This month is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway or mini vacation with that special someone or even a close group of friends. Of course you can go anywhere in the world but there are a few spots that are on the top of our list: The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Super Bowl 44 in Miami, The Wine and Food Event in San Francisco and of course Rio Carnival 2010 in Brazil.
But before you make a decision, we have one more destination that just may blow the previous ones out of the water. The 4th Annual Bermuda International Love Festival has all of the makings for a perfect Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.
The festival was started in 2006 by Bermuda’s First Lady Wanda Henton Brown wife of Premier Dr. The Hon. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP to inspire couples to once again capture the romance in their relationship. The festival takes place over Valentine’s Day weekend in an intimate setting where couples will enjoy the cuisine of the island, music, amazing views and more.
In the past, couples have come from around the world. Celebrity attendees have included Lynn Whitfield, B.Smith and her husband, Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones and New York’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg. In addition, couples have enjoyed performances from Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight and Regina Bell.
If you have never been to Bermuda and are not familiar with the island, here is a quick history lesson to help convince you to go. Bermuda is the oldest British colony with influences that can still be found in the culture today along with its African heritage. It is actually composed of 180 islands that are linked by bridges and divided by nine parishes. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and unique wildlife, Bermuda’s population is approximately just over 65,000. Bermudians have a strong mix of British, African and Caribbean influences. The official language is English accented with what is called a Bermuda lilt. Portuguese is also spoken on the island.
The island’s cuisine is also a blend of the cultural influences with some of the freshest seafood in the world such as angelfish and rockfish. Hoppin’ John is regarded as a traditional dish as well as the Bermuda Fish Chowder. In terms of activities, Bermuda is a paradise for golfing, shopping, snorkeling, going to the spa, or just relaxing on the beach with a book.
Got your interest? I hope so because this year’s International Love Festival is going to be one event you won’t want to miss. 2010’s Festival is scheduled for February 12 – 14. On Friday night, couples will arrive and attend a very special reception with the Premier and First Lady. The reception will be followed with an intimate jazz experience by the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet.
Saturday includes a day of golf and a private dinner right before a special performance by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds sponsored by the Bermuda Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. The festival will conclude on Sunday with a romantic brunch, dinner and evening performance by living legend Chuck Jackson.
Chef Jernard Wells, Sr. (aka The Love Chef) from Ringgold, Ga., was personally selected to prepare romantic dessert selections on Saturday and Sunday for the Premier, First Lady and their guests. Chef Wells is the author of the cookbook 88 Ways to Her Heart and was featured in Cuisine Noir in 2008.
If you have every thought about going to Bermuda, I think this event may help you get there sooner than later. The island is already rich in culture and history and the International Love Festival is just another reason to get away and leave all of your worries behind; at least for three days.
For more information about Bermuda, the festival and full list of activities, visit http://www.bermudatourism.com.
For Cuisine Noir's story on Chef Jernard Wells, click here
