The Bahamas is a destination American's have been investing in 2nd homes for generations! A former British Colony, how near it is to Miami and South Florida and a stable government, the Bahamas is a favorite for many American's looking for a resort home. Our MCE Vacations give you a look at the destination we are visiting and also an overview of what the other options and possibilities are in the Bahamas.
Nassau is home to weatherbeaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; and fine local and international crafts and goods, from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant center for entertainment as well as commerce.
Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is the traditional center of the Bahamian government. Here, picturesque pastel buildings erected in the early 1800s by Loyalists, including the Houses of Parliament, the old Colonial Secretary's Office, the Supreme Court, surround a marble statue of Queen Victoria. Further downtown stands Fort Charlotte. Built in 1788, it is complete with moat, open battlements and dungeons. Standing by this impressive structure, one can almost hear the sound of cannon fire and the chilling laughter of marauding pirates above the splashes of waves.
For a larger perspective of Nassau, go across the Cay to Coral Island, with its hundred foot tower and commanding view. Or descend into its underwater observatory for close encounters with stingrays and other creatures. You can even send details of your adventure from the world's only underwater mailbox.
For encounters of a different kind, venture east and cross the bridge from the town of Nassau to "Paradise," with resorts, casinos and exciting nightlife on an island formerly called "Hog." Its transformation is not unlike Cinderella's putting on the glass slipper. For years the island stood completely undeveloped, its beaches and tropical splendor unnoticed by the world. Suddenly, with the addition of luxurious hotels and a sparkling casino, it was transformed into one of the most glamorous and celebrated resort centers in the world, combining exclusive tranquillity and lots of action. Reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the former Shah of Iran are among those who have found refuge here.
Freeport, capital of Grand Bahama Island, is hard to beat for things to do, with its hotels, golf courses, and beaches near the town that are superbly equipped to deliver just about every kind of water sport imaginable. Along with diving, windsurfing, parasailing, and other activities, here you can also swim with dolphins.
If you want to spend your time on other pursuits, there is also a casino, duty-free shopping at both the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace, and the eating possibilities in town are limited only to your stomach. If you get bored in Freeport, it is probably because you want to be.
But that is not to say you can't relax in Freeport. There are so many isolated beaches that you can easily wander away from the crowd for peace and quiet, or you can take a stroll in Parrot Jungle's Garden of the Groves, Freeport's botanical garden.
Grand Bahama Island has taken advantage of its duty-free status. Far from being a center for cheap and shoddy goods, its shops sell brand names at good prices. Whether you prefer classic, trendy, luxurious or prestigious, you’ll find a good selection.
Then there are the "Out Islands" or "Family Islands" of the Bahamas which are fantastic vacation destinations and also provide excellent opportunities for 2nd homes for Americans.
