Smith’s is not often considered a ‘touristy’ spot, yet this parish hosts a surprising number of Bermuda classic bucket list locations.
Verdmont Museum Bermuda
This elegant old Bermuda house-turned-museum has been beautifully restored, and boasts grounds full of native plants like cedar and palmetto, and a shaded citrus garden. The Bermuda National Trust maintains the 300 year old property, including three floors, a drawing room and parlour, and various artefacts from the 1700s, including ornate wooden furniture, silver ornaments and children’s toys. Most importantly, Verdmont is a historic representation and reminder of the exploitation of enslaved persons in Bermuda. The massive property was constructed in the 17th century by enslaved persons who continued to maintain the property and work within the house for 125 years until slavery was abolished.
John Smith’s Bay
Easily reachable from the nearby bus stop, this half-moon-shaped cove descends gently down from a small area of grassy parkland, creating the perfect spot for picnics or sun-bathing. This often-crowded beach is the perfect place to play tourist. The waves from the west may roar and create impressive sprays, but the bay itself is sheltered and calm. On the eastern side, low overhanging cliff formations give the illusion of caves. These striking overhangs are good spots for refuge from direct sun and offer perfect protection from the wind on winter’s day. A rocky promontory running towards the water in the centre of the bay effectively cuts it in two, during the off-season one might be lucky enough to score a whole bay to themselves.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Spittal Pong is the largest nature reserve in Bermuda and is a favourite for walkers. The Bermuda National Trust purchased the land that now makes up this environmental haven piece by piece from multiple landowners. Bermudian properties and estates where traditionally divided into strips of land, allowing owners to moor boats on both sides of the island for easier access, and as such, the nature reserve had to be constructed strip by strip. The reserve showcases spectacular Bermudian habitats, including brackish and freshwater ponds. Theses sites provide essential habitats for both local and migratory birds, including various species of herons and egrets. In addition, the park includes an interesting geological formation called the checkerboard where whalers cleaned whales in the 18th century. The park is also of historic significance, and includes a site called Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man named Jeffrey once hid for over a month before he was recaptured.
Pink Beach Club at The Loren
What better way to be play tourist than indulging in an exquisite meal at The Loren? This picturesque eatery holds the Best of Bermuda Award for “Best Hotel Restaurant” and its exudes luxury. Relax and let its airy, austere ambiance, or its delicious and healthy dishes whisk you away on a mini-vacation. With a mission to use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the chefs at the Pink Beach Club truly care about quality. The restaurant is an open air rotunda that is built into the rock face of South Shore. It’s hard to top the fine dining menu, but the spectacular ocean views might just do it.
Harrington Sound
Harrington Sound is a place of great scenic beauty and it is also unique from a biological and geological point of view and often maintains an air of mystery to locals. Perhaps the Sound’s lagoon-like appearance is what has given rise to a few myths. “The Sound is bottomless,” many a Bermudian will tell you and its surface is best explored by boat. The Bermuda Zoological Society hosts a cocktail cruise tour onboard ‘Callista’ with a local expert to educate you on all there is know about this magical spot.
