Field Trips

Academic Sites

Muddy Bay: post-Saladoid, late ceramic age site on the arid east coast of the island (site of current flotation research)

Great Fort George (Monk's Hill): one of the largest forts on the island (A.D. 1689). A hilltop fortress of last retreat with a spectacular view of the island.

strong>Shirley Heights: British army fortification complex, the largest Georgian military complex in the Eastern Caribbean (c. A.D. 1790-1850).

Nelson's Dockyard: a British Royal Naval facility in use from A.D. 1690-1880 as a shipyard and refitting center that served as the base of British Naval Operations in the West Indies after the destruction of Port Royal, Jamaica. The Dockyard is located inside English Harbour. This complex also served as the home for Admiral Horatio Nelson and his ship HMS Boreas during the War of Independence. The Dockyard has been reconstructed as a recreational yacht yard and tourist attraction, and features restaurants, a bakery, two banks, a post office, gift shops and vendor's stalls.

Fort Berkley: served to protect the entrance into English Harbour. An interpretative trail provides an enjoyable and easy walk from the Dockyard to the Fort.

Copper and Lumber Store: inside of the Dockyard, which now houses a hotel, restaurant and bar.

St. John's Cathedral: rebuilt in A.D. 1842, this classic Georgian-style cathedral is located in the capital of St. John's

Museum of Antigua and Barbuda: the Museum has exhibits on the natural, historic and cultural features of Antigua. The facilities, collections and services of the Museum are available to the field school students for their projects (computer databases, library, research collections, excavation equipment and others).

Non-Academic Sites

Half Moon Bay: students are treated to picnics and a full moon party at this beautiful beach on the Atlantic East coast. Site of body surfing, snorkeling and hiking activities. This beach has been the most popular for past field schools and several visits will be scheduled.

Devil's Bridge: a naturally-formed bridge on a scenic drive in xerophytic cacti environment.

Greencastle Hill: a hill with unusual stone formations that have been the subject of debate as to whether they are man-made (prehistoric megaliths) or natural formations.

Walling's Reservoir: a nature hike featuring the last stand of Antigua's pre-colonial rainforest environment. The hike ends in a colonial-period reservoir and spillway channel.

Beach trips: numerous trips to several beaches for quick swims. These are often spontaneous events to sample the different beaches on the island or after an exceptionally hard days work.

Jones Valley: a nature walk showcasing exotic Antiguan vegetation and British military architecture.

Special Events

Carnival: a major festival that culminates on the first weekend in August. Major events are J'ouvert - an exhibition of top calypso and steel pan bands with much merriment and dancing; the Parade - many troupes whose costumes and dances tell stories to the marching tune of the favorite calypso band; and the Caribbean Queen pageant.

Shirley Heights Lookout Steel Band: held every sunday evening, a popular steel pan band, Halcyon, plays at an historic military lookout famour for great local music and scenic views.

Jolly Roger "Pirate Ship" cruise: an evening boat cruise on a pirate ship that includes dinner and dancing.

Coastal Boat Trip: boat trip along coast and to off-shore islands (if possible) for sight-seeing with stops to view the reefs and snorkel among the fish and coral.

Sailing: courtesy of the patrons of the Antigua Yacht Club near English Harbour, opportunities to go sailing on yachts will be available weekly followed by refreshments at the Yacht Club.

Traditional Antiguan Dinner: a delicious spread of traditional Antiguan cuisine.

Final Dinner and Semi-Formal Cocktail Party: hosted by the field school for Antiguans and other guests (e.g. foreign researchers) who contributed to the success of the field school.