St. Vincent
St. Vincent is part of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean and lies south of St. Lucia and north of Grenada. At the head of the idyllic island chain of the 30-or-so Genadines, scenic St. Vincent packs into its 18 x 12 miles an extravagant canvas of lush tropical valleys and mountains, home of hummingbird and hibiscus, breadfruit and bamboo, limes and mahogany. In the little capital of Kingston, the animated fruit, vegetable and fish markets, dramatic coastal views from historic Fort Charlotte, and luxuriant Botanical Gardens.
Activities
On Berkshire Hill, just west of town, and over 600 feet above the bay, is Fort Charlotte. Named after King George III’s wife, the fortification was constructed in 1806. In its heyday, it supported 600 troops and 34 guns. Some of the old barracks now house a museum with the colourful history of the Black Caribs depicted on its walls.
A visit to the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, is a favourite stop for both visitors and Locals. Here, rare and exotic flowers, plants and trees abound. The garden was founded in 1762 as a commercial breeding ground for plants brought from other parts of the world.
Kingstown Methodist Church - Sparkling coloured glass in its windows and a massive intricately detailed pipe organ in the choir balcony opposite the altar accent the brightly coloured interior with its warm, open atmosphere.
St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral - Built in 1823, and rebuilt most recently in the 1930s by a Flemish monk, the cathedral displays an amazing mixture of styles, including Moorish, Romanesque, and Georgian, all fashioned out of dark volcanic-sand bricks.
Black Point Tunnel - Situated on the windward coast.This historical tunnel is the only road access point linking the south of the island to the North.Only one car can pass through this dirt tunnel at a time.
Fort Duvernette - Alongside Young Island, this fort (built in 1800) is situated 195 feet above the sea and was originally intended to defend the anchorage at Calliaqua Bay. Transportation to the fort can be arranged with the ferry at the dock on Villa Beach.
Shopping
The capital city of Kingstown is located in the southwestern part of the island, hugging a mile-wide swath of land on Kingstown Bay backed up by a ring of green hills and ridges. The city consists ot twelve small blocks that are easy to walk and perfect for browsing. Shops and stores range from simple to sophisticated, selling local crafts, books, cameras, binoculars, watches, crystal and bone china, gold and silver jewellery, Sea Island cotton and batik.
Currency
St. Vincent and the Grenadines' currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar
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