Morning Rush - Sue's Blog Archive

If you win one of our three trips to the Bahamas...here are some must do's

The Bahamas are the place to go for a quick island escape. Here are 5 things to try for a true Bahamian experience.

1. Conch out in the Bahamas - the Bahamian dish of choice. Try it several different ways: cracked, steamed, in a salad, in a chowder, and the all-time greasy favourite - conch fritters. Or, try out some local fish like snapper. For a wide fresh fish selection, head down to the local fish fry, perfect for getting hot conch and cool Kalik beers.

2. No trip to the Bahamas would be complete without a visit to the renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. This is where Oprah and Michael Jordan come to play. Not only does the resort feature a massive waterpark, casino, shops and restaurants, it's home to the world's largest open-air collection of lagoons, pools, and coral formations showcasing sharks, rays, barracudas, piranhas, eels and endless tropical fish. More than 50,000 sea animals call this place home including 16 dolphins rescued from Hurricane Katrina

3. Take a trip to a small out-island such as Staniel Cay in the Exumas, an hour's flight from Nassau. Here, the only traffic you'll run into is on a golf cart. Only about 80 people live on this small and peaceful island. Settle in with locals and visitors alike at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, where you can grab a tropical cocktail, dine on unbelievable home-cooked dishes, then retire to your cottage on the water where the sound of ocean waves will lull you into deep slumber

4. Brave the Straw Market on Bay Street in the capital city of Nassau, a bartering madhouse where you'll find both authentic treasures and not-so-genuine finds. Amidst a mix of beautiful Bahamian crafts lie many a kitschy souvenir. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find it at the Straw Market. On the outer stalls, true wood artisans set up camp. Watch the scales of a fish appear out of an indiscriminate piece of wood right before your eyes.

5. For a taste of history, check out Nassau's historic sites. Take a guided walking tour through government buildings and historic forts, or pick up a walking map and decide your own path. Whatever you choose, make sure to climb the 102-foot Queen's Staircase, named for Queen Victoria. It's all the more stunning when you realize the staircase was not actually built, but carved out of the natural limestone wall by slaves in the late 18th century.

Posted: Feb 03, 2010 by Sue Stewart