HELPING GENERATIONS plan their next trip
HELPING GENERATIONS plan their next trip
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St . George ’ s parish is located at the exact opposite end of Bermuda from Sandys and is home to the town of St . George , designated a UNESCO World Heritage site . This was the area where the settlement group from Britain landed and founded this town . It is the oldest , continuously inhabited settlement outside of the British Isles .
Cobblestoned King ’ s Square is the main town center of St . Georges where you can find the oldest bank of Bermuda , Butterfield Bank . It was originally built in 1776 and used by the troops during the American Revolution . Just outside this building , you will see a replica of stocks and pillory . These were used during the British Colonial days in the 18th century , for punishing those who committed petty crimes like drunkenness . Visitors cannot resist taking photos with their heads and hands inserted through the holes .
It is interesting to note that these stocks , as well as the interior of the nearby St . Peter ’ s Church , and many other buildings , are constructed out of cedar wood . In fact , when buildings are entered the aroma of cedar is quite strong . This is due to the fact that Bermuda hillsides were covered with cedar trees and the settlers would use this for trim and furnishings while other areas of the world would use their own native woods . Unfortunately , a blight wiped out all of these trees at the end of WWII and gradually , even all the wood from the dead trees , was utilized and had disappeared by the later 1960 ’ s . Australian Casuarina trees were planted as they are green and quick growing , but their wood cannot be used as cedar wood was .
St . Peter ’ s Church referenced is the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere with the original structure built in 1617 . The current structure dates from 1713 . Bermudians have been worshiping and marrying there ever since . It is also the site for the more modern “ destination ” weddings that have become popular . One of the church ’ s unique features is a rare three-tiered pulpit made of cedar of course .
The quaint town is surrounded by old forts — Fort St . Catherine , the best known . A colorful ceremony each April , St . George ’ s Masonic Lodge pays the rent of one peppercorn for the use of the State House . This Peppercorn Ceremony reflects the British traditions that have delighted visitors for centuries .
One of Bermuda ’ s most outstanding feature that has helped to lure many a visitor , the dozens of gorgeous soft pink sand beaches ! The most celebrated beach is called Horseshoe Bay . Well named as it is a very wide sweeping beach located on the south shore . This is a very popular beach , but so large it can accommodate many and rarely feels too crowded . Bermudians swim mainly between May and October , when the water temperature reaches up into the 80 ’ s and beyond , but visitors often swim year round . Even if the water temps don ’ t lure you in during the “ off-season ” the beauty of this beach on a mild day attracts beach lovers to this grand strand .
A mention must also be made of the truly world class golf courses that dot the island , with special mention of the famed Mid-Ocean Club which has played host to Pro Golf tournaments . Bright green tees edging the sparkling turquoise waters places a burden on golfers to keep their mind on their game !
Food and cuisine always play a most important part of any vacation and visitors to Bermuda will find an interesting culinary tradition . The flavors blend the ethnic makeup of the population in a unique way . Fish is a staple of course with many dishes featuring the widely available Wahoo and Rockfish . Chowder made with Rockfish is found on many restaurant menus . On most dining tables a bottle of locally made sherry-pepper vinegar stands waiting to be sprinkled into the Rockfish chowder . The bottles of vinegar also can be purchased as a wonderful souvenir of a visit to the island . Famous cocktails include rum swizzles and a tall drink called dark and stormy featuring local Gosling black rum and ginger beer .
Bermuda has remained a unique island paradise with the scents of oleander , frangipani , bougainvillea and hibiscus , mingling with the clean salt air . These flowers bloom at various times during the year and continually entice visitors to return . The natural beauty and charm , coupled with the close proximity to New York , make it a desirable destination to visit over and over again .
While visiting Bermuda long ago in 1958 , a local steel band was playing a song entitled “ Bermuda is Still Paradise ”, and I can honestly say that this song title still rings true today .
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