Find What You're Looking For in St. Kitts and Nevis   by Caitlin Moore
The St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad   by Justin Burch
 

Find What You're Looking For in St. Kitts and Nevis   by Caitlin Moore

Thanks to long ago volcanic activity, the Caribbean Sea is sprinkled with handfuls of now-settled islands that act as magnets to tourists looking for the ultimate getaway experience. There are many choices, few of them regrettable, but if a quiet and nature-oriented escape from reality is desired, you certainly wouldn't go wrong with a trip to St. Kitts and Nevis, a pair of islands that maintains a French/English identity as well as many unspoiled swaths of wilderness. British-style buildings and cars that drive on the left side of the road will immediately help to create a sense of away-ness, and the interior of the islands are delightfully uninhabited - an exotic treat for city dwellers and residents of sprawling suburbia. Combine these elements with a predictably pleasant climate and constant cycle of sea breezes and the foundation has been laid for a top-five vacation.

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Some say that St. Kitts and Nevis resemble a baseball bat and baseball, something to notice when flying in for a landing or looking at a map but a fact that will be forgotten once you've become immersed in the pure loveliness of the landscape. A narrow channel separates the two isles, making going back and forth no big deal, so every inch of the terrain, both untouched and populated, is available to be explored and enjoyed.

All the standard beach activities are up for grabs, although the word "standard" doesn't really apply to snorkeling, sea kayaking, relaxing at a beach bar or watching for rainbows and sunsets off the pristine coast. Timothy Beach is a popular spot for finding the activities you need to check a few entries off the itinerary, and if you don't have one of those, you'll wander your way through a perfectly agreeable day. After getting your fill of being barefoot, it'll be time to head to one of the towns for some shopping and fine dining. Try Basseterre, Charlestown or Newcastle for a taste of local cuisine, shopping and culture seeking.

Or, if seeking out a few thrills is on the menu, head inland to sneak a peek at the impressive array of flora and fauna. In addition to colorful and fragrant plant life unlike any you've seen before, the flitting hummingbirds and friendly monkeys will most certainly catch your eye. A few tidbits of fruit will entice the furry creatures to come close, offering up photo-ops that will make the perfect souvenir. Mountain rainforest hikes provide exercise, fresh air and enjoyable off-the-beaten-path moments, so check them out if you're so inclined.

St. Kitts and Nevis is adept at offering a bit of everything; quiet afternoons and thrilling adventures, deserted stretches of beach and lively festivals. A number of music celebrations dot the calendar and often feature parades with salsa, calypso and steel pan infusions, while tennis courts and golf courses provide more traditional vacation pursuits. No matter what you and your companions look for on holiday (as the Brits would say) it's certain to be contained within the perimeter of this charming island nation.

This includes stellar lodging options in the form of dozens of vacation rental properties that have a way of making visitors feel immediately at home in this far-flung tropical paradise. Villas offering panoramic views and easy access to the beach make all the difference when it comes to you and your companions coexisting peacefully while feeling comfortable and connected to the surroundings. A day of swimming and snorkeling can be just a stroll away, as are horseback riding stables, one of the vibrant towns, a fabulous restaurant or an engrossing view of Mt. Nevis. Sorting through the options online is a fun exercise that will certainly lead to inventing the perfect scenario framed by hibiscus and bougainvillea, not to mention a set-up of bedrooms, baths and grounds that will lend an air of elegance and luxury to the whole affair.

St. Kitts and Nevis Vacation Rentals are available in multiple locations and come in all shape and size - large condos, diminutive bungalows, vast villas, etc... Most come equipped with a plethora of helpful amenities like kitchens and extra towels and linens, and most are pretty easy on the eyes. Take a look at the options and allow yourself to start getting excited for an upcoming trip that's sure to be one of your best ever.

Early in the 20th Century, a 30-mile railway was constructed on St. Kitts to aid transportation of sugar cane crops to the island's colonial capital, Basseterre. Today, this unique narrow-gauge railway has found a new life. As part of St. Kitts' expanding tourism industry, the St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad now serves as one of the best ways to see this gorgeous island in its entirety. In addition to being the most enchanting rail tour in the Caribbean, this railway provides one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Traversing a major stretch of the island, the railway will take you past many of the old sugar cane fields. Though the crop is rarely harvested anymore, these plantations offer a unique glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past. Today, the countryside is dotted with numerous active farms full of livestock and fruit crops, yet abandoned windmills and smokestacks still populate the landscape. The small towns supporting these farms also feature charming houses and other unique historic structures. Many travelers have also noticed that children often come out of the rural schoolhouses to watch the train roll by twice a day - an activity that offers students and teachers a regular break from studies.

After leaving the station, the train will head north along the St. Kitts' beautiful coastline. Some of the first things you might notice are the numerous sidings - loading points for harvested sugar cane - next to the tracks. As the train hugs the coastline in the early going, you will probably also notice the rainforest-covered mountains of St. Kitts rising above the aforementioned farms and villages. At the heart of the mountain range, you will certainly notice Mt. Liamuiga - the volcanic peak visible throughout the island. Stretching from the island's central mountain range are many deep canyons, some of which extend all the way to the coastline's majestic cliffs. Spanning these canyons are 24 steel bridges - all of which are attractions in themselves.

Many of St. Kitts' most popular attractions are visible from the train, as well. As the train circles the island, the conductor will announce such sites as Brimstone Hill Fortress - the "Gibraltar of the Caribbean." While viewing such historic structures and natural beauty, you will also be treated to a narrative history of the island. To educate yourself even further, stop by the Basseterre Public Library after your tour to view a permanent exhibit of photographs dating to the construction of the railway.

Unlike many other historic railways, the passenger cars of the St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad are as luxurious as the scenery. For the sake of the tours, the island commissioned the construction of distinctive double-deck railcars. On the upper deck, you will find a beautiful open-air observation deck. Down below, the air conditioned cars are outfitted with comfortable furniture, full-service bars and even live entertainment - all with a Caribbean flourish. As you don't want to miss anything outside, the oversized windows will allow you to enjoy all the sites.

Utilizing 18 miles of the original railway, this two hour tour is the best way to see the entire country in a short time. As only 420 seats are available each day, it is recommended to buy tickets as early as possible through your resort or travel provider. As travelers are promised captivating views of the Caribbean Sea, surrounding islands, rainforest-coated mountains, magnificent cliffs and pristine wildlife - the St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad is the hottest ticket on the island.

It is even possible to take a ride on the railway during a shore excursion from one of the many cruise ships that visit the island. Shuttles take passengers from the pier directly to Needsmust Station. At the end of the tour, shuttles will available for travel back to the pier or any of the island's resorts.

If you are looking for the best way to see St. Kitts - or maybe just a ride you will never forget - climb aboard the St. Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad.