Charlestown is one of those towns of the Caribbean that has not seen as much modernization as the others. Thanks to this it has been able to retain its original flavour and as you ramble through its streets you will be able to see some fine examples of colonial architecture, and, indeed, of the era itself. Now local efforts are being made to preserve these original structures.

Georgian style buildings

As you roam Charlestown you will come across many Georgian styles of buildings from the 18^th or 19^th century. Typically the first floors were built of stone and were used as shops, while the merchants lived above and this structure was made of wood. The buildings generally had hip roofs.

The cotton ginnery in Charlestown used to be bustling with activity during the days when cotton growing was the main industry of the island. This is where cotton used to be ginned and packed into neat bales before being shipped to England. Now this old stone ginnery has been renovated with a restaurant and several shops, and once again has a busy air! The cotton ginnery is located near the ferry boat pier.

Museum of Nevis' History

When in Nevis, take an afternoon out to spend time in The Hamilton House Museum. Located by the Charlestown harbour, this museum is filled with interesting information about Alexander Hamilton and his association with Nevis. Set in a lovely stone building, the museum stores information that goes back to the 17^th century, with papers, documents, history books and even an impressive collection of old photos of the island.

The original museum building was as old as the information it contains, dating back to 1680, but was shattered by an earthquake in 1840. It was then restored in 1983, and now sits pretty by the harbour, with a lovely view of St. Kitts in the distance.

Nelson Museum

This collection houses articles related to Horatio Nelson, an Admiral in the British Navy. The museum building is fairly new, and most of the items in the collection have been donated by a collector from Philadelphia from his personal display at home. Even the wedding certificate of the wedding between Nelson and the widow Fanny Nisbet held in Montpelier House is proudly housed at the Fig Tree Church.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am-4 pm
                              Saturday: 9 am-noon.
Phone Number: 1 869 469 0408

For more information about the museums, visit the Nevis Historical & Conservation Society site.

This Memorial Plaque was constructed to remember the 233 people who died when the government ferry "MV Christena" sank close to Nags Head on 1st August 1970. Unveiled on Wednesday, 1st August 2001, the plaque lists the names of all the 233 people from St. Kitts and Nevis who lost their lives in this tragic event.

This tragedy is still sadly remembered on the twin islands of Nevis and St. Kitts as almost every family here was affected by it.

Location: On Samuel Hunkins Drive, close to the Museum of Nevis History.

Jews from Brazil had once played an important role in Nevis' history, but today the Jewish cemetery is the only reminder of their once strong presence on the island. They were merchants and it is even said that it was the Jews who introduced the technology related to sugar production in Nevis. The tombstones date back to 1769 and are engraved in English, Hebrew, and Portuguese.

The Bath Hotel was built in 1778 and ever since then it has been visited by the rich and famous from places like West Indies and Europe, all curious to relax in its therapeutic, hot spring baths.

Within the compound, sitting by the bank of the Bath stream stands a two storey structure constructed from local hand cut stones, called the Spring House. An underground source from the base of the house supplies water to five thermal baths whose temperature ranges between 104°F and 108°F. This water is supposed to contain minerals of medicinal value which have cured diseases like gout and chronic rheumatism.

Though the Spring House has closed now due to natural disasters, a restoration committee has constructed an open outdoor pool, where people can experience the power of Spring House water and its curative effects. This Hotel is extremely popular both among the locals and international tourists.

While there are many trails and paths you could explore on your own, you are definitely advised to take a tour guide with you when you go up into mountainous regions like Nevis Peak and other trails. That way you would be able to extract the most from your trek into the deep forests, and also feel safer, as you learn more about the region's history, flora and fauna. There is no dearth of expert guides here.

There are lots of beaches in Nevis and they are all open to the public. Here is a list of the top ten beaches:

- Cades Bay is great for swimmers.
- Lovers Beach is quite isolated and is another beach great for swimming.
- Pinney's Beach is lined with bars and is also a great for a swim.
- Nisbet Beach is a sandy beach sprinkled with shells. Activities you can indulge in here include swimming and also snorkelling.
- Herbert's Beach is also great for swimming and snorkelling, and to add to that, it has a number of bars too!
- Ft. Ashby is excellent for bird watching and casual picnics.
- Long Haul Bay and Gallows Bay's south end is quite popular for snorkelling.
- Newcastle Beach is known for its white sandy beaches where you can go for long, isolated walks.
- Oualie Beach is a good family beach where you can spend time swimming or playing with the kids.