Two main roads cut across the length of Philipsburg-Front Street and Back Street. Today it is as bustling as ever, with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, it soon became a bustling center of international trade. Maarten, fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. From Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten experience can follow the road through the French side. Cupecoy Beach is the last beach in Dutch territory on the western side of the island. The road leading along the south side of the lagoon goes past the island's largest resort, Maho Bay. Further west is Simpson Bay Lagoon, a large, enclosed stretch of water perfect for water-skiing. Down along the coast, a popular walking trail leads from Cole Bay to Cay Bay. A stop here is highly recommended for views of surrounding islands, including Anguilla, Saba, St. Cole Bay Hill, just west of Philipsburg, has an observation platform at the top. Maarten's 350+ year history of peaceful co-existence between the two cultures. In 1648, the treaty that divided the island was signed here, and Mount Concordia continues to serve as a proud symbol of St. For a great view and a taste of history, you can climb Mount Concordia, which rises along the border in the center of the island. According to legend, Oyster Pond is the point where a Frenchman and Dutchman stood back to back and starting walking around the island in either direction, determining the present-day boundaries between Dutch and French St. Maarten Park are Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and Guana Bay, the first best known as a favored snorkeling and windsurfing beach. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, it features animals, birds and plants native to the Caribbean Basin and South America. Heading north by car on Pondfill Road from Philipsburg, you arrive at the Madam Estate area, site of the St. And on a Saturday they have a market day. Marigot Bay is very pretty, and there are lovely places to sit outside and eat. Here is a link to one of the galleries on the cruise-addicts board, with some photos of St. Martin then I would not do it, but enjoy all the island has to offer, You will find that for those leaving the beaches closest to the ship, Orient Beach is the favorite. But if this is the first time you have been to st. You go over to a small island and swim and eat and drink. And we love to do the Golden Eagle Catamaran. Another great thing to do is America's Cup Regatta. You catch this on the back street We have done this a few times. It was $1.50 to Marigot and then another $1.00 to Grande Case. The total charge was $2.50 each versus the $20 the taxi wanted. If you want to go over to marigot bay, you can either take a taxi or catch the Jitney (bus) the bus is really a van and there is a sign in the window of the van telling where that van goes to. But right now, this is the first place I head to. ![]() Now gradually people are finding out about this, so I expect the prices to gradually go up. Sis and I buy shoes there for $5 to $25 and shorts and dresses etc. The shops there are more basic, but some great prices. I do not know if that is what it is called, but it runs parallel to Front Street. ![]() There is an open market behind the courthouse, where you can buy all kind of souvenirs and clothes. It is near the Swiss chocolate place if you do not know who he is. They have cobbled the street, and it is very pretty. You can sit in the shade and have food and drinks brought to you. The beaches are filled with areas that you can (if you wish) rent lockers to put in your things while you go swimming. You can get off there and walk all the way down through Front street if you wish, or stay on for the “downtown†stop that puts you in the middle. The first one is close by, and is the end of all the shopping and beach fun. It is $5, and they give you a bracelet so that you can come and go as you please. When you get off the ship you catch the ferry to shore.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |