Weekend Getaway – Bermuda

Bermuda Cup Match takes place this weekend in Bermuda. My friends are there. Since I couldn’t make it, I’m thinking about them and wondering which of the sites they’ll get time to see.

Held over two consecutive public holidays, Cup Match is a signature event of Bermudian cricket that pits two rival cricket teams, Somerset and St. George’s, against each other. It has been held on the island since 1902.

Outside of Christmas, Cup Match is the most popular event in Bermuda. Scores of Bermudians and international visitors swarm the island, swelling the population to more than twice its size. It is one big weekend-long party that shuts the island down.

Bermuda Cabinet Building
Bermuda Cabinet Building

Approximately two hours by plane from New York City, Bermuda is a chain of 181 islands (the Bermudas) just over 20 miles square. A British Overseas Territory known for pink sandy beaches, azure waters, colorful houses and Bermuda Shorts, the island is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a trip to experience Cup Match.

If you do decide to jet off to Bermuda after Cup Match weekend, here are a few things you should definitely do.

  • Tour the island – Take a car, bus, taxi or self-guided walking tour of the island.
  • Go to the Beach – Bermuda is famous for its beaches. The most popular, is Horseshoe Bay Beach with its fine, pink sand.
  • Visit St. George’s – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. George’s is the first town established by the British in the New World.
  • Crystal Caves – Founded in 1884 by the owners of the property where the cave is located, Crystal Cave contains stalagmites and stalactites formed over 30 million years ago. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
  • Harbor Nights: On Wednesdays 7-10 p.m. from April to October, the waterfront is closed to traffic for a street festival with activities like face painting, live music, train rides – fun for every member of the family.

Getting There:

Airlines: Several major airlines (American, JetBlue, Delta) have direct flights to Bermuda. Depending on the time you travel, you should be able to score a ticket for under $300.

Accommodation:  Bermuda offers the usual mix of budget and luxury hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and inns with prices starting from about $100/night.

Food: Because of the size of the island, there’s little agriculture. Nearly everything is imported.  Look for food prices to be a little higher than you’re used to. Try the Portuguese bean soup, a local dish.

Drink: If you go to Bermuda, you’ve got to try a Dark ‘n’ Stormy – a mix of Gosling’s Black Seal rum and ginger beer. A popular local favorite.

Currency: The Bermudian Dollar

Driving: Since this is a British territory, driving is on the left. The speed limit is 35 mph. Go any faster and you’re liable to get a ticket end up in the sea.

Enjoy!

 

 

12 comments on “Weekend Getaway – Bermuda

  1. This is a serious sport if it’s as relevant as Christmas. What girl from the south would know that? 🙂

    Good highlights you pointed out to visit. What’s the food like? I met a couple, very nice people, when I lived in Germany but at that time, they were living in London. Is it more European type food or Jamaicanish?

  2. Hi Marcia, are you a cricket fan yourself? I’m one of the few Englishmen who doesn’t like cricket, how can a game last five days and still end up a draw?

    I much prefer baseball!

  3. I’ve never been a big fan of cricket nor do I even understand it. But I do want to visit Bermuda some day. I am intrigued by the Crystal Caves you mentioned. Often I am fascinated by rocks, especially those that are still “alive” and growing. Maybe one day, I will make it to these islands. I’ll certainly keep your suggestions in mind.

  4. Sure is. It’s a serious party and they’re serious about Cup Match. Glad you like the highlights. There’s quite a bit to do, including visiting where celebrities live. Apparently, Michael Douglas’ mother is from and has a house there.
    Food’s a mix – Caribbean, European. I did more Dark ‘n’ Stormys than food, unfortunately. I just remember going to the supermarket and being surprised at the prices.

  5. Definitely! Forget it’s a big sport where you are.
    Not very big here but it’s getting bigger. There are a few teams here in NYC and a few other states. Guess, like soccer, it’ll grow.

  6. Not really though both my parents were. Although, I like the social aspect of it or any sporting event. If I had a choice, I’d much rather watch track and field or car racing.
    You’re the only English person I know who doesn’t like cricket. You must be very popular among your friends come cricket time then?

  7. You should. It’d be great to hear your impression of the islands in this part of the world.
    This one’s pretty small but there’s lots to see.

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