St. Vincent gardens

On the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, the Botanical Gardens (New Montrose, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; phone +1 784/533-1657, http://botanical gardens.gov.vc), are celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2015. Special events include a floral competition on Oct. 27 and a nightly light show, held in rotating locations in the park, Dec. 16-24.

The gardens, located a 15-minute walk from the Kingston cruise ship dock, contains 20 acres of tropical plants and a bird sanctuary for the St. Vincent parrot. The gardens are open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. XCD5 (near $1.85) adult, XCD2.50 child under 12, and free for seniors. Garden-wide tours can be booked for XCD10 per person.