Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Nevis, a 36-square mile jewel of an Eastern Caribbean island located in the northern part of the Leeward Islands offers sparkling waters, clean and uncrowded beaches, and a lush tropical atmosphere that makes the everyday stresses of non-vacation life seem very far away.
Charlestown
Neviss capital, Charlestown, is a charming city tinged with Caribbean flavor whose calm demeanor is punctuated twice each day with the arrival of the morning and afternoon ferries from St. Kitts. Charlestown was Alexander Hamiltons birthplace. The Alexander Hamilton House hosts a museum dedicated to the statesman as well as the islands history. The museum is located in a replica of his original home, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1800s.
The Charlestown Jewish Cemetery serves as a reminder of the large population of Sephardic Jews who once represented more than 25% of the islands population. The gravestones date from 1679 to 1768 and a stone-walled path, known as the Jews Walk, leads from the cemetery to the assumed site of the community synagogue, believed to have been built in the late 1670s.
The Nelson Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of one of the islands most notable characters: British Navy Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Nelson, who had been based in Antigua while enforcing the Navigation Acts following the Treaty of Versailles, fell in love with and married Nevis widow Fanny Nisbet. The Nelson museum offers a variety of historical documents, paintings and photographs, and a small selection of antique furniture from his flagship.
Beaches
Just north of Charlestown is one of the islands most beautiful beaches: Pinneys Beach. This beachs soft, smooth white sands edged with coconut palms invite long barefoot strolls and even longer naps. Protected by reefs, the water here is calm and shallow C just right for idle wading. If windsurfing, sailing, or kayaking are more your speed, Oualie Bay, located in northwestern corner of the island, would be a better choice.
Botanical Gardens of Nevis
On just less than 8 acres, the Nevis Botanical Gardens offer natural lagoons, waterfalls, meandering streams and ornate fountains, not to mention a rain forest conservatory whose goal is to include every possible Caribbean ecosystem. You can breathe deeply in the fragrant rose garden, snap shots of exotic bromeliads, orchids and flowering trees, and listen to the swaying bamboo in a garden that delights the ears as well as the eyes.
Located in the Montpellier Estate area, with a view of Nevis Peak off in the distance, the garden was created by Joseph and Martha Murphy, a Philadelphia couple who loved the island and wanted to preserve vegetation from all over the world.
General Travel Information
-- Nevis currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (E.C.), which is based on the U.S. Dollar. The exchange rate varies, of course, but is usually between $2.50 to $2.75 for one U.S. dollar.
-- The drinking water is Nevis comes from volcanic springs and is considered safe.
-- Beach clothing is not considered appropriate while in the towns shops or restaurants.
-- Nevis is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is GMT-04:00 (the same as Eastern Daylight Time).
-- Water temperatures average around 81 degrees Fahrenheit and great weather (84 degrees and sunny most days) is the norm. Hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th.
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