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 Nassau/Paradise Island is the home of the Bahamian national capital. Welcome to Nassau, bustling hub of The Bahamas since the shipwrecking days of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Prized for its sheltered harbour, the city made history and preserved it beautifully in Victorian mansions, cathedrals, 18th-century fortresses and a Queen's Staircase whose 66 steps lead to a view not to be missed. Nassau is home to weatherbeaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; and fine local and international crafts and goods, from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant center for entertainment as well as commerce. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is the traditional center of the Bahamian government. Here, picturesque pastel buildings erected in the early 1800s by Loyalists, including the Houses of Parliament, the old Colonial Secretary's Office, the Supreme Court, surround a marble statue of Queen Victoria. Each season, the Opening Ceremonies of the Supreme Court fill the square with pomp and pageantry. Further downtown stands Fort Charlotte. Built in 1788, it is complete with moat, open battlements and dungeons. Standing by this impressive structure, one can almost hear the sound of cannon fire and the chilling laughter of marauding pirates above the splashes of waves. For a larger perspective of Nassau, go across the Cay to Coral Island, with its hundred foot tower and commanding view. Or descend into its underwater observatory for close encounters with stingrays and other creatures. You can even send details of your adventure from the world's only underwater mailbox. For encounters of a different kind, venture east and cross the bridge from the town of Nassau to "Paradise," with resorts, casinos and exciting nightlife on an island formerly called "Hog." Its transformation is not unlike Cinderella's putting on the glass slipper. For years the island stood completely undeveloped, its beaches and tropical splendor unnoticed by the world. Suddenly, with the addition of luxurious hotels and a sparkling casino, it was transformed into one of the most glamorous and celebrated resort centers in the world, combining exclusive tranquillity and lots of action. Reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the former Shah of Iran are among those who have found refuge here. As you go east, just past the bridge to Paradise Island, there is the boating heart of Nassau/Paradise Island with a number of marinas and boats for hire. The East End is also a delightful residential area showing the full flavour of the colonial past in its architecture and horticulture. Big houses with wide breezy verandas face the sea. Cable Beach, with its luxury hotels, casinos and beachfront, got its name in 1907 from the laying here of transatlantic telephone cables linking what was an isolated Bahamas to the rest of the world. But these days, the world comes to The Bahamas to see what it has been missing. For those who prefer a quieter, more serene Nassau/Paradise Island, it can be found farther west. Indeed, once you leave Nassau, the pace is slower. For example, the section of West Bay Street that leads to Cable Beach is nicknamed "Go Slow Bend." Beyond Cable Beach, the island is transformed. Large tracts of pine trees and rolling hills dominate the central portions of Nassau/Paradise Island, and the island's perimeter is marked by miles of fine white sand beach. The Coral Harbour development is a quiet, opulent community in a palm-clad setting. Its winding canals offer easy access to the sea. West of Coral Harbour, there is Adelaide, a tiny village with narrow streets. It was one of the first Black settlements established after the abolition of slavery. The area is a lovely, secluded spot for fishing and swimming. At the tip of the island, there is Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential enclave. After golfing or tennis or swimming, why not try some of the native cuisine of The Bahamas: Conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas 'n' rice, boiled fish, johnnycake and guava duff are just a few of the tasty dishes, all of which go just right with a tropical drink in your hand. From casinos, cabarets, magic acts and acrobatics to moonlight dinner cruises and theatre performances, Nassau/Paradise Island offers more options for nightlife than there are hours in the day to experience them all. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Nassau: The Bahamian capital is a city rich in beauty, history, and personality. Since its founding in 1656, and through the ages of colonialism, piracy, rum-smuggling, and now tourism, it has always been the center of color and culture in the islands. The stories that lurk in its narrow, flowery streets and within the walls of its old forts are among the most legendary and region-defining tales in the Caribbean. Nassau's harbor is a major port-of-call in the Caribbean. Hardly a day goes by when a huge cruise ship doesn't breeze in and unload a shipful of tourists. They flock to the powdery playgrounds of the beaches, to the Bahamian markets, the discos and casinos. If Nassau were a factory, its products would be entertainment, relaxation, and fun. Fort Charlotte: Of all the forts in the Bahamas, Charlotte is the largest, a fact that illustrates Nassau's importance. It was built in 1788 under the governorship of Lord Dunmore, and it is picture perfect with a moat and dungeons. It ramparts offer one the best views of Nassau. Government House: This old mansion is where the British governors lived, and its size and detail bespeakes the power the top official in the Bahamas once wielded. Every other Saturday, you can come to the building and still see a bit of the old pomp, when the changing of the gaurd takes place. Queen's Staircase: Probably the most famous architectural sight in Nassau, the Queen's Staircase is a flight of 66 steps that links Fort Fincastle to the Princess Margaret Hospital. What makes it remarkable is that the staircase was not built, but carved out of calcareos (coral-based) sandstone at the end of the 18th century. Royal Victoria Gardens: The Royal Victoria Hotel was once the grand damme of the Bahamas. It was built during the American Civil War, then finally closed in 1971. Shortly after, the proud old hulk of the building was consumed by a fire. All that was left behind were its gardens and a sprawling, empty shell of pillars and stone. The resulting landscape is a stunning cross between a botanical garden and something like a Roman ruin. Ardastra Gardens and Zoo: This is the place to come to see flamingoes, the national bird. Atlantis Resort & Casino: You don't have to be a guest to check out the huge Atlantis Resort. This massive theme hotel is a sight in itself, featuring a 14-acre "waterscape" of aquariums, waterfalls, lagoons, and underground grottos. Among the more spectacular attractions is an underwater viewing tunnel that looks into a predator lagoon with sharks and other large, teethy fish. Crystal Cay: Easily identifiable on the Nassau skyline by its space-age design, the Crystal Cay Marine Park is one of the world's finest examples of an underwater park where nobody gets wet. The park was built around an existing reef, and visitors can explore a huge array of exhibits both above and below the surface. Junkanoo Expo: This museum is dedicated to Junkanoo, that colorful, musical, and surreal festival on December 26 when Bahamian culture explodes in masks and sounds. Visiting the Expo is the next best thing to being in The Bahamas during Junkanoo. Pompey Museum (Vendue House): Once a slave market and place where salvaged items from shipwrecks were sold, today it is a museum that exhibits some of the finest examples of Bahamian art and history. Roselawn Museum: Within this early 19th century home you can find a curious and colorful collection of artifacts from Bahamian history. Outside of Nassau: Cable Beach: It was a beach without a name until 1907, when the trans-atlantic cable was laid here, connecting The Bahamas to Jupiter, Florida. This beautiful beach is now the ultimate tropical playground, fringed by hotels and casinos. Adelaide: This small village, with its calming and rustic atmosphere, was one of the first black settlements after the abolition of slavery in all British colonies.
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