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George Town Sightseeing

Cayman Islands National Museum, Harbour Drive, (345) 949-8368. The best way to learn more about Cayman history and culture is to stop by this museum, just across from the cruise ship terminals. It is housed in the Old Courts Building, one of the few 19th-century structures left on the island. Outdoor steps lead up to the second story of the building and those 12 steps gave rise to a Cayman saying: "walking the 12 steps," which meant you were being taken to court. Over the years, this seaside building has served as a courthouse, jail, and meeting hall, and today it houses over 2,000 artifacts that recall the history of these islands. Created in 1979 by a museum law and opened in 1990, the museum collects items of historic, scientific, and artistic relevance.

Visitors enter on the ground floor. Starting with an eight-minute slide show about the history of the islands, they then enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, with displays on all facets of Caymanian life. A bathymetric map displays the depth of the seas around the Cayman Islands, including the Cayman Trench at 23,750 feet below sea level. Other exhibits recall facets of natural history: mangrove swamps which create a rich birding environment; Caymanite, a semi-precious stone unique to the Cayman Islands; and displays on local marine life.

Some of the most fascinating displays recall the early economy of the Caymanians. An oral history program captures the history of the early turtlers who made a living capturing the now protected reptiles. Exhibits show the tools of the early residents, including: the muntle, a club used to kill fish when they were caught; the calabash, a versatile gourd that, once dried, had many uses; sisal switches used to beat mosquitoes away; and wompers, sandals worn on the East End, originally made from leather and later from old tires.

After your museum tour, you'll exit through the museum shop, a good source of Caymanian-made items. The shop, housed in the old jail with part of the old coral stone wall still exposed, has a good selection of books and maps of the Cayman Islands. (If you don't have time for a museum tour, you can enter through the store for a little shopping.)

Admission is CI $4 for adults, CI $2 for children and seniors. The museum is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EARTH WATCH: Those interested in Caymanian history can join the museum for as little as $10. Membership includes unlimited admission, invit- ations to members-only previews and receptions, 10discount in the museum shop, newsletter on events and exhibits, and volunteer opportunities. Members also have access to the museum library by appointment. For membership information, (345) 949-8368 or fax (345) 949-0309.

Post Office, Edward St. and Cardinal Ave., (345) 949-7001. A great spot to mingle with local residents is the main post office in George Town, located between the Royal Bank of Canada and the Bank of Nova Scotia. Grand Cayman has no postal delivery routes, so all mail is placed in the boxes of this open-air post office. Stop by the philatelic bureau - open 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday and 8:30 to 1 on Saturday - for Caymanian stamps and first day covers.

Stingray Brewery, Red Bay Rd., (345) 947-6699. A new attraction east of town is the Stingray Brewery. This microbrewery produces a local wheat beer that's sold throughout the island in stores, restaurants, and bars. The brewery is closed on Sundays.

Cardinal D's Park, off Courts Rd., (345) 949-8855. This small zoo is a good stop for families. Over 60 species of exotic birds, including Cayman parrots, whistling ducks, agoutis, blue iguanas, turtles, miniature ponies, emus, and more are on display. A petting zoo and snack bar make this attraction popular with kids. Open daily; guided tours available at 11 and 2.