St. Kitts and Nevis make up a two-island nation at the northern end of the Leeward Islands archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The islands are known for uncrowded beaches, lush rainforests, historic ruins and a laid-back atmosphere. St. Kitts is about 69 square miles, while Nevis is just half the size at 36 square miles. Ferries and private vessels crisscross the two-mile channel that separates the islands allowing visitors to experience the best that each has to offer.

These islands, like many others in the region, were inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians prior to European colonization. Fresh water supplies and fertile soil made for a robust sugar cane trade and a booming era of colonial development, which, today, is evident in the numerous historic ruins and restored plantation estates.

St. Kitts remains less developed than many of its neighboring islands and has an authentic and relaxed Caribbean vibe. The capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre is surrounded by sugarcane plantations and is home to Georgian colonial architecture.

 
Most of St. Kitts' working sugarcane plantations are state-owned, but some former plantations, like the Golden Lemon and Ottley's Plantation Inn, have been converted into upscale and eclectic hotels. Other resorts on the island include the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Timothy Beach Resort.
 
The best beaches on St. Kitts include Friar's Bay, Banana/Cockleshell Bays and Frigate Bay. St. Kitts is a popular ecotourism destination and offers diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and golf. The view on a clear day from the top of Mt. Liamuiga, a dormant volcano 3,792 feet above sea level, encompasses five neighboring Caribbean islands. Worth checking out, especially for history and culture buffs, is Brimstone Hill, a restored 18th century British fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing numerous artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. A ride on the narrow gauge St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes sightseers on a leisurely tour of the entire island in under four hours.
 
The cuisine of St. Kitts reflects West Indian, Caribbean and indigenous influences, best sampled at local restaurants like Ballahoo, Circus Grill, Marshall’s, and Bobsy's; for seafood and conch chowder, Fisherman's Wharf is a popular spot. St. Kitts is famous for its rum, made on the island's sugar plantations; CSR and Brinley Gold are the best-known brands.

Nevis, or “Queen of the Caribees,” maintains a rustic and gracious ambiance. There is one main road without traffic lights circling the island, and wandering goats often seem to outnumber humans. Charlestown, the capital, has also retained its historic Georgian architecture.

Known as an eco-tourism destination, Nevis has many natural attractions including Nelson’s Spring, a world bird-watching destination, the Botanical Gardens, which boasts exotic orchids and palms, and Bath, the site of volcanic mineral springs. Adventure travelers will find abundant opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Popular beaches include Newcastle Beach, Cades Bay, and the renowned four-mile Pinney’s Beach, where on Sundays the whole of Nevis shows up to swim and eat at one of the beach grill stalls.

Nevis has some of the Caribbean’s most historic and upscale hotels and resorts. The Four Seasons Nevis is located on Pinney’s Beach and boasts a celebrated spa and the island’s only golf course. Also popular are the historic Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, which was once the former home of Nelson’s wife, Frances Nisbet, and the historic Montpelier Plantation, set on the slopes of Mount Nevis amidst the tropical rainforest.

A visit to Nevis wouldn’t be complete without a dinner at Miss June’s, where a home-cooked buffet of Caribbean, Creole and international dishes are served in Miss June’s residence, spiced up by her lively commentary on the food and traditions of the island. Coconut Grove near Nelson’s Spring is the spot for authentic French cuisine, and the 1787 Bar and Bistro is famous for its cocktail, the Caribbean Sangria.

Nevis and St. Kitts share a spirited nightlife. Local beach bars on St. Kitts, like the Monkey Bar, Reggae Beach Bar and Mr. X Shiggidy Shack in Frigate Bay, and Rockies in Basseterre, are especially lively on weekends. In Nevis, Calypso music fills the air on weekend evenings at all the major resorts and plantation inns. Karaoke is popular on the island and budding singers head to Eddy’s Bar & Restaurant on Wednesdays and to the Sunset Beach Club on Thursdays. On Friday nights, the informally named Water Department Barbeque is a ‘jump-up” party run by local department workers, complete with delicious barbecue chicken and ribs.

The locally produced crafts found on both islands make great gifts and souvenirs. On St. Kitts, the Potter’s House has authentic Afro-Caribbean and Haitian art, and the Crafthouse has carvings, dolls and other decorative objects made of local woods. In Nevis, The Galleria Gift Shop at the Botanical Gardens has a varied collection of jewelry, paintings, and antique bronze, jade and ceramic collectibles. Charlestown's restored Cotton Ginnery sells clothing and handmade local crafts and jewelry, and Nevis Pottery near Newcastle is known for its unique red clay pottery.