The New York Times described the Bahamas as having “unspoiled beaches,” where “the only footprints you’ll see are the footprints of your own.” The waters are described as being a “kaleidoscope of jades, purples and blues.”
The terrain of the Bahamas is flat, which makes it easy to get around. Renting a car, or, if you’re the adventurous type, a scooter, are the advisable modes of transportation. You can easily travel the entire island in a day, as its perimeter is only seven miles by 21 miles.
Flights. For direct flights to the Bahamas, you can leave from Atlanta, only a few hours driving distance from Nashville, and arrive at the Grand Bahama International Airport or at the Nassau International Airport. Flights from Atlanta take about one and a half hours. For the cheapest flights, recommended airlines are Delta and U.S. Airways.
Accommodations. The island has a vast range of lodging options. You can stay at a quaint hotel or at a glittering resort, depending on your budget. Hotel rates are lowest in the Grand Bahama Island section. Check out different hotels to see what kinds of packages they offer; many include boating and fishing activities in the price of a room. Also, to save money, consider staying at a hotel that offers a continental plan, where breakfast is served complimentarily.
Culture. For those of you who are interested in partaking in cultural activity, go to the Hermitage Plantation on Queens Highway, where you can pick cotton. The plantation is one of the historical sites from the American revolutionary period when the British had attempted to establish a plantation economy in the Bahamas.
If you want to capture the beautiful vistas on camera, you should take the drive to Cocoplums Beach at sunset, where you can also stop at the $6,800 a night Four Seasons Resort for a drink. At the Cocoplums Beach Club, you can indulge in what is supposed to be the best food on the island: lobster fritters, jade curry shrimp, blackened grouper and tropical bread pudding – all items for under $20.
You simply cannot go to the Bahamas without participating in any water sports. Choose from scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating, as well as many other activities. You will undoubtedly witness the breathtaking tropical fish and the luscious coral reefs. For water sports arrangements, contact Dive Exuma (www.dive-exuma.com) or Starfish (www.kayakbahamas.com).
Dining. When you’re in the Bahamas, it’s safe to say that your best bet for dining is to look to the sea. Fish is the freshest and least expensive food. The traditional Bahamian meal is boiled grouper with tomatoes and spices. The sides are typically coleslaw, fried plantains, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or peas and rice. Bahamian food dominates most restaurants on the Out Islands.
Entertainment. Nightly entertainment is fairly easy to come by in the Bahamas, as almost every resort has a club or bar area where there are bands and music. Attire is beach-casual, so leave your semi-formal attire at home.
Shopping. For shopping check out Bay Street, the British Colonial Hotel or, if you’re looking for bargains, the Straw Market, all of which are in Nassau. There are duty-free shops almost everywhere, where prices will be as much as 25 to 50 percent lower than American prices. Flea market, anyone? Go to the market in George Town, where you can find hand-woven baskets, Bahamian artwork, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs.
