You don't have to go to the ends of the Earth to find somewhere without a Starbucks, a McDonald's or a megamall. Just head 600 miles east of South Carolina to Bermuda, where residents exist quite happily without fast-food chains, save one KFC.
Perhaps it has something to do with the pink beaches, pastel-colored houses or the incredibly clear blue water. But somehow, in this day of globalization and homogenization, this island has managed to retain a charm and authenticity all its own.
It doesn't take long after your plane has landed to realize Bermuda is a special place. Although situated in the Atlantic, Bermuda offers a beach experience as good as - if not better than - its southern neighbors in the Caribbean, with swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving all top-notch . And the shape of the island ensures you're never far from the coast.
From historic St. George's to wildflowers to mopeds , the 22-square mile island oozes charm. And the houses in every color of the rainbow are also a big part of what makes Bermuda so special, says Hilary Gordon, who recently moved to the island after visiting many times.
"The wonderful thing is that you can pretty well say that while no two Bermudians are alike, they're quite house-proud and garden-proud," says Colin Campbell, executive officer and senior architect of OBM International, an architecture company founded in Bermuda in 1936. "People really like to keep the old spit-and-polish going."
Instead of modern structures, Bermudians' taste runs more toward the island's traditional architecture, which Campbell describes as "Georgian Light," and the signature whitewashed pyramid-like Bermuda roofs, which employ a drainage system that allows houses to store rainwater in individual tanks.
"Bermudians tend to carry a flame for old houses," says Campbell, adding that they like to "feel the history" of a house.
Those who don't are faced with plenty of regulations for building both private and commercial structures. For example, illuminated signs are forbidden, which has discouraged fast-food restaurants from coming to the island.
"The charm of Bermuda is challenged all the time, but good sense rather than raging avarice saves the day," he added.
