How does a bastard, orphan son of a whore
And a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten
Spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor
Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?
— Lyrics from the award-winning Broadway play “Hamilton”
Except for the inglorious description “forgotten spot”, the tiny Caribbean island of Nevis, the birthplace of United States Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, isn’t mentioned in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit musical.
The good news is that oversight hasn’t stopped tourists from visiting the island to see what all the fuss is about.
Nevis offers several opportunities to step into the life of Hamilton, whose name serves as the title for one of the most successful theater productions in recent memory. In the capital city of Charlestown, visitors can tour the Museum of Nevis History, the building where Hamilton was born. Another stop you can make is Hamilton Estate, a sugar plantation that remained in the Hamilton family for years.
Hamilton is fascinating but there’s more to Nevis than political figures.
This charming island is loaded with extraordinary experiences including the annual Mango and Food Festival (July 4-7, 2019), a weekend dedicated to the tropical fruit and all the sweet deliciousness that goes along with it. Last year, the festival was headlined by United Kingdom Iron Chef Judy Joo.
With unforgettable trails and sparkling shorelines Nevis is a cycling wonderland. Cyclists can rent bikes to tour around the picturesque shoreline, such as at Oualie Beach, or in the small towns like Newcastle Village. Savings of 10 percent on Nevis bike tours are available through Trippzy, giving cyclists more reason to venture out for a ride in the sunshine.
If you would rather stay on foot, there are trails, beaches, and roads galore for leisurely walks or spirited hikes. Hire a guide and discover the island’s history with knowledgeable people from Funky Monkey Tours or Nevis Adventure Tours, among others. And while it’s not for everyone, the Nevis Peak climb is a worthwhile endeavor that will inspire you to great heights and eradicate more than a few hundred calories in the process.
Leeward Islands Charters tours include sailings on catamarans for snorkeling adventures and sunset cruises. (Photo courtesy of Leeward Islands Charters)
Fun water activities in Nevis include snorkeling, sunset sails, and fishing adventures. A magnificent way to enjoy the ocean and see the sunset is with Leewards Islands Charters, a Trippzy partner that has been in business for 25 years. In Nevis, Leewards Islands Charters generally works with a 47-foot catamaran that provides sail and snorkel charters twice a day.
It goes without saying that beaches are a marvelous way to enjoy the ocean and in Nevis there are no shortages. Gallows Bay, Cades Bay, Paradise Beach, and Oualie Beach are outstanding locations to work on your sandcastle-building skills.
For a truly luxurious beach with an even more luxurious hotel a visit to Pinney’s Beach in Charlestown is in definitely in order. Here you will find the captivating Four Seasons Resort Nevis, a stunning venue where you can play a round of golf, enjoy world-class culinary creations, explore nearby reefs, or forget your troubles in the hot-water pool at the spa.
