St Croix This Week August 2023

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52 YEARS AUGUST 2023 BEFORE THE FIREBURN, CHANT | FREEDOM EXHIBIT, CMCA | 175, CANE ROOTS ART GALLERY VI LEGENDS/VI GREATS, CHRISTA’S ART GALLERY | CLEAR DE ROAD, FT. FREDERIK Attractions Tours/Events Shopping Eat & Drink Local Art Watersports Beaches/Golf Getting Around Road Maps Staying Here Buying Here Be Well Sky Watch FIND IT COVER ARTIST BARBARA GELARDI
ST. CROIX THIS WEEK
THE ORIGINAL ST. CROIX HOOK | sonyaltdstore.com 2101 Company St. STE 1 Christiansted, VI (340) 773.8924 | (877) 766.9284
JEWELRY: SONYA’S FINE ISLAND JEWELRY VENUE: ROUGE CAFE MODEL: DERI

IN EVERY ISSUE

ST.

THIS WEEK

FEATURES

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to St. Croix, a land of spectacular beauty, rich cultural diversity and intriguing history. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with 84 square miles of rolling hillsides, pristine beaches and a tropical rainforest, St. Croix offers endless opportunities to pursue your heart’s desire and create a unique vacation experience.

Adventurers and nature lovers can spend time hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing or golfing at one of our championship golf courses. Scuba diving enthusiasts can experience five different dives in one day. For a more relaxed approach, swim in the crystalline waters of Buck Island, the only naturally occurring underwater National Monument in the U.S.

History buffs can experience St. Croix’s vibrant history through its architecture, historic landmarks, food, music and traditions. Explore the Christiansted National Historic Site, Forts Christiansvaern and Frederik or tour the Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. Early risers can catch a picturesque sunrise at Point Udall, the easternmost point in the United States.

Christiansted and Frederiksted, our main seaside towns, are a shopper’s nirvana with charming boutiques offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and apparel to colorful local art. Visitors enjoy a generous $1,600 duty-free shopping allowance.

Our chic hotels, resorts and cozy bed-and-breakfast inns will pamper you with warm hospitality, while our world-class restaurants tempt your taste buds with local and international menus. St. Croix’s wide array of the entertainment choices, including fairs, festivals, live concerts and gaming venues ensure that the fun never ends.

On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I hope you have an amazing vacation experience in St. Croix. Thank you for choosing the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sincerely,

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 23 ©2023. No part may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Metro Caribbean, LLC St. Croix This Week St. Thomas / St. John This Week St. Thomas In A Day IN THE USA
PUBLISHER Charlotte Atkins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chelsea Sunshine DISTRIBUTOR Debbie Bradley SEPTEMBER DEBBIE SUN Official USVI Madras Fabric Photograph AUGUST BARBARA GELARDI Sandcastle’s Lobster Claw Acrylic on Wood
CONTENTS
CROIX
COVERS
16 Summer Best Sellers! Undercover Books & Gifts 30 The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Center 32 The New Tap Deck Bar & Billiards 36 August Cover Artist, Barbara Gelardi, & September Cover Artist, Debbie Sun 39 Danish Family Museum is a Touching Glimpse of Island History, Nina York 41 Discover St. Croix from a Different Perspective w/ISKA! 47 Be Prepared! June 1 – Nov 30 59 National Park Service Resumes Important Community Role, Nina York
Lawaetz Family Museum. Susan Wall
37 39
Eighteen Forty-Eight Triptych, John Obafemi Jones at Cane Roots Art Gallery.
4 EVENTS CALENDAR 7 ATTRACTIONS & TOURS 10 SHOP DUTY FREE 22 EASY SHOPPING GUIDE 24 EAT & DRINK 34 EASY DINING GUIDE 35 FARM STANDS 36 LOCAL ART 39 OUR DANISH CONNECTION 40 WATERSPORTS 46 BEACHES 47 GOLF & TENNIS 48 HELPFUL INFO 49 GOOD TO KNOW 50 EASY HOTEL GUIDE 51 STAYING HERE 52 GETTING AROUND Rental Cars/Taxis/Ferry 54 ROAD MAPS 60 BE WELL 62 BUYING/LIVING HERE 64 SKYWATCH MANAGING EDITOR MEDIA CONSULTANT Susan S. Wall 340-773-0715 / 340-277-9642 stcroixthisweek@gmail.com e-edition – stcroixthisweek.com LATEST ISSUES 2 • August / September 2023

The Virgin Islands Of The United States

1105 King Street

Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. 00820

Tel: (340) 773-1404

Fax: (340) 713-9806

Welcome to our beautiful Virgin Islands of the United States. Our islands are unique in what they each offer and our communities are filled with people who are proud of our storied history. While visiting, I encourage you to immerse yourself in our culture and to explore the unique offerings of all four Islands that make up our paradise.

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits to the south of our small island chain and is renowned for its pastoral landscapes, Danish architecture and historical landmarks. With its offshore wrecks and unbelievably beautiful underwater reefs, St. Croix is also a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted and indulge in St. Croix’s renowned art and delicious culinary scenes.

St. John is one of the smaller U.S. Virgin Islands and conservation center of the territory. It is best known for its pristine beaches and the attractions within the Virgin Islands National Park, which occupies more than half the island. The lands in the Virgin Islands National Park shelter migrant birds and the mangroves support corals and anemones. As with all the Virgin islands, you will find that St. John provides a rich mix of our culture and history.

St. Thomas is our business and shopping center and the seat of government. Charlotte Amalie is the capital town of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean. St. Thomas is among the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for sailing and yachting enthusiasts.

Water Island is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and rests just off the coast of St. Thomas. It is mostly residential but offers fun attractions like Honeymoon Beach and quaint accommodations. The island can be reached by ferry from the Crown Bay Marina or by other vessels.

As the Lieutenant Governor and Governor, both Treganza Roach and I wish you a warm, fun-filled stay and please accept our invitation to return often to our paradise.

VOTED BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY ON ST. CROIX 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2021 • 2022 Our Award-Winning REALTORS® are at your service! RE/MAX St. Croix #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820 Each O ice is Independently Owned & Operated
Dianne CanegataO’Reilly Jason Walker Jennell Bryan Joe and Juliet San Martin Timothy Patrick Providence Andre Toussaint Yvonne Toussaint Ava Gail Bourdon Broker-Owner CeCe Reyes Kelly Pugh Christopher Jones
( 3 4 0 ) 7 7 3 . 1 0 4 8 info@remax-stcroix.com www.remax-stcroix.com August / September 2023 • 3
Sam and Mio Mootoo

Events Calendar

Events Calendar

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023

Cruise Arrivals* Frederiksted Pier

Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility Virgin Islands Port Authority—

AUGUST 2023

TUES, AUG 1 8AM-5PM ADVENTURE/SEAS

TUES, AUG 15 8AM-5PM ADVENTURE/SEAS

TUES, AUG 29 8AM-5PM ADVENTURE/SEAS

SEPTEMBER 2023

TUES, SEPT 12 8AM-5PM ADVENTURE/SEAS

TUES, SEPT 26 8AM-5PM ADVENTURE/SEAS

*Cruise ship schedule was at press time. Check www.viport.com to confirm latest schedule.

AUGUST 15 is the deadline for event considerations for the OCT/NOV 2023 issue. Email event info, in the format you see here, to Dorothy Flash-Nelson at calendareventstx@gmail.com.

NOTE: Event info was at press time and subject to change. Call or check facebook/websites prior to heading out.

ONGOING

EVERY DAY, 9AM-3PM

Self-Guided Tours; Private Tours on Request St. George Village Botanical Garden

Adults $10/Seniors and VI Residents $8/Children 12 and under $2, 340-692-2874, sgvbg.org

MON, WED, FRI, 8AM Mindful Yoga with Colleen Altona Lagoon Pavilion, 340-244-2185

TUESDAYS, 11AM-2PM

Crafters Connect Group, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

TUESDAYS, 2PM

Community Tours, The Nature Conservancy Coral Innovation Hub, Estate Princess. Celeste Jarvis, 340-718-5575, nature.org

TUESDAYS, 6-8PM

Tuesday Trivia—Sion Farm Distillery

Home of MUTINY Island Vodka; reserve teams, 340-690-9322. sionfarmdisillery.com

TUESDAYS, 6-9PM

Live Music with Jahnee Redlocks Brew STX, 340-719-6339, brewstx.com

FIRST & THIRD TUES, 5:30-8:30PM

Jewelry Workshops, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonaewirestx.com

THIRD TUESDAYS, 6PM

Book Club, Undercover Books

Members get 10% off current book. 340-719-1567, undercoverbooksstcroix.com

THIRD TUESDAYS, 6-9PM

Sip and Paint, SGV Botanical Garden

$40pp, $35 for members. RSVP, 340-513-9173, sipandpaintvi@gmail.com

WEDNESDAYS, 10AM-12:30PM

Friends in the Courtyard

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Members Free, Non, $10. 340-772-2622

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, 11AM-6PM

Jewelry-Making Classes, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY 1-5PM

Open Beading, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, 3-5PM Student Clinics, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

WEDNESDAYS, 5-7PM

Crab Races with Tito and Sue BREW STX—Family fun/Prizes! 340-719-6339

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, 6-8PM

Jewelry-Making Classes, Bead on a Wire 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

WEDNESDAYS, 7-9PM

Bingo at Coco Loco Bar & Grill 340-690-5626; cocolocostx.com

THURSDAYS, 10-11AM

Garden Zen Yoga with Shera St. George Village Botanical Garden $10. 340-692-2874, sgvbg.org

THURSDAYS, 5PM

Karaoke—Sion Farm Distillery

Home of MUTINY Island Vodka; reserve teams, 340-690-9322. sionfarmdisillery.com

THURSDAYS, 5:30-10PM

Seafood Boil Night—BREW STX NO PROBLEMO Live. 340-719-6339

FRIDAYS, 9:30AM

Everybody Yoga with Deni Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts everybodyyogadeni@gmail.com

FRIDAYS, 5-8PM

Live Music—Leatherback Brewing

Just West of the airport, Wm Roebuck Industrial Park, 340-772-2337

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 5-8PM

Live music at Sea Terrace Restaurant

Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas, 340-249-0700

FRIDAYS, 5:30-7:30PM

Teen Night 8/11 & 9/8, Bead on a Wire 340-713-2323, beadonawirestx.com

FRIDAYS (MONTHLY), 6-8PM

Craft & Sip 8/4 & 8/25

Bead on a Wire, 340-718-2323, beadonawirestx.com

FIRST SATURDAYS, 8:30-11:30AM

Ruff Start STX/West End Dog Clinic

Loops Village, Frederiksted

Veterinarians, Bethany Bradford & Ashley Massa offer free consultations, vaccines & heartworm tests. Run by volunteers & funded by resident donations. facebook

FIRST SATURDAY, 9AM-NOON

Nursery Plant Sale

St. George Village Botanical Garden 340-692-2874, sgvbg.org

FIRST SATURDAYS, AT DUSK

Movie Night—Leatherback Brewing

Just West of the airport, Wm Roebuck Industrial Park, 340-772-2337

SATURDAYS, 9AM-NOON

Recycling Plastic & Aluminum Cans The Market STX. 813-704-3335

SATURDAYS, 10AM-2 PM

Sion Farm Distillery Brunch

Home of MUTINY Island Vodka; Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Brunch favorites. 340-690-9322, sionfarmdisillery.com

SATURDAYS, 7-9PM

Trivia at Coco Loco Bar & Grill 340-690-5626; cocolocostx.com

THIRD SATURDAY, 10AM-NOON

Orchids in the Courtyard

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts 340-772-2622, cmcarts.com

LAST SATURDAYS, 9:30-10:30AM

Mommy & Me Sunshine Yoga w/Shera St. George Village Botanical Garden 340-692-2874, sgvbg.org

FIRST SUNDAYS, 5:30PM

Jazz Vespers-St. Croix Reformed Church Inter-faith gathering; live local jazz! Estate La Reine. stcroixreformed.org, & facebook.

SUNDAYS, 10AM-3PM

Live music at Sea Terrace Restaurant for Brunch, Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas. 340-249-0700

SUNDAYS (Monthly) 11AM-1PM/2-4PM

Children’s Craft Day Bead on a Wire, 340-718-2323

THIRD SUNDAY, 2-5PM

“The Perfect Match,” Leatherback Brewery Come find your perfect Furry friend! Benefits St Croix Animal Welfare Center

WEDNESDAYS. Crab Racess with Tito & Sue!
4 • August / September 2023

Events Calendar Events Calendar

SAVE THE DATE!

Learn basic rules for working with clay, creating vessels using hand-building techniques— pinch, coil and slab with instructor Sara Lee Hayes. Create a work of choice, an object of art or function. Fun and stress free class! Register online at www.cmcarts.org

5 SATURDAY, 9AM-8PM

“Freedom” Exhibit Opening Reception

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Emerging artists explore their own freedom through personal terms, mediums, dialogue. Thru September 2. Daily hours, Tues-Sat, 9am-4pm, 340-772-2622, Cmcarts.org

12 SATURDAY, NOON-6PM

4th Anniversary of Sion Farm Distillery

Home of Mutiny Island Vodka

AUGUST 2023

1- TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-5PM 31 “175” Emancipation Exhibit

Cane Roots Art Gallery, Company Street

Artworks from Elwin Joseph, Elisa McKay, John Jones, Danica David, El’Roy Simmonds, LaVaughn Belle, Niarus Walker, and Chalana Brown among others. 340-718-4929, canerootsartgallery.com

1- MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9AM-4PM 31 “Clear De Road : Counter Archives of Resistance,” Ft. Frederik Museum

Juried Emancipation group exhibit, curated by Monica Marin, runs through October. Includes El’Roy Simmonds’ Freedom Series. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, 340-772-2021x8222.

1-` MONDAY-FRIDAY, 11AM-4PM 31 “Before The Fireburn” C.H.A.N.T. Cultural Arts Center

Interactive stereograph photography exhibit. 217 Custom House Street, Frederiksted, 340-277-4834, www.chantvi.org

1 TUESDAY 6:00PM-8:00PM Clay Play Evening Series: Adults Age 18+ CMCArts 10 Strand Street Frederiksted

Join us for Sion Farm Distillery and Mutiny Island Vodka’s 4th year anniversary! A fun day for the whole family with live music, food, indoor and outdoor seating, free tours, and of course, Mutiny Island Vodka refreshing cocktails. mutinyislandvodka.com 340-690-9322

19 SATURDAY, 10AM-NOON

Free Snorkel Clinic

St. Croix Environmental Association

Learn how to snorkel or practice your skills. No experience necessary. All ages. Gear provided. Location to be announced. Call or email to register. 340-773-1989, owalton@stxenvironmental.org

19 SATURDAY, TBA

Hike Spring Gut to South Shore

St Croix Hiking Association

Details posted on website 1 week prior. 340-772-2073, StCroixHiking.org

19- SATURDAY, 5-9PM

29 “VI Legends/VI Greats” Portraits

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street

See Christa-Ann Davis Molloy’s Impressive fine art portrait exhibit. 340-713-9959, christaaert.com

26 SATURDAY, 9AM-NOON Little Artist Day

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Details on website, cmcarts.org, 340-772-2622

26 SATURDAY, 3:30-6PM

Sip & Paint Event

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street

Celebrate art & culture! Call to register, 340-513-8581 or 340-713-9959, christaart. com

SEPTEMBER 2023

1-2 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 9AM-4PM

“Freedom” Exhibit Closing Days

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Emerging artists explore their own freedom through personal terms, mediums, dialogue. 40-772-2622, Cmcarts.org

AUG 19-29. “VI Legends/VI Greats” Photo Exhibit, Christa’s Art Gallery. “Stanley

1- TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-5PM

30 “175” Emancipation Exhibit

Cane Roots Art Gallery, Company Street

Artworks from Elwin Joseph, Elisa McKay, John Jones, Danica David, El’Roy Simmonds, LaVaughn Belle, Niarus Walker, and Chalana Brown among others. 340-718-4929, canerootsartgallery.com

Fall in Love on vacation

Have the Purrrrfect Visit to St Croix!

Take a Shelter Dog on a “Doggie Day Out” (340) 725-7387

Escort a Pet on Your Return Flight http://stcroixawc org/be-a-pet-escort/ Adopt and Take a Pet Home with You (340) 725-7387

Just a $30 Donation will Pay for a Day of Food, Medical Assistance, and Staff Care for One Homeless Pet

Jacobs” (detail), Christa-Ann Davis Molloy AUG 1-31. “175” Emancipation Exhibit, Cane Roots Art Gallery. “Ft. Frederik.” Elwin Joseph ANY DAY. Give a Purr-fect pet a Fur-ever Home! (St. Croix Animal Welfare Center)
August / September 2023 • 5

Events Calendar Events Calendar

TAKE TIME FOR THESE!

15- FRI, 6:15PM, SAT, 10AM

16 Rosh Hashanah Services

St. Croix Jewish Community Center Potluck follows evening service. Celebrating the Jewish New Year Festival culminating in Yom Kippur. Ellie, 340-643-0707.

16 THIRD SATURDAY, 10AM-NOON

Free Snorkel Clinic

St. Croix Environmental Association

Learn how to snorkel or practice your skills. No experience necessary. All ages. Gear provided. Location to be announced. Call or email to register. 340-773-1989, owalton@stxenvironmental.org

1- MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9AM-4PM

29 “Clear De Road : Counter Archives of Resistance,” Ft. Frederik Museum

Juried Emancipation group exhibit, curated by Monica Marin, runs through October. Includes El’Roy Simmonds’ Freedom Series. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, 340-772-2021x8222.

3 SUNDAY, TBA

Hike Diamond Keturah/Manchineel Bay St Croix Hiking Association

Guide, Olasee Davis. Details posted on website 1 week prior, 340-772-2073, StCroixHiking.org

9- SATURDAY, 9AM-7PM

30 “Absolutely Black: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic” Exhibit Opening Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

A range of artists from three Spanish islands & their diasporas. Curated by Wilfred Labiosa, PhD, through Oct 21. Daily hours, Tues-Sat.9am4pm, 340-772-2622, cmcarts.org

9 SATURDAY, 3:30-6PM Sip & Paint Event

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street

Celebrate art & culture! Call to Register, 340-513-8581 or 340-713-9959, christaart. com

23 SATURDAY TIME TBA

Hike Sion Farm

St. Croix Hiking Association

Guide, NPS Ranger Benito Vegas. Details posted on website 1 week prior 340-772-2073 StCroixHiking.org

23 SATURDAY, 3:30-6PM

Sip & Paint Event

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street

Celebrate art & culture! Call to Register, 340-513-8581 or 340-713-9959, christaart. com

24- SUN, 6:15PM, MON, 10AM, 4, 5, 6PM 25 Yom Kippur Services

St. Croix Jewish Community Center

High Holiday Celebration. Monday closing service followed by Potluck, bring a dish to share. Ellie Hirsh, 340-643-0707

30 SATURDAYS, 10AM-1PM

Beginning Potter’s Wheel – Adult

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Learn to use the wheel and make a pot with instructor Sara Lee Hayes! All materials included. Firing fees charged based on size of work. $250. Through Oct 28. 340-772-2622, book online, cmcarts.org

30 SATURDAY, 3-8PM

“Sandals, Sunglasses, Sunset”

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

A Yvonne Ashley Galiber Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation event. 340-772-2622, Yagfoundation.org.

AUG 1 & SEPT 30. Potter’s Wheel Classes. 6 • August / September 2023
AUG 12. 4th Anniversary Sion Farm Distillery.

Attractions & Tours Attractions & Tours

SOAK UP SOME CULTURE!

Government House – 340-773-1404

ATTRACTIONS

Arthur Abel Complex — 340-772-1000

A 1799 Danish school, now the Frederiksted Office of the Governor. Redesigned by architect William Taylor and dedicated to Arthur Abel, a St. Croix joiner and builder. Prince Street.

Caravelle Hotel Casino — 340-773-0687

Slot machines, video poker, spin wheel. In-town transportation. Queen Cross St, Christiansted. Sun-Thurs, 2pm-Midnight, Fri-Sat, 2pm-1am.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts — 340-772-2622 18th Century Danish townhouse, Artist-in-Residence program. Gift Shop, Strand Street, Frederiksted. Tues-Sat, 9am-4 pm.

Divi Carina Bay Casino —340-773-7529

This 21+ casino offers slots and table games plus restaurant & bar for late-night snacks. Divi Carina Bay Resort. Open 7 days, 11am – 1am.

Ft. Frederik Museum —340-772-2021 1750s historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Permanent collections & exhibits. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. King St, Frederiksted.

A 1848 historic landmark, houses offices & a Govenor’s apartment. Courtyard gardens & sweeping staircase to a 2nd story ballroom, King, Street, Christiansted.

Lawaetz Family Museum — 340-473-1557

18th c. Danish homestead at Estate Little La Grange; National Historic Register. Managed by Ridge2Reef Farm. Wed & Sat, 11am-3pm. Mahogany Road, Frederiksted.

Lord God of Sabaoth Church — 340-773-1320

Sold to the Lutherans in 1831, it was originally a Dutch Reformed Church built in the 1740s. King Street, Christiansted.

Pt. Udall Millennium Monument Easternmost point in the US. A giant sundial marks the azimuth of the first sunrise of 2000.

The Seven Flags Museum – 340-277-2870

Antiques dating to the Emancipation, representing our cultural & artistic history. Wed-Sat, 1-7pm or by appointment. Company Street, Christiansted.

Whim Museum Research Library – 340-772-0598

Open Wed & Sat, 10am-3pm. Centerline Road, Frederiksted. Appointment by email—library@ stcroixlandmarks.org

St. Croix’s National Parks — 340-773-1460

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument Proclaimed a National Monument by President Kennedy in 1961. Spectacular beach, hiking/ snorkeling trails. 7 miles from Christiansted. Accessible by NPS Authorized Concessioners. www.nps.gov/buis

2. Christiansted National Historic Site

Established in 1952, includes Ft. Christiansvaern, Old Customs House, Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse & Slave Market, and Old Scale House. Steeple Building is closed for renovations. Fort open 8:30am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri, closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. See Officers’ Day Room, Arsenal, Dungeon, and Cannons. Site parking. www.nps.gov/chri

3. Salt River Historical Park & Ecological Preserve

Founded in 1992 in cooperation with the VI Government, the Park documents the human & natural Caribbean world of early indigenous settlements here 4000 years ago through the 1500s. Christopher Columbus landed here in 1493. Nature preserve. New Visitor’s Center opening soon. Northshore Road. www.nps.gov/sari

A n U n f o r g e t t a b l e F a m i l y A d v e n t u r e
August / September 2023 • 7

Attractions & Tours Attractions & Tours

DISCOVER LOCAL LIFE ON ONE OF OUR TOURS!

Frederiksted Walking Tours – 340-277-4834

Discover town history! Wednesdays, 9-11am. www.chantvi.org

Alexander Hamilton Walking Tours –340-277-4834 Walk in his footsteps! Downtown Christiansted. Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am www.chantvi.org

Carambola Zip Line—340-244-1464

Immerse with nature & zip through the lush rain-forest and across the Carambola Valley! Jaw-dropping views! 2 tours a day; call for an appointment or book online! www.carambolazipline.com

Christiansted Self-Tour

Nine attractions! See Pg 57.

Cruzan Cowgirls Horseback Riding Tours, 340-690-RIDE Ride with us—down the beach, through the Rain Forest, and into the sea! Non-profit rescues horses on island, gives them a second chance, and educates on their proper care. www.cruzancowgirls.com

East End Marine Park, 340-718-3367

Wraps 17 miles around the East End, from Green

Cay on the North to Great Pond on the South and protects 60 acres of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, salt ponds, and mangroves. Tours, events, Interactive Visitors Center, 9:30am-4pm Thurs, Fri, & first Sat of the month. www.friendsstxeemp.org

Frederiksted Self-Tour 15 attractions, Pg 58.

Ridge to Reef Farm – 340-473-1557

Grab a watercolor map for a Selfie Tour of this Certified Organic farm, Mon-Wed & FriSat, 10am-4pm. Group and students rates. Volunteer programs, farm stays, and Bush Skills. www.ridge2reef.org

St. George Village Botanical Garden –340-692-2874 Established in 1972. 16 acres, 1500 native & exotic species. Restored buildings & ruins of a 19th century Danish sugar cane plantation. Open daily, 9am-3pm; self-guided tours, Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm. Nursery open 1st Sat for plant sales, 9am-Noon, Store, 10am-2pm daily. www.thegardenstcroix.org

Sweeny’s St. Croix Safari Tours –340-773-6700, Evenings, 340-773-9561

Cool and comfortable, open-air Safari bus to major attractions. Narrated. Mon–Fri, 10am –3:45pm, departs Christiansted Taxi Stand, King Street, opposite Government House.

The Nature Conservancy – 340-718-5575

Tour the Coral Innovation Hub, one of 3 in the Caribbean, Tues, 2pm. Estate Little Princess.

Whim Museum – 340-772-0598

Guided Museum tours available, Wed & Sat, 10:15 & 11:15am. Centerline Rosd, Frederiksted

Distilleries

Artisan Craft Distillery – 340-725-6701

Corn whiskey fermented, distilled, and bottled on St. Croix. Free tours and tastings. Open Mon-Fri, 3-6pm, Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm. Hospital Street, just East of Christiansted.

Captain Morgan Distillery & Experience Center – 340-713-5654 Call for a Rum Tour & Tasting! Gift Shop open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm www.captainmorganvisitorcenter.com

NARRATED TOUR

Full Restaurant + Bar Air Conditioning Distillery View Free Tours Monday-Friday 11:30am-7:30pm Saturday Brunch 10am-2pm Tuesday Trivia Night 6pm Free Tours Every hour on the half hour 340.690.9322 4000 Sion Farm
Pt. Udall at sunrise. USVI Dept of Tourism
Mon-Fri, 10am – 3:45pm Departs Christiansted Taxi Stand, King Street, opposite Gov’t House
Botanical
Beer-Drinking
North Shore Scenic
Columbus Landing Call 340-773-6700, Evenings, 340-773-9561 sjtouss@gmail com • Ask about Custom Tours PHOTO: SUSAN WALL Call 340-773-6700, Evenings, 340-773-9561 sweenyjtoussaintjr@gmail.com • Ask about Custom Tours GARDEN AND GIFT SHOP OPEN DAILY!
P.M.
8 • August / September 2023
Gardens Lunch in Frederiksted
Pigs
Drive
9 A.M. TO 3
127 Estate St George, Frederiksted (340) 692-2874 www.thegardenstcroix.org TOURS

TRY LOCAL BREWS!

Cruzan Rum Distillery – 340-692-2280

They are busy making more rum while the Visitors Pavilion and Logo Store are temporarily closed and the factory Tours are on hold.

Leatherback Brewing Company VI — 340-772-BEER

Authentic VI Craft Beer, Brewery & Tasting Room. Brews & cans 4 styles a year with Lim ited Releases. Casual food, Island Life store, self-tours, indoor & outdoor bar. Roebuck Industrial Park, just West of the airport. Open 7 days, 11:30am- 8pm. www.leatherbackbrewing.com

Sion Farm Distillery & Restaurant, MUTINY Island Vodka - 340-690-9322

Caribbean’s first & finest Island Vodka handcrafted from breadfruit. Distilled & bottled on St. Croix. Craft cocktails, flight tastings, micro-batch releases, chef-created menu, free tours, AC. Open 11:30am-7:30pm, Happy Hour 4-5:55pm, Mon-Fri. Saturday Brunch, 10am-2pm. Iconic Island Dairies building, Sion Farm. www.sionfarmdistillery.com, facebook

August / September 2023 • 9

Shop Duty-Free! Shop Duty-Free!

LOCAL MARKETPLACE!

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will allow visitors to the USVI to enter the US with up to $1600.00 per person of duty-free purchases.

JOINT DECLARATION

This is a Customs Declaration that can be made by family members who live in the same household and return to the United States together. These travelers can combine their purchases to take advantage of a combined flat duty rate, no matter which family member owns a given item. The combined value of merchandise subject to a Flat Duty Rate for a family of four traveling together would be $4,000. Purchase totals must be rounded to the nearest dollar amount.

ALCOHOL

If you are at least 21 years old, you may also take up to five liters of alcohol duty-free as part of your $1,600 exemption, as long as at least four liters were purchased in the USVI, and at least one of them is a product of the USVI, like Cruzan Rum. Liquor boxes are free to check aboard your return flight.

TOBACCO

Returning resident travelers may import tobacco products only in quantities not exceeding the amounts specified in the personal exemptions for which the traveler qualifies.

See below for up-to-date specifics on Customs Duty information concerning Rates, Duty-Free Shop articles, and Mailing and Shipping Goods.

(877) 287-8667

ib designs. feel good jewelry created with love on St. Croix. Sharimar Cruz
MORE US Customs & Border Protection www.cbp.gov •
$ 1600.00 DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE! For US citizens, this is DOUBLE the $800.00 limit from other islands! 10 • August / September 2023
LEARN

CHRISTIANSTED BOARDWALK

SUBLIME STX Sun-Protective Clothing

Text 941-527-2249

Made on St. Croix, our clothing images of animals, fish, coral, birds, turtles, waves, and more are digitized from licensed original paintings! Lightweight and perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, diving in UPF50+ moisture-wicking fabric Love your skin! Everything is Sublimation Dyed, so images never fade or wear off. We have a great selection of long and short sleeve shirts in men, women, youth and toddler styles plus dresses, sarongs, and buffs. Also come for Pura Veda reef-friendly organic sun block and after sun products, sunglasses. Locally-crafted jewelry, and sandals. Located in the Boardwalk Market next to The Mill, we’re open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm and Sun, 11am-5pm. Come on by! Sublimestx.com, facebook.

TRY IT, LOVE IT, BUY IT! Subline STX. Artful sun protection.
Shop Duty-Free!
Duty-Free! Protec t your skin & look good doing it! A ll sizes for Men, Women & Kids Loc ated at the “Boardwalk Market ” nex t to The Mill w w w.sublimeST X.com text 941.527.2249 UPF 50 + protec tive clothing blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays. Licensed original ar twork, made on St. Croix! 10% OFF Mention this Ad
Asha World Designs. Indian spinning rings.
Shop
Photo: Susan Wall
August / September 2023 • 11

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LOCAL, HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY A MUST!

COMPANY STREET

Asha World Designs – 340-690-6512

Climb the steps by Common Cents Pub and you will find The Asha Shop. British owner Sarajane sells Eclectic World Adornments and Attire gleaned from her extensive travels. Her signature clothing line is designed locally and hand made with pride in India, Thailand and Bali using hand-printed, natural fabrics with globally sourced fabulous prints. Complimenting the ASHA collection you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique jewelry designs, accessories and capsule clothing lines from international independent designers. Across the street, under the pink and gold sign, you’ll come upon Asha Bazaar, A House of Global Finds. Our newest shop carries a selection of exquisite jewelry, bags, objects, candles, gifts, art, robes and home goods. We’ll look forward to welcoming you through our doors! www.ashaworlddesigns.com

Cultured Naturals Body Care & Home Scents – 340-626-8232

We’re a Green Beauty & Wellness Company based in Christiansted, St. Croix. Marrying Nature with Science, owner and nurse Ramone Reid creates clean, care products for Face, Body, Hair, & Home all boasting tropical and aromatherapeutic benefits. All their raw ingredients are sourced from small farmers or by wild-harvesting amazing ingredients such as Ylang Ylang, Lemongrass, Soursop, and Noni. At our Company Street store, we offer Candle Making classes for groups, couples, or special occasions. Open Mon – Fri, 10am – 4 pm . Selection of our products can be found at Jackies Beauty Supply, Sunny Isle Shopping Center. www.culturednaturalsbodycare.com

EBBE’S STORE – 340-773-3020

Approaching their 53rd Anniversary, opened by her parents in 1969, Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd swings open the shutters of EBBE’S STORE five days a week to welcome you in. The early-style, open-air storefront still remains today and inside you will find “a little bit of this, a little bit of that, a little bit of this and that.” Madras fab-

Oceanique Creations. Turquoise puree marble necklace. Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry. Dripping in Hooks. sonyaltdstore.com | @sonya.ltd
# 5 5 C O M P A N Y S T R E E T C H R I S T I A N S T E D ( U P S T A I R S ) ( 3 4 0 ) 2 4 4 - 3 1 1 0 F A N T A S E A J E W E L R Y C O M Studio & Gallery Handmade Gemstone & Island-Inspired Jewelry | Caribbean Larimar | Local Fine Art www culturednaturalsbodycare com 55 Company Street, C’std • 340 - 626 - 8232 Cultured Naturals BC Cultured Naturals Body Care Cultured Naturals Cultured Naturals Body Care EBBE’S STORE ~Est. 1969~ EBBE’S STORE ~Est. 1969~ On the Corner Where King Cross Meets Company ~Est. 1969~ 4 King Cross Street Christiansted - 340-773-3020 EbbesStoreInfo@gmail.com Diego Conde
“A
Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That”
12 • August / September 2023

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ALL IN A DAY’S FUN!

FantaSea designs reflect the movement of the ocean and energy of island life. The FantaSea Jewelry Studio has a new home on Company Street! Now located upstairs, next to Cultured Naturals and From the Gecko boutique. Our art gallery space showcases local art, featuring the paintings and prints of Maria Henle, the photographs of St. Croix’s premier photographer Fritz Henle, and the photography of Tina Henle. Visit fantaseajewelry.com for more and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

ib designs – 773-4322 (say

“eye-bee”)

An island favorite in historic Christiansted, this gallery is home to the distinctive designs of local artist/ metalsmith, Whealan Massicott. Whealan has been crafting for over 25 years and is fortunate to have a fabulous team of artisans join him in creating magical jewelry. Being a musician at heart allows life’s movements, patterns, and rhythms to play out in his raw, organic designs. Ib designs Feel Good Jewelry is a salute to the simplicity of life and to the inspiration of creativity. Truly artful, truly unique, truly Caribbean! Feel Good Jewelry for Feel Good People. Stop in to say hi to Whealan, Kris, and the rest of the ib family. Find us on Facebook. www.islandboydesigns.com.

ric in dozens of patterns, school plaids and solids, clear and printed plastictable coverings, craft and notion supplies, infant and children’s clothing, men’s and women’s accessories, local books, towels, fans, beautiful ribbon and lace, and gifts, just to name a few! Located on the corner of King Cross and Company Street, open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sat, 11:30am – 5:30pm. Closed Wed and Sun. Facebook.

FantaSea Jewelry Studio & Gallery340-244-3110

Locally made gemstone and island inspired jewelry, created on site by designer, Nicole Gariepy. Nicole has been making jewelry on St. Croix for over 20 years. Specializing in unique gemstones, Caribbean larimar, and precious metals,

Fanta Sea Jewelry. Gemstone stack rings in all your favorite jewel tones. Hotheads. Sundressing made easy.
ART STUDIO & BOUTIQ UE Mon - Fri 10 - 6 • Sat 10 -7 6 Company Street | 340- 473-1104 by Maria Banwar ee
August / September 2023 • 13

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COMPANY STREET cont...

ROUGE Duty Free

Orange Grove – 340-773-0054

Company Street – 340-718-0054

ROUGE Duty Free, the luxury Beauty and Fragrance house with Mont Blanc and Furla Italy, at Orange Grove Shopping Center, is excited to announce its second store, a Flagship Store, in the heart of the Historic District on Company Street, and in a charming, storied building in downtown Christiansted. The new store has the largest selection of beauty, skincare and makeup, a luxury designer sunglasses corner, Furla Italian leather handbags, Mont Blanc and fashion jewelry and watches, as well as a Liquor and Wine corner. The new ROUGE location, which is one-of-akind in the Caribbean, now hosts a new Café in the courtyard and a luxury Airbnb on the second level.

SONYA’S Fine Island Jewelry – 340-778-8605

Baci Duty Free. A family tradition since 1912—Arturo Fuente Cigars, an exclusive for 19 years! The largest walk-in cigar humidor in the VI with top-selling brands.

MON - SAT, 10A M - 6PM

QUEEN CROSS & STRAND ST, CHRISTIANSTED

340-773-5040 - 340-332-4449

bacidutyfree.com

Hook up with the Original—Sonya’s St. Croix Hook. Located at #1 Company Street since 1964, an introduction to the hand-wrought jewelry at Sonya’s begins with the pleasantly inexpensive hook bracelet which is often imitated, never duplicated. Our designs include: hurricanes, hearts, flowers, sea life, breast cancer awareness, and so much more. All creations are crafted in sterling silver, 14 & 18 karat gold—bracelets, rings, earrings, and pendants. Our loyal customers continue to vote our jewelry #1 in the Virgin Islands. Visit us at www.sonyaltd.com. Toll-free: 877-766-9284.

UNIQUE by Maria Banwaree – 340-473-1104

This a boutique that offers fashion and beauty products, like women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, and perfume, with particular quality characteristics, from name brands, local designers and artists, and our own creations. In the Art Studio, we bring that sense of authenticity to each piece we make, and to each child we teach, because we believe that everyone is unique on their own and that we can all create something amazing out of anything. As part of our after-school program, we offer Art & Craft classes and homework space and help. For adults, there’s Sip and Paint classes. Private Parties are available for adults and kids as well as Spanish classes! We invite you to visit us and join a class. Open Mon-Fri, 10-6, Sat, 10-7. Company Street. IG, Facebook

BUY LOCAL!
STATE-OF-THE-ART WALK-IN CEDAR HUMIDOR
largest selection of cigars in the vI!
14 • August / September 2023

Shop Duty-Free! Shop Duty-Free!

WHAT’S IN STORES!

KINGS ALLEY

Chaney Chicks & Island Gifts –305-896-3135

We’re he friendliest gift shop on the island with the life-size Mocko Jumbie out front! We specialize in gifts from the US Virgin Islands, primarily handmade on St Croix like Pirate Mike’s Local Hot Sauce, jams, soaps, local books, Waldemar Broadhurst Wire Art and more! We wire wrap found sea glass and Chaney into beautiful jewelry. Found your own while on island? Bring in your sea glass and Chaney treasures to have custom pendants made for $20. We offer one-of-a-kind locally made pendants, earrings, and bracelets of sea glass and Chaney. Established in 2015 and featured on HGTV. Kings Alley, off the Christiansted Boardwalk. Open MonSat, 10am-5pm.

Oceanique Creations – 321-438-3012

Wear the ocean! Oceanique Creations specializes in local hand-made gifts and island jewelry featuring sea glass and Chaney. Check out Oceanique Creations for that perfect keepsake and take home a part of St. Croix. If you find your own sea glass Featuredon!

Friendliest

Men’s & Women’s Designer

FRAGRANCES

COSMETICS

SKINCARE HANDBAGS

TOTES

JEWELRY ACCESSORIES

Elizabeth

Jimmy

Miyake

Mugler

Nina

Chaney Chicks Island Gifts. A personal pendant from a’ found’ treasure!
King’s Alley Entrance, King Street | 340-713-4455 | Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Mailing List In-Store Signup
Belle Sorelle Beauty Bar. Kipling Seoul XL 17” Laptop Backpack. Azzaro - Bvlgari - Boucheron Caroline Herrera - Coach Dolce & Gabana Arden - Guerlain Jean Paul Gautier Choo - Juicy Couture - Mont Blanc - Narciso Rodriguez Ricci Paco Rabanne - Versace
“Be impossible to f orget.”
One-of-aKind& Locally-MadeSeaGlass &ChaneyJewelry
• Earrings Bracelets PirateMike’s LocalHotSauce Jams • Soaps LocalBooks
WireArt
&Chaneytreasurestohave yourpendantsmadefor$20.
(4 23)943-54 30
Pendants
WaldemarBrodhurst
BringinyourfoundSeaGlass
KingsAlley,offtheChristianstedBoardwalk Mon-Sat,10am-5pm
giftshopon St.Croix August / September 2023 • 15

Women’s Work, Play, Dinner to Wedding Fashions!

Lots of Linen!

Jewelr y ~ S andals

Bags ~Totes

Hats S arongs

M-TH 10am-5pm

F-SAT 10am-5:30pm

Strand Street, Christiansted 340 719-5633

Best Summer Reads!

From James McBride, author of the bestselling Oprah’s Book Club pick Deacon King Kongand the National Book Award-winning The Good Lord Bird, a novel about small-town secrets and the people who keep them.

Versailles, 1912. At the height of an intoxicating Paris summer, a mysterious American millionaire attends a sumptuous costume ball with his bride, on whom he has bestowed the legendary Phoenix Crown—a priceless relic of Beijing’s fallen Summer Palace—and one quest for justice that spans two continents and six years.

From Jesmyn Ward—the two-time National Book Award winner, youngest winner of the Library of Congress Prize for Fiction, and MacArthur Fellow— comes a haunting masterpiece, sure to be an instant classic, about an enslaved girl in the years before the Civil War.

The long-awaited sequel to A Column of Fire, The Armor of Light, heralds a new dawn for Kingsbridge, England, where progress clashes with tradition, class struggles push into every part of society, and war in Europe engulfs the entire continent and beyond.

#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham delivers high-flying international suspense in a stunning new legal thriller that marks the return of Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero of The Firm.

FOUND ON ST. CROIX! Shop Duty-Free! Shop Duty-Free!
Tropical Bracelet. Wear the Wave in silver with inlaid blue Opal.
4 Company St., Christiansted un Hats, Swimsuits & Dresses Document1 1/26/07 10:18 AM Page 1 Tropical print Sundresses & Shirts Swimsuits and Sunglasses Sunhats St. Croix Tee Shirts Wooden Toys 1110 Strand Street, Christiansted 1110 Strand Street, Christiansted 340-773-5551 Just Steps from the Gov’t Parking Lot!
Susan Wall Joyia Inspirational Jewelry. VI Love Cord Bracelet.
Undercover Books & Gifts Gallows Bay | 340-719-1567 16 • August / September 2023

KINGS ALLEY cont...

or Chaney treasure, we can also design a special piece just for you! We also carry locally-made jewelry, hot sauce, art, soaps, candles, glassware and so much more—perfect options at an affordable price! Come in as guests and leave as friends! Located in King’s Alley just off Strand Street in Christiansted. Open Monday - Saturday 105pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

KING STREET

Belle Sorelle Beauty Bar – 340-713-4455

Shop imported designer fragrances and cosmetics from Bvlgari, Guerlain, Boucheron, Dolce & Gabanna, Caroline Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Jean Paul Gautier, Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, Nina Ricci, Elizabeth Arden, Elizabeth Taylor, Juicy Couture, Azzaro, Mugler, Mont Blanc, Jimmy Choo, Coach and Versace. Also look for designer handbags, totes, jewelry and accessories. Located at the entrance to Kings Alley on King Street, across from Government House. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm. Facebook.

QUEEN CROSS STREET

Baci Duty Free – 340-773-5040

On the corner of Queen Cross and Strand Street, Baci has been here to serve you for the past 26 years! See our large assortment of local hand-made island hook bracelets in silver, gold and black/gold/silver Titanium. Try on St.

Croix’s most-wanted designer USA hand-made stacking bracelet by Vahan in silver and gold with diamonds and other gem stones. Chaney, Larimar, Lafonn, St. Croix beads for Pandora, Atocha ship wreck and Greek, Roman coin jewelry. South Sea Pearl necklaces. Designer sunglasses from Gucci, Kate Spade, and many more. Polarized sport sunglasses from Costa, Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray-Ban, and Salt Life. Swiss watches from Alpina, Frederick Constant, Luminox, Mido, Swiss Army, and Tissot. Japanese-made from Bering, Casio, Citizen, Guess, Invicta, and Seiko. The largest walk-in cigar humidor in the VI with top-selling brands from Arturo Fuente, Padron, My Father, Monte Cristo, Macanudo and Cohiba. Largest selection of rums from around the world like Ron Zacapa. www.bacidutyfree.com

Hotheads – 340-773-7888

This trendy shop has swimwear for all shapes and sizes including hard-to-find separates, cup sizes, long torso, and attractive styles for full-figured women. We also carry colorful sarongs, cover-ups, bags, great accessories, casual and dressy clothing,

BUY LOCAL! Shop Duty-Free! Shop Duty-Free!
CMCA Gift Shop. Local art to wear, to read, and to use! Susan Wall
and craft center One of the largest manufacturers of fine jewelry in the USVI 340.719.0672 www.islandbracelets.com On the corner of Queen Cross and Strand Streets, Christiansted.
Joyia Inspirational Jewelry. Feel Joy, Share Joy. Kelly Greer
August / September 2023 • 17

QUEEN CROSS STREET, cont... and sandals. And…the reason for the name – hats, hats, and more hats! Visit our store on Queen Cross Street near Strand. Open Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm. Check new arrivals on Facebook.

JOYIA-Inspirational Jewelry –

340-713-4JOY (4569)

Artist and jeweler, Joyia Jones, invites you to visit her family-operated studio where we create handcrafted jewelry using silver, gold, and precious stones. Set your intention with our free engraving that allows you to customize your Joyia jewelry with an inspirational word, name or date. Check out our collection of one-of-a-kind antique spoon pendants, cuffs, and rings. Jump on the trend of mixing metals with our stackable rings and bangles and don’t forget to take a look at our unique square jewelry – we have square rings, bangles, and necklaces! Be inspired. Be creative. Be intentional. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram! Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Queen Cross Street www.joyiajewelry.com

Tropical Bracelet Factory Outlet –

340-719-0672

We are not only a store but an attraction not to be missed specializing in magnificent jewelry made on

the premises. See how your special piece is designed, created, and finished through our studio’s glass windows. View our extensive collection of stainless steel, copper, platinum, gold, and silver earrings, pendants, and rings. We have the largest selection of island bracelets, chaney, Larimar, conch, diamonds of all colors and sizes, certified ancient coins, natural pearls including the most unique of them all— “The Queen Conch Pearl.” Free rum samples from our extensive liquor collection available daily. Stop in for a rare cigar to commemorate your vacation. Known for our locally made crafts and collectables, take home a real souvenir made right here on St. Croix. Open Monday – Saturday, 10-6pm.

STRAND STREET

Crucian Gold- 340-244-2996

FEEL THE LOVE and discover how Crucian Gold’s original designs are inspired by St. Croix’s natural beauty and culture. Visit our Christiansted store where Nathan Bishop and our family of jewelers create the Island Bracelets, Chaney Collection, and a wide array of stunning original silver and gold artisan jewelry and gifts. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, FB & IG, www.cruciangold.com

Purple Papaya – 340-713-9412

Nested in St. Croix’s historic Christiansted, and embedded in the hearts and minds of everyone who has entered through its doors, is the Purple Papaya Souvenir and Gift Shop. The store is loaded with a full line of souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks, the largest selection of embroidered tee shirts and sweatshirts, Hawaiian shirts and dresses, sun tan lotions, sunglasses, towels, hats & caps, batteries, and quality beach/swimwear for the entire family. So, if you are looking for excellent customer service, and quality merchandise, come on in. It’s the island’s number one spot for all your Duty Free shopping, and vacation needs. It’s where you always get more for Le$$!

RJS Handmade Designs – 340-642-3291

Expect the best from Jeweler, Rosa Asencio! For over 18 years, her unique, handmade gold and silver jewelry has received the highest level of customer satisfaction. In addition to forging, hammering, texturizing and soldering, Rosa uses the solids, clear and printed plastic table coverings, craft and notion supplies, infant and children’s Lost Wax Casting Method – an ancient process dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Although demanding, it rewards the artisan with an object of great individuality. Visit the store to see the complete collections, inspired by the islands beauty and culture. “something is bound to catch your eye!” Strand Street in Christiansted.

www.rjshandmadedesigns.com; FB, IG

SHOP TIME, TAKE TIME! Shop Duty-Free!
Duty-Free! F inest Gift Shop in the V irgin Islands Pan Am Pavi l ion, Strand Street C hristiansted • (340) 713-9412 For al l your vacation needs! Men • Women • C hi ldren T-shirts • Hawai ian shirts Sun dresses • Swim suits Embroidered clothing Sandals • Sun Lotion Towels • Souvenirs Sweatshirts G A L LO W S B AY 3 40 513 -3195 ( 3 4 0 ) 6 4 2 - 3 2 9 1 1 1 0 4 St ra n d St . C h r i s t i a n s t e d w w w. r j s h a n d m a d e d e s i g n s . co m
Shop
Enso Indigo Home. Colorful Batiks to wear and use!
18 • August / September 2023

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FRESH TAKES!

Small Wonder – 340-773-5551

A delightful children’s store filled with a large selection of swimsuits, sunhats, sunglasses, St. Croix tee shirts, sundresses & shirts in tropical prints—cool, 100% cotton & linen clothing for boys & girls in sizes from Newborn to Pre-teen. Also find sturdy wooden educational toys, doll houses, rocking horses & train sets by Plan & Brio. Special items include sterling silver feeding spoons, ceramic piggy banks, adorable stuffed animals, dolls & doll furniture, children’s tables & chairs, baby & children’s accessories, plus yearround holiday & event costumes. Layaway & Baby Shower Registry available. Located just steps from the Government Parking lot at 1110 Strand Street.

Trends! - 340-719-5633

This boutique has had three transformations—first Fashion Cove in 1983, then Avant Garde, and now Trends! owned by Lisa Bhola. Here you’ll find everything a woman could want, head to toe, for any occasion. Peruse through brands like Tribal Sportswear, Charlie B from Canada, Habitat Zen Knits, Bali Batik and Pineapple, and John Michael Richardson handmade jewelry. Great linen selection! If you’re looking for that special accessory, they’ve got the sandals, leather and vegan bags, hats, and sarongs to fit the bill. Strand Street near King Cross, open Mon – Thurs, 10am – 5pm, Sat, 10am – 5:30. FB, trendsboutiquevi, IG, trends.boutique_stx

FREDERIKSTED

CMCA Gift Shop – 340-772-2622

Local Art & Crafts at your fingertips—Annual “Island Art & Soul” Calendars (buy online), Books, Cloth and Carved Bowls, Greeting Cards, Home Accessories, Jewelry, Dolls, Glass, Beaded, and Shell Ornaments, Paintings, Pottery, Prints, Tee Shirts, Tiles, Wall Hangings, and Wire Sculptures. Inventory changes regularly so check us out often! Visit the new Gift Shop at Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, housed in an 18th-century Danish townhouse on the Waterfront, Strand Street, Frederiksted. Open Tuesday – Saturday,

9am – 4pm and “Cruise Ship Days.” www.cmcarts.org. Like us on Facebook!

GALLOWS BAY

Enso Indigo Home – 340-513-3195

Back in the late 70s, 80s, and early 90s, islanders and visitors devoured Java Wraps sarongs, clothes, and takeout decor. Even if this is not a fond memory for you, you’re in for a treat as Twila Wilson and Kobie Nichols reincarnate this popular vibe into an all-encompassing home store. They’ve found a way to bring back those incredible textiles, create new designs, and mix it all with new-found objects. The name Enso says it all for them as a sacred Zen Buddha symbol representing strength and elegance and the manifestation of the artist at the moment of creation. This store will, no doubt, evolve into something very special for St. Croix. Located in Gallows Bay, in the orange Arawak building, with front and back entrances. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat, 10am-4:30pm.

Undercover Books – 340-719-1567

If you are looking for an independent bookstore in St. Croix, Undercover Books & Gifts in Gallows Bay is it. The Bistro is located right next door, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee after browsing the shelves. Undercover has everything you need in a bookstore. You will find the latest in fiction, and non-fiction as well as a fantastic children’s section. Don’t be surprised if you run into one or two local writers while you’re there; they have a great local interest selection and provide a comprehensive representation of the local talent. Open Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm, Sat, 10 am –4:30 pm. www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com

Maison Rouge. Affordable Luxury Shopping, Dining, and Lodging. Company Street, Christiansted. (340) 718-0054. Purple Papaya. Largest selection of ladies and men’s swimwear.
August / September 2023 • 19

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AROUND THE ISLAND

The Hunt – 340-277-1846

This consignment store on St. Croix overflowing with a refreshing and always-changing mix of all styles of furniture, lamps, wall art, and decorative pieces. Come on out, search the floor, shelves, baskets, and crates — you may discover a unique rarity or something you weren’t even looking for! You can’t resist this stuff, it’s all fascinating collectibles that you never knew you wanted! At the corner of Northshore and Midland Roads, pull into the parking lot at the orange buildings, two of them, chock full for you. Text Pamela for more info.

Plaza Extra East – 340-778-6240

Great Price. Right Value. With great low prices, Plaza Extra East features thousands of your favorite grocery store brands as well as foreign specialty foods, bulk packaged items, a full service bakery, deli, and prime meat counter. Plaza offers a large produce section featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, including locally grown items. In addition to a wide selection of wine and spirits, Plaza Extra East is also home to Doctors Choice Pharmacy. Conveniently located in Peter’s Rest, Plaza Extra East is your one stop, shopping destination for all your grocery, home, and personal care needs. www.plazaextraeast.com

The St. George Village Botanical Garden Museum Store – 340-692-2874

Remember your trip to the St. George Village Botanical Garden and St. Croix with a Caribbean-themed gift from the Garden’s Museum Store! We carry a unique collection of handmade and locally-sourced items, carefully curated by Store Manager, Nicole Chin, and her talented staff. The Shop features books by local authors, salves and botanicals made with island-grown ingredients, and botanically-themed jewelry. Sample a taste of the island with Peachey’s delicious pastries and rum cake, and locally-brewed and bottled Bush Tea. Or, just drop by and enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee and a pastry in our NEW Picnic Pavilion! The Garden and Museum Store are open EVERY DAY, 9 am to 3 pm. www.thegardenstcroix.org

Sweet Lime Furnishings – 340-719-6360

Want that WOW factor in your home or condo? Sweet Lime Furnishings, on Constitution Hill, can help you get it, with indoor furniture made from teak, mahogany and other durable hardwoods; outdoor furniture in elegant unfinished teak, man-made wicker over aluminum frames or durable plastic lumber with a 20-year warranty; comfy sofas and chairs in washable or Sunbrella fabrics; exotic, one-of-a-kind pieces and the work of some of St. Croix’s best-known artists. Our inventory is huge, and we’re adding to it all the time! We’re also happy to special order. Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm. www.sweetlimefurnishings.com, Facebook

TIMELESS HANDCRAFTED DESIGNS!
Shop Duty-Free!
Undercover Books & Gifts Undercover Books & Gifts Gallows Bay, St. Croix Phone: 719-1567 2010.indd 1 10/28/09 2:41:24 PM Phone: 340-719-1567 INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE, ART, ACCESSORIES
Crucian Gold. Handcrafted artisan bracelets.
6F Constitution Hill, St. Croix, USVI 340-719-6360 sweetlimefurnishings.com
20 • June / July 2023
Botanical Garden Gift Shop. Michael Crumpton’s laser art.

TELL ME WHERE TO SHOP!

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22 • June / July 2023
Easy Shopping Guide
IT HERE!

Artisan Craft Distilling Co – 340-725-6701

We take great pride in fermenting, distilling, and bottling right on the premises using locally-sourced cor n for our signature White Lightning M oonshine, and local fruits in small batch special fermentations like Pomegranate, Coffee, Apple Pie, and Coconut Chocolate flavors. Look for NEW

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink CHRISTIANSTED

flavors every month like Black Current, and Sorrel coming up! Stop by for a free Tasting Monday-Friday, 3-6pm and Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Located on Hospita l Street (Rt. 75) just East of Christiansted before the By-Pass—look for the large Copper Still! Gift Shop towels, tees, shot glasses, flasks and more!

BREW STX – 340-719-6339

BREWSTX is St. Croix’s only restaurant and microbrewery located on the beautiful Christiansted boardwalk. The two-level waterfront venue provides spectacular views perfect for dinin g in or for private parties. The menu features local seafood entrees, steak dinners, delicious appetizers, and a variety of handhelds. Enjoy any meal with one of our house-crafted brews on tap! (Full bar available). Open Monday - Saturday, 11am – 10pm, Sunday, 11am – 9pm. www.brewstx.com, FB

Chupacabra Tacos – 340-713-TACOS (8226)

Chupacabra Tacos is a hole in the wall taqueria serving a variety of tacos that are plated on soft, hand-crafted corn tortillas. We are committed to

cooking from scratch, with only the freshest ingredients. Seafood is our specialty and Frozen Drinks are our passion. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat and a frozen Margarita or a filling meal, we’ve got you covered! Come stop by! We’re in Pan Am Pavilion between Strand Street & the Boardwalk. Tues-Sat, 11am-7pm. www.chupacabratacosVI.com, Facebook.

Coco Loco Bar & Grill – 340-690-5626

A vibr ant Spanish Tapas-inspired restaurant in the heart of Christiansted at Kings Alley, between King Street and the boardwalk. Tapas, in select bars in Spain, have evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. Here guests can order a wide variety of different tapas and combine them in such a way to make a full meal. We combine Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, and Peruvian cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Try Maduros, Ceviche, Calamare, Chicharron, Empanads, Pinchos, Paella, or a Cubano sandwich. Our menu, service, settings and atmosphere are for families and friends to experience great food and engage in wonderful conversation. Enjoy and relax, it doesn’t get better than this...Open for dinner Wed-Thurs, 5-10pm, Fri-Sun, 5-11pm. Call ahead for TakeOut. Menu on website. FB & IG. www.cocolocostx.com

The Courtyard - 340-773-7728

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Wed- Sun: 9am-3pm & 6 -9pm, till 11pm, Sat King’s Alley, Christiansted, o the boardwalk

Right across the street from Government House on King Street, you’ll find the hidden oasis called The Courtyard. Known for its locallysourced, organic cold press juices, and fresh fruit smoothies, they now offer soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche along with Vegan and glutenfree options! Sip a cup of coffee, relax, and take a peek at our latest ‘artist-of-the-month’ works on display. Most weekends, we offer Art, Yoga, or Wine and Food Workshops; schedule on our

Brew STX. BYO Bowls for lunch or dinner. Cruzian Bayou Bistro. Seafood Mac & Cheese.
Corn Whiskey Fermented, Distilled, & Bottled on St. Croix Free Tastings! Mon-Fri 3-6pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm or by appointment (3 4 0) 725 - 6701 Hospital Street East of Christiansted
Distillery CHUPACABRA TACOS NEW! Mexican StreetTacos Meat,Seafood,Veggie withHandmadeTortillas HouseChips–Salsa Tamales-Salads PanAmPavilion BetweenStrandSt &theBoardwalk Tues-Sat11am-7pm 340-713-TACOS(8226)www.ChupacabraTacosVI.com
Center, King Street, across from Government House Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm www.thecourtyardstx.com 340-773-7728 Yoga - Barre - Smoothies Juice - Breakfast - Lunch juices & fitness center
Courtyard
Artisan Cra
Kalima
The
2017.indd 1 1/6/17 11:50 AM
between Coco Loco & Brew STX
24 • August / September 2023

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

Luncheria — 340-773-4247

This restaurant is an institution on St. Croix - a taste of Mexico in Christiansted for 39 years! All the locals know owner, Lenny, and Louie, bartender on Thursday and Friday evenings, making the best Margaritas - your way! Enter through the big pillars and follow the Danish brick wall up to the bar for orderi ng. Enjoy all your favorites, at casual tables in a terraced, outdoor courtyard - Nachos, Salads, Quesadillas, Burritos, Enchiladas, Tacos and Tostadas. Enjoy “Two’fer Tuesday” with 2 Tacos for $5, and 2 Beers for $5. End then there’s “Thursday Night Tacos,” 2 Tacos for $3, dine in only. Located on Company Street in Apothecary Hall and open Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 9 pm, Thursday 11 am10 pm, closed Sundays.

Facebook page. Open Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm; give us a call for drive-thru or pick-up service! We’re available for private parties up to 50 people. www.thecoutyardstx.com, Facebook.

Cruzian Bayou Bistro – 813-495-3244

Welcome to Cruzian Bayou Bistro, a taste of New Orleans with an Island Flair, featuring the 2023 “Iron Bartender“ Mixologist Jibril Williams, serving cold refreshing drinks, spirits, invigorating mocktails, and a warm smile alongside Chef Christy Brown, 2022 “Taste of St Croix” Best Vegetarian & Voted 2022 Peoples Choice for Sejah Farms “Bush Cook/Chef Cook.” When searching for a luscious salad, bold flavored seafood, or sensationally-seasoned Cajun or refreshing beverages, come join us in a local oasis just off the boardwalk in Kings Alley. Creating flavorful combinations of the Caribbean and the bold tastes of New Orleans, at last food NOT fast food! Open Wed-Sun, 9am3pm & 6-9pm. Till 11pm, Sat.

Nate’s Boathouse – 340-692-6283

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch on our boardwalk patio or in our breezy, open-air restaurant overlooking beautiful Christiansted Harbor. Watch the local fishing boats deliver their daily catch of Wahoo, Tuna, or MahiMahi—we specialize in the fresh seafood brought to our dock every day. Creative dinner options incorporate an eclectic blend of world cuisines along with a unique, affordable wine list. Drink specials from the most complete bar on the island. Open 7 days, 8am – 9pm, ½ -Price Happy Hour, 4–6pm. FB, IG. www.stxboathouse.com

Roots-N-Kulchah Cafe - 340-513-8665

Cafe Roots-N-Kulchah is a fusion of cultures in which you are bound to taste your own Roots-NKulchah! Chef Kimba preps and cooks his Vegan plant-based cuisine the same day; all ice creams done the day before. The main dish changes every day except for Thursdays as it’s Pate Thursday. Dine in, Take Out, and Curbside Pickup are all options. Menu QR code is on the facebook page; order ahead! Along with being a certified vegan Chef, Kimba is an avid woodturner; his ‘for sale’ art pieces are on display at the restaurant. Located between The Bombay Club and the Lutheran Church on King Street, they’re open for Lunch & Dinner, Tues-Thurs, 11:30am-6pm, Fri, 11:30am-2pm & 6-10pm. FB, IG

SHUPE’S on the Boardwalk – 340-773-3400

Looking for something affordable and quick? Look no further! Shupe’s on the Boardwalk offers casual waterfront dining, featuring fresh, handground burgers, hand-cut fries, chicken wings, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream, and more. All meals served in an easytravel paper bag. Of course, a full bar at your

Open for Dinner & Takeout

Wed - Thurs 5- 10pm Fri - Sun 5- 11pm

Kings Alley, Christiansted

CHRISTIANSTED
Nates Boathouse. Huevos Rancheros for brunch! Coco Loco Bar & Grill. Tiny Shrimp Tacos.
(34 0) 69 0 - 5626 A Spanish Tapas-Inspired Restaurant Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, Peruvian Cuisine with a Caribbean Twist
- Fresh Sangria
Paella
August / September 2023 • 25

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

disposal as well! The best spot on the Boardwalk for burgers and beer! Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 9pm. FB, IG.

TLC Café – 340-713-1430

Stop on by for breakfast or lunch, and fresh breads made to order in a casual and relaxing atmosphere at umbrella-covered tables in a breezy courtyard. We specialize in fresh breads, but also bagels, muffins, soups, salads, burgers, steaks, wings, fries, and sandwiches! Our breads come in Sour Dough, Rum Raisin, Seven Grain, Jalepeno, Cheddar, Italian Herb, and Parmesan. Try our American Breakfast, super fresh Everything Bagel, Berrylicious Waffles, Rum Raisen French Toast, Build-Your-Own Sandwich, Italian Mafia Sandwich, or Juicy Mahi-Mahi Salad. Eat in or take out Tues-Sat, 8am-6pm, Sat, 9am-2pm. tlc-kitchen.business.site, facebook, IG

Z Café - 340-713-2233

Pentheny building; dating back over 200 years. Take your time, enjoy a glass of Prosecco, can of local beer or bush tea. Appreciate the history of a rich and diverse setting while enjoying Gyros, an artisan salad or a hot pressed short rib panini. Chef Jamey Hughson’s culinary diversity and technique are unmatched on St. Croix. The meals are freshly prepared with love and care, the ambiance is relaxed and tranquil, and there’s new friends and memories to be made. Offering a quick grab-n-go breakfast and/or a relaxed elegant lunch, hearty and meaty meals, vegan and vegetarian options plus plenty of sweets for your tooth. You won’t be disappointed dining with us or carrying away. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-2:30pm

CHRISTIANSTED
8am-9pm, 7 days a week 1/2 Price Happy Hour 4-6pm Daily Fresh Local Lobster Fish, Crab, Steaks, Vegan Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner On the Boardwalk, Christiansted www stxboathouse com 340-692-6283
340-773-3400 340-773-3400 340-719-6339 340-719-6339 MICROBREWERY & RESTAURANT MICROBREWERY & RESTAURANT kitchen hours: kitchen hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm sunday 11am-9pm sunday 11am-9pm the best late night spot on the best late night spot on the boardwalk! the boardwalk! kitchen Hours: kitchen Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm sunday 11am-9pm sunday 11am-9pm @shupesstx @shupesstx weekly events & Catering available events Catering @brewstx Luncheria. Signature Nachos. Susan Wall
Shupe’s on the Boardwalk. Brew STX’s Lime Lager.
26 • August / September 2023
Z Café. Salad Royal!

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

CHRISTIANSTED / GALLOWS BAY

GALLOWS BAY

Maria’s Cantina & Sports Bar – 340-713-0222

This Mexican Restaurant & Sports Bar (little M exico in Gallows Bay) is owned by Chef Maria Fonrouge—actually from Mexico! They will transport you there with authentic Mexican cuisine—something for everyone—meat lovers to vegan. Burritos and Tacos, made-to-order, are served as fast as you can say “Andale!” Specialvalue Kids Menu. Margaritas, Sangria, Micheladas, and Maria’s Signature Drinks made fresh daily. There are 14 TVs for our Sport Fans. Eat in AC or in the courtyard. Kitchen open Tuesday-Friday, 11am-9pm and Saturdays, Noon-9pm. Check facebook for menus and daily specials.

Seaside Market & Deli – 340-719-9393

Seaside Market & Deli is St. Croix’s only gourmet market! With a full-service bakery and deli, Seaside offers made-to-order sandwiches, fresh breads, deli meats, and a variety of sweet treats. Shop Seaside for a huge selection of wines, gourmet cheeses, specialty food items, and the freshest meat and seafood on

Bes t Mar gari ta s & S ignature Drinks!

Tuesday - Friday, 11am-9pm Saturday, Noon - 9pm

island. We feature a variety of convenient, readymade foods including a fresh soup and salad bar, and a buffet featuring hot entrees and sides plus a large selection of fresh produce, including local selections, and a coffee & juice bar featuring your favorite coffee drinks, fresh squeezed juices and smoothies. Seaside Market & Deli – Eat Fresh. Live Smart. Facebook

Eat Right… ink Right!

Roots-N-Kulchah Vegan Plant-Based Cuisines

Farm-to-Table Fine Dining

Lunch /Dinner, Tues -urs, 11:30 - 6pm Fri, 11:30 -2 & 6 -10pm | King Street, Christiansted 340 513- 8665 | rootsnkulchah@hotmail com

BREAKFAST | LUNCH

Mon-Fri, 9am-2:30pm Penthany Courtyard

46 King Street 340-713-2233

TLC Café & Bakery. Warm, fresh waffles. Roots-N-Kulchah Café. Vegan Saltfish Wrap
August / September 2023 • 27

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

EAST END

nights, The Mermaid hosts its Grill Night with music, beach games, and fire dancers; Tuesdays offer a Marketplace with local shopping, steel band and moko jumbies. The Terrace restaurant and The Martel Lounge offer additional options for dinner Wednesday-Sunday, as well as seasonal entertainment. Brunch is served on Sundays. Menus offer fresh and wild-caught fish and shrimp, prime meats, locally-sourced salads, pastas, and vegetarian dishes. There’s an extensive wine list and each restaurant features a children’s menu. Reservations are required for dinner. www.thebuccaneer.com

Duggan’s Reef — 340-773-9800

EAST END

The Buccaneer Restaurants – 340-712-2100

Minutes east of Christiansted, The Buccaneer celebrates its 75th year; family-owned and operated for three generations. Lunch is served beachfront daily at The Mermaid and seasonally at Beauregard’s on the Beach. On Monday

he FAR EAST

It’s easy to see why this beachfront restaurant, an informal, open-to-the-breeze spot overlooking Buck Island, has been a local favorite for more than 40 years—voted Best Seafood on St. Croix by readers of the Daily News! Start off with drinks or your choice from the wine list. We specialize in local lobster and fresh fish. Also enjoy pasta, filet mignon, and our choice of freshly prepared desserts. Reservations welcomed!

Dinner served 6 nights a week; closed Sundays and closed annually Sept 26-Oct 18.

Sea Terrace Restaurant & East End Bar340-249-0700

Our Sea Terrace restaurant, on the ocean level, in an open, airy, covered gallery, is open for lunch, Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm and Sun, 10am-3pm for All-You-Can-Eat Brunch. Our kitchen chefs create daily specials with locally-sourced ingredients along with seafood, American and international cuisine. The East End Bar offers casual dining under the stars from 3-9pm daily. Enjoy house-made pizzas, fresh sandwiches and salads while listening to live music. Our newest fine dining spot is The Far East Restaurant, Japanese-inspired steakhouse and sushi, open Thurs-Sat, 5-9pm. We can host your private event, birthday or wedding with our catering menus. Take a dip in the pool, with a daily pool pass for purchase. Call or use Open Table for reservations. www.grapetreebayhotel.com

The Terrace Breakfast Dai ly

Fine Dining & Enter tainment Wed -Sun

The Mermaid Beachfront Lunch Dai ly

Monday Gri ll Night with Fire Da ncers

Tuesday Marketplace with Moko Jumbies

Beauregard ’ s on the Beach Bar, Sushi & Specialty Dining

Reservations

neer.com
please, 340 712-2100 www.TheBucca
$10 Pool Passes • Happy Hour 3 - 5pm every day 340. 249 .0700 • www.grapetreebayhotel.com Open 11am - 3pm MON-SAT SUNDAY Brunch Buffet 10am - 3pm Open THURS - SAT 5:00pm - 9:00pm On our Sea Terrace Level L U N C H B R U N C H D I N N E R B E A C H S I D E P O O L S I D E T
RESTAU R AN T Pizzas, sandwiches, and salads Open 3pm - 9pm 7 nights a week! Live music weekly
28 • August / September 2023
The Mermaid at The Buccaneer. Lunch on the beach!

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

Taste of St. Croix. Open for dinner, Mon–Sat, 6-10pm. Nightly entertainment, 7-9pm. Daily Specials on facebook.

Six Nine Restaurant & Bar - 340-772-6969

FREDERIKSTED

Beach Side Cafe – 340-772-1266

The Beach Side Café at Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel in Frederiksted offers fresh catch seafood specials, American and local dishes with tropically-inspired cocktails and mocktails hand-crafted from local juices, along with our house-made desserts on the island’s best beach for fun-in-the-sun and spectacular sunsets. Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11am - 3pm, brunch 10am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday, and dinner daily from 4:30 - 8:30pm. Visit Sand Castle on the Beach and the Beach Side Cafe for everything you’ll need to enjoy a true St. Croix experience.

Ciboné Fine Seafood – 340-719-2663

An exciting, intimate dining experience in Frederiksted’s historic Limetree Court, King Street. Their menu of “eclectic, French, Mediterranean, Crucian Fusion” includes wild-caught seafood and the use of local, farm-fresh ingredients. Entrée Award Winner,

Welcome to Six Nine, Frederiksted’s newest, revitalized restaurant, in the former Pier 69 location! Nestled in the romantic waterfront courtyard in frontmof Frederiksted P ier, we offer an elegant, outdoor/indoor dining experience and comfortable, fun bar seating! For dinner, enjoy hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, pastas and desserts, daily specials including lobster when available, a daily bar menu, oyster happy hour, an extensive wine list, signature cocktails and an excellent rum and scotch selection. Lunch is more casual, offering sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos and more! Brunch includes traditional items and creative savory dishes, and bottomless mimosas made with fresh, local juices! Dinner, Monday-Sunday, 5:309pm, Saturday and Sunday Brunch, 10a,-2pm. Follow us on facebook @sixninestx or onlineat sixninestx.com. Reservations recommended! Call to book or on OpenTable.

Stop & Shop Supermarket – 340-692-2771

Fresh, Full-Service Deli! Fresh Produce! Meats!

Wine & Spirits! We also have all your favorite ice creams! See us for your extended stays on your boat, at your hotel, BNB or just picnics. New brands, organic foods, premium products.

Weekly Specials and Fresh-Daily Take-Out Menus

Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch and Spec tacular Sunsets

fine seafood 340-719-2663

Strand Street, across from the pier above molly’s, thru alley, up steps Open Daily Mon-FRI, 11am-12am Sat-Sun, 3PM-12am 340-773-5227 | TapDeckSTX.com

FREDERIKSTED
Sea Terrace at Grapetree Bay Hotel. Escolar Tataki App. Tap Deck Bar & Billiards. Drink with a view!
Daily Specials Draft Beer Great Wine Craft Cocktails Upscale Pub Fare Waterfront Outdoor & indoor Seating August / September 2023 • 29

FREDERIKSTED Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

Tap Deck Bar & Billiards - 340-773-5227

on facebook. Located on Centerline Road in Hannah’s Rest, near Sandy Point and Frederiksted beaches. Open 6am – 9pm EVERY DAY! Shop More For Less

Located on the waterfront in front of the Frederiksted Pier, enjoy an upscale pub fare, daily chef specials, draft beer, great wine, and extensive cocktails. We offer inside air-con¬ ditioned seating, and outdoor balcony seating with a view of the Pier and amazing West End sunsets. Come for poke, flatbreads, salads, sliders, or our famous Spinach-Artichoke Dip, and stay for the inviting atmosphere and pro¬f essional, fun bartenders. Daily events include Monday Trivia, Tues Karaoke,, Wednesday Sushi/Poke Bowl Night, Thursday Bingo, Friday, Award-Winning Stir-Friday, Sat Mexican Night and NFL and other sports on Sundays! Entrance on the 2nd floor, through the Six-Nine courtyard in front of the Pier! Open Mon-Fri 11am-12am, Sat-Sun 3pm-12am.

THE COURTYARD JUICES & FITNESS CENTER

Jordan Stevens and Shane Kuhlmann moved to St Croix from Austin, Texas in 2013 and opened The Courtyard in September 2015. They wanted to open a Fitness Studio and Juice Bar that welcomed everyone from all walks of life. Like many others, Shane struggled with weight, health, and anxiety issues and he wanted to create a safe and welcoming space for folks like him that wanted a community to grow with!

On the Juice Bar menu are organic cold press juices and smoothies, as well as açai bowls, salads, baked goods, and sandwiches. They put an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Shane and Jordan are proud to be offering RAW options on St. Croix and creating delicious, healthy alternatives to some of those not-so-healthy favorites! You will also find specialty coffees, frappes, wines by the glass or bottle, and beers. Visit the website for menu and online ordering options.

The Courtyard is currently undergoing a refresh both physically and mentally. They have undergone a facelift with new relaxing furniture, a new coat of paint, and even new signs. They are expanding the menu with new items including Sangria, breakfast wraps, and gluten-free desserts.

To offer a wider range of classes, they have changed up the studio lineup of fitness classes adding new instructors who share the same passion and similar goals. The Courtyard is excited to bring back special community-based classes and ramp up efforts to raise awareness and funds for non-profit groups that give back to the community as a whole.

THE COURTYARD | 340-773-7728

OPEN MON-FRI, 8AM-6PM

KALIMA CENTER, KING STREET WWW.THECOURTYARDSTX.COM

Beach Side Café at Sand Castle. Pistachio Passion! Lemon butter blackened Salmon.
30 • August / September 2023
Fun, relaxing dining room.

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

NORTHSHORE / MID-ISLAND

casual breakfast sandwiches, featuring local produce from our farmers market on island, and lunch — a Caribbean Continental Cuisine that would make your taste buds sing. Along with our chowder, a taste of New England in the heart of Christiansted, there’s an electric blend of world cuisines. Of course, we do catering for all occasions, pour local drinks, and more. Located inside Thomas Bakery near Sunny Isle. Open Mon-Fri, 6:30am-10:30am for breakfast, and 11am-4pm for lunch. Menu on FB, Chef Ozzie Catering.

El Flamboyant – 340-779-3285

NORTH SHORE

The Landing Beach Bar @ Cane Bay –340-718-0362

Leatherback Landing has arrived in Cane Bay! With a focus on promoting exceptional local beer while embracing and celebrating the community, the restaurant boasts a rotating selection of fresh Leatherback Brewing beers on tap and in cans along with classic island cocktails. The food menu features many favorites along with local specials made with quality ingredients sourced from farmers, bakers, and fishermen located right here on the island. Happy Hour runs from 4pm-6pm daily, and brunch, which starts at 10am every Sunday, is a must. Reservations and large parties are welcome. Cane Bay is a day-trip destination where you can bring the whole family. Pull up a seat, grab a drink, and take in the natural beauty of the island. www.thelandingbeachbar.com

MID-ISLAND

Chef Ozzie’s Kitchen – 340-422-6382

Looking for something affordable and quick? Look no further! Chef Ozzie Kitchen offers

“People like coming here,” says owner Yvonne Villegas. “I learned to cook from my mother who had a restaurant in Puerto Rico for many years and now its my turn to cook and serve these coveted family recipes!” This colorful, family restaurant offers up a Caribbean, Latin, and Seafood menu that has been pleasing patrons for over 20 years. If you like fresh fish, lobster, conch, and shrimp, or chicken, steaks, and pork chops, you must try the way they do it at here! Happy

ChefOswald

James Caribbean ContinentalCuisine

Breakfast & Lunch

Take-Out Only Mon-Fri 6:30am – 4pm

Menu on Facebook, Chef Ozzie Catering

Hour tradition on Thursday and Friday nights is to stop for a drink then take shish-kabobs home from the drive-up booth! Located between Centerline Road and the Highway on Route #663 and open Monday – Tuesday, 11:30 am – 6 pm, Wednesday – Saturday, 11:30 am – 9 pm, Sunday, 10:30 am – 8 pm.

Local drinks!

Inside Thomas Bakery, Sunny Isle 340-422-6382

Catering for all occasions! Try our mouth-watering salmon chowder!

Chef Ozzie’s Kitchen. Caribbean Continental Cuisine To Go. Leatherback Brewing Co. Passionfruit Vanilla Sour.
August / September 2023 • 31
The Landing Beach Bar. Tuna Tartar App.

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

MID-ISLAND

Limited Releases. Many of the styles feature local ingredients. The Tasting Room serves a selection of pizzas, wraps, salads and appetizers and features an indoor and outdoor bar with a familyfriendly atmosphere. Our second location is on St. Thomas and you can also find our beers in cans and on draft in local stores and restaurants. www.leatherbackbrewing.com, FB

The Market STX – 340-719-1870

The biggest, full-service supermarket on St. Croix features organic fresh local produce, imported cheeses, organic eggs, and juices. They have the finest cuts of meat prepared by their Master Butcher —USDA meats, Certified Angus meats, poultry and seafood. Pair all your favorites with wines from the largest liquor selection on island. Catering is available from the full-service Deli and Bakery. Try the delicious Stone House Subs, pastries and desserts. Artisan breads, platters, and hot foods served daily. Now order online with curbside pickup at www.themarketvi.com. Simply Fresh!

MUTINY Island Vodka - 340-690-9322

MID-ISLAND, cont .

Leatherback Brewing Company –340-772-2337

Leatherback Brewing Company proudly produces authentic Virgin Islands craft beer with uniquely Caribbean grown ingredients and influences alongside traditional beer styles. We aim to build the community and culture around well-crafted beer and to celebrate and steward our Caribbean life! Leatherback’s flagship location, the St. Croix Brewery and Tasting Room, is located in the Roebuck Industrial Park just up the highway from the airport. Leatherback brews and cans four styles year-round and releases a rotating series of

The Caribbean’s original Island Vodka handcrafted from breadfruit, MUTINY Island Vodka® is a true island vodka with a luxurious smoothness that reminds you of the trade winds and blue waters of its island home. The only spirit distilled, bottled, and distributed on St Croix, we are proud to be a US Virgin Islands export! Full of Island vibes, Island character, Island flavor, and Island rhythm! The magic of breadfruit not only makes a smooth Island Vodka, but it helps feed people, create jobs, and benefit the environment. Ask for us at all restaurants on island, visit our iconic mill tasting room on the Christiansted boardwalk, and join us at Sion Farm Distillery for breadfruit eats and drinks. BETTER Cocktails. BETTER Planet.

TAP DECK Bar & Billiards

We are excited to be the new owners of Tap Deck! We fell in love with this piece of Frederiksted paradise at first glance—amazing 2nd floor water view off the porch, cool breeze, and cozy feel of the bar! We hope to be a place where everyone is welcome, and “everyone knows your name.”

I moved to St Croix at 18 after graduating college and was a Special Ed teacher in the public schools. I fell in love with the people of St Croix and the beauty of the island so when I left again to get my nursing degree, I return to work as a nurse. David was a stay-at-home Dad as we raised three children; Bennett, our youngest, was born on island. We both have years of management experience in the service industry as both our families own successful restaurants in Maryland.

Our new upscale pub menu features a lunch special with gourmet wraps, chips and a drink for $16. There are daily food and drink specials, local seafood specials, soups, homemade desserts, and more. Favorites include our famous lobster dip, Ms B’s homemade meatballs, flatbread pizzas, and Tuna & Salmon poke bowls. We deliver within walking distance and have curb side pickup.

Weekly activities are fun for everyone! Monday is Trivia Night and the competition is fierce. Tuesday is Karaoke Night/Open Mic Night, Wednesday is Asian night, Thursday is Bingo, Friday is our Award-Winning Stir Fry night (Taste of St. Croix 2022), Saturday is Mexican Night with live music, and Sunday is Hospitality Day with specials for fellow restaurant/bar workers. There’s sports on TV for those wanting to enjoy a game and a cold drink.

Open Monday-Friday, 11am-12am and Saturday & Sunday, Noon-12am. We can’t wait to meet you!

Tap Deck Bar & Billiards

Strand Street | 340-773-5227

Tapdeckstx.com | facebook

El Flamboyant. Shrimp Salad Mofongo.
13th year! Caribbean • Latin • Seafood Open Mon & Tues, 11:30 - 6pm Wed, Thurs,
Restaurant -
Rt. 663
Thurs & Fri, 4:30 pm – 7
Fri, Sat, 11:30 - 9pm Sun, 10:30 - 8pm
Bar 340-779-3285 Mid-Island,
Happy Hour!
pm 16th year! The Market STX. Nature’s sports drink!
Sweet Chili Shrimp Saute. David & Kellie Knopp.
32 • August / September 2023

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

La Reine Chicken Shack –340-718-5717

Serving the Community for 20 years! Are you ready to savor one of St. Croix’s best- kept secrets?

Taste La Reine Chicken Shack’s mouth-watering BBQ chickens, slowly-cooked on wood-chip coal over an open pit! Get in line! Other menu favorites include Roast Pork, Ribs, Steak, Local Seafood, daily specials and many other island delicacies. Come mingle with our friendly staff and local patrons in our recently renovated outdoor seating area. Enjoy one of our most popular drinks “Cruzan Confusion” at our full bar. Located mid-island on Route #75, off Centerline Road, we’re open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eat in or Take out! Facebook

ONLINE GROCERY

SHOPPING MADE EASY!

Our convenient online ordering & curbside pickup will help you simplify your shopping experience.

MID-ISLAND
Sion Farm Distillery. Grilled Chicken Breast. La Reine Chicken Shack. A St. Croix Tradition!
August / September 2023 • 33

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

TELL ME WHERE TO EAT!

Restaurant Local area code is (340) Cuisine Meals Credit Cards Res. Location Beach Side Café @ Sand Castle on the Beach 772-1266 American / Local / Seafood / Waterfront L, D, BR AE, MC, V Yes Frederiksted BREW STX 719-6339 Sandwiches / Smoked Wings / BYO Salads L, D MC, V, D No Christiansted Café Roots-N-Kulchah 513-8665 Vegan / Vegetarian L, D D, MC, V 6+ Christiansted Chef Ozzie’s Kitchen 422-6382 Sandwiches/Caribbean/Continental B,L D, MC, V No Mid-Island Chupacabra Tacos 713-TACOS (8226) Seafood Tacos / Frozen Drinks L, D All Cards No Christiansted Ciboné 719-2663 Farm / Sea-to-Table D, BR MC, V Yes Frederiksted Coco Loco Bar & Grill 713-8899 Spanish-inspired Tapas / Fresh Sangria D AE, MC, V Yes Christiansted Cruzan Bayou Bistro 813-495-3244 Southern Cajun Creole/Carib Vegetarian B, L, D All Cards No Christiansted Duggan’s Reef 773-9800 Seafood / Steakhouse D, BR MC, V Yes East End East End Bar @ Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas 249-0700 Pizza/Salads/Sandwiches D AE, D, MC, V No East End El Flamboyant 779-3285 Latin / Seafood / Caribbean L, D, BR None No Mid Island Far East Restaurant @ Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas 249-0700 Japanese Inspired Steak House D AE, D, MC, V Yes East End La Reine Chicken Shack 778-5717 Open Pit BBQ / Seafood B, L, D ATM No Mid Island Leatherback Brewing Company 772-BEER (2337) Pizza/Wraps/Salads L, D D, MC, V No Mid-Island Maria’s Cantina & Sports Bar 713-0222 Authentic Mexican L, D AE, MC, V No Gallows Bay Nates Boathouse Restaurant 692-6283 Seafood / World Cuisine B, L, D, BR D, MC, V Yes Christiansted ROUGE Café 718-0054 Coffees / Bakery / Pates /Sandwiches B, L, D AE, MC, V No Christiansted Seaside Market & Deli 719-9393 Gourmet /Salad Bar/ Prime Meats B, L, D AE, D, MC, V No Gallows Bay Sea Terrace @ Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas 249-0700 Sandwiches/Salads/World Cuisine/Cocktails L, BR AE, D, MC, V No East End Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 773-3400 Burgers / Wings / Ice Cream L, D MC, V, D No Christiansted Sion Farm Distillery/MUTINY Island Vodka 690-9322 Craft Cocktails and Eats L, D AE, D, MC, V No Mid-Island Six Nine Restaurant & Bar 772-6969 Steaks/Seafood/Pasta/Wine L, D, BR AE, D, MC, V Yes Frederiksted TLC Cafe 713-1430 Casual Dining/Fresh Breads B, L AE, MC, V No Christiansted Tap Deck Bar & Billiards 773-5227 Great Pub Fare / Draft Beer / Wine-Cocktails L, D D, MC, V No Frederiksted The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Center 773-7728 Juices / Smoothies / Healthy Food B, L D, MC, V No Christiansted The Landing Beach Bar @ Cane Bay 718-0369 Grill / Seafood / Caribbean / Waterfront B, L, D MC, V, D No Northshore The Market VI 719-1870 Full-Service Supermarket / Catering B, L, D AE, MC, V No Mid-Island The Mermaid @ The Buccanneer 712-2100 Burgers/Salads/Fish L, D AE, D, MC, V Yes East End The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza 643-6455 Brick oven pizza / Waterfront L, D AE, D, MC, V, Debit No Christiansted The Terrace @ The Buccaneer 712-2100 Seafood/Steak/Continental D AE, D, MC, V Yes East End Z Café 713-2233 Fresh / Flavorful/ Friendly B,L MC, V Yes Christiansted Easy Dining Guide 34 • August / September 2023

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

LOCAL FARM STANDS

CALL AHEAD OR CHECK ONLINE FOR CHANGES IN SCHEDULES.

ARTfarm, LLC – 340-514-4873

Sign up on our website for email announcements about our Pop-Up stands. www.artfarmllc.com

Crescent Farm, VI - 340-277-0707

Sat-Sun, 11am – 3pm or by appointment. Solar-powered, organic farm. Seasonal fruits & vegetables. Facebook

La Reine Farmers Market – 340-778-0998

Sat, 6:30 am – 11 am

New Location. VI Dept of Agriculture Ag Station, East Building, on Rt. 669. Vegetables, fruits, plants, and trees.

Ridge2Reef – 340-473-1557

Fresh, wholesome, USDA certified organic fruits, veggies, meats. Two markets: Inside Lawaetz Museum, Wed & Sat, 11am-3pm; Leatherback Brewing, Sat, 12-3pm. Facebook.

Sejah Farm VI – 340-277-6046 or 277-9392

Mon – Fri, 10 am – 5 pm, Sat, 7 am – 5 pm

Dale and Yvette Browne offer livestock, eggs, & organically grown vegetables. www.sejahfarm.com. Accepts credit cards.

Southgate Corner Farmer’s Market –404-310-8278

Sat, 9am – Noon

Fresh & preserved fruit, local honey, unrefrigerated eggs, goat cheese, plants, handmade soaps. FB

Tropics Hydroponics Farm, LLC –340-227-5546

Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-Noon. Brian McCulough specializes in Bibb lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, & other vegetables.  Farm locations, Pg 54-55.

Sion Farm Distillery - 340-690-9322

Located in the iconic Island Dairies Building in Sion Farm, halfway between downtown Christiansted and the airport, you will find our renovated, air-conditioned, bright blue Sion Farm Distillery. Come enjoy the Caribbean’s first and finest Island Vodka®, MUTINY Island Vodka®, handcrafted from breadfruit. MUTINY Island Vodka® is the only spirit distilled, bottled, and distributed on St Croix. Better Cocktails. Better Planet. Our family-friendly, Distillery offers complimentary tours, flight tastings, a chef created menu, full service, distillery view bar, merchandise, micro batch releases, and more! Open 11:30am-7:30pm with Happy Hour from 4-5:55pm, Monday – Friday. Saturday brunch from 10am-2pm. Tours of the distillery are also available, please call to learn more. Find complete menu on Facebook or our website. Come experience island vibes, island character, island flavor, and island rhythm. www.sionfarmdistillery.com

Southgate Corner Farmer’s Market. Unrefrigerated eggs.

MID-ISLAND
Eat In or Take Out • 340-778-5717 Open 7 Days a Week! Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Rt. 75 off Centerline Road Newly Renovated with Full Bar Try our “Cruzan Confusion!” Serving the Community for 20 years! Mouth-W Mouth-Waterin g atering Open-Pit BBQ Chicken Open-Pit BBQ Chicken Roast Pork Roast Pork Ribs • Steak Ribs Local Seafood Catering for All Occasions! Eat In or Take Out • 340-778-5717 Open Monday-Saturday Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner HANDCRAFTED FROM BREADFRUIT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. mutinyislandvodka Visit us at Sion Farm Distillery 340.690.9322 4000 Sion Farm Better Cocktails. Better
Planet.™
MUTINY Island Vodka. MIV Orange Crush!
August / September 2023 • 35

Local Art Local Art

SEPT 23 AUG 23

Debbie Sun Barbara Gelardi

Barbara Gelardi’s work can be described as Magical Realism. Vivid color is her hallmark, the bigger, the bolder, the better. Her medium is fast-drying acrylics on wood, canvas, and walls. Her color palette is not limited to natural color. There are no rules this artist doesn’t beautifully break. She is a voraciously productive painter and the last few years have given her commissions that are Hotel Super-Sized!

The first was with Grapetree Bay Hotel and Villas, East End, during the Pandemic. An ambitious project, the current owners aimed to bring a once thriving hotel, decimated by Hugo in 1989, back to its former glory. In 1963, the now world famous artist, Daniel Buren, took a commission fresh out of art school to create murals all around this hotel. In 2020, Barbara Gelardi was chosen to do the same. Her Giclee Prints are in every room and her hand painted large sea animal woodcuts are hanging above the beds.

An 80-foot hallway ceiling is painted as if you are in an aquarium, the gym has seven 10-ft painted Moko Jumbies, and the outdoor Sea Terrace Restaurant, facing the pool, has four large arched frames depicting a compass direction and the charms of the natural beauty each shore on St Croix offers. Upstairs, The East End Bar, features a mural of the band that used to play at the Hotel in the 1960s. Plans are to continue the art into the Villas along the beach.

Barbara has also been working on the remodeled luxury suites at Sand Castle on the Beach, Frederiksted. Large, boldly designed botanicals grace the new Dolphin Villa. See one on the August cover! An 8-foot Octopus and 4-ft square, magnified orange and red Hibiscus create a modern echo of Pop Art and Georgia O’Keefe influences.

Find Barbara at work and view Giclees and Original Acrylics in her Christiansted studio; text to set up an appointment. Studio hours vary due to mural work, although she is usually at the Studio between 9am-3pm.

Barbara Art Studio | Company Street |340-514-9038 | Barbara.website | FB, Barbara Art Studio | IG, Barbara Gelardi

This colorful madras fabric is making an appearance everywhere in so many creative ways! You will see it on quadrille dancers and Moko Jumbies, ceremonious ribbons and tablecloths, pageants and costumes, headwraps and even Santa. The excitement is palpable. And why? Virgin Islanders now have their very own madras fabric. This uniquely designed plaid fabric is the Official United States Virgin Islands madras, enacted by the Legislature of the US Virgin Islands on January 21, 2021. The fabric has quickly become a tangible way of showcasing our Virgin Islands pride and beauty.

Born from the vision of one of our Living Legends and highly regarded cultural bearers, Mr. Bradley Christian, of the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, recognized how important it would be for us, as Virgin Islanders, to have a madras to call our own. He reached out to me as a Virgin Islands Artist & Textile Designer to create a design that would be like no other.

Charged with the daunting and very exciting task, I wanted the design to be beautiful, but more importantly, it needed to instill an emotional connection. Specially designed for the USVI, I chose to symbolize the splendor of our islands through specific colors reflecting our rich beauty, culture and history. Every element included in the design conveys the depth of our past, present and future.

I have been fortunate to work on a wide array of design projects since launching my business in 2015, including large scale custom installations for hotels and private residences, as well as expanding my collection of Caribbean inspired designs. My prints are featured on products ranging from accent pillows to fabulous hand fans, wall hangings, yoga leggings, exquisite silk scarves, colorful tote bags and pouches and much more, available online, at art fairs, and studio visits by appointment.

Of the many projects, designing the official US Virgin Islands madras has been the most exciting, challenging and emotionally rewarding. What a proud moment it is for all of us!

Debbie Sun Design Studio

www.debbiesun.com | info@debbiesun.com

IG debbie_sun_design_studio

FB Debbie Sun Design Studio

TUES - SAT 9am-4pm 10 Strand St Frederiksted cmcarts.org be INSPIRED! Experience the Art & Culture of the Caribbean Celebrating Art & Culture Paintings - Prints - Tees - Totes - Rugs - Coasters - Mugs Umbr ellas - Pillows - Shower Curtains - Gr eat Gifts ‘Sip & Paint’ Events - Art Classes 57 Company Str eet 340-713-9959 340-513-8581 www christaart com
COVER ARTISTS
Saxaphone player. Silk scarves. Yoga leggings. Hibiscus.
36 • August / September 2023

Local Art Local Art

ISLAND LIFE THROUGH ART & CRAFTS!

Bead On a Wire - 340-718-BEAD (2323)

Learn how to make jewelry with Artisan/ Instructor Vanessa Harvey Hinds. Day, Evening, and Private 2-hour classes are available in Wire Work, Chain Maille, Pearl Knotting, Stringing, Seed Beading, and more. Visit her bright yellow and white Bead Store in the new Richmond Courtyard on Soboetker Lane, between Rt. 755 and the seaplane ramp. Find tools, beads, semiprecious gemstones, precious metal wire, stringing supplies, Swarovski crystals, and much more. Let her help you plan your special event, jewelry party or Craft & Sip. Open Tues-Sat, 11am-6pm. Full schedule at www.beadonawirestx.com. FB

Cane Roots Art Gallery – 340-718-4929

“I began collecting art in 1981 and am still collecting which has manifested itself into the launch of Cane Roots Art Gallery, the blue and white building at 24 Company Street,” says owner Sonia Deane. “Though I am not an artist myself, the process of the gallery renovation became a canvas for me. I believe that there is a renaissance of the artist community here and I am truly excited to be a part of it. The “175” Year of Emancipation in the VI ushers in reflection and celebration. We will be exhibiting artworks of Elwin Joseph, Elisa McKay, John Jones, Danica David, El’Roy Simmonds, LaVaughn Belle, and Niarus Walker among others, through September. A wonderful calendar of exhibits continues for 2023 and we also hope to serve as an assemblage of artists and a convergence of ideas. I look forward to sharing it with you, bringing art into to your home, and experiencing the transformation.” The gallery will be open Tuesday thru Friday, 10am-5pm, Saturday, Noon-5pm, or by appointment. www.canerootsartgallery.com, FB, IG

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts –340-772-2622

Our mission is to preserve, promote and exhibit the arts of St. Croix and the Caribbean community, to provide an interactive environment that encourages children, youth and adults to learn positive forms of expression, and to offer creative learning experiences which foster an understanding of the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Caribbean, and their source. Housed in an 18th-century Danish townhouse. Artist-in-Residence program. Come visit and join us! www.cmcarts.org, Facebook.

Christa’s Art Gallery – 340-713-9959

Christa-Ann Davis Molloy was a St. Croix This Week cover artist in February and March of 2017 and since then, opened a gallery in La Grande Princesse and now on Company Street in Christiansted. Born in Trinidad, West Indies, she began an interest in art and design by the age of 11, encouraged by her Mom, her sister, her sons, and friends. She loves to paint portraits, old buildings, quadrille dancers, mocko jumbies, Caribbean scenes, and events. Lots of these images are incorporated into products at her gallery. Come see her umbrellas, shower curtains, coasters, rugs, cushions, mugs, tee shirts, face masks, and cultural color-

Tues - Fri 10am to 5pm Sat 12pm to 5pm

by appointment 24 Company Street / Christiansted, St. Croix canerootsartgallery.com canerootsartgallery@gmail.com
- 718-4929
Or
340
August / September 2023 • 37
Cane Roots Art Gallery. 175 Emancipation Exhibit. A Time for Reflection - Liberty and Liberation (Detail). Chalana Brown

ing books. Sign up for art classes and Sip and Paint events. Open Mon – Fri, 11am – 5:30pm; Sat, 10:30am – 4pm. Company Street. www.christaart.com. FB, IG

Henle Fine Art – 340-332-1628

Now at the new home of FantaSea Jewelry Studio and Gallery, this historic loft on Company Street in Christiansted continues to showcase the paintings and prints of Maria Henle, the photographs of St. Croix’s premier photographer Fritz Henle and the

Local Art Local Art

CULTURE ENCOUNTERS!

photography of Tina Henle. HenleGallery.com

Photography by Emelyn Morris-Sayre303-517-5116

Emelyn’s love of photography and the Caribbean began at an early age while living in Puerto Rico. Upon moving to St. Croix, she has focused on capturing cultural events, beautiful landscapes, the vibrant flowers, local produce, and life on St. Croix. Her images are featured on canvas, metal, greeting cards, matted prints, a photo book, “Embracing St. Croix,” and now a coloring book, “Color me Crucian.” You can find her work at Many Hands, Jump Up Deli & Dem Tings, and From the Gecko in Christiansted, Undercover Books in Gallows Bay, and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in Frederiksted.

Ted Davis Galeria - 310-860-6001 (toll free!)

After almost a decade in Christiansted, D&D Studio is now online! Visit us at https://ddstudio.smugmug.com/Travel/StCroixPhotos to purchase beautiful and collectable photographs by Ted Davis. These stunning images are unique St. Croix artworks, and are great additions to your home or office decor. You can have a piece of St. Croix delivered right to your door! Call or email for more details. info@ddstudio.us

Based on photographs by Emelyn Morris-Sayre, this coloring book depicts life on beautiful St. Croix. Currently available

Artisan
(340) 718-BEAD (2323) www.beadonawirestx.com DAY - EVENING - PRIVATE CLASSES Stringing • Seed Beading • Pearl Knotting • Wire Work • Chain Maille • Viking Knit FULLY-STOCKED BEAD STORE Tools • Beads • Gemstones • Crystals • Pearls • Wire • Stringing Supplies CLINICS - WORKSHOPS - GROUPS - TEEN NIGHT - CRAFT SIPS Tuesday – Saturday • 11 am – 6 pm Learn how to make jewelry! Beautiful St. Croix photographs delivered right to your home! Visit www.ddstudio.smugmug.com/Travel/StCroix or call us at 310.861.6001 for more details! At FantaSea Jewelry Studio and Gallery 55 Company Street 340-332-1628 HenleGallery com H E N L E F I N E A RT At FantaSea Jewelry Studio and Gallery 55 Company Street 340-332-1628 HenleGallery com H E N L E F I N E A RT At FantaSea Jewelry Studio and Gallery 55 Company Street 340-332-1628 HenleGallery com H E N L E F I N E A RT
Official USVI Madras greets Frederiksted visitors. Emelyn Morris-Sayre Vanessa Harvey Hinds -
/ Instructor
• Jump Up Deli & Dem Tings • Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts And More to Come! Just Published! Just Published! Emelyn Morris-Sayre ◊ 303-517-5116 38 • August / September 2023
at:

Our Danish Connection

The Scandinavian country of Denmark was among the European contenders for ownership of Caribbean islands and acquired St. Thomas in 1660, St. John in 1718, and St. Croix, purchased from France in 1733. (See page 48 for historical details.)

Denmark left its mark here in many ways that have contributed to a close relationship between Danes and the U.S. Virgin Islands following the 1917 Transfer, bringing thousands of Danish visitors. Examples of this closeness are:

• The handsome, still functioning 18th and 19th century architecture – official, commercial and private, built of Danish brick brought as ship ballast.

• Ruins of many plantation structures that once produced sugar and rum, particularly former windmills that ground sugar cane.

• The presence of four churches of the Danish Lutheran denomination, with special sections for Danish gravesites in two old cemeteries.

• Many African heritage and mixed blood families carrying Danish last names, even the use of historic Danish first names for Crucian children.

• A Friends of Denmark organization that enjoys exchange-visit festivals with its sister society in Denmark, the Danish West Indian Society.

• Access on the internet to over 5 million documents in the Danish archives relevant to the Danish West Indies, as our islands were called.

• A friendly Crucian population that welcomes and looks out for visiting Danes. If you happen to be a visiting Dane, we bid you Velkommen!

Danish Family Museum is a Touching Glimpse of Island History

At Estate Little La Grange in the Rainforest North of Frederiksted is the homestead of a Danish Immigrant family. Surrounded by lush growth of tropical plant life, the historic residence also retains structures from a former sugar plantation.

The white, wooden two-story building is a touching testimony to endurance, telling a story, starting in the 1890’s, of a young farmer, newly arrived from Denmark at the encouragement of his cousin, the pastor of the Christiansted Lutheran Church Herman Lawaetz. Having purchased this former plantation, Carl Lawaetz returned to Denmark to find a wife and brought Marie, who turned out to be the perfect choice. In this simple house they raised a family, and ran a dairy and farm despite for many years living without power, running water and plumbing.

The museum bears witness to the life of Marie Lawaetz, a talented mother who created all the children’s clothes, worked in the primitive kitchen, made cheeses, pursued painting and photography, and earned everybody’s love till her death at age 92. The family cemetery reveals the long lives of descendants earning great respect as Danish Crucians. Marie’s longevity was echoed by her sons: Frits to age 97, Kai to 94, and Erik to 96. The daughters Anna and Else also lived long and productive lives. After the parents’ death, Kai and his wife Irene lived here with his sister Anna. Kai was a horticulturist specializing in hibiscus breeding with an entrance table filled daily with his latest blooms. Frits bred cattle and became a

revered politician as senator in our legislature, and Erik was a prominent developer and hotel owner with great interest in island history.

The open gallery providing ample shade was the favorite part of the house, overlooking the lawn and orchards. Many displays reflect the family’s Danish connection as you enter the first floor dining room. Marie was a talented artist and a cupboard shows a set of china that she painted and brought from Denmark. The old kitchen reveals a charcoal-fired stove and primitive housekeeping tools, even a screened cupboard for storing the cheeses Marie made.

Upstairs, a small library is housed in what once was a darkroom for Marie’s photography. The Senepol Exhibit shows the selective mix of two cattle breeds to optimize one perfect for the tropics. Senepol has become a world-wide business run by Hans Lawaetz and his Crucian cowboys. Mahogany rocking chairs in the living room, beautifully carved mahogany fourposters in the bedrooms, and photographs on display tell more of the family history.

The Lawaetz Family Museum, managed by Nate Olive’s Ridge2Reef Farm, is open for tours and farm produce Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11am to 3pm.

Nina York, born in Denmark but a St. Croix resident since 1976, has been a contributor to this publication since 2009 and was its editor from 1990 -2003. She offers guidance to visitors from Denmark and the mainland, does translations, and sells her books, historic maps and print reproductions. ninayork@gmail.com

70 illustrated articles from the pages of this magazine, 2009-2019, documenting in English and Danish the legacy of Denmark’s imprint on our culture. Undercover Books and Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, $20.

Library China Tea Cozy Family Photos Old Kitchen Photos by Susan Wall Lush Foliage Carl & Marie Lawaetz
August / September 2023 • 39
Photos, Susan Wall

Watersports Watersports

BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS, SUNSET SAILS & PRIVATE CHARTERS

BUCK ISLAND, SUNSET SAILS & PRIVATE CHARTERS

Big Beard’s Adventure Tours – 340-773-4482

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Come with us to Buck Island Reef National Monument and enjoy one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean! Choose a relaxing full-day excursion aboard the sailing catamaran Renegade, with famous beach BBQ, or enjoy the beach and snorkeling on a fun half-day trip aboard our power catamaran Adventure. Experience one of our Sunset Sails; a beautiful time to be out on the water! For the ultimate St. Croix experience, all our boats are available for private charters for weddings or large groups. Gift Certificates available. Give someone the gift of an experience they will always remember. Located on the Christiansted boardwalk; retail store. Authorized National Park Service Concessioner. www.bigbeards.com, Find us on Facebook and Instagram

40 • August / September 2023

Book

www.CaribbeanSeaAdventures.com

snorkel trail, to sunset sails along the beautiful coastline, there is an option for every occasion. New to our fleet is a 32’ Boston Whaler, offering a more intimate charter experience. All Buck Island trips include snorkel gear and instruction, guidance on the underwater trail, flotation devices, water and rum punch. Scuba diving trips and wedding ceremonies also available. www.caribbeanseaadventures.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

Down South Charters – 340-474-7093

Get ready to make some unforgettable memories!! Whether your ideal day includes fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, crossing over to St. Thomas/ St. John, or a relaxing sunset cruise, we do it all! Join us aboard our beautifully appointed 36’ yellowfin “Love Alone”. She is certified and licensed to carry 12 guests aboard, so we have plenty of room for your whole crew. All necessary gear is supplied so just bring your smiling faces. We offer 4, 6, 8, and 10 hour private charters to fit your needs. Availability and online booking @ www.downsouthstx.com Give us a call with any questions. See you on the water!

Llewellyn’s

Charter – 340-773-9027

Take a fast and exciting sail with local sailing legend and calypso recording artist Llewellyn Westerman aboard his 37-foot locally-designed and built, six-passenger performance trimaran Charis+. He’s been sailing to Buck Island National Monument since 1960 and assures a comfortable arrival to the beach or the first designated underwater National Park. Snorkel gear is provided. Departs from the St. Croix Yacht Club at Teague Bay 9 to 1:00 am, 1:30 to 5:30 pm, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Personalized sails available. Call for more information and reservations

Lyric Sails – 340-201-5227

Llewellyn’s Charter. Sail with the legend!
Or call 340-773-2628
Experience the magic of Frederiksted sailing onboard the custom-built 63ft historic racing catamaran, Jolly Mon! On our signature live music sunset sail, be serenaded by local and visiting musicians as you sip on complimentary rum punch, spot turtle tracks at Sandy Point, and watch a beautiful West End sunset. Want to explore the West End by day and stay away from the crowds? Book a private day sail! Sail, snorkel, swim and relax in the always calm waters of the West while being taken care of by our professional crew! Private evening sails are also available by request. Sunset Sails sail Wed-Sun, private day sails are available daily. See our music schedule and book online, lyricsails.com Online
Caribbean Sea Adventures – 340-773-2628
Come explore Buck Island with us! Caribbean Sea Adventures offers a variety of boating packages to fit your every need. With options ranging from full, half day or private charter trips to explore Buck Island’s underwater

Watersports Watersports

STEAL SOME TIME AND GET IN THE WATER!

Discover St. Croix From a Different Perspective with IKSA!

Aron Abel, born and raised on St. Croix, comes from a distinguished boating and engineering family in Frederiksted. Growing up, his family was fortunate to have boats that placed among the fastest in the Frederiksted Festival boat races every year.

After graduating from Polytechnic Institute in New York, he spent the next 20 years in New Jersey using what he learned in “real world” management jobs before returning to St. Croix to start Island Kayak Sailing Adventures (IKSA). Because of his life-long love of fishing, boating, and water sports, Aron’s mission is to share his passion with those who want to (re)discover St. Croix from a different perspective!

Whether you are looking for a low-key adventure or a heart-thumping experience, ISKA has something for you! ISKA offers exhilarating adventure experiences for individuals who like a challenge. Book a

Kayak Sailing! Fun, low-impact workout!

guided or unguided kayak fishing, kayak snorkeling, or kayak sailing tour. If you are booking a kayak sailing tour, be prepared to paddle fast and hard in the driver’s seat, until you catch the wind because this isn’t your “row your boat gently down the stream” kind of

adventure—it’s an active, low-impact workout, but a lot of fun!

Closer to shore, try our Eclipse Stepper board, a combination of peddling like a bike, balancing, and walking at the same time. It looks easy, but many find themselves falling in the blue over and over again until they get the hang of it. This is another great low-impact workout for your legs, but fun just the same. A great activity for the whole family—even the dog can come along!

The Zayak Seasled may be for you. This gives your head and body support out of the water while allowing you to see below through a viewing window! What a great way to spend the day! Book online or call and let the adventures begin!

Island Kayak Sailing Adventures (IKSA) 340-626-3921 |kayaksailingadventures.com

Sail to Buck Island Reef National Monument Llewellyn’s Charter on Departing Teague Bay 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 340-773-9027 Llewellyn’s Charter 340-773-9027 100% sail powered 6 passenger custom built 37’ trimaran 100% sail powered 6 passenger custom built 37’ trimaran Sail to Island Reef National Monument on Authorized Concessioner
August / September 2023 • 41

DIVE EXPERIENCE — Diving St. Croix for 40 Years JOIN THE EXPERTS!

Michelle Pugh, a 45-year resident of St Croix, learned to dive in Los Angeles while in high school and hasn’t stopped since!

In 1992, along with Jacques Cousteau, she was inducted into the Platinum Pro 5000 through SSI. In 2004, she was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame for being the first woman to dive with killer whales in the wilds of Canada, the first American woman to teach diving in Moscow, Russia and for establishing the mooring system on St Croix to protect the coral reefs. Michelle was also given the SBDC and Congressional Award for Entrepreneurial Success for Dive Experience.

Sam Halvorson, Captain, Instructor, Dive Master, and Videographer, has been on board for 29 years. He knows the reefs like the back of his hand. His videos are a favorite souvenir!

Michelle, who’s made over 10,000 dives on St. Croix, is the only dive center owner that actually dives most everyday—guiding lots of customers by request. While developing

the dive mooring sites, she has explored most St Croix reefs and walls. Michelle has also traveled the world just to dive—like the East coast of the US from Florida to Rhode Island, the West coast from Canada to Mexico, The Red Sea, Australia, Solomon Islands, Borneo, Philippines, the Antarctic, and most of the Caribbean Islands and the Galapagos Islands!

Dive Experience is St. Croix’s first dive operator and the first PADI 5-star IDC center. They teach diving from novice to professional instructors. Located at Kings Alley on the boardwalk, their USCG-licensed dive boat is steps away on the boardwalk. The full-service center features basic snorkel equipment to recreational and professional dive gear from Aqualung (US Divers) plus hats, towels, tees, Trudi Gilliam fish art and the largest Reef sandal selection on island. “With years in the business and my experience over time, I can say that Dive Experience is simply the best!”

Teroro II and Dragonfly – 340-718-3161

Buck Island Charters, with Captain Heinz and his son Carl, is one of the oldest charter boat companies sailing to Buck Island Reef National Monument. Teroro II, a 42’ trimaran, is the first commercially built boat by Gold Coast Yachts at Salt River and chartered by Captain Heinz. Carl followed his father’s passion, after sailing and competing in his youth and after helping to captain Teroro II to Buck Island for 16 years, and now has is own boat Dragonfly, a 38’ trimaran. He and his father love to share their local knowledge with the guests aboard and give them a very personalized snorkeling tour of Buck Island Reef. We are recommended by Fromer’s Tour Guide and sail from Green Cay Marina.

DIVING

Dive Experience – 340-773-3307

Get to know St. Croix’s underwater wildlife—Turtles, Eels, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Dolphins, and even Humpback Whales with St. Croix’s Original PADI 5-Star

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DIVE EXPERIENCE “The Name Says it All” Says Diver Training — Beginner to Instructor Dive Equipment Retail & Rentals Daily Boat DivesLion Fish Hunts Snorkel Trips Christiansted Boardwalk at Kings Alley Local: 340-773-3307 Toll Free: 800-235-9047 www.divexp.com DIVE EXPERIENCE Celebrating 39 Years! St. Croix’s First PADI 5 Star Center Owned by Michelle Pugh,Women Diver’s Hall of Fame St. Croix’s First PADI 5 Star Center Owned by Michelle Pugh,Women Diver’s Hall of Fame      Open: Monday-Saturday, 8 am-5 pm Sunday, 8 am-4 pm 20202023 Celebrating 40 Years! Teroro II & Dragonfly Sail aboard Teroro II (42’) or Dragonfly (38’) Trimarans and experience a personalized tour of Buck Island Reef National Monument. The National Underwater Trail is a snorkel sight second to none! (340) 718-3161 • teroro@msn.com Recommended in Frommer’s Tour Guide ● Snorkel equipment included ● Dragonfly exclusive to six guests ● Departs from Green Cay Marina “H” Dock SAIL • SNORKEL • HIKE with Captain Carl or Captain Heinz www.gotostcroix.com/heinz Authorized Concessioner Buck Island Charters Buck Island Charters Snorkle equipment included Dragonfly exclusive to 10 guests Departs from Green Cay Marina “H” Dock BUCK ISLAND, SUNSET SAILS & PRIVATE CHARTERS, cont. 42 • August / September 2023

Watersports Watersports

TAKE THE PLUNGE—MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

Whether you’re interested in a Discover Scuba Diving experience or are working towards a certification, such as; Open Water, Advanced Open Water, a Specialty Course, Professional Instructor Ratings or Technical Diving, we can accommodate you. Air, Nitrox or Trimix tank fills available along with top-notch scuba and snorkeling equipment to rent. Discover why diving with Sweet Bottom Dive Center is a sweet experience! www.SweetBottomDive.com, FaceBook and Instagram.

JET SKI & SEA SCOOTERS

Mermaid Adventures

SeaScooter Snorkel Tours - 310-742-5015

IDC Center! Michelle Pugh, a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, opened Dive Experience in 1983 and has the most experienced dive staff on the island. Diver safety, combined with fun and preservation of the marine environment are our primary concerns. Daily boat dives, Lionfish hunting dives—take your fillets home with you (yum!), and “No Moon” String-of-Pearl night dives! We offer diver training from the Discover Scuba program to dive instructor and complete dive and snorkel rental gear plus air and nitrox fills. New, expanded location on the Chritiansted boardwalk at Kings Alley. We love to dive and it shows! www.divexp.com

Nep2une Scuba Diving – 340-227-1915

Nep2une Scuba Diving specializes in small groups and personal service diving! We are located directly across from the Frederiksted Pier and offer 6-diver max boat dives daily with over 30 different dive sites to choose from on the calm waters of St. Croix’s west end. And we offer guided day and night dives at the famous Frederiksted Pier, as well as Private Charters. Here at Nep2une, we want you to have the best diving experience possible! Whether you have been diving for years or this is your first dive, your safety and enjoyment are our #1 priority! Be sure to stop by and check out our retail store for all your snorkeling, diving, beach wear and souvenir needs.

Sweet Bottom Dive Center –340-773-DIVE (3483)

Find us in 2 breathtaking locations. At Cane Bay Beach, in our NEW 2,200 square foot facility and at the Carambola Beach Resort at Davis Bay. We offer daily shore diving to the famous ‘Wall’ only a short distance off each of the beaches. Dive our beautiful, healthy corals to see tropical fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks or schedule a boat or pier dive.

Get ready to be propelled through the beautiful Caribbean waters on a SeaScooter snorkel tour tailored just for you. As it pulls you through the water, you conserve your swimming energy and get the most coverage of our enchanting blue waters during your snorkeling time. We are a mobile company

that goes out to all the hottest snorkel locations like the Frederiksted Pier, Sandcastle, Cane Bay, and Green Cay across from Tamarind Reef. We provide high-end snorkel equipment and train you on its use before your tour time starts. We also photograph and

Carambola

Classes,

Sweet Bottom Dive. Hawksbill Turtle. Dive Experience. Those who dive together…
340-773-DIVE (3483)
sweetbottomdive.com
2 Breathtaking Locations
Cane Bay Beach
Davis Bay Beach
Beach Resort
Shore, Boat, Wall, Pier & Night Diving Available
August / September 2023 • 43

video your entire tour. By touring with us, you are helping to keep the reef healthy for future tours and generations to come. Part of all proceeds benefit reef charities on St. Croix. Open every day, 9am-6pm. www.mermaidadventures.net, Facebook, IG

Watersports Watersports

LIVE THE BIO BAY EXPERIENCE!

West End Water Sports – 340-277-8295

Located in Frederiksted at the popular Rainbow Beach next to Rhythms Restaurant and Bar, we offer lounge chairs, umbrellas, Jet Ski rentals or tours by appointment, and now Yamaha Sea Scooters—the perfect way to explore the world underwater! The West End has some of the calmest and clearest waters on the island. Our beautiful swimming and snorkeling area is in front of the beach and, beyond that, the Jet Ski free ride zone is large and uncrowded for safe and fun riding. More action can be found on a Jet Ski tour to Sandy Point and Hams Bluff Lighthouse. Call or book online on our website. Spend a relaxing day on Rainbow Beach and enjoy good island food and drinks from Rhythms at the same time! www.wewatersports.com, Facebook

KAYAK TOURS

Island Kayak Sailing Adventures - 340-626-3921

Sea Thru Kayaks VI – 340-244-8696

Snorkel

Are you looking for an adventure? Look no further! Island Kayak Sailing Adventures offers the only kayaking sailing experience in St. Croix. Sail away on a one-of-a-kind experience that is perfect for anyone looking to explore St. Croix from a different perspective. Our Hobie Trimarans are perfect for couples, families, or friends. Let us give you an unforgettable way to explore the island— book your kayak sailing adventure today. We offer equipment rentals for a day rental or a week, we have you covered. You can also rent our SUP Steppers, SUP Boards, and Large Beach games for your enjoyment. No matter what experience you choose, IKSA has an adventure waiting for you. Open 7-days-aweek, 9am – 5pm. Facebook—IKSA. www.kayaksailingadventures.com

Your paddle sport Go-To on St. Croix! Located inside of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, providing a waterfront experience into the heart of nature and history. Experience the incredible natural phenomenon of our bioluminescent bay in our completely transparent kayaks. Your entire boat will become immersed in millions of light-emitting micro-organisms with limitless visibility of the glowing wonders around you, creating a bucket list experience unlike any other. Soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy one of our daytime tours in the Caribbean sun, creating a fun and family-friendly experience in one of our glass-bottom kayak eco or beach tours. For the more adventurous, view our rentals, from glass bottom and ocean kayaks, to soft top and transparent SUPs. Facebook, www.seathrukayaksvi.com

Sea Thru Kayaks VI. Clearly different! St. Croix Surf & SUP. Book a group lesson!
Mermaid Adventures
Mermaid Adventures. A treat to find a Seahorse!
Tours like only Mermaids and Merman do Snorkel with ease on underwater propulsion scooters!
*
benefit reef charities on St. Croix www.mermaidadventures.net Book Your Adventure Today! Rainbow Beach West End Rainbow Beach West End Jet Ski Sea Scooter Kayak Paddle Board Snorkel Umbrellas Chair Rental Water Hammock 340 -277- 8295 www wewatersports.com L e e L a s h e y
310-742-5015
Proceeds
SURF &
Kids & adults multi-lesson packages SURF BOARD RENTALS Call or Book Online! 340. 473. 8150 w w w. s t c ro i x s u r f a n d s u p . co m 44 • August / September 2023
SUP LESSONS

LEARN TO SURF!

Virgin Kayak Tours – 340-514-0062

Voted ‘Best Kayak Tour’ on St. Croix for the past eight years by the readers of the VI Daily News! Family owned and operated for 20 years, Virgin Kayak Tours offers nighttime Bioluminescent Tours, Salt River Historical Park & Ecological Preserve tours, and Custom Tours — half day, full day, or week long. They use the award-winning Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, so your tour is effortless, even in windy conditions, and focus on St. Croix ecology, Pre-Columbian history, and the cultural landscape. “You’ll definitely see our passion shine through on every St. Croix kayak tour!” Located off Route #80 at Salt River Marina. www.virginkayaktours.com, Facebook, IG

SURFING

St. Croix Surf & SUP – 340-473-8150

Surfing is one of the most unique and exhilarating watersports St. Croix has to offer as you ride a wave that propels you through the water! Now St. Croix has its own Surf School with local surfer Bryce Scott excited to share his 30 years of experience riding waves! St. Croix Surf & SUP is owned and operated by Bryce and his wife Amanda and offers 2-hour private and group lessons as well as surfboard rentals. They use the best soft-top surfboards on the market to keep you safe and have you standing up and riding in no time. Come get stoked and ride your first wave! Call or book online at www.stcroixsurfandsup.com. Facebook, IG

SEA THRU KAYAKS VI LLC STX USVI Paddle Sport Headquarters Bioluminescent Tours Day Time Adventures Paddle Sport Rentals Clear Kayaks & SUPs Tours • Rentals • Retail Sea Thru Kayaks VI & Paddlesport Adventures VI SeaThruKayaksVI.com 340-244-8696 August / September 2023 • 45

Beaches Beaches Public Public

MAKE A BIG SPLASH!

All beaches in the USVI are open to the public although access through private property and hotels may have restrictions.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

The National Park Service has operated Buck Island Reef as a National Park since 1961.

Underwater trail, two beaches, two picnic areas, snorkeling, shade, hiking trail, limited facilities. Seven miles East of Christiansted; use authorized National Park Service concessionaires. www.nps.gov/BUIS

Cane Bay Beach

On St. Croix’s Northshore, this is a long, sandy beach with shade and great snorkeling; relatively shallow and nice for swimming. Diving’s famous “Wall” is located here. Sweet Bottom Dive Center and The Landing Beach Bar to serve you!

Columbus Landing

Christopher Columbus landed here in 1493 at the site of Salt River Bay. Take the road to the left of Salt River Marina. Minimal facilities. Managed by the Territorial State Historic Preservation Office (DPNR), and is within the boundaries of the National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. www.nps.gov/SARI

Cramer Park

Before Pt. Udall, on the East End, is a beautiful long, deep beach with bathrooms, changing rooms, and picnic tables.

Dorsch Beach

On the right, just before Sandcastle on the Beach Hotel and Beach Side Café, is a wonderfully convenient beach with parking and some shade.

Frederiksted Beach

Right next to Ft. Frederik, it is a favorite of cruise ship passengers. Convenient parking and changing facilities.

Rainbow Beach

North of Frederiksted, this is a lively beach with bar and restaurant. West End Watersports offers Jet Ski, Sea Scooter, Kayak, and Paddle Board rentals. Live music on Sunday afternoons. A local favorite!

Reef Beach

Right next to Duggan’s Reef Restaurant on the East End is a nice slip-of-a-beach. With a very gradual decline, the beach is perfect for windsurfing or for swimming with small children. The Reef Golf Course is across the street.

Sandy Point

Located on St. Croix’s West End, this spectacular beach is part of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge and is one the longest in the Caribbean! Leatherback Turtle nesting is underway now and the beach is closed to the public until the first week in September. Follow on Facebook.

Shoy Beach

Deep and lush, this beach is located inside the entrance to The Buccaneer Hotel; the guard gate attendant to the right will let you through. Park at the end of the road. No facilities; some shade trees. A local favorite.

Buck Island. Ted Davis Cane Bay Beach. Ted Davis Frederiksted Beach. Ted Davis Shoys Beach. Al Dorsa
46 • August / September 2023
Sandy Point. Susan Wall

Be Prepared! June 1 - Nov 30

Golf & Tennis Golf & Tennis

PLAY TIME!

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.

Hurricanes are Massive Storm Systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. Here a few basic things to think about.

 Register for Emergency Alerts and Notifications of potential safety hazards.

 Know the difference between the NWS “Watches” and “Warnings.” A watch lets you know that weather conditions are favorable for a hazard to occur. It means “be on guard!” A warning requires immediate action. This means a weather hazard is imminent.

 Download a printable VI Hurricane Tracking Map on the VITEMA website below. Remember that St. Croix is at 17/64.

 Know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) and plan where you can stay or supply your house for several days.

 Put together a Disaster Supply Kit, take pictures of important docs and belongings.

 Make a plan to keep your beloved pets safe and talk with family and friends about your plan if a hurricane strikes.

 Trim or remove damaged trees or limbs in your yard. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts. Secure and reinforce your roof, windows, and doors if necessary.

 Purchase a portable or install a generator for use outdoors during power outages.

GOLF

Tee-off at one of St. Croix’s exceptional golf courses!

Carambola Golf Club & Country Club –340-778-5638

Open 6 days a week, 7:30 am – 4 pm. Closed Mondays. Commissioned by Laurence Rockefeller, as the centerpiece of a luxury Caribbean resort complex, and designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., a beautiful, challenging par-72, 18-hole course that stretches over 7,000 yards with water hazards coming into play on 7 holes. Carambola opened in 1966 to rave reviews and was considered by the master designer

himself to be one of his finest courses. A great golfing treasure, it is the finest course in the Virgin Islands. This course is a Caribbean gem and a “must play” for any true lover of the game. Pro Shop. Clubs and cart rentals. Call for rates, specials, and tee times. 72 Estate River. www. golfcarambola.com

The Buccaneer Hotel – 340-712-2144

Open 7 days a week beginning at 7:30am. An East End, 18-hole course that takes the player over rolling hills to the water’s edge with incredible views! Call for rates and tee times. Pro Shop. www.thebuccaneer.com

For more Hurricane Tips and Info, visit these sites. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) www.vitema.vi.gov www.ready.gov | www.weather.gov

The Reef Golf Course – 340-773-8844

Open 7 days a week, 7am – 5pm

A 9-hole course, Par 35, with a driving range. Carts and rental clubs, golf lessons, Golf Shop. Also on site, an 18-hole Disc Golf course. Rental discs available. Pickle Ball, Tennis. Membership Rates, Greens Fees, Events, and Twilight pricing at www.reefcondosusvi.com, Facebook

TENNIS

Open to the public. Stay tournament-ready!

The Buccaneer Hotel – 340-712-2143

Open Mon – Fri, 8 - 11am and 3 - 6pm; Sat, 8 - 11am. Pro Shop open same hours as the courts.

Eight East End courts; lighted courts by appointment. Pro Shop and Game Match Service. Tennis Pro available for lessons. Call to reserve court time. www.thebuccaneer.com

The Buccaneer Hotel courts. Steve Simonsen www.golfcarambola.com Kelly Greer
Republic Kitts and vis British V gin slands nguilla Antigua and B buda Domini ucia S Vin en and he Grenadines enada B bados tinique obago Nethe lands A tilles A uba Venezuela C oix John 75° 70° 65° 60° 55° 50° 25° 20° 15° 10° 25° 20° 15° 10° 75° 70° 65° 60° 55° 50° Elsa ed G La Mindy icholas Wanda V rgin Islands Hu ricane Tracking Map Virgin Islands Hu ricane Tracking Map V.I. COORDINATES Coo din tes or the Major gin Islands St. Thomas 18.3N 65W St. ohn 18.2N 64.5W St. oix 17.7N 64.8W S Croix 340-773-2244 t John 340-776-2244 S Thomas 340-774-2244 www.VITEMA.VI.GOV VITEMA: VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Alex Fiona Gaston Lisa Shary Virginie
August / September 2023 • 47

Destination St. Croix Destination St. Croix

HISTORIC &

HELPFUL INFORMATION

HISTORY is what this island has an abundance of, going back several thousand years. Back then, the Amerindian population that had migrated here from South America called it Ay Ay. A tribe known as Caribs lent their name to the region and was encountered at Salt River in 1493 by the first Europeans, the 17ship fleet of Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the new world. He claimed the island for Spain and called it Santa Cruz, the Spanish version of its present name.

Over the following centuries, many European nations started exploiting the Caribbean archipelago, with the British, Dutch, and French joining Spain in taking possession of the rich resources found in some of the islands, battling pirates that posed a dramatic challenge to the treasures derived from mineral resources. But agriculture, in the form of sugar cane cultivation, turned out to be a winning formula, as sugar, and its by-product rum, were incredibly valuable crops.

Under changing ownership by the Dutch, British and French, including a brief ownership by the Knights of Malta, this island did not prosper, and it was sparsely colonized. The French, that owned it from the mid-1600’s and gave it its present name, actually abandoned it around 1700 having failed at developing a viable plantation economy. For over 30 years St. Croix returned to its natural state, when a business enterprise of the little Scandinavian nation of Denmark, that since 1666 had taken possession of St. Thomas and later St. John to the north of St. Croix, in 1733 made the decision to expand and purchase this island from the French.

Known as the Danish West India and Guinea Company, it excelled in sugar cultivation and export made possible by slave trade from West Africa, a necessity for developing a large-scale operation of sugar cane harvests, for which this island was ideally suited thanks to its terrain and rainfall.

In no time, the island was transformed, with forests giving way to planted sugar cane fields by thousands of enslaved persons who, after being brought here under horrific conditions, toiled in the fields under the hot sun. The island’s cane fields and accompanying estate structures were owned by an assortment of nationalities, with the English, Scots and Irish dominating, but the military and administration was run by Danes, after the island ownership was conferred to the Danish king in 1771.

Soon, a lot of money was made here, but at a high cost of human life. The island posed health risks from tropical diseases and poor hygienic standards and opposition to the cruel treatment of the enslaved eventually brought about emancipation in 1848, several years after the British-owned islands had initiated it. But the fact that cane sugar was not so valuable since beet sugar now competed with it made conditions worse, and a revolt in 1878 led to further decline.

So the islands of the Danish West Indies, as the three were called, were a sad sight and, in the early 20th century when WW1 was underway, the United States took interest in us for our strategic location, particularly as the Panama Canal had just been completed, and Germany was threatening to take possession of us. At a price of $25 million in gold, the transfer of the islands, to be known as the United States Virgin Islands, took place on March 31, 1917. And, the rest is History, of a different kind.

Whether renting a car or crossing the street, it is vital to remember that traffic in the USVI flows from the left side of the road. St. Croix has two towns—Christiansted at the center on the North Shore and Frederiksted at the West End. The Caribbean Sea, which surrounds the island, is always there to guide you along the roads that wind around the coast.

Car rental agencies have a variety of vehicles available from sporty jeeps to roomy air-conditioned sedans, vans, and SUVs. The average price usually includes unlimited mileage but you fill the tank upon return! Both US and other driver’s licenses are recognized. The driver and front seat passenger are required by law to use seat belts and cell phone talking or texting is not allowed.

Parking in Christiansted is limited. There is daytime parking in the National Park Service lot near Ft. Christiansvaern, until 4:30 pm, and a public lot with fees on Strand and King Cross Street. Running from mid-island west to within 1 mile of Frederiksted is the 4-lane, divided Melvin H. Evans Highway. The speed limit is 55. In other areas, the 35 mph limit applies; in town, 20 mph unless otherwise posted.

DRIVE LEFT WORSHIP

St. Croix’s history is mirrored in its old church structures. The Moravian brethren, arriving here in the 1730s from Saxony in today’s Germany, founded their mission to bring Christianity to the enslaved part of the population.

The historic Anglican (Episcopalian) churches built in Gothic style include St. John’s in Christiansted and, in Frederiksted, St. Paul’s church. The large number of Irish settlers, along with Englishmen and Hispanics, have contributed to the presence of the Catholic church; Holy Cross in Christiansted is the oldest in the Virgin Islands. The Danish rule of the island from 1733 to 1917 brought the Lutheran church, which still plays a large role here. Lord God of Sabaoth in Christiansted occupies the former Dutch Reformed Church; Holy Trinity in Frederiksted was built shortly after the town was founded. The Dutch Reformed church (Presbyterian) now has a new mid-island home.

There are 150 churches on St. Croix, from SeventhDay Adventist to Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, and many more. Church attendance and activities are important to a large part of our population; visitors are always welcome at services, often a high point in their island experience. Many other faiths offer places of worship—a Jewish synagogue, a Hindu temple, and a Muslim mosque, to name a few. A church listing can be found in the yellow pages of our local phone book beginning on Page 35.

7 FLAG HISTORY 48 • August / September 2023

Destination St. Croix Destination St. Croix

GOOD TO KNOW!

9am-1pm. Bank of St. Croix, Gallows Bay and Peter’s Rest open Mon-Th, 9am-3pm, Fri, 9am3:30pm. Oriental Bank, Sunny Isle, open MonWed, 8:30am-4:30pm, Th & Fri, 8:15am-5:30pm, Sat, 9am-1pm. See maps for locations, Pg 54-58.

GETTING HERE. Airlines flying to St. Croix are American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Airlines, Sea Flight, Silver/Seaborne, and Spirit Airlines. Check www.viport.com for current schedules. No passports needed for US citizens!

HOLIDAYS. We celebrate Federal and Local holidays; the government closes for both, banks close for most, shops close on major holidays.

TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE. Local area code is 340 does not need to be dialed for local numbers on island. We have an AT&T Store at Sunny Isle Shopping Center, 340-778-6400 and Sprint/T Mobile Store in Peter’s Rest, 340-7130055.

TIME. We are on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour earlier than EST but the same as EST during Daylight Savings.

VIRGIN ISLANDERS. Virgin Islanders are a reserved but friendly people. “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” and “Good Night” are welcome Crucian greetings. Everyone speaks English or a lilting version of it.

CLIMATE. Year-round temps are in the 80s during the day, 70s at night, with summer somewhat warmer. Easterly trade winds keep the humidity down. Most showers are over in minutes. Residents collect rainwater from their roof into household cisterns; saltwater distillation plants help the supply. With water scarce, it is used sparingly.

COMMUNICATIONS. We have several radio stations and three television stations. Cable and Dish TV carry the national news. There are 2 daily newspapers, The St. Croix Avis and VI Daily News (also online), and St. Croix Source for online local news.

CURRENCY & BANKING. We use the US dollar and credit cards are accepted everywhere. First Bank (all branches) open Mon-Th, 8:30am-4pm, Fri, 8:30am-5pm. Sunny Isle & Frederiksted branches, Sat, 9am-1pm. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR) Orange Grove open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, Sunny Isle, Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, Sat,

LOCATION/SIZE. St. Croix coordinates are 17.7246° N, 64.8348° W. We are part of the US Virgin Islands, located 90 miles East of Puerto Rico, and part of the Antilles chain from the Bahamas down to Trinidad. St. Croix is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, is 82.8 square miles, 28 miles long x 7 miles wide.

VISITORS BUREAU. The Dept. of Tourism Office is upstairs in the Frederiksted Mall, Strand Street, Frederiksted. Open Mon-Fri and cruise ship days, 340-772-0357. A new Christiansted location opening soon.

WEDDINGS. For a romantic island getaway, tie the knot here and simplify your destination wedding! Request more info at www.visitusvi. com. Fill out and submit your Wedding Request for Proposal online.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS.

Police, Fire, Ambulance from landline— 911 Police, Fire, Ambulance from cell phone— 340-772-9111 St. Croix Hospital— 340-778-6311

Diver’s Alert Network (DAN)— 919-684-9111

Emergency Alerts, Hurricane Tracking, Maps & Prep Info, www.vitema.vi.gov 340-773-2244

MARINE LIFE. All native plants, animals, fish (unless harvested for food), coral and shells are protected under the Indigenous Species Act. You will not be permitted to leave the territory with any plants or marine life in your possession.

POST OFFICES. As part of the US postal system, we have six post offices located in Gallows Bay, Christiansted, Richmond, Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Kingshill, and Frederiksted. See Maps, Pg 54-58.

TAXES. No sales tax but a 12.5% government tax is applied to hotel rooms.

St. Thomas Atlantic Ocean St. John US UK Culebra Vieques Puerto Rico St.
BVI Tortola Caribbean Sea N ●
Croix
★ Frederiksted Christiansted
St. Patrick’s Church, Frederiksted. Ted Davis Jacks Bay. Ted Davis Sugarmill.
August / September 2023 • 49
Ted Davis

Here

Easy Hotel Guide

Air Conditioned Beach Casino Children facilities / daycare Fitness Center Full Kitchen and Patio / Deck Golt Hiking Trails Internet Non-Smoking Pets Allowed Pool Restaurant Spa Tennis Watersports Wetbar / Microwave Whirlpool Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River 340-772 1684 t t t Carambola Beach Resort 340-778-3800 t t t t t t t t t t t Caravelle Hotel & Casino 340-773-0687 t t t t t t t Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes 340-227-9853 t t t t t t t Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix 340-773-0210 t t t Company House Hotel 340-773-1377 t t t Cottages By The Sea 340-772-0495 t t t t Discovery Grove 208-340-1246 t t t Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino 340-773-9700 t t t t t t t t t t t t t Feather Leaf Inn 344-474-1358 t t t t Frederiksted Hotel 340-643-4939 t t t t Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas 340-249-0700 t t t t t t t t t t t t Holger Danske Hotel 340-773-3600 t t t t t t Hotel on the Cay 340-773-2035 t t t t t t t King Christian Hotel 340-773-6330 t t t t t t t Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge 340-201-7983 t t t t Northside Valley 340-772-0558 t t t ROUGE Boutique Hotel 340-718-0054 t t t t t t Sand Castle on the Beach 340-772-1205 t t t t t t t t t t Tamarind Reet Resort & Marina 340-718-4455 t t t t t t t t t t The Buccaneer 340-712-2100 t t t t t t t t t t t t The Fred 1-844-789-8784 t t t t t t t t t t t t The Palms at Pelican Cove 340-718-8920 t t t t t t t t The Sugar Apple Bed & Breaktast 754-300-6983 t t t t t The Waves Cane Bay 340-718-1815 t t t t t Victoria House 340-692-8888 t t t
Staying Here Staying
BE OUR GUEST!
PHONE 50 • August / September 2023

Staying Here Staying Here

ncrowded and unspoiled. Escape to St. Croix and stay awhile! The largest of the US Virgin Islands, citizens don’t need a passport to visit. Find blue waters, trade winds, lush landscapes, a rich culture, and friendly folks. Come to dive, fish, golf, shop, eat, experience our history, or just relax and soak up the island vibe. Plan your wedding, honeymoon, romantic get-away or family vacation and stay with us at one of our big or small, graciously local hotels!

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, familyowned since 1945, is on the beach just one mile from downtown Christiansted. Choose from 138 guestrooms with private balconies or patios; four restaurants for dining. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, practice your swing on the golf course and tennis courts, or take a dip in one of the two outdoor swimming pools—all without leaving the property! www.thebuccaneer.com

Carambola Beach Resort, a Marriott Renaissance hotel at secluded Estate Davis Bay, is a get-away

like no other. Lush surroundings, cozy, private villas, breathtaking ocean views, a storied property, once owned by Laurence Rockefeller, set among Northshore ruins. Beautiful pool, private beach, beachfront dining and drinks, and Caribbean hospitality. www.marriott.com

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino, an allinclusive, adult-only (18+) experience on the East End, has been completely renovated. Redesigned rooms and hillside suites, a wide range of amenities, including two freshwater pools, tennis, fitness center, and restaurants. Unlimited food, drinks, and nonmotorized water sports. www.diviresorts.com

Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas, is a newly renovated and restored beachfront 1960s boutique hotel. Charming and family-friendly with the Sea Terrace Restaurant & Bar, pool, hiking trails, and snorkeling. Eighteen large ocean-view rooms! Local art murals by Barbara Gelardi throughout. www.grapetreebayhotel.com

Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Rentals is a gated, historic Frederiksted property, an old Danish parsonage, within walking distance to beaches, the pier, shopping, and dining.

Six units, all new studios or 1 bedrooms with charming 1/2-acre garden, BBQ/kitchen, and pool. Wifi, AC in bedrooms, and full-time owners on property. Good reviews! www.airbnb.com/rooms/2989620.

Club Comanche, Hotel St. Croix is a small, landmark hotel within the Christiansted National Historic District. The first hotel in Christiansted and built by Ted Dale in 1945, its headed for its 75th Anniversary in 2023. There are twenty rooms overflowing with West Indian charm; stay in the Main House or on the waterfront in the Bridgehouse connected by a wooden skywalk bridge over Strand Street. The sugar mill replica on the harbor once served as a Honeymoon Suite. Convenient to the casino, shopping, restaurants, dive shops and seaplane terminal. www.clubcomanche.com

Holger Danske Hotel, is on the Christiansted boardwalk overlooking the harbor. Fresh water pool and just a ferry ride to the beach on Protestant Cay in the middle of the harbor! Minutes away from shops, historic sights, tours, and watersports. Boutique size, 42 rooms. Large balconies, Wi-fi, restaurant, large pool deck. Charming and convenient!

www.holger-hotel.com

GRACIOUSLY LOCAL!
U
Club Comanche.
1200 King Cross Street Christiansted Boardwalk holgerdan@aol.com www.holgerhotel.com Nates Boathouse Restaurant 1 - ( 8 7 7 ) - H O L G E R D • ( 3 4 0 ) 7 7 3 - 3 6 0 0 www.clubcomanche.com www clubcomanche com A
340-773-0210 340-773-0210 Historic Danish parsonage • Gated courtyard & pool Walking distance to beach & attractions ALL NEW STUDIOS & 1 BEDROOMS E X P E R I E N C E T H E C H A R M O F F R E D E R I K S T E D https://www airbnb com/rooms/2989620 Prince Street, Frederiksted (340) 227-9853 August / September 2023 • 51
Caribbean Breeze . Holger Danske.
Historic Caribbean Retreat on the Christiansted Boardwalk

TAXI SERVICES

Epidel Taxi & Tours ......................... 340-643-0205

Believe It Taxi Service 340-690-3774 St. Croix Taxi Association, Airport: 340-778-1088

Sample Taxi Rates

FROM AIRPORT TO:

Buccaneer Hotel...................................$30......($15)

Cane Bay................................................$30......($15)

Carambola Beach Resort...................$30......($15)

Christiansted.........................................$25.....($15)

Club St. Croix........................................$25.....($15)

Colony Cove.........................................$25......($15)

Coakley Bay Condos..........................$40......($20)

Divi Carina Bay Resort......................$50......($25)

Frederiksted..........................................$20......($10)

Grapetree Bay Hotel............................$50......($25)

Green Cay Marina..............................$40......($20)

Hospital..................................................$20.....($10)

La Grande Princesse...........................$25......($15)

La Vallee................................................$30......($15)

Lorraine Village...................................$20......($10)

Morning Star .......................................$25......($15)

Queens Quarter...................................$25......($15)

Sand Castle on the Beach..................$20......($10)

Sunny Isle area.....................................$20......($10)

SO MUCH TO EXPLORE!
1 Person 2 or More, each pay Getting Getting Around Around
OLYMPIC—ACE Rent A Car No other discounts apply. Restrictions may apply. 10% DISCOUNT with this coupon presented at the time of rental on direct reservations only. Valid April 15 - December 1. 47 Years on St. Croix! Experience Olympic’s Friendliness! • CARS: Wranglers, 4WD, Soft Top, w/AC, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Versa, Focus, Toyota Yaris, Minivans, SUV’s •Unlimited Mileage - Low Rates • Most Credit Cards Honored • FREE pickup & return to most locations. We meet all flights at anytime. rent@olympicstcroix.com Call us direct: 888-USVI-CAR (888-878-4227) or fax: (340) 718-9000 340-718-3000 • www.olympicstcroix.com Conveniently located 1 minute away from the seaplane at the entrance to Christiansted. 1103 Richmond QE4 ISLAND FERRY ST. CROIX | ST. THOMAS EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAY Departs STX for STT 8am Departs STT for STX 3pm BOOK ONLINE QE4FERRY.COM Icy AC amadordelerme2015@gmail.com EPIDEL EPIDEL Taxi Service & Tours Amador Delerme • 340-643-0205 stxepidelvi@gmail.com
Drive safe, keep left.
52 • August / September 2023
Ted Davis

TAXI INFORMATION

■ Christiansted Taxi Stands are on King Street near Government House and in Frederiksted near Ft. Frederik.

CONFIRM THE RATE BEFORE GETTING IN A TAXI AS TAXIS ARE NOT METERED ON ST. CROIX. RATES MUST BE POSTED IN THE TAXI.

■ These taxi rates to and from the Airport and Towns were obtained from the Taxi Commission and have been approved by the VI Legislature. Look for only licensed taxis which carry a dome light and the letters TP on their license plate.

■ Luggage—A flat rate of $2. Per bag is added for each passenger. The rate for items larger than 30” x 29” will not exceed $4.

■ Questions or Complaints—Call the VI Taxi Cab Commission at 340-773-1561, M-F, 8am-noon, 1-5pm. www.tcc@vi.gov

LOWEST Rates Cars, Jeeps, SUVs, Vans! Seasonal Specials! Reservations budgetstcroix.com or Call 340.713.9289 Renter must be 25 or older (ages 23-24 an underage driver fee applies), have valid driver's license & major credit card. An independent Budget Systems Licensee. Consistently Voted Best Car Rental Car Rental Car Rental Low Rates FriendlyService JEEPS CARS SUVs VANS Free Vehicle Delivery to many Hotels! • Toll Free 888.264.8894 • Airport 340.778.9636 • Christiansted by Seaplane 340.713.9289 • Cruise Ship Passengers call for reservations 340.713.9289 August / September 2023 • 53

FIND IT HERE—TRAVERSE 84 SQUARE MILES

A B C D E F G H 1 2 3 4 5 6 Creque D a m Rd 1000' - 1200' 800' - 1000' 600' - 800' 400' - 600' 200' - 400' Sea Level - 200' ELEVATIONS 0 0 1/21 mile 1/21 kilometre HopeRd QueenMar oad)yHighway(CenterlineR FREDERIKSTED HENRY E. ROHLSEN AIRPORT Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Estate Whim Salt River Ba y National Ecological Preser Columbus Landing St. Croix LEAP Rain Fores t Lawaetz Museum Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge Hovensa The Wall Carambola Golf Cour se MelvinH.EvansHighway North Shore Rd Scenic Road North s i d e R d Juan Luis Hospital Rainbow Beach Cane Bay Museum MahoganyRd. 0 Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort Sandy Point 4 2 3 1 1 5 6 1 18 2 3 6 9 19 12 17 7 1 7 3 5 4 2 3 6 4 3 8 11 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
1 1 16 10 15 9 4 11 5 1 11 6 5 2 8 12 9 14 13 7 2 1 2 6 6 Airlines 1. Cape Air E-4 Banks / Post Offices 1. Banco Popular ATM I-2, H-3 2. Bank of St. Croix H-3 3. First Bank ATM I-2, H-3 4. Kings Hill Post Office G-3 5. Oriental Bank H-3 6. Richmaond Post Office I-2 Beaches Buck Island M-0 Cane Bay E-1 Colombus Landing G-1 Cramer Park O-1 Dorsch Beach B-4 Rainbow Beach B-3 Reef Beach N-1 Sandy Point A-5 Shoy Beach K-1 St. Croix East End Marine Park M-1 Condos 1. Club St. Croix I-2 2. Coakley Bay ................................ M-1 3. Colony Cove ................................. I-2 4. Mill Harbour I-2 5. The Reef N-1 6. St. C H-1 7. Schooner Bay J-2 8. Sugar Beach St. Croix I-2 Farm Stand Fresh 1. ARTfarm ................................... J-4 2. La Reine Farmers’ Market ..................... G-3 3. Ridge to Reef (VISFI) .......................... C-2 4. Sejah Farm .................................. F-3 5. Southgate Corner Farmer’s Market ............... K-1 6. Tropics Hydroponics Farm ...................... G-2 Eat & Drink 1. Beach Side Café ............................ B-4 2. Chef Ozzie’s Kitchen .......................... I-2 3. Duggan’s Reef...............................N-1 4. East End Bar ................................ O-2 5. El Flamboyant ............................... F-4 6. La Reine Chicken Shack ....................... G-2 7. Leatherback Brewing Company ................. F-4 8. Sion Farm Distillery (MUTINY Island Vodka) ........ H-3 9. Sea Terrace Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-2 10. The Far East Restaurant ....................... O-2 11. The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay D-1 12. Stop & Shop Supermarket D-1 13. The Market STX E-4 14. The Mermaid at the Buccaneer K-2 15. The Terrace at the Buccaneer K-2 Getting Around 1. Budget Car Rental ............................ F-4 2. Centerline Car Rentals ......................... F-4 3. Olympic - Ace Rent-A-Car ...................... I-2 Hotels 1. Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River ................ G-1 2. Carambola Beach Resort ....................... D-1 3. Chenay Bay Beach Resort ...................... L-1 4. Cottages By the Sea........................... B-4 5. Discovery Grove .............................. F-1 6. Divi Carina Beach Resort and Casino .............N-2 7. Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas ....................N-2 8. Hotel on the Cay.............................. J-2 9. Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge .................... C-2 10. Northside Valley .............................. B-1 11. Sand Castle On the Beach ..................... B-4 12. Tamarind Reef Resort & Spa .................... K-1 13. The Buccaneer ............................... K-1 14. The Palms at Pelican Cove ..................... H-1 15. The Waves Cane Bay .......................... E-1 13 On-the-Go Destinations! On-the-Go Destinations! 12 54 • August / September 2023

St. Croix Road Map St. Croix Road Map

East End Marine Park V.L. Baseline Array Telescope

St. Croix Dive Sites

East End Marine Park Management Zones

No Take Zone – Protects near shore environments including mangroves, sea grass beds, lagoonal patch reefs, and linear reefs. OPERATING A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT IS PROHIBITED. ALL FISHING AND EXTRACTION IS PROHIBITED.

Recreational Zone – Allows snorkeling, diving, boating, and recreational shoreline fishing. Catch-and-release guide fishing, and cast-net bait fishing are allowed with a Marine Park Permit. ALL OTHER TRADITIONAL FISHING IS PROHIBITED (including but not limited to: fish traps; spear fishing; collection of lobster, conch whelk).

Wildlife Preserve Zone – Protects nesting female sea turtles using beaches in East End, Issac, Jack and Boiler Bays to lay eggs.

Drop off Residential Household Waste, Green Waste, Bulk

Metal, White

and Household Hazardous Waste. Open Mon – Sat, 6am – 7pm, Sun, 6am – 2pm. Holidays, check website. Located on Rt. #62 between Rt. #68 and Rt. #70. Blue #18 on map. Operated by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Association. www.viwma.org | 340-712-4962.

I J K L M N O p Q N SouthShoreRd SouthShoreRd CHRISTIANSTED BUCK ISL AND REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT National Park & ve
St. Croix Ya cht Club E a s t E n d R d Point Udall Green Ca y Chenay Bay Grapetree Bay Teague Bay By-Pass Cramer Park Green Cay Marina Great Salt Pond S p r ing GutRd . 3 3 2 3 1 2 10 1 6 1 3 2 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
FIND IT HERE—SCENIC ROUTES
5 8 14 13 12 3 6 7 7 2 4 5 11 © Cartographers, LTD. 2023 1 8 3 15 10 4 3 4 Other Interests 1. Captain Morgan Distillery F-4 2. Caribbean Community Theater (CCT) I-2 3. Cruzan Rum Distillery D-4 4. East End Marine Park Visitor Center L-3 5. Estate Whim Museum C-4 6. Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center H-2 7. Island Center for the Performing Arts H-2 8. Hams Bluff Lighthouse C-1 9. Men’s Coalition of the VI H-3 10. Point Udall P-1 11. Randall “Doc” James Racetrack F-4 12. Salt River National Historic Park & Ecological Preserve G-0 13. St. Croix Animal Welfare Center I-2 14. St. Croix Seashell Society D-4 15. St. Croix Yacht Club N-1 16. Sunny Isle Shopping Center H-3 17. St. George Village Botanical Garden D-4 18. University of the Virgin Islands F-3 19. VI Waste Management H-3 Shop Duty Free 1. Plaza Extra East H-3 2. ROUGE Duty Free I-2 3. Sweet Lime Furnishings I-3 4. The Hunt .................................... G-1 Sports 1. Buccaneer Golf / Tennis K-1 2. Carambola Golf Club E-2 3. Carambola Zip Line E-2 4. Down South Charters K-1 5. Llewellyn’s Charter N-1 6. Mermaid Adventures B-4, G-1 7. Sea Thru Kayaks VI G-1 8. St Croix Surf and SUP J-4
D-1
9. Sweet Bottom Dive Center
K-1
10. Teroro II & Dragonfly Day Sail
K-1
11. The Reef Golf Course
G-0
B-3
12. Virgin Kayak Tours 13. West End Water Sports
Be Well!
H-3
1. Clinical Laboratory, Inc.
I-2
2. Mt Welcome Pharmacy
H-3
3. Plessen Healthcare, LLC
K-1
4. Todd Zisholtz, MD PETER’S REST CONVENIENCE CENTER
8 4 13 15 14 9 10
Waste, Scrap Goods, A series of dive site descriptions. 3. Eagle Ray – Mooring is in 28 feet of water; sand chutes going off onto a sloping coral garden. Going East you will come along a wall; great place for Sting Rays.
August / September 2023 • 55
4. Blue Chute or The Barge – Mooring is in 44 feet of water. A long sand chute will take you to a sunken sand barge that is 40 feet wide and 120 feet long—home of the big green Moray Eels! Brought to you by Dive Experience, Christiansted boardwalk.

Get Around Like a Local! Get Around Like a Local!

Protestant Cay Christiansted Harbor Gallows Bay ComancheKingsAlley Walk ChurchHospitalStreet Street West Street QueenCrossStreet KingCrossStreet MarketSt PrinceStreet Peter’s Farm Road KingStreet CompanyStreet WatergutStreet NorthStreet QueenStreetHillStreetEastStreetFisherStreet NewStreet Overlook GreenStreet LobsterStreet CaravellePanAmPavilion Arcade 754 BOAR DWALK 754 Cemetery C h r i s t i a n s t e d B y -Pass 70 Contentment Rd LittleHospitalStreet 75W 66 75 E 75 E StrandStreet Banks & Post Offices 1. Bank of St. Croix ATM 2. First Bank ATM 3. Post Office, Company Street 4. Post Office, Gallows Bay Buying/Living Here 1. Joe & Julie San Martin at RE/MAX St. Croix 1. RE/MAX St. Croix 2. Sea Glass Properties 3. Prosolar Systems Eat & Drink 1. Artisan Craft Distillery Co. 2. BREWSTX 3. Chupacabra Tacos 4. Coco Loco Bar & Grill 5. Cruzian Bayou Bistro 6. Luncheria 7. Maria’s Cantina 8. Nates Boathouse 9. Roots-N-Kulture Cafe 10. Seaside Market & Deli 11. Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 12. The Courtyard Juices and Fitness Company 13. TLC Cafe and Bakery 14. Z Cafe Getting Around 1. Budget St. Croix Car Rentals 2. Centerline Car Rentals 3. Seaborne Seaplane Ramp 4. Sweeny’s Safari Tours Local Art 1. Bead on a Wire 2. Cane Roots Art Gallery 3. Christa’s Art Gallery 4. Henle Studio 5. Maufe Gallery 6. The Seven Flags Museum Other Interests 1. Alanon Meetings 2. Anglican Church 3. Catholic Church 4. Christian “Shan” Hendricks Farmer’s Market 5. Florence Williams Public Library 6. Lutheran Church 7. Moravian Church 8. National Park Service (NPS Headquarters) 9. Public Restrooms Shop Duty Free 1. Asha World Designs 2. Baci Duty Free 3. Belle Sorelle Beauty Bar 4. Chaney Chicks & Island Gifts 5. Crucian Gold 6. Cultured Naturals Body Care & Home Scents 7. Ebbe’s Store 8. Enso Indigo Home 9. FantaSea Jewelry at Henle Fine Art 10. Hotheads 11. ib designs 12. Joyia Inspirational Jewelry 13. Oceanique Creations 14. Purple Papaya 15. RJS Handmade Designs 16. ROUGE Duty Free 17. Small Wonder 18. SONYA’S Fine Island Jewelry 19. Sublime STX 20. Trends! 21. Tropical Bracelet 22. Undercover Books & Gifts 23. UNIQUE by Maria Banwaree Hotels 1. Carvelle Hotel & Casino 2. Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix 3. Company House Hotel FIND
EXPLORE HISTORIC CHRISTIANSTED. 3 2 5 18 3 1 5 20 4 13 3 5 1 2 2 7 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 3 2 1 11 23 8 1 4 P 6 9 14 7 12 3 4 6 P 3 4 5 6 Christiansted National Historic Site P - Parking 1 2 2 © Cartographers, LTD. 2023 8 17 3 3 1 Christiansted National Historic District 12 15 19 21 14 11 4 5 3 2 1 1 6 7 16 9 1 2
IT HERE!
2 10 13 6 56 • August / September 2023

Christiansted Map Christiansted Map

CHRISTIANSTED WALKING TOUR

Let’s start a leisurely walking tour of Christiansted at the site of the Old Scale House on the harborfront, known as the Wharf. This is one of a complex of five buildings comprising the Christiansted National Historic Site, established in 1952, administered by the National Park Service.

Nearby, The Old Customs House with its sweeping staircase, on the grassy area next to the Fort, was completed in 1830. It now holds National Park Service offices.

Fort Christiansvaern was the first public building to be started by the Danes after the island was purchased from France in 1733. It is built of Danish yellow brick and was completed in 1749 and later expanded. Its present appearance reflects the 1830’s period.

It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm which coincides with the hours of the adjacent Fort Parking Lot whose hours are strictly enforced. Brochures available at the Visitor Center.

The Steeple Building across Hospital Street, formerly the Lutheran Church, dates from 1753. This site, on the Walking Tour, is currently closed for renovation.

Across Company Street lies the onetime Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, built in 1749 as a storage facility for hundreds of barrels of sugar and rum. In its courtyard, slave auctions were formerly held.

Originally, Government House on King Street, was built as a home for a Danish merchant. That section dates from 1749; another section, the previous town house of a wealthy Danish plantation owner, was joined to it in 1826, together becoming the seat of the Danish West Indies government. The grand staircase and portico were added in 1830, as was the impressive ballroom/reception hall on the second floor by Governor General Peter von Scholten, who had his office and official residence here. Due to COVID-19 restrictions tours of the site have temporarily been suspended.

The Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church across Queen Cross Street on King Street was originally the Dutch Reformed Church, built in the 1740’s and transferred to the Lutherans in 1831, who brought the furnishings here from the Steeple Building. Later, the steeple was added.

Across on Company Street is the historic Lutheran Parish Hall, and in the courtyard the former Pastor’s residence.

Walking up Queen Cross Street to Company Street takes you to Apothecary Hall on the left corner. Opened in 1828 by Danish pharmacist Peder Eggers Bentzon, the town’s first pharmacy remained here until 1970.

Nearby on Company Street is the Old Market , laid out in the original town plan from 1735 and still being used. The well dates from 1863. On this square you will also find the downtown Post Office.

Christiansted National Historic Site

Established in 1952, Christiansted National Historic Site was the first unit of the National Park Saystem in the US Virgin Islands. The park’s historic buidings and grounds commemorate the Danish heritage (1733-1917) of the town of Christiansted, St. Croix, which was named in honor of the reigning King of Denmark and Norway, Christian VI. In the 1700s, Christiansted was part of a mercantile system that linked Europe,West Africa, and the Caribbean in the infamous “Triangular Trade.”

Christiansted was the first town in the Lesser Antilles to be built on the grid system and to have a building code. Its distinctive colonial architecture reflects the town’s status as capital of the Danish West Indies (1755-1871); the great wealth generated by the export of cane sugar, molasses, and rum; and the influence of government building inspectors.

Port Street Starboard St Overlook EASTENDROAD AnchorWay FlagDrive 82 66 DriveMidship
June / July 2014 • Page 57
FIND IT HERE! CONNECT WITH OUR CULTURE & HISTORY. CHRISTIANSTED N 1 4 7 8 22 P P P 4. Holger Danske Hotel 5. Hotel on the Cay 6. King Christian Hotel Be Well! 1. Caledonia Wellness 2. Mt Welcome Pharmacy 3. Pampered VI Watersports 1. Big Beard’s Adventure Tours 2. Caribbean Sea Adventures 3. Dive Experience
10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 2 August / September 2023 • 57

Frederiksted Map Frederiksted Map

Your tour of Frederiksted begins at Fort Frederik by the cruise ship pier and waterfront park. Construction on the Fort began in 1752 and was completed in 1760. Featuring a museum with several permanent exhibits, and an art gallery, it is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. Admission $5., children under 12 free.

A public beach with showers and bathrooms is next to Fort Frederik.

Governor General Peter von Scholten proclaimed the emancipation of the enslaved population in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848, from adjacent Buddhoe Park named for the renowned slave rebellion leader, a bust of whom is displayed there.

The Oscar E. Henry Customs House was built in the 1800s. The Freedom Fountain , facing the pier, was installed for the Emancipation’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.

After severe damage during a labor insurrection in 1878, parts of the town were rebuilt in Victorian style. Victoria House , on Strand Street, preserves the Frederiksted architecture of that time.

The Visitor’s Bureau is located upstairs on Strand Street above the Frederiksted Mall and next door to the historic light blue building housing the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Free admission to exhibits and gift shop.

Frederiksted is home to several historic churches, including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church , Holy Tr inity Lutheran Church , Friedensberg Moravian Church , and St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church .

The handsomely restored Arthur Abel Complex , formerly The Danish School (1799), is now the office of the Lieutenant Governor in Frederiksted at Hospital and Market Street. At Strand and Queen Cross Streets is the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library , built in 1803. Just behind it lies the Dorsch Theater , an open-air stage and event site. The Market Place , is still in use today, as it was in 1751 at the founding of Frederiksted.

WEST END ATTRACTIONS

Tour an early Danish homestead, the Lawaetz Family Museum at Estate Little La Grange on Mahogany Road. Plantation ruins offer visitors a tranquil backdrop for peace and contemplation at the Mt. Washington Labyrinth , 2 miles north of Frederiksted. Open every day, year-round. The entrance gate is to the left when you reach the property and parking lot. The Whim Museum , on Centerline Road, is the site of a former sugar cane plantation and temporarily closed. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands also on Centerline, showcases on 16 acres of ruins of a former sugar plantation 1500 native & exotic species. Award-winning Ridge2Reef Farm , on Creque Dam Road, is a USDA Certified Organic Farm with produce, tours, and workshops. The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is .5 mile beyond the west end of the Melvin H. Evans highway. See St. Croix Map, Pg 54 for location.

12.

13. Public Restrooms

14.

Shop Duty Free

1. Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Sports

1. Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism

2. Cruzan Cowgirls

3. Island Kayak Sailing Adventures

Other Interests

4. Lyric Sails

5. Mermaid Adventures

6. Nep2une Scuba Diving

7. West End Water Sports

Hotels

1. Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes

2. Cottages

3. Frederiksted Hotel

4.

5.

6.

Hams Bluff Rd. La Grange Rd. Mahogany Rd. Lagoon St. Market St. Hill St. Queen Cross St. FisherSt. Custom House St. East St. N ew St. Hospital St. Prince St. Queen St. King St. S trand St. King C ross St. 63 631 76 63 702 631 702 70 70 To Creque Dam Rd. 63 Veteranʼs Shore Drive
FIND IT HERE! DISCOVER
WALKING TOUR ★ 4 ★ 3★ 2 ★ 11 ★ 15 ★ 12 ★ 9 ★ 6 ★ 1 ★ 8 ★ 7 ★ 10 2 4 3 5 1 Frederiksted Pier DorschBeach Ft. Frederik Beach ★ 5 ★ 6 1 5 10 4 2 7 1 6 14 13 11 12 1 Locations north of Frederiksted 7 2 4 3 6 5 2 ATM ATM ATM Bethel Methodist Church Locations East of Frederiksted on Queen Mary Highway (Route 70) Estate Whim Museum • St. George Village Botanical Garden © Cartographers, LTD. 2023 1 2 3 4 5 1. Butler Bay 2. Armageddon 3. Rainbow Reef 4. Frederiksted Pier 5. Swirling Reef of Death Go to www.divexp.com for all island dive sites! Frederiksted Dive Sites 3 2 8 3 2 4 6 1 Banks & Post offices 1. 1st Bank ATM 2. Oriental Bank ATM 3. Post Office Eat & Drink 1. Beach
THE WEST END. FREDERIKSTED
Side Café 2. Cibone Fine Seafood 3. Six Nine Restaurant & Bar 4. Tap Deck Bar & Billiards 1. Albert Edwards Fish Market 2. American Legion Hall 3. Dorsch Theater 4. Emile Henderson, Sr. Fire Station 5. Ft. Frederik Beach Bathhouse 6. Frederiksted Community Boating & Sailing Assoc 7. Frederiksted Health Care 8. Hams Bluff Lighthouse (north of Frederiksted) 9. Legislature of the Virgin Islands 10. Our Town Frederiksted 11. Paul E. Joseph Stadium Police Bike Patrol Unit St. Croix Country Club By the Sea Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge Sand Castle on the Beach
9 5 1
The Fred Hotel
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1 3 4 13 14 3 2 5 58 • August / September 2023

National Park Service Resumes Important Community Role

Our National Park Service suffered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with internal personnel losses, and recovery from two Category 5 hurricanes. But the established structure and personnel loyalty that is enjoyed by the National Park Service enabled it in its 106th year to continue as a leader in preservation for and education of the American public.

St. Croix can boast of having three National Park sites: The Christiansted National Historic Site, the Salt River Bay Historical Park & Ecological Preserve, and the Buck Island Reef National Monument. These three attractions offer totally different educational and enjoyable experiences within a small geographical area. The Christiansted site became our first National Park area in 1952, Buck Island in 1962, and Salt River Bay in 1992, almost the quincentennial of Columbus’ visit here with his fleet in 1493.

The Christiansted National Historic Site features impressive 18th century Danish brick masonry architecture. This island was owned by the Danish West India Company that had bought the island from France in 1733. St. Croix enjoyed tremendous wealth from growing sugar cane, then a valuable commodity, and the five buildings, beautifully maintained, reflect that wealth: Fort Christiansvaern as defense, the Old Custom House for collecting duties and fees, the Old Scale House for weighing all imports and exports, the Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse for storing barrels and sacks of sugar and rum, the latter a biproduct of cane. Also included is The Steeple Building, the first Danish Lutheran church. These sites all impacted from the hurricanes, was what

met new Superintendent Angelita Alvino as she took office October 2021. An experienced NPS professional born in Puerto Rico, she had a good background for our location and has tackled the many challenges facing her and her staff, greatly assisted in her position by Crucian longtime NPS Interpreter Benito Vegas. Alvino was also met by ongoing replacement of the bulwark protection of the downtown harbor. Delays in shipping and discovery of major deterioration of the former bulkhead that had to be repaired plus COVID-19 restrictions led to a prolonged closing of parts of the site.

But Fort Christiansvaern, after repairs under a cyclic maintenance plan supervised by local experts from NPS Historic Preservation Training Center, has reopened to the public. Still pending is reopening of the upstairs exhibit space awaiting scheduled repairs to a damaged historic wooden beam. Admission is now $10 for adults, and much to the chagrin of many, the parking lot will no longer be free, but we could be thankful that we were given a long reprieve! At present, only 13 employees handle the large task that includes maintenance of all the old structures. NPS is eager to hire local help and can provide training workshops for potential employees. Their Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a creative summer program for high school students to work

alongside NPS staff to learn a variety of skills. Several major projects will be starting in the next six months, including a restoration of the ravelin entrance courtyard. Various outdoor events for the public on the site will also be on the calendar.

A local construction company oversees the major project of a new Visitor Center at Salt River Bay. This will be a much larger facility than the one before and will have a bookstore. Completion of construction is scheduled for August and opening of the center for January 2024.

Buck Island Reef National Monument is open to the public for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, and the NPS teams up with The Nature Conservancy and V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources to continue coral reef research and restoration and combatting Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Nearly 10,000 new corals have been grown and replaced.

A long-awaited reopening of the Old Scale House bookstore, operated by Eastern National Park Stores will have happened when you read this, offering island books, maps, games, NPS pins and shirts, and souvenirs that represent the Virgin Islands. NPS gets a portion of the proceeds, and 80% is targeted for local projects.

National Park Service | 340-773-1460

Christiansted, www.nps.gov/chri

Salt River, www.nps.gov/sari

Buck Island, www.nps.gov/buis

Salt River Bay Historical Park & Ecological Preserve New Visitor Contact Station liollio architecture Buck Island Reef National Monument Ted Davis Christiansted National Historic Site Ted Davis
Superintendent Angelita Alvino August / September 2023 • 59
NPS.gov

Be Well! Be Well!

BOOK SOME SELF-CARE!

Caledonia Wellness, LLC – 340-332-1900

We strive to care for the whole person. We are a boutique wellness retail store with CBD and D9 including gummies, smokables and edibles, homeopathy, tinctures, Rescue Remedy, handmade semi-precious stone jewelry, aromatherapy, essential oils, herbal and caffeinated teas, healthy drinks, art, bath and body, and gifts including leather journals, stickers, candles, and crystal trees! We have products for pain, stress relief, intimacy, sleep assistance, pet anxiety and pain, and menopause. Located in the beautiful Apothecary Courtyard at Queen and Queen Cross Streets, one block east of the Christiansted Post Office. Hours: Monday-Wednesday via phone call, Thursday-Friday 11a-6p, Saturday 11a-4p. Just call if a note is on the door! Someone will be there quickly.

Instagram: @caledoniawellness | Facebook: Caledonia Wellness LLC

Clinical Laboratory, Inc. – 340-778-5369

Clinical Laboratory is a high complexity laboratory providing services to doctors, health care institutions & walk-in patients on St. Croix. All patients & doctors have real time access to test results via our secure & confidential online portal. Our laboratory is CLIA certified & provides collection & testing services in

a state-of-the-art facility using modern equipment ensuring clients receive the most accurate results available. Our equipment is continually upgraded to improve the quality test processing & maintains the cutting edge expected by clients & patients.

Mt. Welcome Pharmacy – 340-719-7283

Co-founded by Pharmacist Steve Eckstein in 2007,

on East End Road, there’s now a 2nd location on Northside Road at the Princesse Health Center, to better serve the community. Pharmacists Amber Harhen, Joe Cherkis and Marlee Risen are also on board to serve you. They specialize in Medication Therapy, Health & Beauty, Personal Care, Diabetic & Long-Term Care Supplies, & Medical Equipment. Prescriptions from other pharmacies can be filled here. Download the Mobile App & refill them online. East End Road open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-6pm, Sat, 9am-4pm, Sun, 9am-2pm. Northside Road open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, Sat, 8am-1pm. mtwelcomerx@ gmail.com, www.mtwelcomepharmacy.com.

Pampered VI – 340-773-7728

Tucked in Christiansted on King St at the Kalmia Center, we’re a boutique spa offering exceptional personal services & aim to create an unforgettable client experience! Let us show you what sets us apart! Luscious lashes, flawless skin, relaxing massage—we’ve got you covered! Arrive early to enjoy our beautiful showers & infrared sauna. Next door is The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Center for healthy, locally-sourced drinks, smoothies, and veggie fare. Pamper yourself or have a Pamper Party with us! Mobile Services & Group packages. Book online for a full list of offerings. www.pamperedvi.com, FB.

REHYDRATE STX Dehydration? Hangover? 340-626-7942 IV Fluids+Vitamins Todd Zisholtz MD Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House www.pamperedvi.com 340-773-7728 Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Facials - Massage - Body Scrubs Eyelash Extensions & More! Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House www.pamperedvi.com day spa & lash lounge 60 • August / September 2023
Clinical Laboratory. Clinical testing for medical professionals, employees, insured and uninsured.

Be Well! Be Well!

FIND THE HELP YOU NEED!

Ambulatory Surgical Center and Specialty Clinic. Specialties include Nephrology, Podiatry, Ear, Nose, & Throat, and Rheumatology; outpatient surgeries include general, plastic and cosmetic, vascular, podiatry, interventional nephrology, pain management, and ophthalmology. Plessen Optical, inside Plessen Ophthalmology, has a wide selection of glasses and sunglasses, including designer brands. Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, most insurance, and affordable self-pay rates. Visit plessenhealthcare.com for more.

Todd Zisholtz MD - 340-626-7942

Plessen Healthcare, LLC – 340-715-7720

Plessen Healthcare, LLC has a range of medical and comprehensive care at 2 locations. Primary & Urgent Care, ages 2 and up, Sunny Isle Shopping Center, has onsite digital X-ray, in-house lab for acute illness, injuries, vaccines, drug screening, COVID-19 testing, and physical exams for boat captains, sports, and schools. Plessen Medical Campus, in Orange Grove behind the Casino Control Commission in the GERS building, has a state-of-the art

Hello! Welcome to the only East End Family Practice and Urgent Care. I am Todd Zisholtz MD., a board certified Family Practitioner with Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care training. My new practice is available for locals and travelers on St. Croix. I am located in Tamarind Reef at the Green Cay Marina near the Galleon and Calabash Realty. The office is a warm and local feel atmosphere! I am an affordable cash only business with an ATM present on site. I do new and refill of prescriptions, urgent care and routine medical care. No messy paperwork or staff to get between us. Simple same day visits. I am on Google Maps to find the office. Please feel free to call me to schedule today!

Scan for 12-Step Meeting Schedule

2 Locations East End Road, Gallows Bay (340) 719 -7283 Mon - Fri 8:30am - 6pm Sat 9am - 4pm • Sun 9am -2pm Princesse Health Center, Northshore Rd (340) 719 -7979 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm • Sat 8am-1pm ✔ Medication Therapy ✔ Health & Beaut y ✔ Personal Care ✔ Diabetic Supplies ✔ Long-Term Care Supplies ✔ Medical Equipment Fast & friendly prescription service Stateside transfers/ Most major insurance plans Download Mobile App to Refill Prescriptions on our website! www.mtwelcomerx.com CALEDONIA WELLNESS, LLC Whole-Person Wellness 340-332-1900 Queen Cross St, Christiansted I N F O @ Y A G F O U N D A T I O N | 3 4 0 3 3 2 9 1 1 5 B R E A S T C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S 2 0 2 3 , YA G F O U N D AT I O N I S O F F E R I N G F I N A N C I A L A S S I S TA N C E F O R B I O P S I E S TO U N I N S U R E D A N D U N D E R I N S U R E D P E O P L E I N T H E U S V I , T H A N K S TO A G R A N T P R O V I D E D BY T H E A M E R I C A N C A N C E R S O C I E T Y August / September 2023 • 61
Caledonia Wellness. CBD and THC Hemp Gummies.

Buying/Living Here Buying/Living Here

SET THE STAGE FOR ISLAND LIFE!

Real Estate Real Estate

Rent, Own, Invest

Rent, Own,

Blue Sky Real Estate – 340-719-1409

Joe & Julie San Martin at RE/MAX St. Croix –340-773-1048

Joe and Julie of Team San Martin, are the most respected and knowledgeable REALTOR® Team on St. Croix; a long-established, service-oriented business, selling St. Croix since 1984 and St. Croix’s first buyers’ agents. Clients know they care about the successful outcome of each real estate transaction, have a genuine concern for their best interests, and are prepared to go the extra mile. When they find your dream property, they’ll walk you through the Offer to Purchase terms, and use their same negotiating skills that have helped 100s of other buyers. Teamwork makes dreams work!

www.teamsanmartin.com

What is your dream? The Sky is the limit! At Blue Sky Real Estate, your needs are our priority. We are known throughout the islands as agents with universal appeal who respect clients – big or small – equally. With over 200 years combined experience in the Virgin Islands – and deep ancestral roots beyondwe are authentically Caribbean. Our contacts and experience deliver the smoothest possible real estate transactions in the USVI and BVI. Buying real estate is likely one of your largest transactions. We respect that. Whether it takes one call or 20, we make sure your questions are answered and interests served. We want to see you in a home or property you LOVE. That’s why we do what we do. It’s that simple. www.homebuyvi.com

What is your dream? The Sky is the limit! At Blue Sky Real Estate, your needs are our priority. We are known throughout the islands as agents with universal appeal who respect clients – big or small – equally. With over 200 years combined experience in the Virgin Islands – and deep ancestral roots beyondwe are authentically Caribbean. Our contacts and experience deliver the smoothest possible real estate transactions in the USVI and BVI. Buying real estate is likely one of your largest transactions. We respect that. Whether it takes one call or 20, we make sure your questions are answered and interests served. We want to see you in a home or property you LOVE. That’s why we do what we do. It’s that simple. www.homebuyvi.com

RE/MAX St. Croix – 340-773-1048

Calabash Real Estate – 340-718-5285

We are always excited to show off our island’s real estate market, customs, and culture. We have the reputation for putting you, the client, first and placing your needs and goals at the top the list. Thinking Real Estate?... Think RE/MAX St. Croix. View a list of our real estate professionals on Page 2 and connect with us today. info@livingonscroix. com, www.livingonstcroix.com

RE/MAX, a name you can trust Globally and Locally for over four decades. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, your success hinges upon the expert advice and services provided by your real estate agent. RE/MAX St. Croix, is a full-service real estate brokerage. Our real estate professionals are committed to providing our clients with personal service based on experience, knowledge and skills.

Experience the Difference!  Service – Market Knowledge – Expertise. Our dedicated team of 20 licensed Realtors, led by Broker Honnie Edwards, offers professional brokerage services to buyers and sellers – residential, commercial,

Calabash Real Estate – 340-718-5285

Experience the Difference!  Service – Market Knowledge – Expertise. Our dedicated team of 20 licensed Realtors, led by Broker Honnie Edwards, offers professional brokerage services to buyers and sellers – residential, commercial,

Invest CALABASH REAL ESTATE        Off Fu  B       Py   Th P  P  4126 L G P Fk 1A   2 F 340.718.5285 340.718.5285 www.CalabashRealtors.com www.CalabashRealtors.com

land – from cottages to estates, ¼ acres to 100+ acres, businesses to warehouses.  We offer property management services, commercial leasing, vacation and long-term rentals. Our website, www.CalabashRealtors.com, has an extensive list of properties for sale and rent, as well as valuable resources and general information. Accept our invitation to Experience the Difference and know that you will be working with a company that loves St. Croix and puts their clients and customers first.

prosolar SYSTEMS – 340-201-4752

Founded in 2007, ProSolar is a multinational, fully turn-key solar installation company that operates in Florida and many islands throughout the Caribbean. ProSolar specializes in coastal zone construction, meaning we take hurricane winds, driving rain, sun, and corrosion from salt spray into consideration when we hand-pick our materials and build our systems to last a fully-warranted 25 years. From the sales process to installation, ProSolar never subcontracts any part of our customer’s jobs meaning everything is done under one roof. ProSolar’s superior level of customer service and world-class quality of installation is considered the Gold-Standard of the solar industry. Our staff of solar professionals has a genuinely unique appreciation for the earth

Coldwell Banker St.Croix Realty – 340-778-7000

our data “high you. www.coldwellbankervi.com www.stcroixforrent.com REMAX Joe and respected on St. ented Croix’s San Martin outcome ine concern prepared dream to Purchase make that have dream makes www.teamsanmartin.com Phone: 340-773-1048 Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. Team San Martin Teamwork Makes Dreams Work St. Croix’s 1st Buyer’s Agent Selling St. Croix since 1984 Re/max St. Croix 5 Company St. Christiansted VI 00820 www.homebuyvi.com www.homebuyvi.com Contact or We

our “high you. Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. Team San Martin Teamwork Makes Dreams Work St. Croix’s 1st Buyer’s Agent Selling St. Croix since 1984 Re/max St. Croix 5 Company St. Christiansted VI 00820 www.homebuyvi.com www.homebuyvi.com

LISA CHRISTENSEN-HARRIS REALTOR ASSOCIATE S T C R O I X R E A L T Y GALLOWS BAY MARKETPLACE • 3 0 THE BUCCANEER HOTEL • 340-718-7000 coldwellbankervi.com • coldwellbankervi.com/vacationrentals Stay for a Week or Stay Forever P h o o b y A D o s a Villa Rentals • Homes & Condos for Sale • Homesites This Week ad 09-14_Layout 1 8/21/14 2:04 PM Page 1 OFFICE: 340-778-7000 x 104 CELL: 340-227-7899 lisa@coldwellbankervi.com www.coldwellbankervi.com Gallows Bay Marketplace 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 12 Lisa Lisa “Cruzan” under served ment, Associate Coldwell privilege experienced the island” ers’ to share Croix the with dollar www.coldwellbankervi.com Page 62 • December 2014 / January 2015

Coldwell Banker St.Croix Realty – 340-778-7000

With broker Amy Land-deWilde at the helm, the professionals at Coldwell Banker St Croix Realty are eager to help you buy, sell or lease real estate. We offer a host of lovely homes, outstanding building sites, and both historic and commercial properties. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty also lists an array of rental properties, ideal for your next dream vacation or long-term lease. From a bungalow on the beach to a villa with a view, we have the perfect property for you Because we keep up with the latest technology and market trends,

LISA CHRISTENSEN-HARRIS REALTOR ASSOCIATE S T R X R E A L T Y GALLOWS BAY MARKETPLACE • 3 0 THE BUCCANEER HOTEL • 340-718-7000 coldwellbankervi.com • coldwellbankervi.com/vacationrentals Stay for a Week or Stay Forever P h o o b y A D o s a Villa Rentals • Homes & Condos for Sale • Homesites This Week ad 09-14_Layout 1 8/21/14 2:04 PM Page 1 OFFICE: 340-778-7000 x 104 CELL: 340-227-7899 lisa@coldwellbankervi.com www.coldwellbankervi.com Gallows Bay Marketplace 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 12 Lisa Christensen-Harris Lisa “Cruzan” under served ment, Associate Coldwell privilege experienced the island. island” ers’ new to share Croix the local with dollar www.coldwellbankervi.com Our Award-Winning REALTORS at your service Ava Gail Bourdon Broker-Owner Claudia Carrington Hays Voted Best Estate Agency on St. 62 • August / September 2023

Sea Glass Properties. 151 Anna’s Hope. 4b/3b villa on 1.42 acres with beautiful pool in coveted Shoys beach community. Sea Glass Properties. 48 Seven Hills. Recently renovated 3b/3b house and 2b/1b apartment; stunning views and pool, 0.65 acre corner lot.
Page 62 • December 2014 / January 2015
CALABASH REAL ESTATE        Off Fu  B       Py   Th P  P  4126 L G P Fk 1A   2 F 340.718.5285 340.718.5285 www.CalabashRealtors.com www.CalabashRealtors.com
With broker Amy Land-deWilde at the helm, the professionals at Coldwell Banker St Croix Realty are eager to help you buy, sell or lease real estate. We offer a host of lovely homes, outstanding building sites, and both historic and commercial properties. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty also lists an array of rental properties, ideal for your next dream vacation or long-term lease. From a bungalow on the beach to a villa with a view, we have the perfect property for you Because we keep up with the latest technology and market trends, www.coldwellbankervi.com www.stcroixforrent.com REMAX Joe respected on ented Croix’s San outcome ine prepared dream to Purchase make that dream makes Phone: 340-773-1048
Real Estate Real Estate
land – from cottages to estates, ¼ acres to 100+ acres, businesses to warehouses.  We offer property management services, commercial leasing, vacation and long-term rentals. Our website, www.CalabashRealtors.com, has an extensive list of properties for sale and rent, as well as valuable resources and general information. Accept our invitation to Experience the Difference and know that you will be working with a company that loves St. Croix and puts their clients and customers first.
Blue Sky Real Estate – 340-719-1409

Buying/Living Here Buying/Living Here

CHANGE COURSE, MAKE YOUR MOVE!

and re-connecting our customers to the sun. www. prosiolarcaribbean.com

Sea Glass Properties – 340-715-7772

Meet the team of the fastest-growing real estate company in the Virgin Islands! Sanni Craft, Managing Broker- (340) 626-0737, Allison Mauro, REALTOR® - (973) 868-3246, Cindy Devlin, REALTOR®- (340) 626-3032, Justin Devaney, REALTOR® (340) 473-6500, Jennifer Haire, REALTOR® - (801) 628-3982, Elisabet Gabriel, and Ari’yana Francis, Office Manager. At Sea Glass Properties we strive to provide you with the best service possible! We will assist you from the start, of your search for the perfect property, to the end. If you are new to St. Croix, our agents will assist you in navigating and getting familiar with the island. Whether buying or selling, we are committed and dedicated to serving you. Please contact us for any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you. www.seaglassproperties.com

Prosolar SYSTEMS. Our solar energy systems for commercial applications can help you save up to 100% on monthly energy costs.

RE/MAX St. Croix. 16 Southgate Courtyard Villas. Cozy 1b/1b condo rental. First floor near pool. Close to Christiansted, beaches and restaurants. Availability now to February 27, 2024.
August / September 2023 • 63

ST. CROIX Sky Watch

The two largest planets can be your guides to find two constellations with no bright stars. Astronomers divide the sky into areas, with borders, just like countries on a map. These areas are called constellations. After the Sun sets and the sky begins to grow dark, a bright star-like object will appear in the east-southeastern sky. This is not a star, but the second largest planet, Saturn. Saturn is seen against the background of stars of the constellation of Aquarius, the Waterbearer. Aquarius is a man pouring water from a jar. The faint stars which make up Aquarius look nothing like a man, but some people claim to be able to see the rim of his jar. Perhaps long ago the Sun was in this part of the sky during the rainy season. Thus, people may have used the sky like a calendar and marked this area as a man pouring water from a jar. When the Sun reached this part of the sky, look out for it is going to rain. Saturn is at “opposition” on August 27th. It is opposite the Sun as seen from the Earth and is at its closest point to Earth and its brightest.

Around 10:00 p.m. the largest planet, Jupiter, will rise in the eastern sky. Wait a few hours so it can climb higher in the sky and it

will be easy to spot being very bright. Jupiter is seen against the stars of Aries, the Ram. According to some legends, Aries is the ram into which Zeus changed himself to escape the giants. Others say Aires is the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts.

After you have found Saturn and Aquarius and are waiting for Jupiter to rise, look high overhead and you will see three bright stars forming a large triangle in the sky. Since the triangle is visible all night long during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, it is called the Summer Triangle. Each bright star marks a different constellation.

Brightest and highest in the sky is Vega, in Lyra the Harp. Fainter stars very close to Vega in the shape of a parallelogram form the harp. To the South of Vega is Altair, in Aquila, the Eagle. Again, fainter stars nearby Altair form the Eagle and you will need a lot of imagination to find an eagle there. Deneb is the third bright star and is seen to the East of Vega and Altar. Deneb and marks the tail of Cygnus, the Swan. Perhaps you can see a Swan here. Faint stars form the Swan’s body and long neck and others the bird’s wings.

Cygnus is flying South along a hazy band of light. This is the light from billions of stars so far away that you cannot see each one as

a point of light. This is the Milky way, our city of stars in the universe. Follow the band toward the South and you will come to a bright red star, Antares in Scorpius, the Scorpion. You probably will be able to see the curved scorpion’s tail formed by stars.

In the early morning hours of August 13th you will be able to see the Persid meteor shower. Meteor showers are caused by dust left behind by comets. When the Earth passes through a cloud of this dust we have a meteor shower. The comet which left the dust behind which forms the Persids is comet Swift-Tuttle. Swift-Tuttle was discovered in 1862. It was found again in 1992 and astronomers have since found records of it going back to 69 BC. Meteor or shooting stars happen so quickly that by the time you say, “look over there”, the shooting star will be gone.

September 23rd is the September Equinox. This is the first day of fall (Autumnal Equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox) in the southern hemisphere. The Sun is directly over the Earth’s equator and the hours of day and night are about equal all over the world.

SHOPPING STARS
SEPTEMBER 2023
AUGUST 23 /
Sunrise and sunset
VIEW THE MAP SO THAT THE NORTH INDICATOR IS FACING NORTH Constellation names are in upper case. Star and planet names in lower case. The sun, moon, planets and stars all rise in the east and set in the west.
times
are based on the 15th of each month. By: Tom Lesser, formerly Senior Lecturer at the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium and frequent island visitor.
Sunrise & Sunset August Sunrise 6:26 am August Sunset ................................................................ 7:19 pm September Sunrise 6:42 am September Sunset ......................................................... 6:37 pm August Moon Phases Full Moon 1 Last Quarter 8 New Moon 16 First Quarter 24 Full Moon 30 September Moon Phases Full Moon 6 Last Quarter 14 New Moon 22 First Quarter 29
CONSTELLATIONS: UPPER CASE • Stars: Lower Case
NORTH
EAST
64 • August / September 2023
Our clear skies are perfect for star gazing!
SOUTH
WEST

ST. CROIX

While St. Croix is the must-see island for the history buff, we are not only about the days of old. We are also known for our gorgeous beaches, world-class activities, fine dining, resorts, casinos and golf courses. Plus, our unique take on arts, crafts, music, festivals and cultural events lets you discover exactly why St. Croix is a vibe like no other.

visitUSVI.com

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