by Sailorman Chuck

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The US Virgin Islands

The United States purchased St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and a number of small islands from the Danes in 1917. The US was primarily interested in the islands for national security. Ultimately, the beauty and proximity of the islands lured the tourist trade.

 

Danish settlers built large sugar cane plantations and the islands prospered from sugar export and from the opportunities created by sea trade. The island economy collapsed in the 1800 and the Danish population dwindled rapidly.

 

USVI Beaches

According to National Geographic, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in the Virgin Islands.  I have no argument with this; however, they were referring to easily accessible beaches.  Janis and I have found a few beaches that make Magens Bay (St. Thomas) look like a back yard sandbox. I guess that this is a slight exaggeration - You know how we TEXANS exaggerate.  My favorite beaches in the USVI are on St. John. Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and Francis Bay are magnificent. Trunk Bay is probably the most fun.  Trunk has a snorkeling trail that is unique.  Take your snorkel and fins to entertain the sea life.

 

Home Rental

We have rented homes on St. John. One was on the top of Maria Bluff, 283 feet above Pillsbury Sound, on the southwest end of St. John.  This home has a 200 degrees view of the Caribbean for the swimming pool deck. Hurricane Hugo ended that adventure; however, they have rebuilt and it is magnificent and very expensive to rent.

 

We rented a home on a subsequent trip that has a main house and a fully equipped guest quarters. It has a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and an outdoor shower (only in the islands). Oh yes, this house also has a Cashew tree. This tree is unusual in that the nut grows on the outside of the fruit.

POISION WARNING: Don’t eat the Cashew nut without knowing how it is prepared for consumption.

 

Restaurants

Janis and I like the more local out-of-the-way restaurants that few tourists find.  I believe that you can savor the experience more if you try to assimilate.  Kind of like trying to speak the language of your host country.  They may laugh at first, but they adopt you into the fold later.  Oh yes, some sort of English is spoken when the locals want you to understand. When they don't, listen close and don't always say yes. 

 

Back to restaurants, Janis and I have some favorite haunts in the USVI as listed below:

 

"Sib's" - This is truly a local's hangout. The bar is a bit too much so, however, the restaurant food is really good and reasonably priced.  They are located in the middle of St. Thomas above Charlotte Amalie near Mahogany Run.

 

"Mafolie Hotel" - Great food and service.  One of the best views of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding area.

 

"Mongoose Junction" - Located near Cruz Bay on St. John.  Good lunch and OK dinner.

 

"Ellington's" - Just East of Cruz Bay on St. John.  This is my favorite restaurant on St. John.  Great food and good service. Get there early enough to get a table with a view. They have a nice roof top bar that is cool and has a great view.

 

"Hercules Pate" - Not truly a restaurant.  More like a street vendor that has a semi-permanent location. You'll need to hunt for this shop, it is north of Cruz Bay near the Customs Office.  Hercules Pate are something like fried pies except they have meat, fish, conch, or pork filling.  They are really tasty  -  bet you can't eat just one.

 

“JJ’s TexMEX” on the Square at Cruz Bay, St. John – Great leisurely breakfast.

 

“Margarita Pete’s” – Fun, Fun, Fun! Great TexMex. Say hello to Pete. You won’ t regret it.

 

Shopping

St. Thomas is the best for shopping. There are more shops and they have higher quality goods.  Another important point is that you will clear customs at the airport in St. Thomas.  They like for you to keep the green backs flowing into the USVI.  Oh yes, shop around in the states for jewelry, cameras, watches, booze, etc. and get your brands and prices. Cruise ships arrive and depart during the every day of the week. Remember that rich tourists off the cruise ships will pay almost anything for almost anything.  You will find fewer bargains now than when only one or two ships would arrive during the week. You can still find some real bargains, but you will be required to negotiate the price.  While Janis shops, I like to pass the hours with a visit to the “Palm Passage” and have a cool tropical drink. “No Problem Mon”.

 

Boat Provisioning

If you do your own provisioning, shop at one of two Pueblo Supermarkets on St. Thomas. They have everything you need at a fair price.

Salt Pond Bay, St. John, USVI

      Somewhere in the Caribbean or

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