For a hipper bar vibe, Scarlet, the cute, red-themed hot spot framed by Warhol prints of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, couldn’t be more perfect. Drinks like Alimony, made with Grey Goose and  champagne, and tasty nibbles such as Bajan Cakes make it a must. If local flair is the order of the night, then Oistins on a Friday night offers food, vendors, and just plain ole liming or hanging out with a live DJ. It’s a little more carefree than St. Lawrence Gap or The Gap, as most know it. In Bridgetown, the Waterfront Café, a local institution right on the water, frequently features live music at night.

Of course cultural attractions are plentiful. St. Nicholas Abbey, a restored plantation home, is an architectural delight. Hunte’s Garden is a peaceful oasis within an oasis. For history, the George Washington House Museum will appeal most to Americans. As a young adult, Washington accompanied his ailing brother to Bridgetown, fortuitously becoming immune to smallpox, which killed many during the American Revolution. Some Bajan historians claim Washington’s time in Barbados allowed him to later lead the U.S. to nationhood, so they re-created George’s Bajan adventure in the actual house in which he stayed and also added an exhibit upstairs that tells the story of Barbados, including its history as an important slave-holding stronghold for the British.

Earthworks Pottery, which boasts such authentic Bajan products as colorful plates and mugs, and On The Wall, owned by local artist Vanita Comissiong and featuring Comissiong’s impressive work as well as that of other Caribbean artists, make great stops for gifts. In Bridgetown, duty-free shopping for high-end jewelry and other luxury items is the highlight of many trips.

Beaches are everywhere and easily accessible at the many hotels and resorts, so getting some sun is absolutely no problem. Picnics at Accra Beach in the Christ Church area are fairly common, while surfing is the main attraction at Bathsheba, which is on the island’s East Coast.

All in all, Barbados, including its frequently offered rum punch, is a pretty cool place to enjoy life. No wonder it’s an increasingly popular vacation destination.