Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.
Dutch St. Maarten is a great place to stop just to shop. Its capital is Philipsburg and fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. It is a bustling center of international trade with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels. Strangely enough it has two main streets called Front Street and Back Street.
On Front Street, which is the main thoroughfare, duty-free shops line the road as far as the eye can see. These duty-free shops offer everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Don't be afraid to venture the alleyways that will lead you to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers.
The Courthouse is the most prominent landmark on Front Street. It is a grand white wooden structure topped with a cupola built in 1793. Front Street also includes the Simartin Museum so that visitors can get and excellent introduction to local St. Maartin history. There are also historical forts that are monuments to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history.
Philipsburg has not been left behind in the time, however. It has combined its historical legacy with 20th century excitement. Since its waterfront has become a popular stop for cruise ships, the shore of this town is covered with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs that offer entertainment well into the night.
St. John's, Antigua is one of the oldest trading posts in the Caribbean Sea. It is a mixture of restored buildings that date back to the 1600s and some more modern buildings. One of the great things about St. John's is that most of the sights are within walking distance; so go explore the town as soon as you disembark. As you take a stroll along the streets lining the wharf, you will notice vendors hawking everything from clothing to local crafts, artwork, and jewelry. The Public Market is arrayed with an assortment of tropical fruits that you may not recognize. If you are up for a little bit adventure, sample something that appeals to you. Just make sure to ask if it needs any preparation first.
Just recently, St. Lucia, and Castries in particular, has become one of the most popular regions for tourists. The accommodations and facilities are top of the line, and the restaurants and activities fabulous. The majority of travelers reside between Castries, which is the capital of St. Lucia, and the northern end of the island. The entire north side of the island is comprised of white-sand beaches to dazzle even the most seasoned and experienced traveler.
This fertile isle is a land of rain forests, tropical flowers, and abundant sugar cane. After a stroll around the charming colonial streets and shops of the capital, Basseterre, tour the island or visit Brimstone Hill Fort, an impressive construction that is one of the wonders of the Caribbean world.
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the island of St. Thomas was once inhabited by the Ciboney tribes around 1500 BC along with two other tribes, the Taino or Arawaks and the Caribs. Even today you will be able to find evidence of these late tribes. Also before the European began to form a colony on this island, pirates once roam this island. The most common stories of pirates usually include the names of Blackbeard and Bluebeard who have been known for thieving Spanish ships filled with gold coins and other valuables. In 1917, the Danish flag was a thing of the past and the flag of the United States is a thing of the present.
Due to the beauty of this island, breath taking attractions are everywhere you look. This island is equipped with historical sites such as the Charlotte Amalie to marine parks and beautiful botanical gardens throughout the island. During your visit make sure you indulge in the Nightlife full of calypso music for your listening pleasure as well as great restaurants for your dining pleasure and semi-block parties for your dancing delight.
Half Moon Cay has the attraction of other private islands plus some! This 2500 acre island, prides itself in maintaining the natural ecology; it protects 2400 of its acres by keeping them wholly unspoiled. Located one hundred miles SE of Nassau, its large protected bay used to be a famous refuge for pirates (or as famous as a pirate refuge can get). Enjoy nature activities, beach fun, or just swing in the hammock to the island steel band. Make sure to take at least one dip in the beach which is only chest deep 60 ft out!
Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.