Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

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Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

Region: Saint John’s

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Geographic Coordinates: 17.116700, -61.850000

Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year in Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Population: 22219

Language: English

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Saint John’s is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, A small island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It is located on the northwest coast of Antigua, One of the two main islands that make up this country. Saint John’s is a bustling city with a population of around 22, 000 people and serves as the commercial center for Antigua and Barbuda. The city has a rich history dating back to its founding by British colonizers in the early 17th century. It was named after Saint John the Baptist, Who is also the patron saint of Antigua.

The city has been through many changes over time, Including being attacked by French forces in 1666 and being heavily damaged by hurricanes in recent times. One of Saint John’s main attractions is its beautiful harbor, Which serves as a port for cruise ships and cargo vessels from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of sailboats bobbing on turquoise waters while exploring historic sites such as Fort James or taking part in water sports like snorkeling or scuba diving.

The city also boasts several cultural landmarks such as St. John’s Cathedral – an impressive Anglican church built-in 1845 with Gothic architecture that features stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes – and Museum of Antigua & Barbuda which showcases exhibits detailing local history from pre-Columbian times to present day. For those looking to shop or dine out, Saint John’s offers plenty of options ranging from local markets selling fresh produce to high-end boutiques carrying designer clothing brands like Louis Vuitton or Prada.

Foodies will love sampling traditional Caribbean cuisine at restaurants like Hemingway’s Caribbean Cafe or indulging in international cuisine at places like Papa Zouk Fish ‘n’ Rum Bar. visitors can experience some fun nightlife at bars such as Abracadabra Restaurant & Disco-Bar where they can dance until dawn while sipping cocktails made with local rum or enjoy live music at Shirley Heights Lookout, A popular spot with stunning views of the island. Saint John’s is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone.

Its rich history, Beautiful harbor, Cultural landmarks, And diverse dining and shopping options make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore the Caribbean.

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• Nelson’s Dockyard is a historic naval dockyard and marina that dates back to the 18th century.
• Shirley Heights Lookout offers a scenic viewpoint overlooking English Harbour and the surrounding islands.
• St. John’s Cathedral is a beautiful Anglican church built in 1845, featuring stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
• Fort James is an 18th-century fortification that was once used to protect the island from invading forces.
• The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of these two Caribbean nations.
• Dickenson Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Antigua, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.
• Devil’s Bridge is a natural limestone arch located on the eastern coast of Antigua, offering breathtaking views of crashing waves against jagged rocks below.
• Fig Tree Drive winds through lush rainforest dotted with fruit trees, banana plantations, and colorful wildflowers.
• Jabberwock Beach on Antigua’s northern coast offers excellent windsurfing conditions and panoramic views of nearby islands.
• Betty’s Hope Plantation is an old sugar plantation with restored windmills where visitors can learn about Antigua’s colonial past while exploring beautifully preserved ruins amid lush gardens.

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Primary Industries

1. Tourism
2. Financial services
3. Construction
4. Agriculture (sugar cane and cotton)
5. Fishing
6. Manufacturing (clothing and electronics)
7. Government (public sector)
8. Small businesses:
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Souvenir shops
• Tour operators

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Noteable History

1. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493, who named the island Antigua after the Church of Santa Maria La Antigua in Seville, Spain.
2. The establishment of sugar plantations on the island in the 17th century, which led to the importation of enslaved Africans.
3. The visit of Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1784, who established English Harbour as a naval base for the British Navy.
4. The abolition of slavery in 1834 and subsequent rise of a free black population on the island.
5. The election of Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. as Chief Minister in 1960 and his role in leading Antigua and Barbuda to independence from Britain in 1981.
6. The establishment of tourism as a major industry on the island since independence.

Notable people associated with Saint John’s include:

1. Sir Vivian Richards – former West Indies cricket captain considered one of the greatest batsmen ever to play cricket
2. Richie Richardson – former West Indies cricket captain
3. Giorgio Armani – fashion designer who owns a home on Antigua
4. Jamaica Kincaid – writer born on Antigua whose works often explore themes related to colonialism and post-colonialism
5. Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. – first Prime Minister after independence

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Museums and Things To See

1. Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
2. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
3. St. John’s Cathedral
4. Betty’s Hope Plantation
5. Devil’s Bridge National Park
6. Fort James
7. Antigua and Barbuda Rainforest Canopy Tour
8. Shirley Heights Lookout and Fort George
9. The Antiguan Rum Distillery
10. Fig Tree Drive Scenic Tour

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Sports Teams

1. Antigua Barracuda FC – This was a professional soccer team based in Saint John’s that played in the USL Professional Division from 2011 to 2013.
2. Antigua and Barbuda national football team – The national football team represents the country in international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup.
3. Liberta Blackhawks FC – This is a local soccer team based in Liberta, which is located near Saint John’s.
4. Empire Cricket Club – This cricket club has been around since 1924 and has won numerous championships in both domestic and regional competitions.
5. Combined Schools Football Team – This is a high school football team made up of players from various schools across the island who compete against other schools in regional tournaments.
6. Falmouth Harbour Mariners Football Club – This is another local soccer team based near Saint John’s that competes against other teams on the island.

Overall, while Saint John’s may not have an extensive sports history or many professional teams, there are still opportunities for locals to participate in various sports at both amateur and professional levels.

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Cultural Events

1. Antigua Sailing Week
2. Carnival
3. Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day
4. Antigua and Barbuda International Literary Festival
5. Mango Festival
6. Wadadli Beer Splash
7. Seafood Festival
8. J’Ouvert Morning
9. Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights
10. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

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Cuisine

• Roti King – known for its delicious rotis filled with curried meat or vegetables.
• Papa Zouk – a seafood restaurant that serves fresh lobsters, crabs, and fish dishes.
• Sheer Rocks – a cliffside restaurant that offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
• The Larder – a farm-to-table restaurant that serves locally sourced ingredients in creative ways.
• BeachLimerZ – a beachfront restaurant that offers Caribbean-style seafood dishes such as grilled lobster and conch fritters.
• Ana’s on the Beach – another beachfront restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes like ceviche and grilled octopus.
• Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar – an elegant French bistro-style eatery known for its steak frites and escargots.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is a historic park that houses the restored 18th-century naval dockyard, along with various museums, restaurants, and shops.
2. Jabberwock Beach is a stunning beach that is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
3. Runaway Beach is another popular beach with crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
4. Shirley Heights Lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s coastline and offers an ideal location for watching sunsets.
5. Antigua Botanical Gardens showcase diverse tropical plants and flowers as well as a small zoo featuring monkeys, parrots, and other animals.
6. Devil’s Bridge is an all-natural limestone arch that has been carved by the sea over time.
7. Fig Tree Drive takes you on a scenic drive through Antigua’s lush rainforest while offering stunning views of the island’s interior landscape.
8. St John’s Cathedral is an Anglican church built in 1845 with impressive stained glass windows and intricate stonework that adds to its historical significance.
9. Fort James Beach boasts calm waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling around coral reefs making it another beautiful beach to visit in Antigua.
10. Deep Sea Fishing Tours take you on boat tours into deep waters where you can catch big fish like marlin or tuna!

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Collect Moments, Not Things.

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