Expert: Nan - 8/5/2008

Question
my friend and i are considering a trip to bermuda this weekend - aug. 8th-10th - so he can get his passport stamped and i can get the heck out of nyc for w/end. i don't know anything about bermuda, where to stay, eat, or hang out..but the facts are these: we dont need frills, but a view would be nice, we like to fish, swim, and drink rum in any concoction, bum around town, meet some locals, hear some stories and tell some of our own. he is a boater/diver from oz and i am a designer/foodie from nyc.

we would be grateful for any advice/ideas you can give us.

thanks!


Answer
If I had a quick weekend in Bermuda I'd stay in/near Hamilton for the 1.) view, and 2.) easy access to the ferry system to explore points beyond while enjoying adult beverages.  Salt Kettle House and Greenbank Guest House are two good choices across the harbor from Hamilton. Great views and on the ferry line. Lots of charm. Lovely sunset views -- perfect for a rum toddy on the waterfront.  For details, visit www.bermuda4u.com or www.bermudatourism.com and search for these two.  Or, simply Google these properties.

Without knowing your budget, I'd say you could stay in Hamilton at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.  Of course, this is a luxury resort hotel and the two of you don't sound like frilly hotel folks, BUT it's within walking distance of all things Hamilton from touristy Front Street to off-the-beaten-path finds. It's very pink, very Bermuda and on the harborfront. Visit www.fairmont.com/Hamilton.

While in Bermuda, please eat lunch (before 2:00 p.m.) at the Cafe Continental just up the street from the Hog Penny Pub (which is in itself a "fun" pub experience albeit somewhat touristy).  Cafe Continental (16 Burnaby Street) is next door to La Baguette bakery/deli with great sandwiches.  They are also open for dinner and have a nice bar, which might lend itself to sharing stories with locals (don't call Bermudians "natives", please use "locals").  

For good Indian food, try the House of India at 57 North Street in Hamilton.  For an interesting experience, also Indian, try "East Meets West" at the Driving Range (ahhh.... the sound of golf balls being whacked while enjoying a great Naan) on Middle Road in Southampton, I believe, near Whale Bay (not the other location which is a take out place in Hamilton).  This might be a good spot for sharing stories as well.  It's waaay off the beaten path (read: not many tourists) with a Tikki Bar.  Go figure.  You must take a cab to this one.  I was there just last month and the food was excellent.

Another spot for sharing stories might be the Somerset Country Squire.  Again, a cab is necessary, but worth the trip for a waterside outdoor casual local dining experience.  www.bermuda.com/countrysquire

More food.... you must eat pizzas at Rustico in Flatts Village (again, a cab).  8 North Shore Road.  Great Italian dishes as well. Call today for a reservation this weekend 441-295-5212.

Check your restaurant bills as most gratuities are included.  When in doubt, ask.  Eating out is expensive, to be sure, but if you mix some of the choices I've provided with some of your own choices, you'll be fine.

More thoughts... ride the ferries... from Hamilton to St. George (St. George is charming, Dockyard at the other end of the island is a commercial tourist haven -- avoid it on a quick weekend; you can always visit this area on your next trip).  Eat at Cafe Gio in St. George.  Take a walking tour there.

Cab to Warwick Long Bay and watch the parrot fish feed in the late afternoon OR cab to Horseshoe Bay and walk (with your reef runners) along the shoreline all the way to Warwick Long Bay or walk the trails to this spot.  Beautiful, beautiful views!

I haven't mentioned anything about renting a scooter.  Do this only if you have experience with these things or more time to get acclimated to using one (I'd recommend one bike for the two of you).  I've been using a double scooter in Bermuda on every trip since 1986 - if you're used to them, by all means rent one.  I'd recommend Oleander Cycles.

One more thought... it's HOT in NYC and you'll be at least 10-15 degrees cooler in Bermuda.  Aahhh!

Hope you find this helpful.  Let me know of more questions!  ENJOY!

Nan