Anguilla Honeymoon Planner Ideas for a romantic getaway on this Caribbean island

Adventures in Anguilla: Sightseeing

Anguilla Natural Trust Museum, The Valley, (264) 497-5297        
This official museum has displays on the island's natural, archeological and historical features. You'll also find displays on the island's conservation projects.

Heritage Collection, Pond Ground, East End, (264) 497-4440.
This excellent museum is the work of Colville Petty OBE, an authority on Anguilla's rich history. Housed in part of Petty's home, the museum spans the entire range of the island's history, from its Amerindian days to the 1967 Revolution. The collection includes several zemis, a three-pointed fertility stone that was kept in caves by the Arawaks and worshipped for control of the weather. An Arawak shell necklace, a hollowed conch shell that served as an early vessel, and spindle whorls, used to spin cotton to make hammocks and religious symbols for the Arawaks are also on display.

Anguilla's more recent history is also in evidence. Spatalashes, fishermen's sandals made from used car tires (kind of a predecessor of the Tyva sandal), eggbeaters made from sea plants, and sea fans used as flour sifters testify to the ingenuity of the early residents. Some of the most fascinating exhibits cover the 1967 secession revolution, including a photo of Colvin Petty meeting the troops. Anguillian currency, never used, as well as a gun taken from a St. Kitts policeman during the disarming at Wallblake Airport also fill the collection.

This fascinating museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment. Talking to Colville Petty about the island's history is well worth the price of admission.

Sydney's Antique Museum, George Hill, (264) 497- 2135.
This museum, located on the north side of the main road in George Hill, takes a look at Anguillian history through exhibits of household artifacts, implements and furnishings. Housed in a blue house in traditional Caribbean style, the museum is open 10 to 6 daily.

The Pumphouse Bar, Sandy Ground, (264) 497-5154
Stop by this bar in Sandy Ground, located across the street from the dive shop, for a look at the equipment used in the production of sea salt up until a few years ago. The Pumphouse is open 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Wallblake Historic House, The Valley
This historic site is under restoration. Located across from the tourist office, the Wallblake site dates back to the 18th century. The traditional plantation house was the home of planter Valentine Blake (the v in Valentine was pronounced like a "w" so this soon became Wallblake House.)

Koal Keel, The Valley, (268) 497-5075
Now a notable restaurant, Koal Keel was once called The Warden's Place. Built by slaves, many of whom who lived just across the street from the great house, this site originally headed a cotton and sugarcane plantation that spanned the land from The Valley to Crocus Bay. Today the house is furnished with period antiques and includes a 200-year-old oven still used by the restaurant. Enjoy a look at the historic home, visit the upstairs bakery, and then head down to the rum tasting room for a complimentary taste.

Related Pages about Anguilla:

> Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and Romantic Getaways in Anguilla
> Anguilla chapter of "Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean"