An Accidental Weekend in Bermuda

Travel posts titled "48 Hours In..." are abundant and provide great information about how to see a new place in a short span of time. Although it wasn't our plan to explore the island nation of Bermuda in a weekend, a severe snowstorm had different plans, and a four-day vacation turned into a whirlwind weekend getaway to the British Overseas Territory.

Fortunately, adjusting to Bermuda is very easy for American citizens. There is a 1-to-1 exchange rate between U.S. and Bermudian dollars; the national language is English; and the residents are incredibly kind, helpful people.

In just a weekend, it is possible to visit the three cultural centers of St. George's, the Royal Naval Dockyard, and Hamilton.

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St. George's

On a Saturday in the late afternoon, the town of St. George's, located at the northern end of Bermuda, is relatively quiet. The town's slow pace at this time of day allows for peaceful enjoyment of the historic sites, including St. Peter's Church and The Bermuda Perfumery. If you are unable to visit St. George's when the perfumery is hosting a scent creation workshop or holding afternoon tea, you can still enjoy the beautiful adjoining garden.

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Royal Naval Dockyard

What is now a charming covered mall, shopping area, and attraction was once a center for the British Royal Navy. While waiting for the Bermuda Rum Cake Company to open, stop by Dockyard Pastry Shop for a cup of coffee and bird watching or be entertained by some of the feral chickens found roaming the island. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, there may be as many as 25,000 chickens, which is significant, as 2016 data suggests there are only 65,331 Bermudian human residents.

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Hamilton

Hamilton, Bermuda's capital, is both the physical and cultural center of the island. Compared to St. George's and the Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton is more active even during quiet times of the week. If you are in search of more dining options and coffee shops, Hamilton has a lot to offer.

Devil's Isle Cafe and Rock Island Coffee are two lovely cafes in Hamilton. Devil's Isle boasts extensive coffee, juice, and cocktail menus, in addition to delicious avocado toast and egg dishes, while Rock Island Coffee is considered the best coffee shop in Bermuda by Bermuda Attractions.

Bermuda's British roots make it the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea. Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is home to Crown and Anchor, where, with a reservation, afternoon tea can be enjoyed on weekends between 3 and 5. Opt for the tea with champagne if you wish to enjoy a glass of La Marca prosecco with your own personal pot of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Ending a trip with this experience will allow you to float home with relaxed, revived spirits.

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Getting Around Bermuda

For the brave of heart, a scooter rental may be the best way to see Bermuda. However, for those who wish to simplify their travel arrangements, riding the bus is a fantastic, affordable way to see the island.

The one complication in relation to the bus is finding a location that sells bus tokens or tickets, which are required to ride if you don't possess exact change. The central bus terminal in Hamilton is one reliable vendor of these tickets.

In order to get to the Hamilton Central Bus Terminal from the airport, take the 11 bus from the bus stop directly outside the airport (marked by a solid-colored pole). Pay exact change in coins, as bills are not accepted. Exit the bus at the Hamilton bus terminal and proceed to the small ticket office. If the bus system seems complicated, rest assured that it can be mastered in less than a day's time.

By using the bus and walking the narrow, winding streets--while always remaining prepared to jump into the adjacent foliage to dodge passing motor vehicles--you can see the gorgeous hidden gems of the country that reside between the three primary island centers.

The beaches near The Reefs Resort and Club are surrounded by sparkling, vibrant turquoise water.

Near L.F. Wade International Airport are the Crystal and Fantasy Caves. While a tour of one cave costs $22, for only $30 you can see both caves, making it a great combination ticket deal. Descending the stairs into the warm cavern as water drips from above is unlike any other experience. Seeing the calcite stalactites and stalagmites, some of which extend from the depths of 50-plus-foot water to almost 20 feet tall instills a new sense of awe and wonder.

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Whether or not you can make it to Bermuda, we can all embrace the saying passed on by one driver that he said embodies the Bermudian outlook:  "It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice." Safe travels!