James Wolfe
Home to Rihanna, formerly a British colony, and located in the beautiful Caribbean, Barbados certainly has its fair share of gorgeous beaches, but there is much more to see. Barbados is the most developed island in the region, and the most developed country in the Western Hemisphere. It doesn’t matter if you are a beach person, nature lover, history lover or just love to party, this island has it all. Visitors to this pristine island visit the Barbados Museum that is located inside a 193-year-old British Prison. Here you can explore the old prison cells, check out artifacts from the original inhabitants and an expansive natural history collection.
The relaxing, 4-acre Barbados Wildlife Reserve is here too. It was founded in 1982 to study the Green Monkeys, Red Brocket Deer, Patagonian short-eared rabbits, Cuban rock iguanas, and Red-footed tortoises. If you feel the need to party, then a trip here between June and August will find you in the middle of Crop Over, Barbados’ harvest festival that is equivalent to our Mardi Gras. There is music, dancing and the Calypso Monarch Award where the King and Queen of Calypso are crowned to dancing in the streets and fireworks in the sky. Harrison’s Cave is another attraction which is two scenic trails or elevators that descend from the cliffs to the valley floor. The tram tour is 45 minutes of underground wonderland to see.
For the rum lovers, a visit to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery is a must. Take a tour of the distillery and learn how this great, popular rum is made. The best part is that you can sample a half dozen varieties of top-notch sipping rums. One of our favorite things to do here is to swim with the greenback sea turtles. This 5 hour adventure on Tall Ships Cruises which will take you to numerous snorkeling spots just off some of the breathtaking beaches. Last, but not least, is a tour of the Sunbury Plantation, one of the first plantations built here in 1660 and an example of this island’s colonial history. This lovingly restored home is full of authentic antique carriages, furniture, plantation machinery and breathtaking landscaped grounds. A great way to learn about the island’s history. Visit brilliant Barbados, “the Gem of the Caribbean.”
