King’s Wharf
King's Wharf is small and simple, but don't let that fool you. It is a beautiful port destination, and if you look closely, you can find all of the amenities that you would on any other island in the Caribbean. King's Wharf combines glorious beach weather and interesting historical locations, making it the perfect getaway from the everyday grind.
Bermuda is the ideal location to escape the stress and strain of everyday city life. This pleasant little island is one of the premier honeymoon spots in the entire world. The citizens are friendly, and you will not be victimized by constant hounding on the beach. You will be respected and treated politely, and the environment is stress-free and lacks the ever-present vendors that exist on virtually all other islands in the Caribbean. Bermuda is the best location for sunning and swimming, as the sun is bright and the waters clear and tranquil. If you are a big wave surfer, the waters outside King's Wharf are not for you. However, if your interest lies in snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, you have come to the right place.
The inhabitants of Bermuda, and King's Wharf in particular, stay true to the British customs that they have followed for centuries. However, in the past couple of decades, the region has become a lot more Americanized, but in a positive way. Bermuda has some of the best golf in the world, and every pro golfer that has played a round on Bermuda has come away satisfied.
St. Martin
St. Maarten & St. Martin are two fascinating Caribbean
countries that share a single island of only 40 square miles in size. In the
year 1649, this Caribbean nation split in two; with the Dutch inhabiting the
southern portion of the island, and the French inhabiting the north. Today, a
peaceful coexistence between the two governments make both nations a charming
getaway that welcomes all visitors to bask in their ample beaches, fabulous
duty-free shopping, terrific nightlife, exciting casinos, and world-class
dining.
If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the quiet and
tranquility of the Caribbean, then you might be tempted to look elsewhere, for
in recent years, especially after the massive and impressive rebuilding projects
on the island following Hurricane Luis in 1995, St. Maarten/St. Martin has
become a tourist mecca. But locals are stilly friendly, attractions are
plentiful and affordable, and if you are drawn to a variety of water-sports and
sport fishing opportunities, then the island is perfect for you.
There are two capital cities on the island, one for the Dutch
side, and one for the French. Phillipsburg, St. Maarten is by far the largest
city on the island, and the number one destination for cruise-ship passengers.
Founded in 1763 by John Phillips, the city has evolved into a major port of
call. Stroll through the town and visit Front Street, where you can shop for
everything under the sun and enjoy some of the very best bargains anywhere in
the Caribbean. The city is a hustling and bustling capital that is the epitome
of the progress this island has made in recent years. As you head north to the
French side of the island you will come across Marigot, St. Martin. Here you
will be treated to a far more serene town that will remind you of a small French
seaside village.
If time permits, then a small drive to Grand-Case is well
worthwhile. Here you will find a quaint fishing village that has escaped the
over-development of other parts of the island. Instead, you can soak in the
beauty of the Caribbean surroundings in relative tranquility and dine on some of
the best local cuisine available.
Aruba
Aruba, the "A" in the ABC islands (B for Bonaire, C for Curacao) is a small Caribbean Island measuring only 20 miles long by 6 miles wide. Yet, don't let its small size fool you. It is a complete tourist destination featuring breathtaking beaches, crystal clear and inviting waters, exotic restaurants and nightclubs, and a host of other activities sure to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became an independent nation in 1986. It has a storied history in the 20th century largely based on oil, for its refineries supplied oil to the Allied forces in World War Two. These past decades, however, the livelihood of Aruba's 100,000 residents depends largely on tourism. Locals are friendly and welcoming, as evidenced by a verse in their national anthem that speaks, The greatness of our people is their great cordiality.
Aruba features a landscape that is rather unique from its Caribbean counterparts. Here you will find a land of cacti jungles, inland deserts, tropical birds, isolated bays and coves, all in a temperate setting; a climate that averages 82 degrees year-round with very little humidity. A moratorium on large-scale building has ensured that the number of large resorts is kept to a minimum, ensuring that the pristine beaches and attractions will remain that way for decades to come.
The city of Oranjestad is a thriving capital that is a welcome mix of Caribbean, Spanish and Dutch influences. Here you will find lovely restaurants, bargain shopping galore, ritzy casinos, and opportunities to take part in many local adventures, such as horseback riding, kayaking trips, parasailing excursions, and so much more.
When the sun sets over this Caribbean wonderland, you will delight in knowing that the nightlife is ready every day of the year to satisfy you reveling urges till the break of dawn. World-class bars and discos, along with a different themed party every day of the week will ensure that you will never tire of the vibrant city of Oranjestad and the surrounding lands of Aruba.
Ft. Lauderdale
The Seminole Indians were the original inhabitants of the
area now known as Fort Lauderdale. The city itself was named for Major William
Lauderdale, who led a group known as the Tennessee Volunteers into the area
during the Seminole War.
Fort Lauderdale began as an agricultural community, full of
citrus groves. By the 1960?s, the city took on a new identity as the place for
college students to come for spring break. Hedonism and public drunkenness
became the norm for much of the next twenty years, but the residents of the once
sleepy town decided to take it back from the rowdy youngsters. The police began
to make their presence known a little more, and soon Fort Lauderdale was off the
list of top Spring Break destinations.
Today, Fort Lauderdale is a little closer to its roots, with
a gentle breezy demeanor to it. You can still have a good time here, exploring
the 300 miles of waterways that led to the labeling of Fort Lauderdale as
"the Venice of America." There are places to rent boats, and plenty of
opportunities to take a boat tour around the city. Or, get really acquainted
with the water by snorkeling or diving in the Atlantic.
There is still plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale.
Take a water taxi to some of the area's best restaurants and bars. Stroll
along busy Las Olas and visit the eclectic shops and art galleries.
The sports enthusiast will get his fill here. Tennis courts
and golf courses are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale. It's just a matter of
deciding which one to play on. Choose from baseball, football, or jai alai. You
can even place a bet at the greyhound racetrack.
The nature lover can check out over 500,000 acres of Florida
Everglades, which are part of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. The Everglades,
which were formed by the constant overflow of nearby Lake Okeechobee, are home
to flamingos and alligators, among others.
Of course, if you're visiting Florida, chances are that you
will want to hit the beach, and there is ample space for everybody along Ft.
Lauderdale's beautiful coastline. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine here
every year, so enjoy!
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