Kristin White is a native Bermudian and bookstore owner in St. George’s, Bermuda, who hosts walking and bike tours that explore Bermuda’s history and food culture.
“Everything that I do, as a writer and entrepreneur, is rooted in my deep appreciation for Bermuda,” she says. White recently started curating group trips to the island to ensure “visitors have not only a unique and memorable time, but that they leave feeling they had an authentic experience.”
For issue 07 of Here Magazine, we got the scoop on how and why she started her businesses in St. George’s. Here, she highlights everything she loves about her island home, from its intricate history to the best local cocktails.
What’s special about Bermuda? Why should people come for a visit?
I’ve lived here my entire life, and am still in awe with how spectacularly beautiful Bermuda is. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, or sitting in a field of wildflowers, or running into the splashing waves.
As a storyteller and tour guide in St. George’s, I’m very inspired by Bermuda’s history. We are this tiny little rock out in the middle of the Atlantic that has not only survived but been part of major events for over four centuries. The stories are truly incredible.
And I love us, Bermudian people. We are always ready for a party, and we’ll go out of our way to ensure that even a stranger is having a great time. Visitors come to Bermuda for the first time for the beaches or maybe convenience, but they return because of the people they meet. It is truly a unique experience.
What are your favorite local food spots? Where would you take visitors to Bermuda out for a meal?
I live in St. George’s and I’m walking distance from some of Bermuda’s best food (lucky me!). Wahoo’s and Tempest are musts for when you want to sit down and have a long leisurely meal. When I want quick food that I can take to the beach, I stop for fishcakes from GoJo’s Coffee Shop on the square, a fish sandwich from Mama Angie’s, or jerk chicken with BBQ sauce from Big B’s. Also, it’s impossible to go out on our boat without a bucket of Mr. Chicken. I’ve tried and it can’t be recreated.
An appreciation for local food is growing in general. There are new farms, new food experiences and tours (including mine!), and even new food products (like my sister’s spice company UMAMI). I’m obsessed with watching foragers and mixologists take wild plants and turn them into cookies, pickled vegetables, and cocktails. [Ed note: visitors can book a wild foraging tour on the expansive grounds of the Rosewood Hotel through the Winnow app.]
What’s a Bermudian Swizzle and where can you find the best?
Swizzles—the national cocktail of Bermuda—consist of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine. Note: The key to a good swizzle is that it shouldn’t taste like it has any alcohol in it—and then you wake up the next day wondering what happened.
For the best, no Bermudian will answer this question with the name of an actual bar or restaurant, because the best swizzle you can get is what you or someone who loves you makes (my favorite swizzle is my husband’s). Alas, that doesn’t help any visitor, unless they can get invited to a Bermudian party (which actually isn’t as hard as it seems)! So I will say that if I’m out in St. George’s and hankering for a swizzle, I head to The Wharf, Wahoo’s, or East End Mini Yacht Club (where it’s a steal at $5). The 9 Parishes Swizzle mix, available in grocery stores, is delicious too!
What are the arts and culture destinations a visitor shouldn’t miss?
I am partial to the Bermuda Society of Arts. The People’s Gallery there displays only Bermudian art and rotates collections frequently. I’d also encourage any visitor to follow the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs on social media or visit their website because they host events every month that celebrate Bermuda’s history and culture, including live music, book readings, lectures, and films. They also host the annual Bermuda Day parade in May which visitors should catch if they are on-island.
Hamilton Princess Hotel boasts a world class collection of contemporary art that is honestly insane— Banksy, Lichtenstein. Super famous artists. Literally just strolling to the bathroom you’ll be amazed.
Where neighborhood should people stay when they come to Bermuda?
St. George’s of course! Or as close as you can get. It’s truly Bermuda’s hidden gem. We have it all—incredible history, beautiful beaches, unique shops, amazing restaurants. It’s all within walking distance.
Favorite beaches?
I love the beaches at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. They’re off the beaten path a bit and are usually quite empty, which is amazing because they are spectacular.
Describe the perfect day in Bermuda.
Pack food and swizzle, and head out on the boat with my husband.
Raft up with a bunch of friends.
Dance, drink, swim, eat Mr. Chicken.
For dinner, grill up wahoo and flat bread.
Watch the sunset.
Watch the moon rise.
Sleep on the waves.