Many know the U.S. Virgin Islands as “America’s Paradise”. Many are not aware that this small group of Caribbean islands has been a territory of the United States since its purchase in 1917 for just $25 million from the Danish government. Famous for world-class scuba diving, the best marlin fishing in the world, beautiful beaches and island-style hospitality, the U.S. Virgin Islands have a rich history beginning with Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of four unique islands, each distinctly different from the other three. St. Croix, the largest of the four islands, was once home to sugar cane plantations. Today it is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks. St. John, the smallest commercial island, is devoted largely to National Park, a generous gift covering 2/3 of the island donated by Laurance Rockefeller to the U.S. government in 1956. This is a favorite retreat for hikers and other eco-tourists. St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the four islands. Its historic port of Charlotte Amalie, once teeming with four-masted trading ships, now plays host to visiting cruise ships and a fleet of sail and power yachts. Water Island, recently named the fourth Virgin Island, has no gas stations or garbage trucks!
Brief History of the U.S. Virgin Islands
During our history, the islands have been home to many European nations, including Spain, France, England, The Netherlands, Denmark, the Order of the Knights of Malta, and finally the United States of America. The melting pot of nationalities in the Caribbean has created a rich and varied culinary tradition. One would have great difficulty pointing to a dish or an ingredient that is solely Caribbean – our ingredients and dishes have been appropriated and recreated from cuisines from all over the world.
Traditional Island Cuisine
Fungi - A cornmeal porridge flavored with okra and thyme – like Caribbean polenta.
Rice and Peas - A pilaf prepared with aromatic vegetables and pigeon peas.
Johnny Cakes - Made for the journey, this fried bread dough was made by locals to take them on their travels.
Paté - Johnny Cake dough filled with spiced beef, saltfish, chicken, conch or vegetables.
Stew Chicken, Stew Mutton and Oxtail - All dishes braised with vegetables and served with rice and or local sweet potatoes.
Conch in Butter Sauce - Stewed conch with onions and peppers in a buttery veloute sauce flavored with thyme.
Kallaloo - Local soup prepared traditionally with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, okra and seafood.
Saltfish - Used widely on all islands, a salt preserved cod fried or soaked and marinated for salads.
Roti - From the island of Trinidad, this dish consists of an Indian chicken curry served wrapped in a traditional chick pea flatbread.
Area Attractions
Art Thursday
In addition to the natural beauty that surrounds visitors and locals alike, St. Croix offers a wide variety of art venues to explore. Art Thursday is an event in Christiansted that takes place one Thursday a month from November to June. It involves art galleries, jewelry studios, coffee shops and fine retail stores that all stay open late for a relaxing evening on the town. The variety of art shown spans from paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, to jewelry, photography, sculpture, fine carpentry, fabric arts and furniture.
Buck Island Reef
Here is the only underwater United States National Monument (we call it a “National Park”). The Park itself covers more than 850 acres, including the island proper, with a sandy beach, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The reef has two major underwater trails – Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail. Numerous boats operate off the dock in Christiansted; your hotel has specifics.
Cramer Park
A nice place to relax the day away during the weekdays. The park has a beautiful beach and picnic area. On weekends, the park is transformed into an outdoor bar atmosphere with DJs and music.
Eastern End of the Island
You’ve gone as far as you can go in the United States on the easternmost point of St. Croix, Point Udall. The spot is barren, but beautiful. Bring your camera. Catch a spectacular sunrise here!
Estate St. George Botanical Garden
Consisting of lush woods and rich land, covering 16 acres. Contains ruins of a 19th-century sugar cane village and rum factory, including workers’ homes, a manager’s house, a bake oven, stone dam, blacksmith’s shop and foundations of a watermill. A small admission fee is charged.
Eye to the Sky
Less than a mile from Point Udall, the National Science Foundation has funded the installation of a giant $5-million-dollar antenna – 82’ in diameter. This 260-ton dish is used to explore the unknown universe. Visit the site, where guides will explain that the antenna is identical to nine others around the U.S. Together, the ten make up a single radio telescope, sharing their data over the Internet.
Jazz in the Park - Last Friday of the Month
5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Jump Up
Want to see a glimpse of Crucian culture and have a great time, too? Get all that and more at a festive event called “Jump Up”. The CRRA (Christiansted Restaurant and Retail Association) invites visitors to come out and discover what Christiansted fine restaurants and retail stores have to offer. The CRRA has been putting on the Christiansted “Jump Up” for more than 16 years. The evening events start at around 5:00 P.M. until about 9:00 P.M. Once a month on a Friday night in November, February, May and July, the efforts of local businesses, police and entertainment come together for a memorable night out. Enjoy an evening of strolling the well-lit Old Danish streets, while enjoying live music, local cuisine, Moko Jumbie stilt walkers, and a festive presentation of Downtown Christiansted!
Lawaetz Family Museum
Managed by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the Lawaetz Family Museum is nestled in a valley northeast of Frederiksted. This 18th-century estate house, with its accompanying ruins and rambling garden, has a charming old-island quality. Enjoy the hundred-year-old gardens and orchards filled with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Hike the lush valley and natural hillside trails. Tours available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in season. Route #76, Frederiksted. Tel: 340.772.1539 www.stcroixlandmarks.com
Rain Forest
Head towards Frederiksted, and you’ll come upon Creque Dam Road and the 15 acres of the “Rain Forest” (technically a tropical forest). The dam itself is 150 feet high. Go along Mahogany Road, which is lined with beautiful mahogany trees, yellow cedar, and Tibet trees (also called “mother’s tongue” because of the pods that rustle in the wind). The air is filled with the scent of many of our island fruits, and the call of mountain doves. The Forest is private property; the owners have graciously consented to let locals and visitors tour.
Salt River
Here’s where Columbus first arrived in the Virgin Islands in November 1493 on his second voyage to the New World, with 17 ships and 1500 men. He named this island Santa Cruz.
St. Croix Leap
Find a group of talented wood carvers in the Rain Forest. Order wood sculptures, chairs and tables all made from local mahogany and have them shipped to your home.
Sunset Jazz
For a change in scenery, consider visiting downtown Frederiksted for Sunset Jazz. Enjoy live local jazz performances, while viewing breathtaking sunsets in the western part of the island. Held on the third Friday of each month at the Frederiksted waterfront, Sunset Jazz takes place on the lawn next to Fort Frederik.
Whim Plantation Museum
Managed by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the Whim Plantation Museum is an authentic Danish sugar estate dating from the 1700s, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the days when sugar was king and rum flowed freely on St. Croix. The stately greathouse welcomes you with gracious guides who will tell the stories of past inhabitants and plantation life. Our museum store offers a tempting cornucopia of West Indian crafts, prints and whimsical whatnots. Tours available Monday through Saturday in season. Route #70, Frederiksted. Tel: 340.772.0598 www.stcroixlandmarks.org
Beaches
Cramer’s Park, East End
Cramer’s Park has a reputation for being a bit loud and rowdy on the weekend with locals. Is that a bad thing? It takes on a fun, party-like atmosphere where people walk from covered area to covered area, joining each other’s BBQ and conversation. There are bathrooms, grills, tables and lots of shade, no strong currents, a long sand beach, and even a bit of coral reef for snorkeling. A great spot for the kids. During the week, it stays pretty empty, so it is a nice place to get away.
Tamarind Beach, East End
Tamarind Beach has a wide sandy beach, palm-thatched cabanas, lounge chairs, snorkeling, kayaking, iguanas, a beach shack, bar and restaurant, WHEW! Tamarind is great for the entire family. Large boulders create a calm sea ”pool” where you can lounge in the tubes provided, or teach the kids how to swim or snorkel. Just on the other side of the large rocks is a beautiful underwater environment enriched with sea-life perfect for snorkeling. Turtles, octopus, snapper, rainbow runners, puffer fish and Caribbean lobster make up this unique underwater neighborhood of marine life. Bring your own gear, or rent from the beach shack.
Shoys Beach, East End
The perfect swimming beach! Enter in through the Buccaneer Hotel’s entrance, and then take a right into the Shoys subdivision; ask the guard for directions. Make your way through the sea-grape trees and behold this BIG beautiful beach. The sand goes on in each direction, as if to hug the warm water it surrounds. A sandy and grassy bottom makes for a nice swim, whether for pleasure or exercise.
Sandy Point
The idyllic beach scene has been used for several movies and TV commercials. Sandy Point is located on the west end of St. Croix, and is the L O N G E S T stretch of white sand beach found on St. Croix. The beach extends out into, well, a point. The waves sometimes tend to be a bit larger, making skim-boarding fun for the kids (larger, but not dangerous!). Sandy Point is a wonderful area for playing on the beach or playing in the water, but with its sandy bottom, there’s not much to see for snorkelers. The area is a protected wildlife refuge, so nature abounds.
Dorsch Beach
Dorsch Beach located in front of Sand Castle On The Beach Hotel in Fredrickstead is one of the most beautiful beaches on St. Croix. With beautiful soft sand and mild turquoise surf it’s a favorite location for locals and vacationers. The mild surf makes this location ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. A restaurant, Beach Side Cafe, is also available for cocktails, lunch and dinner.
Rainbow Beach, West End
This is what you imagine the Caribbean to be like. The sea is so calm, blue and beautiful out west. This beach goes on forever and has interesting things to see both above and below the water. Find large starfish, cuddle fish, tons of snapper, French angels and the like when snorkeling. The water stays shallow for quite some time, so even though you can go far, you’re still in shallow water. Above the water, find some great shelling around exposed rocks; but the rocks do not interfere AT ALL with the powder white sand! Find a fun beach bar with live music on the weekends, cold drinks and bathroom facilities.
Cane Bay Beach
By our Crucian standards, this beach tends to be a bit more crowded than others (by state-side standards, that means LOTS of room!). This popular North Shore Beach is enjoyed by everyone, every day of the week. The restaurants and bars in the area help keep visitors fed and hydrated; feel free to bring your own cooler of food and drinks and park it for the day. Start up a game of beach volleyball with the people you’ve made friends with, and just let the day happen! Snorkel, scuba dive the famous Wall, or relax under the warm Caribbean sun.
Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Whether you arrive by catamaran, powerboat or kayak, Turtle Beach is a beautiful site to see as you approach Buck Island from the west. The lush green peak of the island and the incredible shade of turquoise of the sea envelop this beach. Buck Island is uninhabited, which makes this beach free of unnecessary distractions. It is what you daydream at work about. White powder sand to stretch out on - check. Calm waves gently rolling ashore - check. Friendly aquatic life to snorkel amongst - check. Walk this beach around to the northwest side and you come across a virtual nursery for marine life. In the water you’ll see juvenile reef sharks, parrotfish and more, who make the safety of this area their home until they are mature enough to go out on their own. The underwater national monument part of Buck Island is accessible only through licensed tour operators, but Turtle Beach is accessible to all. Any day is a good day for Buck Island, but Sunday is the day that locals arrive on their private boats and enjoy one of the reasons they live on St. Croix to begin with.
Jack’s + Isaac’s Bay
This area is too beautiful not to let others know about it. Jack’s and Issac’s could very well be the United States’ most easterly beaches. Hike the dirt road on the right before you get to the top of Point Udall and park on the side of the road. The first bay is Issac’s - play a little in the surf and then hike over a small peninsula to Jack’s and BEHOLD what Caribbean vacation ads are made of. When you fly on an airplane, look down and see the multi-blue water ... and wish you could dip your feet in it? Well, here you are. The water is shallow. There is plenty of reef to snorkel around and plenty of marine life to view – you’re in THEIR fish bowl now! There are plenty of sand areas to just “chill” in the water and float. There is plenty of coastline to walk, explore – oh yes – and relax. There is plenty of sunshine and beautiful views to enjoy!
Other Islands
St. John
St. John is easily accessible with a short ferry ride from St. Thomas’ east end Red Hook dock. Enjoy the shopping in Cruz Bay and Mongoose Junction, a short walk from the ferry dock. There are many selections of fine restaurants to choose from as well.
Island National Park, renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately 3/5 of St. John. Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing habitat for more than 800 species of plants. To these amazing natural resources, add relics from the pre-Columbian Amerindian civilization and remains of the Danish Colonial sugar plantations. These are reminders of African slavery and the subsistence culture that followed during the 100 years after emancipation – all part of the rich cultural history of the Park and its island home.
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands, is the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie (named for a Danish queen) is where cruise ships dock and the white and pastel houses are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.
When walking in St. Thomas, you will see the bustle of Main Street and cool emerald hills. Look for the view from Mountain Top, the spiral of winding streets from the base of Savan, and the quiet French countryside feeling on the far side of the island. Hoteliers offer accommodations to suit all tastes.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are easily accessible with a short ferry ride from St. Thomas or St. John, but usually require 24 hour notice and your passport. Of the more than 10 islands that comprise the BVI, the larger include Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
Weather and Power Outages
Weather
St. Croix experiences sunny weather the majority of the year however June through November is Hurricane Season through the Leeward Islands. Local news and radio broadcasts will alert you to inclement weather that may affect the territory and instruct you in the proper procedures at that time and Hotel Staff is here to assist. Please stay in your room during a severe storm. It is recommended as a precaution that you stock up on water and non-perishable foodstuff.
Power Outages
From time to time the island experiences power outages. Emergency lighting will automatically come on. These interruptions are usually brief. Please contact the Front Desk if you need assistance.
Worship Services
AME
Bethel AME Church, 12 Queen Street
340-773-5620
Baptist
Community Baptist Church, Plot 7 Estate Pearl Christiansted
340-778-1121
Catholic
Holy Cross Church, 45A Queen Street, Christiansted
340-773-7564
Episcopal
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 27 King Street, Christiansted
340-778-8221
Lutheran
Lord God of Sabbath, King Street,
Christiansted
340-773-1320
Methodist
The Methodist Church, 95 Richmond
340-692-5653
Moravian
Friedensthal Moravian Church, Christiansted
340-773-1217
SDA
Christiansted SDA Church, Queen Cross Street
340-773-1822
Non-Denominational
Speak The Word Ministries, #7 Peters Rest
340-778-1575
St. Croix Christian Church, #13 Diamond Ruby
340-718-3130
Victorious Believers, #15 Peters Rest
340-779-3733
