Bermuda’s oldest continuously occupied town (it was settled in 1612) invites visitors on a trip back in time — and not just architecturally. St. George's, named for the patron saint of England and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, is a living, breathing homage to life in the 17th and 18th centuries, and its residents bring the town's British colonial-era history to life in a variety of delightful ways.
Dunking Re-Enactments: If you arrive at King’s Square at noon on Saturday and certain weekdays, you’ll be treated to a cast of enthusiastic locals doing a free re-enactment of a colonial punishment. A loud and belligerent woman is dragged from Town Hall, placed on the wooden “ducking stool” and dunked into the harbor as punishment for her transgression: being a gossip and a nag.
St. Peter’s: Dating back to 1612, this simple, whitewashed church with its red door and green shutters is the oldest Anglican church outside the United Kingdom. Services are still held weekly, and both weddings and vow renewals can be scheduled.
Cobblestone Lanes: While most of this beautifully manicured island is postcard-perfect, St. George wins the prize for charm. Stroll around on your own to discover enchanting Petticoat and Barber's lanes, or take a guided walking tour to put the town's 400 years of history into context.
The Deliverance: This full-scale replica of the circa-1610 wooden galleon Deliverance is located on Ordnance Island, adjacent to the cruise ship terminal, and visitors can board and explore its tight quarters.
Families: Kids will enjoy the historical re-enactments of the town, while the adults can peruse the art and handicrafts in the town’s many shops and find a new favorite fragrance at the Bermuda Perfumery.
It’s a Bit Remote: If you want to see more after you've explored this compact town at the northeastern tip of Bermuda, you’ll need to take an hourlong bus or taxi ride to get to Hamilton, the island’s main city.