
How to Get There
Take advantage of Bermuda’s excellent public transportation,
arriving in St. George by taxi, bus or ferry. Sea Express ferry offers
six daily trips to St. George’s (from Hamilton, via Dockyard) from
April 11 to November 19 only. In addition, there are four high-speed
catamarans that serve these routes. Or take a Bermuda Breeze bus
ride from Hamilton via routes 1, 3, 10 or 11. The one-way fare from
Dockyard is $4.50 for adults and $2 for children ages 5–16 (kids
under 5 years old ride for free). The one-way fare from Hamilton is
$8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5–16. You can also try the
Transportation Pass, which is good for unlimited rides on the bus and
ferry system. Passes cost $12 for one day, $20 for two days, $28 for
three days, $35 for four days and $45 for seven days.
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