Cultural Currents – Miami to Miami

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”

Spend a glorious day swimming at famed Cane Bay Garden Beach, hiking the island’s rainforest and enjoying a scenic drive around this lush island. Swim with dolphins, go sea kayaking or head over to Virgin Gorda and climb down to the famous Baths for a day of swimming and exploring this natural phenomenon. Take home charming local crafts, straw items, artwork and resort wear. Enjoy local fish dishes or perhaps a pub lunch or burger!

One of the Caribbean’s true gems, St. Barts is where Riviera chic meets Caribbean cool. Day-trippers come from nearby islands for the duty-free shopping, excellent dining and to lounge on the soft, white sands in a secluded palm-fringed cove. Tour Fort Gustav and Fort Carl, historic reminders of Sweden’s short-lived Caribbean possession. Excursions abound, inviting guests to snorkel, sail over the clear blue waters on a catamaran, or horseback ride through shaded jungle trails.

You will be cheering vive la France during your time in Fort-de-France. The capital of Martinique boasts beautiful French architecture, such as the Cathédral St-Louis, several French-built forts and pristine beaches that rival those of the Riviera. All roads lead to La Savane, a serene central park overseen by a statue of Empress Josephine. Savor the favored French-Antillean dish of Filet of John Dory with yellow bananas and anise.

Known as the “City of Arches” because of the many volcanic stone archways throughout the downtown area, Kingstown was first settled by the French. In the following decades, the island was ceded to the British. Stroll along Bay Street and duck into one of its many shops, but for truly authentic island goods, visit the outdoor waterfront market and the large produce market.

The island of Barbados is rimmed with mile after mile of pristine beaches. The eastern edge, rugged and hilly, lies on the Atlantic Ocean. The west coast, washed by the calmer leeward sea has most of the resort hotels. It is here that you will find the capital, Bridgetown, and older colonial settlements. Tour the meticulously restored 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House or admire the spectacular views from Gun Hill Signal Station. Adventures abound at sea by catamaran or Atlantis submersible and on land by an off-road island safari. Not to miss delicacies include the sweet and tender flying fish, washed down with a glass of Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum.

Dating back to 1609 when the Sea Venture wrecked off the coast, the first settlement of Bermuda began here at this north end of the archipelago. St. George’s parish is comprised of two large islands, St. George’s and St. David’s. The town of St. George’s is the second-oldest English town in the New World, and for almost two centuries, was the capital of Bermuda. It is named for both Sir George Somers, the founder of Bermuda, and Saint George, the patron Saint of England.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. Pastel-hued buildings decorate the waterfront of this very Dutch Caribbean island. Don’t miss a visit to the colorful floating market, just a short walk from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. A World Heritage site, the Punda district preserves hundreds of buildings as national monuments including Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, one of the first synagogue’s in the New World, and the waterfront’s colorful Penha building.

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”