Expert: Michael - 12/26/2006

Question
Mike, you are the MAN! Thank you, my angst is gone now that I know the NFL is in Bermuda. Wahoo,the Ravens are going all the way to Miami. Would be great to see Brady here in Baltimore on the way:)
Also, appreciate the recommendations on bars for the game. You hit gold with "Flanagan's," - if you missed it, I am Sean Flanagan...wait til they get a load of me.
A little more of your expertise would be appreciated. Girlfriend and I with no agenda other than fun and relaxation for 3 night 4 day trip.
1. See you prefer Oleander for moped rental, will reserve a 2-seater per ur suggestion... any thoughts on a destination one day... love a great little watering hole, maybe a view to write home about, but definitely relaxed and fun (a local favorite perhaps!?!).
2. Hope to rent a boat one day... see Mangrove Marina gets your nod. Is this convenient to my hotel (Fairmont/Ham)? What is/are the must do's by water? Is a 14/17' Whaler still the best I can hope for in Bermuda?
3. Any other thoughts appreciated!?!
Again, thank you for all the great stuff... glad I stumbled onto your site. All my kudos! And what a response rate, the morning after a Christmas day question! WOW!
Sean  
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Mike, first trip to Bermuda is 1/11/07. Your Q&As are great... feel like I know the basics. Staying at Fairmont/Hamilton... My Ravens will be in the playoffs. Do U.S. networks broadcast in Bermuda, where can I catch the  game for the weekend (NFL)???
-----Answer-----
Dear Sean,

Thanks for writing and your kudo's for the stuff that I've addressed.

One. You are in for a real treat this being your first visit to Bermuda. And of all places the Princess. Who-ahh!  You'll have a good time for certain.

Two.  Bermuda carries ABC on ZFB, CBS on ZBM and NBC on VSB.  Of course there are other channels such as the BBC if you lean that far left, or even care.  Bermuda has Cablevision which carries ESPN as well.

Three.  The NFL had international coverage and distribution in Bermuda.  (We are getting closer.  Hehe.)

Four.  You are most likely to pick the game up in a pub (if not in your room.)  The Colony Pub, downstairs in the Fairmont, may very well have the game on.  If not,  taking a short stroll down Pitts Bay road to Front Street will bring you to Flannagan's Pub which has a satellite dish and runs sports on their TV.  The Hog Penny will as well.  The next street up parallel to Front is Reid St.  At 73 Reid you will find Champion Sports Bar.  Do you need more?  I dare say not.

I have watched in October the World Series at the resort I most often stay.  I have also seen the NFL broadcast at the White Horse in St. George.  I'm not suggesting you go their just to watch a game.  My point is that it is broadcasted and most likely would be found in any pub.

Sean, your Baltmore team seems to be in good shape as is New England.  Wishing you a great trip and luck with the Ravens, but not as much luck as I wish the Pats <smile>.

Happy planning!
Mike  

Answer
Hello Sean Flanagan,

As a first timer to Bermuda do consider St. George for a morning/afternoon.  Particularly if you or your honey care for olden types things.  St. George is a world heritage site.  Just like it was threee hundred years ago ... quaint shops on a harbour, the White horse Tavern for lunch on their patio, mopeding the tiny streets of St. George, Old Maid's Lane, Aunt Peggy's Lane, Silk Alley.

The Fairmont splits the distance of the island.  Bus 1, 10 or 11 would get you to St. George.  Make a call to 1(800)BERMUDA and request a Bus Route Map and a Handy Reference Guide.  These will make finding and planning your destinations pleasurable.  Keep in mind that I'm saying these bus routes with the idea that you may moped.  Route 11 will take you up behind downtown Hamilton and onto Northshore Road.  You will pass through Black Watch Pass which to me is a wonder of Bermuda.  The drive along the northshore will take you through Flatts and around Flatts Inlet.  Really eye candy.  When you get there you may stop and park the bike at the Aquairium and walk over to the inlet which feeds Harrington Sound.  If your lucky you may see sting rays swimming into the sound.  But even if you don't see any sting rays the stop will wow your senses.  It is very picturesque.  Continuing on towards St. George you will pass The Swizzle Inn, a sure stop for your return for sitting outdoors either upstairs or down.  Baily Ice Cream Parlour is across the street.  Continuing on you will come to the Causeway, pass the airport and into St. George.

If you went route 1 it will take you along the eastern end of Southshore Road. Take a stop at John Smith's Bay.  Beautiful.  Nobody will be there with maybe an exception of an artist sitting under a poincianna tree.  From there meander your way along the southeastern side of Harrington Sound and along through the public ways with golf courses to either side of you.  It is a fun drive.  Further on you'll pass Crystal Caves, Tom Moor's Tavern and come to the intersection where you will find the famed Swizzle Inn.  And just continue as previously mentioned. Of course this could as well be the return trip.

In any event shopping in St. George will be quaint.  As I said, the White Horse, taking in the square, make your plans with your Handy Reference Map, then maybe scoot up Cutt Road stopping at Gates Fort where the cruise ships come in.  Continue around Barry Road.  Here your doing the parimeter of St. George all along the ocean. Next to Alexander Battery on Barry Road is a small glass beach.  Check it out!  Pick up some worn pieces of colored glass.  Listen for the tinkle as the sea rolls gently carrying the glass out and again in, onto the seashore. Continue on to  fort St. Catherine and enjoy some solitude at Blackbeard's Hideaway.  By this time you should be on diet coke.  hehe.  Just continue the ride along the ocean passing Coot Pond and Tabacco Bay and back to the village of St. George.

This would be a fine several hour trip for you and your girl bringing you to three fantastic watering holes as mentioned, the White horse Tavern, Blackbeard's Hideawy and the Swizzle Inn.  You'll just have to relax that night.  Maybe on a horse and buggy ride around Hamiton.

A second day, perhaps on the way to the place to rent that 14' whaler you could drive along the southshore road in the other direction.  As you approach the southshore beaches you will find turn offs to pull into for viewing the ocean and its surroundings.  This is Bermuda in excellence and the ride extemely worth it. Did I mention in an earlier writing Gibbs Hill Lighthouse? It is on the way and the view from the top ... well, it's over the top.  As you continue westward just after Middle Road intersects with Southshore Road you will find a tribe road on the corner with a gas station. This will take you onto a streatch of Railway Bed which will give you exceptional views of the Great Sound.  Eventually you'll moped your way to the boat rental spot.

Exploring on a moped may be enough for you. If it is, then a ride on the ferry from Hamilton to the Dockyard may be in order.  What I like about the ferry ride to the dockyard is the route which stops at several bays.  Very senic.

I couldn't speak for must do's on the water while in a whaler.  Mangrove Marina is across the Great Sound.  Personally I would stay within the Great Sound fearing hitting a reef outside the island.  If you were up to it you could get on a two seater parasailing rig in St. George.  I can't talk my wife into it.  Maybe someday.

Another place to rent a whaler is Blue Hole Water sports.  Just beyond the Swizzle Inn at Grotto Bay.  There is an interesting cave with stalagtites and stalagmites on the property.  If you cared not for the whaler you could rent ski cats which have chaise seats with pontunes.  Each pontune has a small prop controlled with a toggle switch.  Fun for sure.  Or a double kayak which is on my list of things yet to be done.

Along with your Handy Reference guide Sean, the moped will bring you anywhere on this small 22 square mile island.

Happy planning!
Michael