Most tourists visit Barbados for the beaches. As dusk falls, stroll between banks of fuchsia bougainvillea, scarlet hibiscus and pink jacaranda while water splashes gently in flowing fountains. After a few days of delicious doing nothing, some visitors rouse themselves from the cocoons of coddling and set out to explore. Barbados National Trust properties provide glimpses back to the years when sugar plantations fueled the economy. Gun Hill Signal Station, Welchman Hall Gully and the Morgan Lewis Windmill speak of other times.
Restaurants line the waterfront.
Seafood, including flying fish, is excellent. Wines from around the world flavor the superb dining. Pelican Village on the Princess Alice Highway near Bridgetown Harbor is Barbados' principal showcase for handcrafts. Medford Craft Village, minutes from Bridgetown, consists of three shops featuring hand-carved birds, boats, fish and clocks, where visitors are welcome to watch artisans at work. Chattel House Shopping Village at St. Lawrence Gap on the south coast sells swimwear, T-shirts, beachwear, jewelry and, of course, rum.