When the sun goes down, the musicians come out and folks in Barbados "lime" (which can be anything from a "chat-up" to a full-blown "jump-up"). Performances by reggae groups and calypso singers are major events, and tickets can be hard to come by -- but give it a try. Most large resorts have nightly entertainment in season, and nightclubs often have live bands for listening and dancing. The busiest bars and dance clubs rage until 3 AM. On Saturday nights, some clubs -- especially those with live music -- charge a cover of about $10.

Barbados supports the rum industry with more than 1,600 "rum shops," simple bars where men (mostly) congregate to discuss the world's ills, and in more sophisticated inns, where you find world-class rum drinks made with the island's renowned Mount Gay and Cockspur brands.