St. George's Foundation and friends of the town are largely responsible for the ancient town's recent designation by the United Nations last week as a world heritage site.

Residents and lovers of St. George's are very excited about this big event and the town is looking lovelier than ever for Christmas.

All of the shops are nicely decorated and adorned with Christmas glitter.

The shops are stocked and best of all the atmosphere is totally relaxed as one walks down the quaint streets and alleys unhurried.

Probably the best bonus is worry free parking. Parking is not a problem and it is totally free! This is the first shopping bargain.

The best place to park is off of Water Street, near the Square, in the large parking lot between Belco and Chick's. One can park here all day an it is free.

Also, you can park at Penno's Wharf as you enter St. George's on your right.

In the heart of town, and around town, one can only park for one hour between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in designated spaces. And believe me, the traffic warden is quite conscientious about handing out tickets to offenders.

Many of the retailers are offering shopping specials and promotions and customers can participate in the weekly draw to win $250 travel voucher and a final prize of $1000 travel voucher.

One of the first places you might like to start your shopping adventure is the Bridge House Gallery located near Water Street and behind Town Hall.

It is believed to be one of the oldest Bermudian art and craft galleries and offers a fine selection of locally made items such as cedar work, enamel jewellry, and banana dolls.

Crisson Jewellers , next door has a fine collection watches from around the world such as Rolex, Ebel, Cartier, and Seiko to list a few. Look at the Bermuda jewellry collection.

Walking back to King's Square is one of my favourite attractions, the new Bermuda Memories, Jill Amos Raine . She is a Bermudian watercolourist, who is well known for her many original paintings, prints and note cards.

One of her latest prints is `Clearwater Beach'. She is much appreciated for her beautiful prints depicting St. George's harbour, cottages and narrow lanes.

She has many new crafty items which would make unique gifts; you will also find the latest books by her talented husband, David F. Raine.

Right next door is a nice little shop called Another World , 7 King's Square, which has a crowd of Beanie Babies and a nice selection of silver jewellry.

Across the Square is Carole Holding's shop of pastel prints.

Continued on page 32 Continued from page 28, Shopping in St. George's Walking up the street toward town will lead you to the heart of St. George's and one of the most popular stores in town, Robertson's Drug Store, originally built by the late Mr. Frederick Robertson in 1921 and currently owned by his daughter Rita Rothwell.

They are open daily from 8 am to 7.30 pm except Sunday which opens from 4 p.m.

to 6 p.m. They are heavily stocked for Christmas with toys and craft games downstairs along with book bags, and handsome Parker pens.

Upstairs they offer fine chocolates, biscuits and a terrific selection of children's books and Christmas cards.

Beside Robertson's is the Frangipani a clothing store named after the island fragrant blossoms. It provides vibrant, fashionable, casual wear for the day or evening.

Bermuda Country Club Gift Shop is around the corner from Robertson's and offers the most beautiful dolls in town. The store is jam packed with unique items for the home which you don't find in other stores in Bermuda.

Walking back toward Robertson's, just down the road on Water Street take a moment to browse in The Book Cellar who has Graeme Outerbridge's new book about trains. Get acquainted with Gill White the friendly owner.

Across from here is Somers Wharf on the harbour's side. It's always nice walking along here as many visiting yachts are tied.

Also The Waterfront Tavern or the Carriage House are delightful places to stop for alfresco lunch, a hot tea and dessert or a refreshing cold drink. If you are on a budget or in a hurry walk over to Dowling's Marine and grab a cold soda or bottled water to quench your thirst. The Dowlings are nice, friendly folks who know a lot about St. George's.

Across from Dowlings is the art studio of Eric and Diana Amos and a second hand shop called, `Second Hand Rose' .

It's only a brief walk back to Somers Wharf to the mini branches of the top Hamilton stores such as Trimingham's, A.S. Cooper, The English Sports Shop and Davison's .

A must see if you are interested in attractive pottery tableware is Ceramica Bermuda on York Street. Most of the items are hand painted in blue and white but with other colours in the design. The owner, Bill Freeman remarked, "We have a fine selection of hand painted ceramics from Spain. We are offering a half price sale through December on all pots (large and small) window boxes and planters.'' Also on York Street is a branch of H.A.&E Smith's . They always have a beautiful display window and the staff are warm and helpful.

They have a host of fine gifts such as the Pearson hair brushes and Burberry items.

Still on York Street, at the corner of Old Maid's Lane, is a fun little shop called, Cracker Box . They have some cute little animal characters and clever signs which say, "Gone'' and "Gone Diving'' and "Gone Shopping''.

As you are leaving town don't forget to stop at The Rolling Pin , 18 Wellington Street, across from the Godet Hardware Store where you find a huge assortment of kitchen items, animated musical ornaments and decorations.

If you need to gas up or want a cold drink, don't miss Irvin Hayward's Esso Station on your way out of town.

It is a hospitable, family business with fare prices and, in addition to gas and oil, you can buy groceries like a loaf of bread, bacon and eggs for Sunday breakfast. Hours: 7-7 each day except Sunday, 10am to 6pm.

The Santa Claus Parade will be early evening on Saturday, December 9.

On December 13 a performance will be given from St. David's and St. George's Pre-Schools and carolling will be ongoing around the town.

On New Year's Eve St. George's has its own "Onion Ceremony'' to ring in 2001! St. George's is an official world heritage site and is looking her best at the moment, with white Christmas lights and decorations in every shop window. The town offers relaxed shopping.