Barbados
Barbados is a large island of 166 square miles, where the highest elevation only reaches slightly more than 1,000 feet, much different from some of its volcanic neighbors. Despite lack of high ground, however, the vistas are dramatic with acre upon acre of sugar cane fields and exquisite coastlines with dramatic rocks and cliffs. A tour around Barbados is worth the time even for people who visit year after year. Whether you hit the highlights or take a more in-depth look, you'll love what you discover.Barbados has a modern highway and road system, so it's quite easy to get around. Aside from the roundabouts, the roads are easy to understand and signs and maps are quite good. There's also a good taxi service and public bus system for those who are skittish about driving on the left side of the road. But touring on one’s own in a car rental is always an exciting option. A great car rental company is Stoutes Car Rental.
Day One:
Start the tour in Bridgetown, the capital city, which has many fabulous "must see" old buildings. One of these is the House of Assembly, which should not be missed. It was built in 1872 in the Gothic Revival style. The Da Costa & Co. building, yummy looking in pink and white, was also built in the Gothic style. At the end of the road is the Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society, a three-story building with elaborate cast iron balconies.
Next, visit St. Mary's Church, built in 1825. The church was built to take the extra parishioners who couldn't fit into St. Michael's Cathedral, the island's first church, located at the other end of town. Not far from here is the Carnegie Library, reportedly the first free library in the Caribbean. Also nearby is the High Court, originally a warehouse, built in the early 1700s. One of the most interesting and important buildings on Barbados is the Jewish synagogue, Synagogue Nidhe Israel ("Scattered of Israel"), which is still used for religious services. Its heritage dates back to when the Sepharic Jews, who were experts in sugar production, moved to the Caribbean from Brazil and became leaders of that industry. They founded this synagogue in 1833, and it is still considered the largest in the region. On the outskirts of town (east on Highway 6), you'll find the historic Wildey House, the home of the restored Barbados National Trust, dating back to the 1760s.
Day Two:
Spend this day heading up the western coast, where there are many villas and hotels and the wonderful towns of Holetown and Speightstown to visit. This area also has dozens of restaurants for lunch or dinner to consider. The first stop should be at Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, which is a village representing different types of Bajan architecture. The Barbados National Trust assembled around the lovely home of Sir Grantley Adams, the island's first premier, who is also locally called the "Father of Democracy." Farther along is the Bagatelle Great House, a 1600s-era estate that is now a restaurant and art gallery. Be sure, too, to visit the Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum. The boiling house, built in 1882, and other pieces of sugar machinery can be found here. It's a good way to learn about the industry that is so important to this island.
Next, visit Holetown, an English settlement that has come to be known as the "gold coast" because of the wealth of its residents. The main thing to see here is St. James Anglican Church, one of the most outstanding churches in the Caribbean. It dates back to the late 1600s, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan worshipped here during a visit in 1982. The next town heading north is Speightstown, the second largest town on Barbados. It is somewhat modernized now, but still retains its Old World charm. Here, don't miss the restored Arlington House, similar to the "single house" in Charleston, South Carolina in the US.
Be sure to add the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to your list of things to do. Here the animals roam free (except for a very large python which is caged) and you can walk around with them. Continuing inward to the center of the island is the stunning Morgan Lewis Mill, a restored windmill built in the 1700s. It was operational until 1945 and was restored under a grant from American Express. In the same vicinity is the St. Nicholas Abbey, the oldest estate on the island and one of three remaining examples of Jacobean architecture in the Americas.
Continuing south, enjoy a wonderful respite at Welchman Hall Gully, a mile-long gully filled with a large variety of trees. This is often the playground of the green monkey, which lives on Barbados as well as St. Kitts and Nevis. You can see the branches swaying and the monkeys chattering away. While in this part of the island, you might also visit Harrison's Cave, a wonderful crystallized limestone cavern and one of Barbados' premiere attractions. While out this way, drive up to the town of Bathsheba to witness the rugged eastern coastline, a favorite amongst surfers.
Day Three:
Heading east from Bridgetown, there are several things to see on your way to the wild East Coast, where the waves crash up swirling around huge rock outcroppings. First there's the impressive military compound just east of town, the Garrison Savannah historic area. This 17th-century compound has parade grounds now used for horse racing and sports, and is home to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, located in a former 19th-century British military prison. The most outstanding building in the compound is the Main Guard with its large clock tower. While in this area visit Bush Hill House, which is being restored by the National Trust. This is the home where George Washington, on his only trip outside of the US, lived for two months with his stepbrother Lawrence. They made the trip to Barbados to see if the warm climate would cure Lawrence's illness.
Next visit the infamous Sam Lord's Castle, the one-time home of the famous pirate, who did what he could to cause ships to wreck along the coast and then robbed them of their riches. For a quiet repast, the Sunbury Plantation Museum, dating back to 1860, is an inviting place to stop for lunch.
Day Four & Beyond:
Now that you've seen Barbados in all its glory, perhaps a jaunt to one or some of the neighboring islands would be in order. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Kitts and more are all just a stone's throw away. Firms like Caribbean Safari Tours, based in Barbados, will ferry you back and forth from island to island, by boat or by plane. Limit yourself to a day trip, or book a package tour.
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