Opening of Jewish Synagogue Museum, National Heroes Gallery, Arlington House Museum and Zagat 2008 to name a few.
(Bridgetown, Barbados), February 13, 2008 – It’s not surprising that Barbados was named the ‘World’s No. 1 Hotspot for Celebrities in 2007’ by internationally recognized travel website Expedia.co.uk, since the island’s beauty is captivating and the weather is simply addictive. But combine that with Barbados’ rich history, lifestyle and natural attractions and it’s even easier to see why it’s impossible for both celebrities and travelers to stay away for long. The new Jewish Synagogue Museum, National Heroes Gallery and Arlington House Museum, the reopening of Harrison’s Cave and Oistin’s Fish Fry, as well as the arrival of the 2008 Best of Barbados Barbados Zagat Guide, make 2008 the perfect year to enjoy all the wonders and new happenings Barbados has to offer.
Barbados is the first and only island in the Caribbean that has been Zagat rated. The new Best of Barbados 2008 Zagat Guide includes an abundance of newly opened restaurants, nightlife, attractions and golf.
The swank new night spot, Lexy Piano Bar, located just outside Mango Bay Resort, brings a slice of New York to Holetown. According to Best of Barbados 2008 Zagat, “Locals and visitors make requests and join in…mixed drinks, wine and champagne ensure that all inhibitions are banished.”
For a truly unique dining experience, check out Elbow Room – for “ Do-it-yourself dining” where you “choose from an Eclectic array of raw pre-seasoned beef, chicken and fish and then grill it yourself on a hot lava stone” …“live music from homegrown artists on the weekend livens it up”.
After a year of redevelopment, Harrison’s Cave, Barbados’ most popular visitor attraction, recently re-opened during the first week of January 2008. This crystallized limestone cavern is full of stalactite and stalagmite formations creating the ultimate site for people of all ages. The newly improved cave features a fleet of six new trams – two are wheelchair accessible – as well as ventilation, drainage, electrical lighting and a tracking system. Additionally, a Cave Interpretive Center has been added to the gully floor and features a multi-media presentation that holds up to 40 people, interactive displays, an enhanced passenger boarding area, washrooms, souvenir shop and snack bar.
A trip to Barbados just isn’t complete without a visit to the famous and newly renovated Oistins Fish Fry. On Friday and Saturday evenings, revelers can indulge in some flying fish and rum punch or Banks Beer. Mingle with the locals that flock to this popular hangout where tasty food, lights and great music create a delightful atmosphere of Barbados’ rich fisher folk culture. Oistins upgrades include new vendor stalls, improved sanitation, lighting and entertainment facilities, yet the traditional mold remains intact.
Visitors are compelled to learn about the ten national heroes of Barbados at the National Heroes Gallery, newly added to the West Wing of the Parliament Buildings. Considered Barbados’ most well kept secret, visitors can view hand crafted sculptures, murals, artifacts and scriptures by local artists on display giving a glimpse of the past. Each Barbadian artist symbolically represents one of the ten National Heroes and uses vivid sculpture to characterize the life and struggles of each hero and their positive impact on Barbadian culture.
The Arlington House Museum, scheduled to open January 24th, has just completed a beautiful renovation, transforming into an interactive tri-story museum. The ground floor, named “Speightstown Memories” after Barbados’ second largest town, gives a glimpse into the lives of early citizens. “Plantation Memories” on the second level explains the story of colonization and sugar cane on the island, while stressing the important role Barbados played in the slave trade, as it was the first port reached along the journey from Africa. The third floor, also known as “Wharf Memories,” is a pleasure to both adults and children as it showcases Speighstown’s former glory as a leading port and hub across three continents through exhibits, with the help of a talking pirate.
Not commonly known is that Barbados is the location of the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere dating back to the 17th century. The beautiful coral stone Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum recently opened its doors, and plays an important role in teaching about Jewish culture on the island of Barbados. This fascinating story is conveyed through colorful panel displays and multimedia presentations. Additionally, glass enclosed artifacts discovered in the cemetery are exhibited on a bed of sand. The original Jewish settlers who built the 17th century synagogue were skilled in the sugar industry and quickly introduced crop and cultivation skills to the Barbadians.
Before your next visit to Barbados, don’t forget to bring your 2008 Best of Barbados Zagat Guide to t
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