Iconic Islands To Empire City – Miami to New York

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”

While the city exhibits beautiful examples of both Dutch and Spanish architecture, it is now a Dutch city, taking its name from the Dutch royal house of Orange, and became the capital Aruba in 1979. When not heading for the famed beaches, the first spot most visitors enjoy is Wilhelmina Park, a lovely tropical garden by the waterfront, great for catching the Caribbean breezes. From here, travel on to the Archaeological Museum of Aruba or the Numismatic Museum of Aruba. The first offers an historical perspective; the latter, a fascinating display of coins from over 400 countries. Fort Zoutman (1796) is the oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island. In 1867, Willem III tower was added. Not only an excellent vantage point for photos, the fort also hosts music festivals and craft fairs.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. Pastel-hued buildings decorate the waterfront of this very Dutch Caribbean island. Don’t miss a visit to the colorful floating market, just a short walk from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. A World Heritage site, the Punda district preserves hundreds of buildings as national monuments including Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, one of the first synagogue’s in the New World, and the waterfront’s colorful Penha building.

Dating back to 1609 when the Sea Venture wrecked off the coast, the first settlement of Bermuda began here at this north end of the archipelago. St. George’s parish is comprised of two large islands, St. George’s and St. David’s. The town of St. George’s is the second-oldest English town in the New World, and for almost two centuries, was the capital of Bermuda. It is named for both Sir George Somers, the founder of Bermuda, and Saint George, the patron Saint of England.

Castries is the capital, commercial center and main cruise port of St Lucia. Founded by the French in about 1768, it changed hands in the earlier 1800’s, when the British made the town a major naval port and built fortifications on Morne Fortune, overlooking the harbor. Today, the port offers something for everyone. Bargain hunters can head over to the duty-free shops at Pointe Seraphine; Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve allows visitors a rare glimpse of rain forest flora and fauna; and, for those looking for a fun day trip, a visit to the Grand Pitons or a hike up to Fort Charlotte on Morne Fortune offer beautiful vistas and historical perspective.

One of the Caribbean’s true gems, St. Barts is where Riviera chic meets Caribbean cool. Day-trippers come from nearby islands for the duty-free shopping, excellent dining and to lounge on the soft, white sands in a secluded palm-fringed cove. Tour Fort Gustav and Fort Carl, historic reminders of Sweden’s short-lived Caribbean possession. Excursions abound, inviting guests to snorkel, sail over the clear blue waters on a catamaran, or horseback ride through shaded jungle trails.

Puerto Rico’s first inhabitants were the Taino Indians, who encountered Columbus in 1493. The Spanish quickly settled, defending their territory against the Dutch and British. This is evident by the imposing fortresses of Old San Juan, namely the El Morro Castle, dominating the old section of this capital city. In 1897, Spain declared Puerto Rico an autonomous state. Spain later ceded Puerto Rico to the U.S. and residents were granted American citizenship in 1917.

The island has been continuously inhabited by the British since the Sea Venture, captained by George Somers, was shipwrecked here in 1609, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Hamilton is the capital and heart of the island. Excellent shopping and dining venues can be found right on Front Street, opposite the pier. Among the attractions not to miss are: Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ), all conveniently located in a complex on North Shore Road; St. Peter’s Church, believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Western hemisphere, and stunning in its simplicity with its rough-hewn pillars, exposed cedar beams and candlelit chandeliers; and St. Catherine Fort, well-preserved and a great vantage point for photos.

The island has been continuously inhabited by the British since the Sea Venture, captained by George Somers, was shipwrecked here in 1609, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Hamilton is the capital and heart of the island. Excellent shopping and dining venues can be found right on Front Street, opposite the pier. Among the attractions not to miss are: Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ), all conveniently located in a complex on North Shore Road; St. Peter’s Church, believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Western hemisphere, and stunning in its simplicity with its rough-hewn pillars, exposed cedar beams and candlelit chandeliers; and St. Catherine Fort, well-preserved and a great vantage point for photos.

The ‘City that Never Sleeps’ beckons — renowned museums and sites galore by day; the glittering sophistication of clubs, theaters and restaurants by night. Explore Chinatown, Greenwich Village, the United Nations, Central Park’s Museum Mile and Wall Street’s towering steel and glass monuments to commerce, then hop into a cab for an afternoon of world-class shopping along Park and Fifth Avenues.

The ‘City that Never Sleeps’ beckons — renowned museums and sites galore by day; the glittering sophistication of clubs, theaters and restaurants by night. Explore Chinatown, Greenwich Village, the United Nations, Central Park’s Museum Mile and Wall Street’s towering steel and glass monuments to commerce, then hop into a cab for an afternoon of world-class shopping along Park and Fifth Avenues.