Categories
Alaska Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Juneau National Forest National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

The Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

The Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

If you’re gearing up for an Alaskan cruise this summer, chances are you’ll be paying a visit to the capital city of Juneau. While you’re in town, we suggest making a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most popular attractions in the area. We highly suggest that you make a pit stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn all about the glacier and the surrounding area.

What is the Mendenhall Glacier?

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the many large glaciers that flow from the 1500 square mile area known as the Juneau Icefield. Around 3,000 ago, the earth experienced the Little Ice Age. When the climate warmed, much of the ice sheet melted back and exposed the valleys that we see today.

The glacier is located in Tongass National Forest. It is about 1.5 miles wide and more than 100 feet high.

How do I access the Mendenhall Glacier?

We took a quick 12-minute bus ride from the capital city of Juneau to Tongass National Forest. A roundtrip bus ticket from downtown will cost you about $30. You can also take a taxi, which runs about $35 each way.

We departed via bus from downtown Juneau to head out to Tongass National Forest. You won’t believe what happened as we were driving through the downtown streets! A black bear ran right in front of our bus! The bear was on a mission to chow down some skunk cabbage on the side of the road. Our guide said it was his first black bear of the season. It was such a cool sight!

The $5 entrance fee (ages 16+) covers admission to the Observatory building, as well as access to the trails and viewing areas. 

How cold is it on the Glacier?

Even if it’s a balmy 70 degrees in Juneau, you’ll want to pack a jacket. Temperatures on and around the glacier will most likely be around 32 degrees, or possibly cooler depending on the winds.

Highlights of the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

Learn All About the Glacier and Surrounding Forest

The Visitor Center building has several exhibits that breakdown how the terrain and landscape have changed over time. There are photos that show how much the glacier has changed and receded since the center first opened in 1962.

There’s also a 15 minute documentary that shows the changes, as well.

Hike the Photo Trail

Okay… even if you’re not a hiker, you’ll most definitely want to walk the 1/3 mile path along the Photo Trail. The trail is a paved walkway that gives you absolutely remarkable glimpses of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Get Up Close & Personal With a Waterfall

Nugget Falls

One of the highlights of our visit was the 2-mile hike on the Nugget Falls Trail. The trail took us to the 377-foot Nugget Falls and the base of the Mendenhall Glacier. The view couldn’t have been more photogenic with bald eagles flying around, the falls pounding into Mendenhall Lake and the glacier as the backdrop.

The water from the falls actually comes from Nugget Glacier, which is upstream from Mendenhall Glacier. It’s one of the 38 glacier that make up the Juneau Ice Field. There are also more impressive views of the Mendenhall Glacier from this location.

Hit the Other Trails

There are four other hiking trails that cover about six miles worth of terrain. Some of them are even paved, making them a bit easier to navigate. Make sure to grab a map from the visitor’s center before you venture out on your own.

It is strongly recommended that you remain alert and are aware of your surroundings. There’s a chance of running into bears while you’re out in the forest- they’re hungry and on the hunt for food! In fact, no food or drinks (other than water) is allowed on the trails during peak season due to bear activity. If you’re hitting the trails, make sure to pack some bear spray (yes, that’s a thing!), a bear horn, and a good pair of hiking shoes or boots.

Where can I see these bears?

Black bears are often seen close to the parking lot near the Steep Creek Trail. There are several boardwalks near creeks that can give you aerial views of bears fishing in the creek.

While in Juneau…

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Updated: 12/14/2020

Categories
Fernandina Florida Florida State Parks State Parks United States

Historic Fort Clinch State Park with Kids

Fort Clinch

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.

There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.

What is the history behind Fort Clinch?

Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape.  They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha).  After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.

After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?

Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.

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The kids at Fort Clinch, 2020
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2024

What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?

  • Visiting the fort
  • Shark tooth hunting
  • Shelling
  • Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Where is the park located?

The physical address is:

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park

We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!

Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.

The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.

Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!  

 

Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).

We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!

Our Park Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

What is there to do nearby?

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Updated: 3/5/2024

Categories
Caribbean Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

Little French Key in Roatan, Honduras – Why We WON’T Be Returning

Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras

Little French Key USED to be one of our favorite spots to visit in Central America.  We once saw it as a little slice of paradise where time moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, the sand feels just a little bit softer, and the drinks are poured a little stronger. It was the perfect little escape for couples, families, and large groups.

Where is Little French Key?

Firstly, Honduras has 3 bay islands off of its north coast; Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. During our 2016 visit, we discovered our favorite place in the world. Just off the coast of Roatan is a small private island oasis called Little French Key. Making it an itty bitty island, off the coast of another island… sound remote enough for you?

Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is LFK. At least, that’s what they want you to believe.  Underneath the surface, it’s actually a haven for drama, scandal, corruption, and everything we try to escape while on vacation.

The property is frequently in turmoil- turmoil the managers refer to as “hostile takeovers”.  These take overs sometimes include militia with machine guns, sieges by the government, arson, periods of time where there is no electricity or running water.  Little French Key has become a mess.

Probably the saddest part of all of this is the fact that there are innocent animals involved in this drama.  Little French Key prides itself as being a sanctuary for rescue animals.  These “rescues” end up being exploited and frequently sedated so that they remain calm while tourists pose for pictures with them.

 

 

 

Little French Key embodies everything we stand against.  It’s a shame that such a gorgeous property has succumbed to such drama and corruption.  We’ve visited the island 4x, and have such wonderful memories there.  We, however, will not be returning.

We caution you about visiting Little French Key, at this time.  The park closes without notice and is not issuing refunds to people who have prepaid for their trip.

Big French Key

Next to Little French Key is another island called Big French Key.  It has similar tranquil vibes without all of the machine guns, drugged-up animals, corruption, greed, fire, etc.

This is where WE will be visiting on our next trip to Roatan.  

While You’re in Roatan…

 

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Updated: 4/15/22

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Packing

The Ultimate Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks

The beach next to the ship is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

Over the last decade, I have become a cruising experts. I’ve been on more than 15 cruises visiting destinations taking me all throughout the Caribbean and Alaska. During this time, I’ve learned a thing or two about cruising and I would love to share some cruise packing tips with you to help make your cruise all that more enjoyable. I should state that I sail exclusively with Carnival, however, a majority of my cruise packing tips, or hacks, can be useful to any cruise line.

Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks

Cruise packing is going to look different for everybody. For instance, if you have to fly into your departure port, you’ll be working with weight and baggage restrictions from the airlines. Trust me, I know that’s a pain! I dealt with it and made the best of it when I flew from Florida to Seattle for my trip to Alaska. Fortunately, I live in The Sunshine State and have the ability to cruise out of 4 different Floridian ports, all within driving distance. This makes packing a breeze!

Below is a list of things that I always pack when I cruise. Trust me, these items have made my life much, much easier! Feel free to click any of the photos for product information, reviews, and purchasing.

Over the Door Hanging Organizer

If you’re a heavy packer or sharing your cabin with others, you’ll want a bit of additional storage in your cabin, especially if you’re in an interior cabin! Cruise lines have done their best to maximize storage in the cabins but oftentimes, it simply isn’t enough. By bringing along an over the door hanging organizer, like one of the ones pictured here, you give yourself extra storage. I packed one similar to the organizer on the right. I hang it over the bathroom door and keep things like my hair straightener, aloe, medications, socks, undies, flip flops, shampoo, etc. You can load this thing down with all kinds of things!

You can also look into the organizers that tie at the top, rather than use a bracket to hang if your cruise line has banned this item.

​Yeti or similar tumbler

This is one of the first things that I started putting on my cruise packing list when I first began cruising. The cups that the cruise line provides for you are pretty freaking small. I have room service deliver me a carafe of coffee first thing in the morning and load my Yeti with coffee and creamer. The coffee stays hot a lot longer than the cruise line cups and I’ll have plenty of coffee to get me through the morning this way. Later in the day, I load my Yeti cup with ice and fill it full of juice from the Lido deck to enjoy while I’m poolside. This is a must, in my opinion! Make sure that you are courteous to other cruisers and use a clean cup to fill your tumbler.

Games

Wait, you pack games for a cruise? You’re darn skippy I do! I always add games to my cruise packing list!  You’ll actually probably be able to find some games on the ship (check the library) but I love packing games for sea days. Admittedly, I’m not much of a partier these days. Several years ago you’d find me in the ship’s clubs and bars dancing until all hours of the night. These days, I’m more likely to turn in early or organize a game night.

On our last cruise to Alaska, we had a game night during one of our Sea Days. It’s a great way to pass the time! One time, I invited a group of people that I met on an excursion in The Bahamas to join me for a game of Twister. Can I just tell you that was one of my best cruise memories? One game that I love bringing along is LCR because it is compact and can be turned into a drinking game or be played for money. I often take the games out of their boxes and pack them in a Ziploc to save space.

Sharpie

Sharpies a great thing to have on hand when you travel. If you’re traveling with your little ones, you can use them to write your phone number on their wrist just in case you get separated when you’re in port. I collect a green rock from every place that I visit. Afterward, I use the Sharpie to label where I got the rock. I do not recommend using the marker to write your cabin number on your key. If you happen to lose your card, the finder will have instant access to your cabin! Instead of writing my number on my key card, I write the cabins of the people I’m traveling with on the back of my card.

Gallon Size Ziploc Bags

These are great to have on hand! I take bags with me on excursions for storing wet bathing suits. They are also nice to have to pack away stinky socks and used underwear. I also like to use them to house my phone and other items I don’t want to get wet while at the beach.

Small Collapsible Cooler

If you ask, your cabin steward will keep this stocked with ice for you! These are great to have on hand to keep your bottles of water or other beverages cold throughout your cruise. They are nice to have on hand in your cabin and during shore excursions.  These are one of the newer items on my cruise packing list, although, to be honest- it’s not an absolute must.

Backpack

On the other hand, these are a must-have for your cruise. They are great for hiking through the jungles of Belize or Honduras, or zip-lining through tropical rain forests!  You’ll definitely want to add this to your cruise packing list.

Extra Hangers

Be sure to pack extra hangers! You’ll want to be able to hang all of your evening wear!

Power Strip

If you think that storage is a problem in your cabin, wait until you realize how few electrical outlets you have! Power strips are a must in my opinion. You’ll be glad you packed one when you need to charge all of your electronics or get ready for an elegant night!

Digital Clock

Believe it or not, your cabin will most likely not have a clock. This is completely intentional, but a little impractical considering how early many of the excursions leave. Sure, you could always schedule a wake-up call, but make your life a little easier and pack a digital alarm clock.

Lanyard

Lastly, pack a lanyard with you. It will make it easier to keep up with your room card! I like this Cruise Junkie one because it is detachable.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have these items with you when you head into port.

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Cruise Packing Tips Updated: 11/17/21

Categories
Alaska British Columbia Canada Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Skagway The Yukon United States

Skagway, British Columbia, and The Yukon Territory

Weren’t the Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier amazing? Our next stop on our Alaskan cruise was Skagway, Alaska. Imagine waking up, stepping out onto your balcony, and being welcomed by this view. Welcome to Skagway, my friends! Skagway is home to colorful gold-rush era buildings, vintage locomotives, and some of the most friendly people you’ll encounter!

Our first glimpse of Skagway, Alaska

We had a lot on our itinerary for the day. We were heading to British Columbia and The Yukon, and of course, we had to explore this charming little town. We planned on fitting as much as we could so that we had a chance to really explore this area. First, we followed the White Pass Trail from Skagway up to Frasier, British Columbia passing cascading waterfalls, gorgeous snow-capped mountains, and some of the most spectacular lakes I’ve ever seen. Yep, you read that right- we headed into Canada!

British Columbia

Words simply cannot describe how stunning British Columbia was! The towering snow-capped mountains, the lush green evergreens, the azure glacier lakes were more gorgeous than I can put into words. Visiting this region was like a dream come true- I’m dying to go back!

I spent the hour-long ride from Fraser, British Columbia to Carcross, Yukon Territory gazing out the window with my jaw dropped. The vistas were breathtaking! This would be an amazing spot to pitch a tent for a couple of weeks and forget about the world.

Yukon Territory

Next, we made a pit stop in Carcross at the Caribou Crossing Trading Post for a delicious barbecue lunch and a chance to stretch our legs.

After lunch, we went to spend some time with animals. We fed goats, alpacas, and donkeys! This goat reminded us so much of our little terrier Parker. He had a way of forcing himself on you so that you’d pay attention to him.

Then, we had a meet and greet with some of the Alaskan sled dogs. We watched as they were harnessed up and carried sleds off into the hillsides.

Next, we made a pit stop at the Carcross Desert, which is often called “The World’s Smallest Desert”. It was a great spot to stretch our legs and admire the biodiversity of the area.

Our last stops in The Yukon were Spirit Lake and Emerald Lake, both well known for their impeccable green coloring.

Have you met my pet monkey Isabelle? Isabelle has traveled with me for nearly 2 decades. She has visited 18 countries with me and joined me on my trip into Canada since she missed out on my first trip to this amazing country!

Skagway, Alaska

Finally, it was time to check out Skagway! Isn’t it such a charming little town? It was covered with Gold Rush-era buildings painted in vibrant colors and decorative storefronts.

How cool is this building? It’s covered entirely in driftwood!

Lastly, we met up with some friends at the historic Red Onion Saloon, one of the best-known brothels in all of Alaska. The ladies of the Red Onion are all in full costume and character and are an absolute riot. The upstairs is a museum dedicated to the building’s past and the saloon’s role during the gold rush. The day was a perfect introduction to all of the wonderful things we would see throughout Alaska and western Canada.

While in Skagway…

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Slide on over to our post about checking out the famous Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Park just outside of Juneau. Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier United States

Sailing Through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier

After spending a couple of days in Seattle, Washington, we boarded our cruise ship and sailed northwards to Alaska. We were scheduled to sail through Tracy Arm Fjord but due to the high density of ice, we ended up going through Endicott Arm instead. I have to tell you, I was not at all disappointed by the change in our itinerary!

Dawes Glacier

What is the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier?

Both the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are fjords in Alaska, about 45 miles outside of Juneau. The arms are the heart of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Both fjords are over 30 miles long, with 1/5 of this area covered in ice.

How is this area accessed?

Both fjords are typically accessed via the Stephens Passage and entering Holkham Bay. Float planes from Juneau and Petersburg also frequent the area.

Both fjords are commonly visited by cruise ships.

Our Experience

Endicott Arm & the Dawes Glacier were awe-inspiring. The combination of the gorgeous azure water, stunning jagged rocks, the Alaskan sub-alpine vegetation, countless waterfalls, the vibrant blue ice drifting by, and, of course, the wildlife, was more than I ever dreamed of!

What animals did we spot in the Endicott Arm?

  • Humpbacks
  • Dall’s porpoises
  • Seals
  • Eagles

We spotted our second humpback while entering the fjord. The opening was full of humpbacks feeding! Our friends were staying in a cabin at the stern (very back of the boat) that featuring an enormous wrap-around cabin. We were able to see countless whales playing in the ship’s wake as we made our way closer to the glacier!

Iceberg in Endicott Arm

The closer and closer we got to Dawes Glacier, the more vibrant blue the water became. We passed countless icebergs like this one. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Dozens of waterfalls flanked both sides of the passage cascading from high up in the mountains and splashing into the crystal clear blue water. Aren’t they incredible?

Although I was initially disappointed we weren’t able to go into Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm Fjord exceeded every one of my expectations. It was a fantastic introduction to Alaska!Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

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Updated: 11/14/21

Categories
Seattle United States Washington

Gas Works Park- Seattle’s Ultra Funky Green Space

Seattle is full of some pretty incredible green spaces, but one of them stands out amongst all of the others. Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park located on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company. The park still has a super industrial vibe to it, which makes this park incredibly unique.

What are the highlights of Gas Works Park?

  • Large play barn
  • Gorgeous view of Lake Union and downtown Seattle
  • Picnicking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle Boarding

Where is Gas Works Park?

The physical address is:

2101 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103

When is the park open?

The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

What are our thoughts on Gas Works Park?

We enjoyed our time at the park. It was a great place to spend the afternoon. There were a ton of people (tourists and locals, alike) who hung out at the park. Many kayaked, paddle boarded, flew kites or simply relaxed on the hill with friends and family.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and simply take in the views of the stunning Seattle skyline.

We loved the park so much that we added it to our list of 6 Things We Love About Seattle.

What is there to do nearby?

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Fremont Troll. We also suggest going to Kerry Park in the Queen Anne District. The Space Needle is also less than 4 miles away.

 

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Categories
Seattle United States Washington

6 Things We Absolutely Love About Seattle, Washington

Like many Alaskan tales, our trip to Alaska began in Seattle, Washington: The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest… or at least that is how it was advertised at the start of the Gold Rush in 1896. You see, one of the founding fathers of Washington was a total schmuck. He “mined the miners” and swindled the gold-hungry pioneers out of their money before they trekked more than 1,500 miles to The Yukon where gold was discovered.

Unfortunately, a majority of the Gold Rushers were ill-prepared for the harsh terrains of British Columbia, Alaska, and The Yukon. Eventually, the Canadian Mounties moseyed into town and said, “Listen, eh, we are tired of digging graves for all of you Americans. We are going to instate a new law, eh, that mandates you gold-rushers must have 2 tons of supplies in tow so you have a better chance of surviving, eh.“

Seattle has grown from being a town full of swindlers into being a bustling metropolis.

Some of the highlights from our stay in Seattle were:

Pike Place Market on the Seattle Waterfront

First, what once started as a Farmer’s Market has now grown into a vibrant neighborhood populated by farmers, artists, crafters, small businesses, and even residents. The market first opened in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the United States. We wandered through six floors of shops featuring things like antiques, crafts, jewelry, comic books, flowers, baked goods, and, of course, seafood. The market has some really neat hidden gems, you’ll never know what kinds of things you’ll stumble upon!

Coffee

Ashley and I are huge coffee drinkers. Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and Seattle’s Best. Depending on who you ask, there are 2 “original” Starbucks locations, both in the Pike Place neighborhood. First, the store has maintained the classic (and historic) look and has been opened since 1971. However, the 1st and Pike location is also referred to as the first Starbucks location. We visited both, for good measure 🙂

Another place that we visited for coffee was Biscuit Bitch. We had the best biscuits and gravy I’ve had outside of the south (it even crushed a lot of our local places!) and the prettiest coffee I’ve ever had. You will want to get there early, people tend to line up down the street to get in on all of this deliciousness!

The Greenspace

Seattle has some of the most amazing parks! Many of them offer absolutely breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Our favorite parks were:

Meredith Grey’s House (from Grey’s Anatomy fame)

You may or may not know that we are huge Grey’s Anatomy fans. Although the show, itself, is filmed in LA the exterior of the title character’s house is an actual home in the Queen Anne district. It’s not far from Kerry Park, or Parsons Garden so it was easy for us to fit into our tight schedule.

Art

We did a ton of walking in Seattle. Let me just say that those hills are freakin’ insane. I’m pretty sure that folks that live or work in Downtown Seattle have the best calves in America. You can quote me on that.

We saw some pretty great examples of art scattered all around the city. One example is the Tlingit Indian Totem Pole from Pioneer Square. More modern examples include the infamous Fremont Troll, and “Changing Form” in Kerry Park.

Mt. Rainier

Lastly, you can’t visit Seattle without hitting up Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is part of Seattle’s iconic landscape. The mountain, which is an active volcano, is 14,410 feet above sea level. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US.

We dedicated almost a full day to Mt. Rainier National Park and it was well worth it. The trails and our hike were a great way to kick off our vacation on the left coast. When you consider that we live in a city that is around 10 feet above sea level, it’s pretty astonishing to be somewhere that is so far above sea level. I mean, we barely even have hills in Jacksonville.

In short, Seattle quickly became one of our favorite places to visit. The city is full of a rich, fun, vibrant culture. There is plenty to do to keep you and your family entertained.

While You’re in Seattle

 

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Updated: 10/27/21

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

A Quick Beginner’s Guide to Nassau, The Bahamas

Looking for a quick and easy to understand guide to Nassau, The Bahamas? You’ve come to the right place!   In the this Guide to Nassau, will review the highlights on the island, discuss the best time to visit, and answer many popular questions about Nassau.

The Bahamas are a truly beautiful chain of islands full of gorgeous beaches, exciting history, and of course, rum. When many people think about the Bahamas, they think of the capital, Nassau, which is located on the island of New Providence. However, the chain consists of an impressive 700 islands and cays.

Believe it or not, The Bahamas aren’t actually part of the Caribbean…at least not geographically speaking.  However, because of the climate, culture, cuisine and close ties with many of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas is often grouped with Caribbean nations.

A Quick Guide to Nassau

I like to tell people that The Bahamas are a great place for people to begin foreign travel. Visiting a foreign country can be extremely intimidating. Not only are you far away from home but many people worry about language barriers, cultural differences, and safety. Trust me, being lost in a foreign country where you can’t read any of the signs or speak with any of the locals is absolutely terrifying. With The Bahamas, you really don’t have to worry about any of that!

Parts of The Bahamas are located about 100 miles away from Florida. As a Floridan, I can tell you that The Bahamas are a lot like Florida! The Bahamas were colonized by the British in 1718 so the locals are fluent in English. Shops, vendors, and restaurants will all accept American currency as well. Speaking of restaurants, the food options here are just like you’d find here in The States! I honestly don’t even feel like I’ve left the country when I visit The Bahamas. Which is a great feeling for new travelers.

The Bahamas are the most popular islands in the region.  In fact, Nassau, is the cruise industries most visited port of call.  Each year, more than 5 million cruisers have Nassau on their itinerary.  This is more than any other cruise port in the world!  

What are some of the highlights of Nassau?

Nassau is the port most frequented by cruisers. Some of the highlights of Nassau include The Pirate Museum, Parliament Square, Fort Fincastle, and of course, the beach. The beaches here are pristine! We’re talking about sugary white sand, turquoise water, and gorgeous palm trees. Have I piqued your interest, yet?

When we’re in Nassau, we love hopping on a catamaran to explore some of the smaller surrounding islands. We also enjoy snorkeling while we’re here.

Of course, when many people think of Nassau, they think of Atlantis. Atlantis is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas- just a short water taxi ride from Nassau. Since it is not actually located on the island of Nassau, I’ll be sharing information about it in a different post.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have these items with you when you head into port.

Downtown Nassau can easily be explored on-foot and you can see a lot of the main attractions in one day.  If you’d rather take a taxi, they are readily available.

Pro Tip: Taxis don’t have a flat fare like they do in the US.  You can negotiate the price of the fare (in fact, it’s pretty much expected!).  Be sure to ask the driver how much they want to charge you and negotiate before you get in the cab.

 

The Best Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

There’s more to Nassau than just the beach!  The island has plenty of super affordable things for families to do.

The Pirate Museum:  This is many visitors favorite attraction on the island. The museum is self-guided and presents the history of Nassau and the pesky pirates that landed here hundreds of years ago.  There’s a full-sized pirate ship and a ton of interactive things to keep kids entertained. The Pirates of Nassau Museum costs about $12 per person (less for kids).  

Fort Fincastle:  Fort Fincastle is an easy 10 minute walk from the Pirate Museum.  It was built in the early 1790s to offer protection from pirates.  The fort sits on top of the highest point of the island.  Once upon a time, this offered a great vantage point for the islanders, today it offers a great vantage point for tourists.  

Guided tours will run you about $5 and are well worth it.

Fort Fincastle- Nassau, Bahamas

The Queen’s Staircase:  This popular attraction (and Instagram backdrop!) is literally right next to the fort and will take you about 5 minutes to see. It may not look like much, but the history behind the staircase is pretty remarkable.  The limestone stairs were hand-cut by slaves.  

The stairs offered defenders a quick way to get from the fort down to the beaches in the event that pirates came ashore.  The stairs were named after Queen Victoria, the British monarch that put an end to slavery.

The Straw Market:  Although we don’t love this place, many others do.  The Nassau Straw Market is an open air market located right by the cruise port.  Visitors often flock here to pick up cheap souvenirs such as beach bags, t-shirts, shot glasses, etc.  Most of the stuff was imported from China however, there are a handful of hand made items crafted by local Bahamians.

Pro Tip:  The vendors are really pushy and make it hard to simply “window shop”.  If you want to shop hassle-free, slip into one of the shops across the street, instead.

This is also a popular place for hair-braiding.  Be careful- this adds up really fast $$$ be sure you know exactly what you’ll be getting for the amount advertised.

Parliament Square:  Want a little glimpse at the history of The Bahamas?  Head to Parliament Square, home of the local government.  It’s located downtown, well within walking distance of the cruise ships.  

Junkanoo Beach- Nassau, Bahamas

Junkanoo Beach:  This free public beach is located really close to the cruise ship terminal, smack dab in the middle of downtown Nassau.  It’s location (and the abundance of eateries nearby) make it a popular beach for tourists.

Pro Tip:  This is a hot spot for thieves…the island is known for pirates, after all.  Consider investing in a beach safe to keep your valuables safe.

What We Love About Nassau & What We Could Do Without

What we love:

  • It feels familiar & it is easy to navigate
  • There are plenty of beaches and outdoor activities like boating, snorkeling, paddling, and more.
  • The historic and cultural attractions
  • The African, Caribbean, and Colonial influences.

What we don’t love:

  • It’s super touristy- but that kind of goes with the territory.
  • Most of the stuff in the Straw Market was made in China…
  • Vendors can be super pushy.

What is the best month to go to Nassau, Bahamas?

The best time to visit The Bahamas is any time between November and April. Personally, January is a favorite, of mine. During these months you’ll experience lovely weather and less crowds…and it’s not hurricane season.

The Bahamas have pretty decent weather year round.  The temperatures usually range between  75°F to 84°F, with seasonal variations.  During the above mentioned months, the evenings and mornings can be a little chilly, but the water is still warm enough to swim and the sun is perfect!  

The coldest month is January (with an average of 72°F) and August is the wettest (average rainfall of 6.2 inches).  July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 82 °F.

The crowds start to pick up in March and April when schools let out for Spring Break.  

Summers are hot, sticky, humid, and there’s a greater chance for rain.  Hurricane season lasts from June 1 and ends November 30th.

 

What is the cheapest month to visit Nassau?

High season is considered to be May, June, and July- these are definitely  the most expensive months to visit the island. 

The cheapest month to fly from the US to Nassau is in January.  This is also one of the cheapest times to cruise to Nassau.

Do I need a passport to go to Nassau, Bahamas?

If you are arriving to The Bahamas via plane, you definitely need to have a valid US Passport.

If you are arriving via cruise ship, you will need to have a passport, passport card, or an official birth certificate and government issued ID.  It is strongly suggested that you always carry a passport when traveling to a foreign country.

Parliament Square, Nassau

Which airlines fly direct to Bahamas?

American Airlines, Delta, United, Envoy Air, jetBlue, Qatar Airways, Azul Airlines, and Bahamasair all fly non-stop to Bahamas.

What language is spoken in Nassau, Bahamas?

When the British colonized The Bahamas a couple hundred years ago, they brought with them the English language.  Today, English is the official language of The Bahamas however, it is spoken with a Bahamian dialect.

Can you use US dollars in The Bahamas?

Remember how I said The Bahamas aren’t much different than Florida?  The currency is yet another reason the two are so similar!  The US Dollar is just as popular here as the Bahamian Dollar and they have an equal value, which makes transactions a breeze.

Is Nassau safe?

When you visit any new location, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. I suggest staying within a few blocks of the port or catching a cab over to Paradise Island, home of Atlantis. The cabs are regulated and the prices are posted right near the cruise terminal to help ensure you won’t get ripped off. Although the crime rates are not high in Nassau, like with any touristy place criminals will target visitors. As long as you are smart about things, it is completely safe.

Can You Walk Around Nassau, Bahamas?

You can definitely experience Nassau on foot- without a tour!  There is plenty for cruisers to do within walking distance of the port including the Straw market, the Pirate of Nassau Museum, and much more!  Check out our Guide to Nassau on foot!

Do I Need a car in Nassau?

If you’re visiting via cruise or staying at a hotel in the tourist zones, you definitely do not need to rent a car.  A lot of the tourist district is walkable and cabs are readily available.

If you are staying outside of the tourist district, you may want to consider renting a car if you want to explore parts of the town on your own.

Be aware the Bahamians drive on the left side of the road.  The roads, especially Bay Street, can be rather chaotic and full of potholes.  Lots and lots of potholes.

At the time of publication, Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are not available in The Bahamas.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

You may also be interested in 7 Things for Cruisers to Do Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Ports to help start your planning. If Half Moon Cay is also on your itinerary, check out 5 Facts About Half Moon Cay.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 12/10/22

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Categories
North Carolina United States

DuPont State Forest: An Epic North Carolina Hiking Spot

DuPont State Forest, frequently called DuPont Forest is a 10,000+ acre state forest located in Henderson and Transylvania counties in western North Carolina. Dupont State Recreational Forest is a perfect place to take a daytrip from Asheville or Hendersonville. The park’s picturesque trails and waterfalls are some of the best in the region.

The forest is a popular spot for hikers, kayakers, and swimmers (which is only permitted in designated areas).

The forest, and surrounding areas, are absolutely stunning. You may recognize portions of the park from movies such as The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans.

What are the highlights of DuPont State Forest?

DuPont State Forest has nearly 83 miles of multi-use trails and roads that can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails range from easy to moderate and are well-beaten and easy to navigate. When we visit we tend to stick to Triple Falls Trail, Hooker Falls Trail, and Bridal Veil Falls Trail, but there are plenty of more options!

Triple Falls Trail- 2.9 miles (easy)

This is the most popular trail at the forest, and one of the ones we hike every time we visit DuPont. It’s absolutely stunning and easy to do with little ones. In fact, I first started hiking this trail as a child! The hike crosses the Little River and then follows it upstream to up-close views of Trip Falls.

Hooker Falls Trail– 0.7 miles (easy)

This is the shortest hike in the forest making it super kid-friendly. Hooker Falls is well worth the short hike! This spot is also a popular swimming hole during the summer months.

Bridal Veil Falls Trail– 4.6 miles (easy)

This is one of my favorite hikes at DuPont. The 4.6-mile hike will lead you to the forest’s most beautiful waterfalls, the sheer cascades of Bridal Veil Falls.

The forest is probably most known for its waterfalls (which are way better than Florida’s waterfalls!). The waterfalls include:

  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • High Falls
  • Hooker Falls
  • Triple Falls
  • Grassy Creek Falls
  • Wintergreen Falls

Where is the DuPont State Forest located?

If you plug the following address into your GPS it will lead you to the High Falls Access Area:

1300 Staton Road
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

 

What is there to do nearby?

Another one of our favorite outdoor hangouts is the nearby Pisgah National Forest. We also love spending time at Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, which is located about 30 miles away. Of course, you can’t go wrong with paying a visit to Asheville or Hendersonville, either.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Don’t forget to save one of our DuPont State Forest pins to help you start planning your trip!  While you’re in the area, check out Chimney Rock.  If you’re traveling with kids, consider booking a cabin or campsite at Yogi Bear’s Camp Jellystone: Golden Valley.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time! 

 

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Updated: 2/3/24

 

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