Sites you must see in Nassau, Bahamas

The golden sands of the Bahamas have long had an allure to any passing by.  The Bahamas were at first the playground of pirates, explorers and armies.  The influences from these groups can still be found through out the islands.  But at the base of all of this is the colorful history of the Bahamian people that literally blankets all visitors lucky enough to come to Nassau, Bahamas.  While the draw of the beaches or the exciting shopping that is offered may be hard to break away from visitors should be encouraged to see the many fascinating sites of Nassau, Bahamas during their visit.  In addition to being just plain fun tourists who take this opportunity will discover a wealth of cultural offerings that explain a lot about the history and mystery of this Bahamian island. Some highlights of the sites not to be missed have been listed for shorter (half-day) or longer (full-day) excursions.  Here are just a few-

• Shorter (half-day) trips-Not to be missed is the colorfully creative Junkanoo Expo in Festival Place at Prince George Wharf. This is the wharf where cruise ships dock.  While visiting the Expo you will learn about the history of this famous Bahamian celebration.  Be sure to check out the larger than life floats and flamboyant costumes from the past years festivals.  You can even take home a souvenir as past costumes are sold!  Also be sure to tour the Educulture Junkanoo Museum with a real Junkanoo queen and try your hand at making masks and dancing to traditional music.  To experience the real thing just book your trip between December 26 and January 1. Another not to be missed experience is quite a bargain!  Pay a mere $1 to enter the quaint, one-room Bahamas Historical Society Museum and marvel at the six-panel painting by Diana Pullinger that pictorially represents the history of The Bahamas. When you are through there walk across to the thought provoking “Bahama Mama” exhibit at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Upstairs, gaze way up at the imposing, 82-inch copper “Junkanoo Queen” by Nick Austin.  All of these side trips will really rev up the appetite and since there are no counting calories on vacation there are no excuses for not sampling the fried conch fritters at one of the small colorful eateries at Arawak Cay. Be sure not to miss the big, 19th-century pink buildings these are only complete with the statue of a young Queen Victoria reigning over them.  They are still working government offices. If you want to research what you are seeing be sure and check out behind Parliament Square, the old town jail got a new lease on life as the Nassau Public Library & Museum. This octagonal-shaped building no longer houses criminals, but instead, a rich Bahamian history collection and a few interesting local artifacts.
• Longer (full-day) excursions-Consider visiting St. Augustine’s Monastery. You will need reservations in advance but it is well worth it to visit this working monastery that is under the care of Benedictine monks who will happily tour you around the cloisters and gardens for a small donation.  Be sure to visit the tiny, historic Adelaide Village (founded by free slaves in the 1830s) on the south end of the island which is a lovely spot for a picnic or horseback riding with Happy Trails Stables. There are also breweries that can be visited for a free tour (though you do need an appointment) stop by the Commonwealth Brewery.  While there you can swallow a free sample of Kalik which is the “unofficially official” beer of the Bahamas. Bacardi Distillery also runs an operation here making their famous rum.  Head west on the island and visit the impressive Fort Fincastle.  This fort was built in 1783 to protect against looters and yet no shots were ever fired here.  The fort can be reached by climbing the Queen’s Staircase built by slaves during the reign of Queen Victoria.  The long staircase consists of 65 limestone steps to the top.  Adjacent to the Queen’s Staircase is another not to be missed site.  The 126 foot high Water Tower affords spectacular views of Nassau from the highest point on the island. In another great travel bargain just fork over the 50-cent admission price and take the elevator to the top.

There are so many sites that really shouldn’t be missed when traveling to Nassau, Bahamas.  The only problem visitors may have to this lovely island paradise will be deciding which sites to visit and how soon to come back to see some more!