
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 27, 1994                   TAG: 9403030006
SECTION: TRAVEL                    PAGE: F6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Sharon Nichols
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THERE'S A MUCH TO SEE IN NASSAU

Nassau, where a formal British heritage mixes with today's lively island culture, is a half-hour flight from Miami. U.S. citizens need either a passport or two IDs (one with photo) as proof of citizenship. There is a $15 per person departure tax collected at the airport.

Coral World provides frequent shuttle service from the hotels of Nassau's Cable Beach. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-11, free for children under 3. A day-long excursion to Blue Lagoon on Calypso I, II or IV costs $35, which includes the boat ride, barbecue lunch, live goombay, volleyball and of course, hammocks under the palms.

Other attractions and activities include:

Zoo:Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, amidst exotic landscaping, features tropical birds, reptiles, monkeys and its world famous Marching Flamingos.

Golfing: Three golf courses are situated to capture views of the Atlantic surf.

Gambling and shows: The casinos are served by shuttle bus from many hotels; some casino hotels present extravaganzas.

Sightseeing: Panoramic views of New Providence and nearby islands from either the Coral World tower or Nassau's Water Tower mix the pastel beauty of British colonial buildings with fortress reminders of a turbulent history, all laid out on a lush background, seasonally accented with the scarlet flowers of the poinciana tree. A picture of Nassau's history develops while strolling Bay Street and areas such as those near Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase. The Fish Market gives a perspective on non-tourist Nassau today.

Shopping: On central Bay Street, the offerings cover the gamut from Gucci leather and sportswear to the Straw Market's straw goods and tie-dyed wear. U.S. currency is accepted and $600 of purchases are duty free.

Accommodations:

Le Meridien Royal Bahamian - for quiet, dignified surroundings, spacious grounds, and gracious, old world architecture from the British era.

Villas of Silver Cay - for a villa by the sea within walking distance of Coral World's aquatic exhibits and facilities, with kitchenette, small private pool, off-hour access to the tropical trails on the private island of Silver Cay.

Pirate's Cove Holiday Inn - for live goombay every evening.

Rates vary widely, depending on the season and the package. Most hotels offer baby-sitting or activity-filled day care. For information on these, the casino hotels and other accommodations:

Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island Promotion Board

19495 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 804

Aventura, Fla. 33180

Phone toll free for information - (800) 327-9019.

by CNB