PreviousWhere Bahamians go for fun
Off the beaten path
Most visitors to The Bahamas stick to a handful of places: Atlantis, the Cable Beach strip and downtown Nassau; not that there’s anything wrong with that. The island’s restaurants, boutiques and stores are not to be missed.
But few visitors venture further afield to more distant attractions, and that’s a pity. New Providence has an interesting lineup of places to see and adventures to experience.
It’s to these spots that locals escape for fun, cultural immersion and relaxation. You can enjoy them too, even if they are a bit off the beaten path.
Rent a car from Budget, pick up a free copy of Trailblazer Maps, and the entire length of the island is yours to explore. Among the treasures are ruins from the age of slavery at Clifton Cay, the serene beauty of Bonefish Pond National Park and some sociable down-home fun at “Da Fish Fry.”
Heritage village
Known locally as “Da Fish Fry,” Heritage Village near Arawak Cay is as popular with residents as it is with visitors in the know.
Locals and visitors alike spend afternoons here or frolicking on nearby Junkanoo Beach along the Western Esplanade on West Bay Street.
The Fish Fry is a safe environment with its own police station and washroom facilities. Another plus, it’s within walking distance from the cruise ship dock and a short bus ride from Cable Beach (take the number 10 jitney).
The only thing more colourful than the fish vendors’ wooden stalls are the names of their eateries. For example, the locally famous Twin Brothers Seafood & Steak House was established by identical twins, Danny and Buddy McCardy.
Arawak Cay vendors serve up delicious Bahamian fare. Try the fresh conch (pronounced konk) salad for an afternoon snack. A seafood platter makes for a delicious entree.
Don’t be afraid to sample legendary drinks like a Bahama Mama, invented by well-known Nassau mixologist Oswald Greenslade, or an ice cold Bahamian beer.
Clifton Heritage National Park
Although it’s well worth the time it takes, few tourists make the trip to Clifton Heritage National Park in southwestern New Providence, not far from Lyford Cay, one of the country’s wealthiest communities.
Clifton Park was opened in 2009 to safeguard natural and historic resources. Open during the week but not on weekends, it protects important coastal wetlands and features interesting boardwalks and nature trails. Birdwatchers love this place because of the many wading and sea birds that frequent the area. Three miles from Clifton is Goulding Cay, a protected nesting site for brown noddy and bridled and sooty terns.
Families make a day of this trip, picnicking on nearby Jaws Beach (named after the sequel to a movie of that name that was shot here in 1987), viewing restored slave quarters and enjoying the boardwalks and observation decks that give views of cliffs and coral reefs.
People have lived at Clifton for almost 1,000 years. Lucayans, the first inhabitants of The Bahamas, once had a village here. And there are remnants from two other eras: when British Empire Loyalists fled to The Bahamas from the United States at the end of the American War of Independence in 1783, and slave dwellings dating back to a time before and after emancipation in 1834. Clifton is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, tel 362-4368 or 362-5121.
Bonefish Pond National Park
Established in 2002, Bonefish Pond National Park lies on the south central coast of New Providence, on Cowpen Road.
With more than 1,000 acres of protected mangrove wetlands, Bonefish Pond park is one of the few wilderness areas left on the island. The park protects an important marine nursery and is home to a large variety of plants and many birds.
A key feature is the 600 ft boardwalk and viewing platform. When it officially opened in 2010, visitors had unfettered access for the first time to areas that are great for shallow-water snorkelling and kayaking. It is now one of the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) most-requested field trips.
The BNT offers guided tours to all New Providence parks through its educational department, tel 393-1317.
Whether you’re a first timer or a frequent visitor, enjoy these special places as Bahamians do.
Other places of interest
Vendue House: Home to the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation, on Bay Street near the British Colonial Hilton hotel. Slaves were once bought and sold here.
Balcony House: At 200, it’s the oldest wooden home in The Bahamas.
Historical Society: See artefacts and displays depicting Bahamian history. At the corner of Shirley Street and Elizabeth Avenue.
Nassau Public Library: This pink, three-storey, octagonal building on Shirley Street was once the city jail.
Christ Church Cathedral: This impressive Anglican (Episcopal) church on the corner of King Street and George Street was built more than 160 years ago.
Parliament Square: Pink government buildings enclose this Bay Street square on three sides. See the marble statue of Queen Victoria.
Government House: This pink and white mansion overlooks downtown Nassau and is home to the Governor General.
Fort Charlotte: The largest of New Providence’s 18th-century forts, this limestone complex once protected the western approach to Nassau Harbour.
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Feature_WhereBahamiansGo_WTDNJul11
Where Bahamians go for fun
Off the beaten path
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