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Traipe through the expansive nature reserve of Cooper's Island.
(Photo: Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority) |
Indulge in a little beach time while bypassing resort crowds. Start with breakfast at Tribe Road Kitchen, a gastropub in Hamilton; the Bermuda Bennie ($19) combines a poached egg and avocado Hollandaise with a fish cake, roasted tomato, thick-cut bacon, and caramelized local bananas. Go to Cooper's Island, a former NASA facility that spans 44.5 acres and a nature reserve in St. David’s; the tiny, waterfront coves are connected by a mile-long walking trail. Spot sea turtles at aptly named Turtle Beach, and stop to snorkel among the coral at Clearwater Beach on the northern coast. Get lunch at Art Mels Spicy Dicy, a legendary counter joint with an outpost in St. George's. The justifiably famous fried-fish sandwich is made with local whitefish and large enough to share; order yours like a Bermudian, with cheese, lettuce, and coleslaw on raisin bread ($11.75). Afterwards, bring your binoculars to Southampton’s Whale Bay Beach, where you can spot migrating humpback whales from the cliffs of West Whale Bay Park in March and April. Wash the sand from your hair and embark on a Hamilton bar crawl that locals lovingly call the Unofficial Front Street Marathon. Start with sundowners ($12�18) at 1609, the new open-air, over-water bar on the Fairmont marina. Cross the street to Harry’s, a clubby bar and restaurant popular with happy-hour revelers. Order the Rocking Chair ($14), which combines 15-year-old rum, rhubarb bitters, and an oversize coconut water ice cube. Walk ten minutes east to Front Street, dotted with bars and restaurants overlooking Hamilton Harbour. Swing with the moneyed set at Red, a second-story steakhouse and lounge with an outdoor patio, tender filet mignon ($38), and a stiff Hendrick’s cucumber martini ($19). Dance it off at Café Cairo (no cover), which has DJs after 10 p.m. Then indulge in late-night jerk chicken ($10) at Smokin’ Barrel, a food truck parked next to the Front Street ferry terminal.