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Rainy day fun
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JAN 2006
Rainy day fun
When the weather is less than perfect
When it comes to vacationing in The Bahamas, one expects a holiday of sun, sea and sand. However, there will be a few days when visitors will exchange sunglasses and sunscreen for an umbrella and a raincoat.
Fortunately, New Providence offers many things to do when the weather is less than perfect.
History and culture
After more than 500 years, Nassau offers a treasure trove of artefacts and art tracing Bahamian history.
One place to see examples is the Bahamas Historical Society Museum, at the corner of Shirley St and Elizabeth Ave. The collection features pieces from the early days of the Lucayan people to a gravestone from the tomb of Thomas Walker Sr, former Chief Justice of The Bahamas and assistant to the first Royal Governor, Woodes Rogers. The museum is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat 10am-12 noon. Admission is $1 for adults, $0.50 for children.
Another must-see historical attraction is Balcony House, the oldest standing wooden residence in Nassau. Located on Market St off Bay St, this restored 18th century colonial home showcases a collection of fine furnishings and other objects of the era. Newspaper baron Lord Beaverbrook once leased the house.
Also downtown is the Pirates of Nassau museum with exhibits of pirate artefacts. Tours are self-guided; admission is $12 for adults. Children 12 and under enter free. Museum is open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm and Sun 9am-12:30pm.
Stately Villa Doyle, a 19th-century residence, is home to the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB). See an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, photography and other works from well-known Bahamian artists. The NAGB is located on West Hill and West Sts and is open Tues-Sat 11am-4pm.
The Central Bank of The Bahamas, located downtown on Frederick St, has an art gallery in its ground-floor lobby that is open Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm.
Also located within the heart of downtown Nassau on Shirley St is the Nassau Public Library and Museum. Built in 1797, this pink octagonal building was once a jail. The cells now hold shelves of books, historic relics, prints and other documents. The library is open Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-5pm and Sat 10am-4pm.
Stained glass
The Bahamas is renowned for having the most churches per capita in the world. In Nassau, many churches combine a sense of history with art.
Christ Church Cathedral, located on the corner of King and George Sts, features stained glass windows and plaques memorializing many of New Providence's notable citizens. Behind the main altar is a large stained glass window depicting the crucifixion. Queen Elizabeth II heads a long list of dignitaries who have attended services at the cathedral. It is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Sunday Mass is held at 7:30, 9, 11:15am and 6pm.
St Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk, located on Princes St, is the second oldest church in New Providence and also houses a beautiful display of stained-glass windows. Normally the Kirk is closed during the day. However, visitors can have a look inside if an attendant is present. Sunday worship is held at 9:30 and 11am.
How it's made
Nestled in the historic Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant is the Graycliff Cigar Factory. A tour offers visitors an opportunity to watch Cuban professionals hand roll cigars under the direction of master torcedore Avelino Lara, at one time Fidel Castro's private roller and creator of the original Cohiba cigar. Tours are offered Mon-Sat from 9:30am-5pm and last up to 30 minutes. There's no charge.
A mile or so to the east - on Ernest St near the bridge from Paradise Island - you can watch fabrics being hand painted at Bahama Hand Prints. Plain cloth is transformed into colourful and accessories. The store is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat 10am-2pm. Call 394-4111 for demonstration times.
Indoor fun
Atlantis offers lots of indoor attractions. The Dig for example, provides a look into the mythical world of Atlantis as you walk through a series of interconnected passageways and chambers featuring displays of fanciful artefacts and sea life.
Nearby is the Atlantis Casino, largest in the Caribbean region with more than 850 slot machines, 78 gaming tables and magnificent glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly.
Atlantis also includes the Mandara Spa, the 9,000-sq-ft Sports Center, Joker's Wild Comedy Club, a movie theatre and many shops and restaurants.
On Cable Beach, the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino offers indoor stores, restaurants and a casino with more than 760 slot machines and 50 gaming tables.
You can catch a movie at one of two Galleria Cinemas locations: The Mall at Marathon or RND Shopping Plaza, located on JFK Drive.
The promenade of shops along Bay St is also a draw for tourists, even in the rain.
Check the shopping section in this What-to-do issue for a list of retailers along Bay St, Paradise Island, Cable Beach and throughout New Providence.
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