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Cruise Guide > Caribbean > Antigua and Barbuda > St John's | |
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St John's Time Zone GMT - 4. Currency Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. Language English. Sightseeing Antiguans claim to have a different beach for every day of the year and their island’s many beautiful soft, sandy beaches and coves certainly constitute its main attraction. However, for more energetic visitors, there is plenty to see and do away from the beaches. The island is rich in colourful bird and insect life; off-shore, beneath the waters of the Caribbean, are splendid tropical fish and coral and there are several sites of historic interest. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is one of the safest landlocked harbours in the world. It was used by Admirals Nelson, Rodney and Hood as a safe base for the British Navy during the Napoleonic wars. Clarence House, overlooking Nelson’s dockyard, was once the home of the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV. It is now the Governor General’s summer residence and is periodically open to visitors. Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre provides visitors with a good overview of the island’s history including information on the early Amerindians and the impact of slavery on Antigua’s culture and economy. Shirley Heights and Fort James are two examples of the efforts made by the British to fortify the colony during the 18th century. Close by is the cemetery, containing an obelisk commemorating the soldiers of the 54th Regiment. St John’s Cathedral appears on postcards and in almost all visitors’ photographs. The church was originally built in 1683, but was replaced by a stone building in 1745. An earthquake destroyed it almost a century later and in l845 the cornerstone of the present Anglican cathedral was laid. Indian Town, one of Antigua’s national parks, is at the northeastern point of the island. Breakers roaring in with the full force of the Atlantic behind them have carved Devil’s Bridge and have created blow-holes with foaming surf. Shopping Uniquely Antiguan purchases include straw goods, pottery, batik and silk-screen printed fabrics, and jewellery incorporating semi-precious Antiguan stones. English bone china and crystal and French perfumes, watches and table linens are all available at very attractive prices. Heritage Quay Complex is a shopping and entertainment complex with 40 duty-free shops, a theatre, restaurants and a casino and supper club. The Market is in the west of St John’s and makes a lively and colourful excursion, especially on busy Saturday mornings. Eating Out Antigua’s gastronomic speciality is lobster, with red snapper and occasionally other fish running a close second when available. Local specialities include barbecued free-range chicken, roast suckling pig, pilaffs, curries, mushrooms and saltfish. Local drinks include ice-cold fruit juice, coconut milk, Antiguan-produced dark and light rums (Cavalier), rum punches, and beer from Antigua (Wadadli), Barbados (Banks) and Jamaica (Red Stripe). Country Antigua & Barbuda Region The Caribbean |