Bermuda

Though beaches will steal your heart, a sense of geography and history will enhance your appreciation of Bermuda and its people. Bermuda is a self-governing British territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an archipelago of 7 main islands connected by causeways situated about 650 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

That location made it a strategic outpost for Great Britain since the 1600s, one to be heavily defended for centuries. This fascinating nation of islands has 170 islets great for snorkeling and sailing. A fact not lost to thousands of warm-weather visitors over centuries.

Bermuda is divided into nine parishes with a parliamentary democracy headquartered in the capital city of Hamilton. The House of Assembly dates from 1620, making it one of the world’s oldest legislatures. To Americans, Bermuda has a head-scratching line of government.

The premier is the head of local government and is appointed by the governor, who is nominated by the British government as the representative of the Queen.

The United Kingdom is responsible for foreign affairs and defense. And the majority of Bermudans seem to like it that way.

Many sections of the old Bermuda Railway still exist as a walking trail stretching from St. George Town in the east end, through Pembroke Parish near the capital city of Hamilton, and on toward Somerset Village in the west end. Some station houses and the lighthouse at Gibbs Hill offer spectacular views of the island.

Bermudans have a distinct dialect of English and strong ties with other English-speaking countries in the Americas, including the United States, Canada, and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

This remote island is known for more than 100 old forts spread throughout the island which were built between 1612 and manned until 1957. Though Portugal colonized the island first, it was a strategic outpost for Great Britain at the height of its powers from the 1600s-1800s. For charming old stone architecture, the town of St. George, a scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

History
Bermuda shorts were originally borrowed in the early 20th century from the British military’s uniform for hot climates.

Attractions
The city is a major arts destination with four of the world’s most popular museums and dozens of smaller ones.

Lysa Allman-Baldwin and tour guide at Gibbs Hill overlook

Lysa Allman-Baldwin and tour guide at Gibbs Hill overlook, Bermuda; (c) Soul Of America

Beaches
The crunchy pink sand is the major reason beach lovers place Bermuda on their bucket list.

Restaurants
One of the hippest places in Europe also delivers many tasty fast food options.

Travel Tips
Know that 50% of Bermudians descended from African slaves and they will make guests feel comfortable.

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