St Croix This Week December 2022

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 land scapes, 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 his toric 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 anemo nes. 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 gov ernment. 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.

Albert Bryan, Jr.

Ava

Dianne Canegata O’Reilly Emelyn Morris-Sayre Christopher Jones Jason Walker

Jason

Adina

Ava

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to St. Croix, a land of spectacular beauty, rich cultural diversity and intrigu ing 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 oppor tunities to pursue your heart’s desire and create a unique vacation experience.

Adventurers and nature lovers can spend time hiking, kayaking, horse back 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 archi tecture, 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 sun rise at Point Udall, the easternmost point in the United States.

Christiansted and Frederiksted, our main seaside towns, are a shop per’s nirvana with charming boutiques offering everything from hand crafted jewelry and apparel to colorful local art. Visitors enjoy a gener ous $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 amaz ing vacation experience in St. Croix. Thank you for choosing the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sincerely,

Joseph Boschulte

Commissioner

USVI Department of Tourism

DECEMBER

Events Calendar

Events Calendar

DECEMBER 22/JANUARY 23

Cruise Arrivals* Frederiksted Pier

TUES, DEC 6 8AM-6PM VOYAGER/SEAS 8AM-7PM VALIANT L ADY

FRI, DEC 9 8AM-5P M CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE WED, DEC 14 7AM-2PM JEWEL/SEAS WED, DEC 21 8AM-6PM VOYAGER/SEAS

FRI, DEC 23 8AM-5PM CELEBRITY SILHOUET TE WED, DEC 28 8AM-6PM CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM

JANUARY

SUN, JAN 1 8AM-6PM VOYAGER/SEAS

FRI, JAN 6 8AM-5PM CELEBRITY SILHOUET TE

MON, JAN 16 11A M-7PM GRANDEUR/SEAS

WED, JAN 18 8AM-7PM VALIANT L ADY 8AM-6PM ENCHANTMENT/SEAS

THURS, JAN 19 7AM-6PM VOYAGER/SEAS

FRI, JAN 20 8AM-5PM CELEBRITY SILHOUET TE

TUES, JAN 24 8AM-6PM VOYAGER/SEAS

WED, JAN 25 7AM-2PM JEWEL/SEAS

*This schedule was at press time. Check www.viport.com to confirm the most current schedule.

DECEMBER 15 is the deadline for event considerations for the FEB/MAR 2023 issue. Email event info, in the format you see here, to Liz Covert at lizcovert@yahoo.com

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

ONGOING

MONDAY-FRIDAY, 4-6 PM

Happy Hour/Drink Specials Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 340-773-3400. @shupesstx

TUESDAYS, 6-8PM Tuesday Trivia—Sion Farm Distillery Home of MUTINY Island Vodka; reserve Teams, 340-690-9322. sionfarmdistillery.com

TUESDAYS, 6-9 PM

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

3rd TUESDAYS, 6PM Book Club, Undercover Books Get 10% off the current club title. 340-719-1567, undercoverbooksstcroix.com

3rd TUESDAYS, 6-9PM Sip and Paint, SGV Botanical Garden

$40 per person, $35 for members 340-513-9173, sipandpaintvi@gmail.com

WEDNESDAYS, 10AM-12:30PM Friends in the Courtyard Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts 340-772-2622, www.cmcarts.com

WEDNESDAYS, 5-7 PM Crab Races with Tito and Sue BREW STX—Family fun/Prizes! 340-719-6339

THURSDAYS, 10-11AM

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

THURSDAYS, 5:30 -10 PM Seafood Boil Night—BREW STX Savory weekly ‘must have!’ NO PROBLEMO Live. 340-719-6339

FRIDAYS, 9-10:30AM

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

FRIDAYS, 5-8PM

Live Music—Leatherback Brewing Co 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

1st SATURDAY, 9AM-NOON Nursery Plant Sale

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

3rd SATURDAY, 10AM-NOON Orchid Awareness & Education Group Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts 340-772-2622, www.cmcarts.com

LAST SATURDAYS, 9:30-10:30AM

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

SUNDAYS, 10AM-3PM

Live music at Sea Terrace Restaurant

For Brunch, Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas. 340-249-0700

DECEMBER 2022

1- EVERY DAY, DAY OR NIGHT

31 “Ah Cultural View For You,” thru Jan 8 Teddy’s Party & Rentals, Orange Grove Decorated window displays—Cultural Christmas Themes & Scenes. 340-277-6704

1- THURSDAY-SATURDAY

4 ‘Three Sheets VI’ Regatta Coral Bay, St John to Christiansted with finish line in Buck Island Channel Dec 2; Fun Day on St Croix. Return to Charlotte Amalie, Dec 4. 340-244-5563, ThreeSheetsVI.com

2- FRI, 4-9PM, SAT & SUN, 11AM-6PM

4 6th Annual Crucian Coconut Festival Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory Friday Art Exhibit Opening, Sat, Music & Fashion Show, 7-10pm, Sat & Sun, Main Festival Event. St. Croix Farmers in Action. Tickets on Eventbrite. 340-332-7228

1-24 TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 10AM-5PM

“Diaspora Expressions” Exhibition Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Six prominent Caribbean artists reflect on Spirituality and Ritual. 340-772-2622, www.cmcarts.com

2 FRIDAY, 5-8 PM

“Wine & Wishes”

Joyia Inspirational Jewelry, Queen Cross St New designs, raffles, delicious cookies! www.joyiajewelry.com/pages/wine-wishes 340-713-4569

3 SATURDAY, 6-8PM

“Crucian Lights & Sparkle on Deh Streets” Mobile Lantern Motorcade

3rd Annual! Route to D.C. Canegata Ball Park. Crucian Cultural Group, 340-643-9888, FB

3 SATURDAY, 10:30AM-1 PM

Make Model Clay Christmas Ornaments

St. Croix East End Marine Park

Call or email to register for this free event. Kelcie.Troutman@dpnr.vi.gov. 340-718-3367

3 SATURDAY, 9PM-2AM

Full Moon Party is back! Shupe’s on the Boardwalk With DJ Cypha and DJ Karl. 340-773-3400 @shupesstx, Shupesontheboardwalk.com

DEC 9. 4th Annual Limpricht Park Tree Lighting & Cultural Program. Chalana Brown

Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility Virgin Islands Port Authority—

3 SATURDAY, 9AM & 11AM

Breakfast with Santa Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands

Two seatings. Pictures with Santa & Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt. Call or email to register, infoatthegarden@gmail.com

3 SATURDAY, 3:30 PM

SIP & PAINT

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street 340-713-9959; Text, 340-513-8581

4 SUNDAY THRU JAN 8, ALL DA Y

“Culture in Deh Ruins” Contentment Road and the By-Pass Drive or walk by. Lighted display in the old ruins! Crucian Cultural Group, 340-643-9888, FB

4 SUNDAY, 10AM-3 PM

“Christmas Spoken Here”

Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Let the Holiday shopping begin! Crafts, food, music, Santa! 340-692-2874, www.sgvbg.org

4- STAINED GLASS ORNAMENT CLASSES

30 Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Intro to Stained Glass, Ages 18+. Thru Jan 30 www.cmcarts.org, 340-772-2622

4 SUNDAY, 8AM

“Just Du It“ Duathlon Altona Lagoon Park Gallows Bay Junior Tri VI committee hosts this open run/bike/run event for kids 5-15, all abilities. 340-513-2707.

4 SUNDAY, 5:30PM

Jazz Vespers

St. Croix Reformed Church, La Reine

An inter-faith gathering; enjoy Dimitry “Pikey” Copeman with Holiday Quelbe. stcroixreformed.org, 989-600-0492

9 FRIDAY, 7-9PM – THRU JAN 8

“Ah Glow in the Park: Lights Galore on King Street,” Limpricht Park

4th Annual! Cultural Holiday Christmas Program; diverse entertainment & countdown to lighting the community-sponsored decorated trees. 340-643-9888, Crucian Cultural Group.

10 SATURDAY, 3:30 PM

SIP & PAINT

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street 340-713-9959; Text: 340-513-8581 info@ChristaArt.com

10 SATURDAY, 7PM

Christmas Boat Parade & Fireworks

Christiansted Waterfront

22nd year! Decorated boats parade the harbor. Music, food, Moko Jumbies! (340-690-7145 stcroixchristmasboatparade.com

10 SATURDAY, 9 PM-2AM

Boat Parade Party

Shupe’s on the Boardwalk With DJ Cypha. 340-773-3400, @shupesstx, Shupesontheboardwalk.com

11 SUNDAY, 4PM

TWAS THE WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS Caribbean Community Theatre

Hilarious and heartwarming story about what happens when the North Pole loses the Christmas Spirit. A Calico Cats performance presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press, www.bbbpress.com.

11 SUNDAY, 7AM

‘Reindeer’ Run, Half Marathon & 5K

Cane Bay, Northshore Road

Runners cover 13.1 miles or a 5K and finish, with special holiday treats, at Cane Bay Beach. Theresa Harper, 340-513-2707

13 TUESDAY, 4-7:30PM

“Crucian Christmas Festival” Exhibit Cane Roots Art Gallery, Christiansted

See costumes and beautiful art evoking this timeless tradition. Through Jan 4. TuesFri, 12-6pm, Sat, 12-5pm. 340-718-4929, canerootsartgallery.com

14 WEDNESDAY, 4:30-7PM

The Gallows Bay Holiday Festival

Crafts, local foods, music and Santa at Undercover Books & Gifts, 340-719-1567

Events Calendar Events Calendar

TAKE TIME FOR THESE!

15 THURSDAY, 3-8PM

‘Two-Artists-in-One’ Collection The Mermaid’s Purse Gallery

See Isabelle Picard’s art on Sara Lee Hayes’ pottery! Caravelle Arcade, Strand Street, next to Remedy, 340-643-5637

15 THURSDAY, 5-8PM

“Art Thursday” Art Walk

Downtown Christiansted Visit dozens of galleries, jewelry studios, & shops open late! www.artthursdaystcroix.com,

16 FRIDAY, 9PM-2AM

Live performance with Les Greene Shupe’s on the Boardwalk

With Patrick and the Swayzees (Elvis Movie) and No Problemo. 340-773-3400, @shupesstx, Shupesontheboardwalk.com

17 SATURDAY, NOON START

13th Annual Coquito Festival

La Reine Chicken Shack

Dozens of varieties of our beloved Holiday drink to taste and buy! Live music all day. Santa will be there! 340-778-5717

17 SATURDAY, TIME TBA

Let’s Go Hiking!

Butler Bay Waterfall

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

17 SATURDAY, 9PM-2AM

Live Music with DJ Kash. Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 340-773-3400. @shupesstx Shupesontheboardwalk.com

21 WEDNESDAY, 9AM-10:30AM

Let’s Go Hiking! Bayside, Robin Bay Experience your East End Marine Park on the Winter Solstice! Call or email to register for this free event. Kelcie.Troutman@dpnr.vi.gov 340-718-3367.

21 WEDNESDAY, 4:30-6PM

APPLE GIDLEY Book Signing

Undercover Books, Gallows Bay Get your signed copy of Have You Eaten Rice Today? A story about a violent period in Malaya’s history leading to independence, merdeka, and how love is found in unexpected places. 340-719-1567

23 SATURDAY, 9PM-2AM

Christmas Party with DJ Chizzle Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 340-773-3400. @shupesstx Shupesontheboardwalk.com

30 FRIDAY, 3-7 PM, THRU JAN 28

THE ART SHOW 2023

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Annual Artists’ Guild of St. Croix Opening. Music, cash bar, appetizers. 340-643-6412, ArtistGuildofstcroix.com, facebook

30- FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 9PM

31 New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Pouria Shupes on the Boardwalk 340-773-3400. @shupesstx Shupesontheboardwalk.com

31 SATURDAY, TBA

New Year’s Eve Party

Caravelle Hotel & Casino Cash giveaways, live music, champagne toast at Midnight. 340-227-7156 www.caravellecasino.com ,

JANUARY 2023

1 SUNDAY, 5:30PM

Jazz Vespers

St. Croix Reformed Church, La Reine An inter-faith gathering; enjoy Adriana Veliz & “Romanza” with Latin Jazz. stcroixreformed.org, 989-600-0492

7 SATURDAY, TBA

Annual Members BBQ & Parade Viewing Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts 340-772-2622, www.cmcarts.com

8 SUNDAY, 9:30AM SIGN IN/11AM START

19th Annual St. Croix Dolphins Sea Swim

Frederiksted Pier to Rainbow Beach Swim fee includes performance tee and goodie bag. $30 if registered by Dec 6; $45 after. 340-719-7946, www.stcroixdolphins.org

12 THURSDAY, 4:30-7:30PM

“V. I. Contemporary” Exhibit Opening Cane Roots Art Gallery, Christiansted Experience contemporary art, from the VI and other regions, in a new ways at this 2nd group show. Through Feb 10. Tues-Fri, 12-6pm, Sat, 12-5pm. 340-718-4929, canerootsartgallery.com

13 FRIDAY, 9-11AM

Seagrass Patrol

St Croix Yacht Club

Learn to seine, collect and identify small fishes

and invertebrates; All ages and experience levels welcome; Call or email to register for this free St. Croix East End Marine Park event. Kelcie.Troutman@dpnr.vi.gov, 340-718-3367

13, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 8PM

14, “The Agitators”

15 Caribbean Community Theatre

The story of cultural icons Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. By Mat Smart. Matinee 4pm, Jan 15. 340-778-1983, eileencct@gmail.com

14 SATURDAY, NOON

Krewe de Barkus Parade

Christiansted Boardwalk Fundraiser for St Croix Animal Welfare and Real Cruzan Cats; 828-447-3986

14 SATURDAY, 3:30 PM

SIP & PAINT

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street! 340-713-9959; Text: 340-513-8581 info@ChristaArt.com

15 SUNDAY, 6AM

St. Croix Scenic 50 Ultra Run Cane Bay, Northshore Three-leg relay, each 9-12 miles. stcroix50@yahoo.com, 571-330-7605.

19 THURSDAY, 3-8PM

Crucian Mocko Jumbies

The Mermaid’s Purse Gallery

See these beloved characters through paintings, jewelry, and pottery! Caravelle Arcade, Strand St, next to Remedy. 340-643-5637

19 THURSDAY, 5-8PM

“Art Thursday” Art Walk

Downtown Christiansted Visit dozens of galleries, jewelry studios, & shops open late! www.artthursdaystcroix.com,

20 FRIDAY, 5-9 PM

“Holding Space” Exhibit

STUDIO WALSH, Peter’s Rest

Photographer Tralice Berry and Sculptor Mike Walsh invite you to experience their collaborative exhibit. Through Feb 19. MondaySaturday, 10am-3pm or by appointment. 340-332-2504

21 SATURDAY, 3:30 PM

SIP & PAINT

Christa’s Art Gallery, Company Street 340-713-9959; Text: 340-513-8581 info@ChristaArt.com

28 SATURDAY, 9AM-NOON

Beach Clean Up

Dorsch Beach

Join Friends of the St Croix East End Marine Park for a post carnival beach cleanup. Gloves and bags provided. Bring water and sunscreen. Call or email to register, 340-718-3367, Friends.stxeemp@gmail.com

DEC 11-JAN 7. 70th Annual Crucian Christmas Festival.

Attractions & Tours Attractions & Tours

SOAK UP SOME CULTURE!

ATTRACTIONS

Arthur Abel Complex — 340-772-1000

Built in 1799 and once a Danish school, now the Office of the Governor in Frederiksted. Redesigned by architect William Taylor, it was dedicated to Arthur Abel, a St. Croix joiner and builder, in September, 2009. Prince Street.

Caravelle Hotel Casino — 340-773-0687

Christiansted’s only downtown casino. Newest Slot Machines, Video Poker, Spin Wheel Games, Cash Raffles. In-town Transportation. Mon – Thurs, 4pmMidnight, Fri & Sat, 2pm-2am, Sun, 2pm-Midnight.

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

Exhibiting the arts of St. Croix and the Caribbean community. 18th Century Danish townhouse; Artist-in-Residence program. Gift Shop. Annual Calendar. Tues-Sat, 9am-4 pm.

Divi Carina Bay Casino —340-773-7529

Located at the Divi Carina Bay Resort. Adult gam ing and late-night fun. Table games for seasoned players and newcomers. Restaurant and bar for late night food and beverage options. Open 7 days, 11am – 1am.

Estate Whim Museum, Library & Archives— 340-772-0598

Sugar Factory, Mill, Slave Quarters, and Great House currently under renovation. Operated by the St. Croix Landmarks Society. Call or check Facebook for updates.

Ft. Frederik Museum —340-772-2021

Built in the 1750s, this Historic Landmark, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Five per manent collections on display. Open Mon-Fri, 9am4pm, $5. See Frederiksted Walking Tour, Pg 58.

Government House —340-773-1404

Built for a Danish merchant in 1749, it now houses offices and a Governor’s apartment. Courtyard gardens and sweeping staircase to a 2nd-story ball room. King Street, Christiansted. Historic Landmark.

Hams Bluff Lighthouse

First lit in 1915 under the Danish Government. North of Frederiksted; historic landmark.

Lawaetz Family Museum — 340-473-1557

Mahogany Road, Frederiksted. 18th Century Danish farm homestead, on the National Historic Registry, managed by active USDA certified organic farm in conjunction with Ridge2Reef Farms. Museum tours and Farmers’ Market, Wed and Sat, 11am – 3pm. Group tours on request. Facebook, Lawaetz Museum, Little LaGrange.

Lord God of Sabaoth Church — 340-773-1320

Originally a Dutch Reformed Church built in the 1740s, was sold to the Lutherans in 1831. Rehab under the direction of General Peter von Scholten. King Street, Christiansted.

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

Schooner Denis Sullivan – 340-626-7877

A flagship of Milwaukee, WI and a Great Lakes Tall Ship is now part of the fleet of World Ocean School in Boston. As Roseway undertakes a 3-year restoration, Denis Sullivan will take her place on St. Croix with Student Programs & Sunset Sails! Story, Pg 47. Mid-Dec-Apr. www.worldoceanschool.org

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Frederiksted. Exhibits, Artist-in-Residence programs, workshops, classes, gift shop.

Attractions & Tours Attractions & Tours

TOURS

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; find them in Watersports, Pg 40-42. 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. The Steeple Building is closed for renovations. Fort open 8:30am- 4:30pm, MonFri, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See Officers’ Day Room, Arsenal, Dungeon, and Cannons for harbor & land defense. Site parking; public restrooms on Church Street.

3. Salt River Historical Park & Ecological Preserve

Founded in 1992 in cooperation with the VI

Government, the Park documents the human and natural Caribbean world of early indigenous settlements here 4000 years ago through the 1500s. Christopher Columbus landed here in 1493. Nature preserve. Closed for major renovations after double hurricanes in 2017 & the pandemic. New Visitor’s Center planned.

Aerial—Scenic, Island Hopping Cape Air, 100 flights a day. 800-CAPE-AIR. See ad this page for destinations.

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

Christiansted Self-Tour Nine attractions! See Pg 57.

Cruzan Cowgirls Horseback Riding Tours, 340-690-RIDE

Be adventurous and ride with us—down the beach, through the Rain Forest, and into the sea! Featured on Travel Channel’s series, “Real.” A non-profit that rescues horses on island, gives them a second chance, and educates on their proper care. www.cruzancowgirls.com

Sion Farm Distillery. Home of MUTINY Island Vodka. Free Tours, great food, craft cocktails, events.

Attractions & Tours Attractions & Tours

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 (see Map, Pg 55), and protects 60 acres of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, salt ponds, and mangroves. Ongoing tours and events, Interactive Visitors Center, open 9:30am4pm Thurs, Fri, and first Sat of the month. www.friendsstxeemp.org,kelcie.troutman@dpnr.vi.gov

Frederiksted Self-Tour

Fifteen attractions! See Pg 58.

Frederiksted Walking Tours – 340-277-4834

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

Ridge to Reef Farm—340-473-1557

Experience the farm! Come on up and grab a watercolor map for a Selfie Tour of this Certified Organic farm, Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat, 10am-4pm. $10pp, $5 kids and Seniors. Group and students rates available. There’s volunteer programs, farm stays, and Bush Skills. Check FB for updates. ridge2reef.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.

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 Visitor Center – 340-713-5654 Gift Shop open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Call to

make a reservation for a Rum Tour & Tasting! www.captainmorganvisitorcenter.com

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 Limited Releases. Casual food, Island Life store, selftours, indoor & outdoor bar. Roebuck Industrial Park, just West of the airport. Now 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 hand-crafted 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. Iconic Island Dairies Building, Sion Farm. www.sionfarmdistillery.com , Facebook.

Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church, Christiansted.

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.

LEARN MORE

US Customs & Border Protection www.cbp.gov • (877) 287-8667

ib designs. feel good jewelry.

CHRISTIANSTED BOARDWALK

SUBLIME STX Sun-Protective Clothing

Text 941-527-2249

Made on St. Croix, our clothing images of ani mals, fish, coral, birds, turtles, waves, and more are digitized from licensed original paintings! Lightweight and perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, diving in UPF50+ moisturewicking 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 tod dler styles plus dresses, sarongs, and buffs. Also come for Pura Veda reef-friendly organic sun block and after sun products, sunglasses, locallycrafted jewelry, and sandals. New location! We’ve moved to the new “Boardwalk Market,” on the Christiansted Boardwalk next to The Mill. Come on by! Sublinestx.com, Facebook.

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 new est 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!

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 prod ucts for Face, Body, Hair, & Home all boasting tropical and aromatherapeutic benefits. All their raw ingredients

Asha World Designs. Indian spinning rings.

COMPANY STREET

cont...

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 . A selection of our products can be found at Jackies Beauty Supply at Sunny Isle. Visit our website and see us at Ag Fair, May 28-30. 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 fabric in dozens of pat terns, school plaids and solids, clear and printed plastic table coverings, craft and notion supplies, infant and children’s clothing, men’s and women’s accessories, local books, towels, fans, beautiful rib bon 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.

Eden South – 340-713-1003

Located at historic #3 Company Street, Eden South is an unexpected oasis of divine and authentic Crucian treats. Come in to see our contemporary line of preserves and syrups from old-time recipes, books by local authors, color ful rainforest and recipe t-shirts and sample our famous Jack’s Bay Pepper Sauce—also available as a personal-sized bottle for easy carry-on when travelling. Our product line is made only from in-season, locally sourced fruit and is prepared in small batches for consistent quality. We are dedicated to bringing you the best time-honored traditions of St. Croix, conveniently packaged to help you enjoy and express Crucian culture, wherever you may be. www.edensouth.com

FantaSea Jewelry Studio & Gallery340-244-3110

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

Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry. The Original St. Croix Hook | @sonya.ltd | shop at soyaltdstore.com

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 fortu nate 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 sim plicity 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.

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 selec tion 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-a-kind in the Caribbean, will be adding a Bistro, and addi tional Retail Market in the Fall. ROUGE is also operating a Luxury Airbnb on its second level.

The Shoe Bar – 340-713-1445

Located at 55 Company Street, The Shoe Bar is St. Croix’s premier shoe boutique, carrying styles for both men and women. Ladies can select from bcbg, Chinese Laundry,Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, Nine West, Bandolino, Naots and more. For the Gents, we have Nunn Bush (a Florsheim brand), Clarks, Kenneth Cole and Naots sandals and dress shoes. We are very proud to be the only authorized dealer for Naots in the Virgin Islands. Stop by and enjoy a glass of wine while you shop! Open Monday – Saturday, 10 am -5 pm. Facebook, The Shoe Bar VI.

SONYA’S Fine Island Jewelry –

340-778-8605

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 imi tated, never duplicated. Our designs include: hurricanes, hearts, flowers, sea life, breast cancer awareness, and so much more. All cre ations are crafted in sterling silver, 14 & 18

FantaSea Jewelry. Jewelry Inspired by the Ocean and Island Life.

Hotheads. All-size swimwear; island trends, head to toe.

COMPANY STREET

cont... karat gold—bracelets, rings, earrings, and pen dants. Our loyal customers continue to vote our jewelry #1 in the Virgin Islands. Visit us at www.sonyaltd.com. Toll-free: 877-766-9284.

KINGS ALLEY

Chaney Chicks & Island Gifts –305-896-3135

Friendliest gift shop on St. Croix! We special ize in unique island jewelry featuring sea glass and Chaney. Why not treat yourself or a friend to something truly special such as a stunning ocean inspired piece of jewelry? Come in to see our one of a kind collection of sea glass and Chaney pendants, earrings and bracelets. If you find your own sea glass or Chaney treasure, we can also design a special piece just for you. We also carry locally made hot sauce, jams, coffee, art, Christmas décor, books and much more. Chaney Chicks & Island Gifts is located just off the Christiansted boardwalk behind Brew STX in King’s Alley. Open Monday - Saturday

from 10am to 5pm. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Oceanique Creations – 321-438-3012

Welcome to Oceanique Creations, the newest gift shop on St. Croix! We specialize in local hand made gifts and island jewelry featuring sea glass and Chaney. Want the perfect keepsake that allows you to take a part of St. Croix home with you? Then visit Oceanique Creations and check out our collection of sea glass and Chaney pendants, earrings, bracelets, and anklets. We also carry hot sauce, jams, soaps, candles, art, holiday décor, and much more all made by local artists. If you find your own sea glass or Chaney treasure, we can design a special piece for you. Located in King’s Alley, just off Strand Street in Christiansted. Open Mon – Sat, 10 to 5pm. FB, IG

KING STREET

Belle Sorelle Beauty Bar – 340-713-4455

Shop imported designer fragrances and cosmet ics 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.

Belle Sorelle Beauty Bar. Fame, the new women’s fragrance by Paco Rabanne. Be Playful. Sensual. Empowered.

Joyia Inspirational Jewelry. Spin it and let’s radiate more JOY into the holiday season with the Eternal Joy Collection.

Azzaro–Bvlgari-Boucheron

CarolineHerrera-Coach Dolce&Gabana ElizabethArden-Guerlain JeanPaulGautier

JimmyChoo-JuicyCouture Miyake-MontBlanc Mugler-NarcisoRodriguez NinaRicci PacoRabanne-Versace

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 selec tion 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, 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 ban gles 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 10am5pm. Queen Cross Street www.joyiajewelry.com

Tropical Bracelet Factory. ‘Good Vibes’ handcrafted earrings.

QUEEN CROSS STREET cont...

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 excel lent 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 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

Small Wonder – 340-773-5551

A delightful children’s store filled with a large selec tion 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 year-round 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

Shop Duty-Free! Shop Duty-Free!

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 selec tion! 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 take-out 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 entranc es. 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 sur prised 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

Rouge Duty Free. Frida Kahlo EDT is a fragrance that transcends time, art, and nature while bringing the essence of Frida Kahlo to life. So, live like Frida, shed your fears, and be your authentic self.

AROUND THE ISLAND

The Buccaneer Boutique – 340-712-2129

The Buccaneer Hotel was St. Croix’s first, built in 1945, just a mile East of Christiansted. The Buccaneer Boutique, one of our first as well, is run by Mrs. Armstrong, with a flair for good taste and fun apparel. Her standard is good quality, trusted brands, and lots of variety. Look for Men’s shorts and swim trunks, cotton dress shirts, tees, l/s UPF 50+ tees, raffia hats, caps, and even belts! Women can sort through fine, casual sportswear and dressy styles including special occasion dresses. Find swimwear, coverups, l/s UPF 50+ tees, and lots of accessories, including shoes and sandals, and fun jewelry. This time of year, find a bar gain with lots of select markdowns. Plenty of parking. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 3pm.

The Hunt – 340-277-1846

Three cheers for the new consignment store on St. Croix overflowing with a refreshing and alwayschanging 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 look ing for! On a recent trip I went in to check it out and went home with a fabulous, giant turquoise bird bath and a monkey pitcher! You can’t resist this stuff, it’s all fascinating collectibles that you never knew you want ed! At the corner of Northshore and Midland Roads, pull into the parking lot at the orange buildings, two of them, chock full for you. Open Wed-Sat, 11am –5:30pm, Sun, 1-4pm. 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 gro cery 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

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, manmade 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

Artisan Craft Distilling Co – 340-725-6701

Something New! We take great pride in fermenting, distilling, and bottling right on the premises using locally-sourced corn for our signature White Lightning Moonshine, and local fruits in small batch special fer mentations like Pomegranate, Cinnamon, Apple Pie, and Sour Cherry flavors. Look for NEW flavors every month like Black Current, and Raspberry coming up! Stop by for a free Tasting Monday-Friday, 3-6pm and Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Located on Hospital 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 micro brewery located on the beautiful Christiansted board walk. The two-level waterfront venue provides spec tacular views perfect for dining 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

Roots-N-Kulchah - 340-513-8665

Cafe Roots-N-Kulchah is a fusion of cultures in which you are bound to taste your own Roots-N-Kulchah! 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

Coco Loco Bar & Grill – 340-690-5626

A vibrant 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

Right across the street from Government House on King Street, you’ll find the hidden oasis called The Courtyard. Known for its locally-sourced, organic cold press juices, and fresh fruit smoothies, they now offer soups, salads,

Café Roots-N-Kulcha. Falafel Mediterranean Salad.

sandwiches and quiche along with Vegan and gluten- free options! Sip a cup of coffee, relax, and take a peek at our latest ‘artist-of-the-month’ works on display. Most week ends, we offer Art, Yoga, or Wine and Food Workshops; schedule on our Facebook page. Open MondaySaturday, 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

First Place Winner for Vegetarian at the Annual Taste of St Croix, we serve “Southern Cajun Creole Cuisine with an Island Flair.” Chef Christy is delighted to explore the fiery Tastes of New Orleans with the bold taste of St Croix while Mixologist Jibby serves up carefully crafted refreshing beverages, fresh juices & house-blended, Iced or Hot coffees. Chef Christy is a Board Certified Dietary Nutritionist that uses bold flavors to help introduce guests to not only the taste of New Orleans but tasty vegetables, seeds, fruits, and grains. Nestled in downtown Christiansted’s Kings Alley in a beautiful open-air courtyard, we are open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, Thurs-Mon, 9am3pm & 6pm-9pm, Sat until 11pm. Eat In / Take Out. FB, IG, Tik-Tok, TripAdvisor, Yelp.

LEVELS Live Music Venue & Bar

Come together for music, people, and vibes at St. Croix’s newest live music venue! The Company Street, Christiansted location has long had a reputa tion as a night club and now it speaks from a bright, newly-renovated, multi-level space showcasing local talent three nights a week. Music runs the gamut from reggae, to jazz, to soca, to calypso, to blues and pop rock. Open Mic night calls forth our sing ers, poets, and comics in the room for unexpected variety and fun. The house DJ carries you through yet another musical experience on another night. Amazing craft cocktails and local juices offered at the bar. Sit, stand, or dance to the music du jour. Open Thurs, 5pm-12am, Fri, 5pm-2am, and Sat, 5pm-12am. Current schedule online. www.levelsvi.com, Facebook, Instagram.

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, bar tender 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 ordering. Enjoy all your favorites, at casual tables in a terraced, outdoor courtyardNachos, 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 am - 10 pm, closed Sundays.

The Mill Boardwalk Bar and Brick Oven Pizza – 340-643-MILL

Very simply put, exceptional harbor views, friendly service, the best Pizza on the island, and more! This open-air, waterfront pizzeria is best described with these notes—Local wood- fired,

Cruzian Bayou Bistro. Shrimp Po’Boy.

custom-built brick oven; fresh dough made inhouse daily. Charred and chewy crust. Cosa nostra cheese. Open kitchen. Gluten free “anti” pizza menu items. Yellowfin tuna poke. Rum cake ice cream sandwiches. Amazing sunsets. Eclectic mix of locals and visitors. Fast and friendly service. That pretty much sums it up! Open 7 days a week, 11am – 10pm (subject to change). Facebook, Trip Advisor, Instagram.

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 Mahi-Mahi—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

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, hand-ground burgers, hand-cut fries, chicken wings, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, soft-serve ice cream, and more. All meals served in an easy-travel paper bag. Of course, a full bar at your disposal as well! The best spot on the Boardwalk for burgers and

beer! Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 9pm. FB, IG.

Stones Throw Restaurant & Bar –340-771-8476

Located in Pan Am Pavilion, at Strand Street in Christiansted, we are open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday, from 5-10pm, and would love to share our love of delicious food and excellent service with you! We are a fully-open scratch kitchen that prides itself on house-made fare including fresh baked bread and hand cut pasta. Take a seat at our kitchen counter and watch the chefs prepare your meal!. Whether you are looking for a craft cocktail and quick bite or a more intimate setting for any special occasion, we are here for you! We hope you feel a sense of comfort and care from us and all members of our staff. For guaranteed seating, please call ahead. IG

TOAST Diner – 340-692-0313

This cozy, award-winning diner near the board walk waterfront boasts an extremely creative menu including Venezuelan-style arepas, break fast all-day-long, rum cake French toast, the diner burger, biscuits and gravy, the decadent Peanut Butter and Jealous Sandwich, daily specials, and

Nate’s Boathouse. Snow Crab Bucket.

Coco Loco. Mango Peach Sangria.

more! While a full bar is available, locals and visitors depend on the Build-Your-Own-BloodyMary, and the best coffee on St. Croix! Come with company or come alone and make a new friend. Toast is sure to become the ritual start to your day! Walk-ins only. Phone orders welcome. (face book, Trip advisor, Instagram, twitter)

GALLOWS BAY

Maria’s Cantina & Sports Bar – 340-713-0222 This Mexican Restaurant & Sports Bar (little Mexico 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!” Special-value Kids Menu. Margaritas, Sangria, Micheladas, 9 Draft Beers, 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 Monday, 11 am – 9 pm, Tuesday –Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm. Follow us on Facebook for menus and daily specials.

Seaside Market & Deli – 340-719-9393 Seaside Market & Deli is St. Croix’s only gour met 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, gour met cheeses, specialty food items, and the freshest meat and seafood on island. We feature a variety

of convenient, ready-made 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

EAST END

Blue Water Terrace – 340-692-BLUE (2583)

A restaurant and catering business with a fabulous view across from Buck Island! Specialties are steaks and seafood, ‘Lori’s Famous’ Fried Chicken, BBQ ribs, lasagna, chicken pot pie, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Find Lori’s

housemade desserts, ice cream, and local artwork and jewelry in the Market. Open Thurs-Mon, 5-9 pm, Sunday Brunch, Major Holidays only. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Call ahead for Reservations, Catering parties, or for Pick-up! www.bluewaterterrace.com, FB.

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 nights, The Mermaid hosts its Grill Night with music, beach games, and fire danc ers; 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 enter tainment. 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 fea tures a children’s menu. Reservations are required for dinner. www.thebuccaneer.com

Goat Soup & Whiskey. Seafood Bouillabaisse.

Susan Wall

Cheeseburgers in Paradise – 340-718-1118

Serving daily from Noon till 8pm, weekends Noon till 9pm. Friendly atmosphere, open-air seating. Come and enjoy our World Famous Cheeseburgers! We also have veggie burgers, several salads, fish sandwiches, steaks, fried chicken, chicken fried steak and daily mouth-watering Specials. Choose your own unique libation from our full bar or try one of our frozen spe cialty drinks! East End Road at Southgate. FB

Duggan’s Reef — 340-773-9800

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 35 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.

Goat, Soup and Whiskey – 340-773-3333

Welcome to the Goat! Lunch service begins at

11:30am with appetizers, soups, salads and sand wiches. Enjoy your lunch with a glass of wine, beer, or a fresh-squeezed Caribbean cocktail. Dinner ser vice begins at 5pm with Steaks, Chops, Seafood, and Pastas combining with the delicious lunch offerings. Pair your dinner with a selection from the wine list or from the extensive craft cocktail menu. Choose fresh coffee, espresso or cappuccino to compliment in-house desserts. At Sunday Brunch, from 10am – 2pm, take in views of Buck Island with a glass of Champagne, a Mimosa, or build-your-own Bloody Mary. Our alfresco dining room is located at Coakley Bay Condominiums on East End Road. Dinner reservations recommended, Thurs – Tues, 11:30am –9pm. Closed Wednesdays.

Sea Terrace Restaurant & East End Bar340-249-0700

Our Sea Terrace restaurant is located on ocean level in an open airy covered gallery; we are open for lunch from 11-3pm Monday –Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10-3pm. Our kitchen chefs create daily specials incorporating locally-sourced ingredients along with our seafood and American

cuisine. Take a dip in the pool, with a daily pool pass for purchase. The EAST END BAR offers casual dining under the stars from 3-9 daily. Enjoy house-made pizzas, fresh sandwiches, and salads while listening to live music. We can host your pri vate event, birthday or wedding with our catering menus. Call or use Open Table for your reserva tions. www.grapetreebayhotel.com

The Buccaneer.

Beach.

Sea Terrace Restaurant. Red Curry Mussels & Clams.

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,

FREDERIKSTED

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. Entre Award winner in the 2017 Taste of St. Croix. Open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday, 6-10pm. Nightly entertainment, 7-9pm. Daily specials on Facebook.

Six Nine Restaurant & Bar - 340-772-6969

Welcome to Six Nine, Frederiksted’s newest, revital ized restaurant, in the former Pier 69 location! Nestled in the romantic waterfront courtyard in front of the Frederiksted Pier, we offer an elegant, outdoor/ indoor dining experience and comfortable, fun bar

Welcome to Stones Throw Cafe! We are Michelle and Ryan Bennett, the chefs and co-owners!

We moved to St. Croix in February 2017 with a plan to stay for a six months, wanting a break from the fine dining restaurants we both worked at in Chicago. We quickly realized, after those few short months, that the island of St. Croix and its unique community were easy to fall in love with! Leaving the island behind became less and less of an option as time passed and, in early 2019, we made the exciting decision to open Stones Throw!

After an unfortunate two-year delay due to COVID and a complete buildout, we can’t describe how happy we are to finally be serving dinner to St. Croix Tuesday through Saturday nights in the heart of downtown Christiansted—Pan Am Pavilion at Strand Street. We are a fully-open scratch kitchen where you can sit at the kitchen counter and watch your meal being prepared—we love to interact with our guests every chance we get!

A truly unique experience every time you walk through our door is what we’re going for. From Michelle’s homemade bread, baked fresh daily to Ryan’s house-made pasta and whimsical takes on classic dishes, we strive to have some thing for everyone to enjoy.

We both share a great passion for creating the ideal din ing experience and try our hardest to do so through our food and, more importantly, our friendly hospitality. When you are dining at Stones Throw, we hope you feel a sense of comfort and care from us and all members of our staff.

We truly love what we do, and we hope to serve you the next time you are in search of a delicious meal! See you soon!

Stones Throw | 340-771-8476

Open Tues-Sat, 5-10pm, IG

Michelle and Ryan Bennett

Stones Throw Restaurant & Bar. Crispy Cauliflower ap petizer.

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

FREDERIKSTED / NORTHSHORE / MID-ISLAND

sic island cocktails. The food menu features many favorites along with local specials made with quality ingredients sourced from farmers, bakers, and fisher men 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 destina tion 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

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! Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Tues-Sun 5.30-9.30pm, Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm. Follow us on facebook @sixninestx or online at sixninestx.com. Reservations recommend ed! Call to book or on OpenTable.

Tap Deck Bar & Billiards - 340-773-5227

Located on the waterfront in front of the Frederiksted Pier, enjoy an eclectic small bites menu, daily chef specials, draft beer, great wine, and extensive cock tails. We offer inside air-conditioned 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 SpinachArtichoke Dip, and stay for the inviting atmosphere and professional, fun bartenders. Daily events include Monday Trivia, Tues-Sat live music, Wednesday Sushi Night, Thursday Bingo, Award-Winning Stir-Friday, 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. Kitchen til 10pm daily. Two happy hours: 3-5pm and 10pm-12am!. Follow us on Facebook @ TapDeckSTX or online at tapdeckstx.com.

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 restau rant boasts a rotating selection of fresh Leatherback Brewing beers on tap and in cans along with clas

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

“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

Chef Ozzie’s Kitchen. Curry Chicken. El Flamboyant. Beef Steak Mofongo. Susan Wall

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

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 Limited Releases. Many of the styles feature local ingredients. The Tasting Room serves a selec tion 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

MID-ISLAND cont...

coveted family recipes!” This colorful, family res taurant 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 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.

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

The Caribbean’s original Island Vodka hand crafted from breadfruit, MUTINY Island Vodka® is a true island vodka with a luxurious smooth ness 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.

by Ivy Hunter Retail & Marketing Manager

Leatherback Brewing Company proudly produces authentic Virgin Islands craft beer with uniquely Caribbean ingredients and influences alongside traditional beer styles. We brew all of our flagship beers and canned products in our 15-barrel production brewery on St. Croix, while experimenting with new ingredients and flavors in our innovation brewery on St. Thomas. Both locations serve a rotating selection of 16 draft beers and each Tasting Room has its own menu and distinctive island vibe.

Our St. Croix location opened in 2018 with a limited menu, four draft beers two canned beers. Since then, we’ve experienced quite a lot of growth. We now host an assort ment of community events, live music, festivals, and commu nity fundraisers in our family-friendly indoor/outdoor space. We serve a full menu, and our pizza is an island favorite, especially paired with your favorite Leatherback brew! While you’re visiting, take a walk up to our tour deck, where you can see our entire operation.

Our St. Thomas Tasting Room opened in 2020 with a smaller 5-barrel brewery and a tasting room space offering a more intimate experience. We host live music and private events, along with our popular Beer School, which provides a fun and unique way to experi ence craft beer. You can also grab a 6 pack when you arrive on St. Thomas at our airport kiosk in the baggage claim area.

We support local community and environmental initia tives that will help to promote and protect our islands in the long term. Our St. Croix location is a collection site for aluminum cans, which we compact, bail and ship off island to be properly recycled. We’re proud to brew with sunshine and rain, doing our part to utilize our natural resources. Our St. Thomas location is fully solar and our St. Croix solar project is in progress. We believe strongly in our products and we aim to build the community and culture around well-crafted beer! Leatherbackbrewing.com

Leatherback Brewing Co. Double India Pale Ale.

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 out door seating area. Enjoy one of our most popu lar 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

La Reine Chicken Shack. An Island tradition.

Eat & Drink Eat & Drink

LOCAL FARM STANDS MID-ISLAND

Sion Farm Distillery - 340-690-9322

ARTfarm, LLC – 340-514-4873

Popups & Preorders; get on email notice at www.artfarmllc.com or check FB.

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, unrefrig erated 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.

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. Find complete menu on Facebook or our website. Come experience island vibes, island character, island flavor, and island rhythm. www.sionfarmdistillery.com

Sion Farm Distillery 340.690.9322

Better Cocktails. Better Planet.™

Mutiny Island Vodka. Hibiscus Passion Fruit.

InanefforttopreserveaspectsofVirgin Islandsculturethathavebeendiscreditedor forgotten,Iamcurrentlyexploringlocal identitiesthroughphotography,fineart, videography,andcontentcreationwith photographyastheprimarymediuminthefineartIcreateusing digitalmixedmedia.

Myfirstcollectionoffineartin2019,"TheMadrasthatBindsAllAh We,"wasinspiredbythepoembyRichardSchrader,Sr.Intownhall meetings,legislators,alongwithoneofthedevelopersofamadras synonymoustotheVI,BradleyChristian,includedmyartcollectionand testimony,asaculturalsteward,insupportofActNo.8424,giving the VI governmentthecopyrightforanofficialVIMadraspattern. Ialsodirectshortdocumentariesthatcenteronthecultureandhistory oftheVIandamcurrentlyworkingonafeature-lengthdocumentary abouttheVirginIslandsQuelbemusicianBlinkyMcIntosh. Foodie Insider,whichhighlightslocalculinaryartistsandfoodproducers, isoneofmyTVprogramsthatairson localcableTV2VirginIslands.

MyDecembercoverimage,partof mySanctuaryFestivalTroupe,willbe representedattheCaneRootsArt Gallery“CrucianChristmasFestival” ExhibitopeningDecember13and runningthroughJanuary4.Iserveas theCreativeDirectorforthetroupe whichisdedicatedtoaligningwith thecustomsofsomeofthefirst knownChristmascelebrationsinthe VirginIslandswhileacknowledging that culturedevelopsandchanges overtime.

Thisyearwe’vechosen"TheQueensandDem"asitsthemetopay homagetothemanyqueens,preandpostemancipation,aswellas theirmalecounterparts,inamannerthatisrelevanttothepresent daywithcostumesdemonstratingthatthestruggleforsocialequality andeconomicwell-beingcontinueswhilerecognizingthese trailblazersasmodelsofadvocacyaswellasfemininedivineholders.” Instagram@chalana_vi|Instagram@chalanabrownphotography

BornalongtheMississippiRiverinan areacalledtheQuadCities,Illinois, Itookartclassesinhighschool, decidedtomajorinarteducationand graduatedfromNorthernIllinois UniversitywithaBAinarteducation.

Whileteachingelementary,middleandhighschoolart,myschool waschosentobeoneofthreeartsintegrationschools,usingthearts toteachtraditionalacademicsubjects,throughaUSDepartmentof Educationgrant.Ididpresentationsonartsintegrationatconferences inBoston,NewYork,andBeijing,ChinaattheFirstJointUnitedStates andChinaEducationalConference.

Myhusband,John,andIbuiltahouseonStCroix11yearsagoand havethreechildren.IwasthepresidentofTheArtistGuildofStCroix forthreeyears,holdingseveralworkshopsandshowsinthepastas wellastheannualexhibit.

Mycreativeinspirationcomes fromthebeautyoftheocean andthelushtropicalcolorsthat IseeonSt.Croix.Mymedium ofchoiceiscoloredpenciland mixedmediathatIusetocreate whimsicalrepresentationsof sealifeandfloraandfauna. Ialsodesignandcreatetile mosaicwallart.

My“ChamberedNautilusFantasy,”onthecoveroftheJanuaryissue, isacoloredpencil/mixedmediaartpiecethatwillbeondisplay duringTheArtistGuildofStCroix’sannual“THEARTSHOW2023” atTheCaribbeanMuseumCenterFortheArtsinFrederiksted. OpeningDecember30,from3-7pm,andrunningthroughJanuary 28,allartwillbeondisplayandforsaleatthemuseumandonthe museum’swebsite,www.cmcarts.org.

Ibelievethateveryhumanbeingcanexpressthemselvesthrough thearts,andparticularlyvisualart,fromveryyoungpreschool studentstoseniors.Iwantpeopletofeeljoywhentheyviewmy artwork!”

410-299-6933 | patternswithpizazz@yahoo.com|Instagram

Bead On a Wire - 340-718-BEAD (2323) Learn how to make jewelry with Artisan/ Instructor Vanessa Harvey Hinds. Daily, 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 75 and the seaplane ramp. Find tools, beads, semi-precious 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 Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm. Full schedule at 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 art ist 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. “Cruican Christmas Festival” costume and art exhibit runs Dec 13-Jan 4; “V. I. Contemporary” group exhibit runs Jan 12-Feb 10. A wonderful calen dar of exhibits is planned 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, Noon-6pm, 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 commu nity, 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 understand ing of the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Caribbean, and their source. Housed in an 18th-century Danish townhouse. Artist-inResidence 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 build ings, quadrille dancers, mocko jumbies, Caribbean scenes, and events. Lots of these images are

Local Art Local Art

ISLAND LIFE THROUGH ART!

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. Ademola Olugebefola, participating VI artist in “Diaspora Expres sions” exhibit and December Artist-in-Residence with workshops. Artist Talk, Dec 3.

Christa’s Art Gallery continued incorporated into products at her gallery. Come see her umbrellas, shower curtains, coasters, rugs, cush ions, mugs, tee shirts, face masks, and cultural color 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 photography of Tina Henle. HenleGallery.com

Maufe Gallery – 340-332-4556

Maufé Gallery owner/artist Thérèse Trudeau wel comes you to the gallery where she exhibits her own work and that of other local and international artists on St. Croix. Located at Crucian Gold on Strand Street in Christiansted, Maufe Gallery shares space with jewelry designer Nathan Bishop who oversees an on-site workshop for handmade designs. There is often a new exhibit every month and live music and

Caravelle Arcade, Suite 6 Next to Remedy, Christiansted

performance art pieces taking place. Open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

The Mermaid’s Purse Gallery – 340-643-5637 Get transported into a Fun, Creative space, full of surprises, full of one-of-a-kind Creations, large and small. Welcome to the Mermaid’s Purse Gallery!! You will escape in the whimsical world of local artist Isabelle Picard. We have Great, Unique gifts for all occasions including a collection of the local handmade pottery of Sara Lee Hayes. We have moved inside Caravelle Arcade on Strand Street next to Remedy. Come visit us, we can’t wait to show you our “creative playground”. FB, IG

Ted Davis Galeria - 310-860-6001 (toll free!) After almost a decade in Christiansted, D&D Studio is now online! Visit us at https://ddstu- dio. 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

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.

happen to be a visiting Dane, we bid you Velkommen!

TRACES

by Nina York

If we try to compare past holiday celebrations on this island with today’s, we realize that living conditions have changed so much that we can hardly comprehend how people managed to celebrate back then! Prior to 1917, which was the time of Transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States to become the U.S. Virgin Islands, we lacked the amenities that we consider basic today, such as refrigeration, telephone, automobile transportation, proper roads, clean water supply, to name a few.

Still, before slavery was abolished here in 1848, Christmas was a time free from work, a brief period of celebration with music, dance, visiting friends at other plantations, and enjoying special food. Even though living conditions for our much larger population of today have greatly improved, island culture is devoted to tradition. It is enjoyed by all despite our population being a melting pot of nationalities from many Caribbean islands, mainland U. S., Europe, the Near East, and various Asian countries. Our native population is smaller than 15 percent of the total, and of these many are offspring of immigrants.

Old Year’s Night, as our tradition calls New Year’s Eve, falls during our glorious Christmas Festival that starts mid-December and concludes with fireworks after the Adult Parade celebrating Three Kings’ Day. An annual New Year’s tradition from Danish times was a parade of dancing masqueraders in colorful costumes, wearing wire masks and conical paper hats, often accompanied by scratch bands. This has been moved to the adult parade and replaced with the predawn J’Ouvert street dance.

Special traditional beverage treats are prepared, many sold at the Food Fairs, among them sorrel, maubi, guavaberry liqueur, and coquito, along with kallaloo, lentils, black-eyed peas, sweetbread, tarts and black cake. It’s a happy time, especially regaining the social life that was curtailed during the pandemic.

Nina York, born in Denmark but a St. Croix resident since 1976, has been a con tributor 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

New Year’s Masqueraders, 1906.

Fireworks at the Clock Tower, Frederiksted.

Watersports Watersports

BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS & SUNSET SAILS

BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS & SUNSET SAILS

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 experi ence, 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

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 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 experi ence. All Buck Island trips include snorkel gear and instruction, guidance on the underwater trail, flotation devices, water and rum punch. Scuba div ing trips and wedding ceremonies also available. www.caribbeanseaadventures.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

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 desig nated 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

Experience the magic of Frederiksted sailing onboard the custom-built 63ft historic racing catamaran, Jolly Mon! On our signature live music sunset sail, be ser enaded 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

Llewellyn’s Charter. Sail with the Legend!

Lyric Sails. Capturing the moment!

Mermaid Adventures—Snorkel with Ease!

Mermaid Adventures is a Mobile Snorkel Tour company going out from the best snorkel sites on St. Croix. On our tours, you use the latest underwater propulsion Seascooters made and, at speeds up to 3.3 mph pulling you through the water, you get the most coverage during your snorkeling time.

Owners, April Hall and Stormie :Puente, have snorkeled around the world, have a total of 18 years of Park Ranger experience, a degree in Natural Resource Management, and they’re certified for Water Safety & Rescue, First Aid, and CPR/AED. They came to St. Croix because of its large Marine Sanctuary and it’s a US Territory; they found it to have some of the most stunning beaches and snorkeling locations they had ever experienced.

April and Stormie have the knowledge and training to educate through hands-on

experience in the safest way possible for sea life—sharing the underwater beauty while raising awareness about conserving reefs and marine life.

Over the years they have become very good at underwater photography and found a way to improve the affordability of snorkel tour videos and photos. They put your underwater experience on a purchasable souvenir USB wristband to take home, full of your memories of the tour!

Their guests tell them they like that dolphins and turtles are actually attracted to the Scooter vibration, the hands-on education of aquatic life, getting to the best snorkeling sites on island, that all gear is supplied, and they do tandem tours, pulling you along on the scooter personally (great for seniors and guests with mobility needs). Special Request, Tailored Tours also available.

April and Stormie.

Proceeds benefit reef charities on St. Croix. Book tours and packages online.

Mermaid Adventures www.mermaidadventure.net 310-742-5015

Michelle Pugh, a 41-year resident of St Croix, learned to dive in Los Angeles while 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 Frame 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 Con gressional 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, Philip pines, the Antarctic, and most of the Caribbean Islands. And, I recently returned from 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 dock. 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’d can say that Dive Experience is simply the best!”

Advertisement

BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS & SUNSET SAILS cont.....

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

Teroro II and Dragonfly – 340-718-3161

Buck Island Charters, with Captain Heinz and his son Carl, is one of the oldest charter boat compa nies 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.

Susan Wall

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 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 hunt ing 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. Whether you’re interested in a Discover Scuba Diving experi ence 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

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 hot test 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 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 ben efit reef charities on St. Croix. Open every day, 9am - 6pm. www.mermaidadventures.net, FB, IG

Watersports Watersports

JET SKI & SEA SCOOTERS cont...

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 calm est and clearest waters on the island. Our beauti ful 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 rid ing. 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, FB

KAYAK TOURS

Island Kayak Sailing Adventures - 340-626-3921

If you want an unforgettable experience on the

pristine waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, then book an adventure with Island Kayak Sailing Adventures (IKSA). Come explore our enchanted estuaries, remote beaches, and lagoons. We offer customizable self-guided or guided excursions, using our Hobie Trimarans. Glide across the water on our Stepper SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or the Beast SUP board (holds up to 6 people). Hear our history in an enchanting manner with our land excursion or play with our large beach games with family and friends. So, if you are feeling stressed, anxious, or bored, then it’s time to say ‘yes’ to fun, sun, and adventure! No matter what experience you choose, IKSA has an adventure waiting for you. Open 7-days-a-week, 9am – 5pm. www.kayaksailingadventures.com, FB—IKSA.

Sea Thru Kayaks VI – 340-244-8696

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 glassbottom kayak eco or beach tours. For the more adventurous, view our rentals, from glass bot tom and ocean kayaks, to soft top and transpar ent SUPs. www.seathrukayaksvi.com, FB

West

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 ecol ogy, 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, FB, IG

SURFING

St. Croix Surf & SUP – 340-473-8150

Surfing is one of the most unique and exhila rating watersports St. Croix has to offer as you hop a wave that propels you through the water!

Now St. Croix has its own Surf School with surfer Bryce Scott anxious to share his 30 years of experience, love of the ocean, and of waveriding with you! St. Croix Surf & SUP is owned and operated by Bryce and his wife Amanda and offers 2-hour private and group Surf and SUP lessons as well as Multi-lesson Packages. They use the best soft-top surfboards on the market to keep you safe and have you standing up in no time. Come get stoked and ride your first wave or learn Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) with us! Call or book online. www.stcroixsurfandsup.com

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

Sandy Point. Susan Wall

SULLIVAN!

Golf & Tennis Golf & Tennis

GOLF

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

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

Temporarily closed for renovations to clubhouse and course. Call, check website/Facebook for updates. Commissioned by Laurence Rockefeller, as the centerpiece of a luxury Caribbean resort com plex, 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 fin est courses. A great golfing treasure, it is the fin est 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 rent als. Call for rates, specials, and tee times. 72 Estate River. www.golfcarambola.com

World Ocean School’s (WOS) flagship Schooner Roseway, who has been sailing to St. Croix for the past 16 winters, with their educational programing for students, heads to Mystic Seaport, CT this year to begin a long-awaited, three-year restoration project on the nearly 100 year old vessel.

Meanwhile, WOS has purchased another schooner for their fleet, the Denis Sullivan, another tall ship but gaff-rigged with three masts and 11 white sails. She is leaving her homeport of Milwaukee, WI to make her way to St. Croix to inaugurate her first educational programs here. Unlike Roseway’s usual route from Boston down the East Coast to the Caribbean, Denis Sulli van will take an inland waterway transit from Milwaukee to St. Pete FL, where they will meet the flatbed truck with the masts, get them repositioned, hoist the sails, and head to St. Croix .

This unique journey will be documented to preserve this significant milestone in the WOS timeline and provide the most current progress of the newest ship in the fleet. Program Manager, Tatiana Dalton, will therefore be embarking on this journey, alongside Captain Christopher Flansburg, Pilot Sam Hill, and crew. They will use this journey to get to know Denis Sullivan and all the unique learning opportunities the ship has to offer future program participants! Follow the journey south on Facebook, Instagram, and World Ocean School’s online Ship’s Log.

Roseway’s restoration project will ensure that she is reju venated for the next 100 years while students will be in good hands and fair winds onboard Denis Sullivan! The Denis Sullivan is due into St. Croix mid-December and the annual Sunset Sails begin Wednesday December 21. Find a date that works for you online and sign up!

The S/V Denis Sullivan was named after one of the most famous Great Lakes ship captains. It is not a replica of a specific vessel but was inspired by that of the Great Lakes cargo schooners of the 19th century. Like many of those schooners,she carries a square-rigged fore topsail which is triangular in shape.

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

The Reef Golf Course – 340-773-8844

Open Mon – Sat, 7am – 5pm, Sun, 7am – 3pm

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, FB

TENNIS

Open to the public. Stay tournament-ready!

The Buccaneer Hotel – 340-712-2143 Open Mon – Fri, 8 - 11am and 3 - 6pm; Sat, 811am. Pro Shop open 7:30am – 5pm. Eight East End courts; lighted courts by appoint ment. Pro Shop and Game Match Service. Tennis Pro available for lessons. Call to reserve court time. www.thebuccaneer.com

Robert Trent Jones Sr.

The Buccaneer Hotel courts. Steve Simonsen

Carambola Golf Club & Country Club. A 4-star rating from GOLF magazine. Kelly Greer

Denis Sullivan.

Destination St. Croix Destination St. Croix

HELPFUL INFORMATION

HISTORY is what this island has an abundance of, going back several thou sand 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 17-ship 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 valu able crops.

Under chang ing 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 aban doned 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 posses sion 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 trans formed, 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 accompany ing 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 owner ship 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 strate gic location, particularly as the Panama Canal had just been completed, and Germany was threatening to take pos session of us. At a price of $25 million in gold, the transfer of the islands, to be known as the United States Virgin Is lands, 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 cen ter 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. Christians vaern, 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.

St. Croix’s history is mirrored in its old church struc tures. 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 Re formed 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 impor tant 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 48.

Destination St. Croix Destination St. Croix

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

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

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

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 sur rounded by the Caribbean Sea, is 82.8 square miles, 28 miles long x 7 miles wide.

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!

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

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, 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.

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.

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

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 open ing 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

COVID-19 Hotline— 340-712-6299 Diver’s Alert Network (DAN)— 919-684-9111 AA Meetings, aavirginislands.org— 340-690-5283

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

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

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.

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, 340-713-0055.

St. Patrick’s Church, Frederiksted. Ted Davis

Drive left on island.

Ted Davis

Sugarmill.

Ted Davis

Easy Hotel Guide

Staying Here Staying Here

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PHONE

Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River 340-772 1684 F F F Carambola Beach Resort 340-778-3800 F F F F F F F F F F F

Caravelle Hotel & Casino 340-773-0687 F F F F F F F

Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes 340-227-9853 F F F F F F F

Chenay Bay Beach Resort 340-201-1309 F F F F F F F F F F Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix 340-773-0210 F F F

Company House Hotel 340-773-1377 F F F Cottages By The Sea 340-772-0495 F F F F Discovery Grove 208-340-1246 F F F

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino 340-773-9700 F F F F F F F F F F F F F

Feather Leaf Inn 344-474-1358 F F F F

Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas 340-249-0700 F F F F F F F F F F F F

Holger Danske Hotel 340-773-3600 F F F F F F Hotel on the Cay 340-773-2035 F F F F F F F Inn on Strand Street 340-772-0500 F F F

King Christian Hotel 340-773-6330 F F F F F F F Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge 340-201-7983 F F F F

Northside Valley 340-772-0558 F F F

Sand Castle on the Beach 340-772-1205 F F F F F F F F F F

Tamarind Reef Resort & Marina 340-718-4455 F F F F F F F F F F

The Buccaneer 340-712-2100 F F F F F F F F F F F F

The Fred 1-844-789-8784 F F F F F F F F F F F F

The Palms at Pelican Cove 340-718-8920 F F F F F F F F

The Sugar Apple Bed & Breakfast 754-300-6983 F F F F F

The Waves Cane Bay 340-718-1815 F F F F F

Victoria House 340-692-8888 F F F

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

GRACIOUSLY LOCAL!

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, East End Bar, 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, Wifi, restaurant, large pool deck. Charming and convenient! www.holger-hotel.com

Club Comanche.

Caribbean Breeze .

TAXI SERVICES

Epidel Taxi & Tours 340-643-0205

Believe It Taxi Service 340-690-3774

St. Croix Taxi Association, Airport: 340-778-1088

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)

Cotton Valley $50 ($25)

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

Frederiksted $20 ($10)

Grapetree Hotel $50 ($25)

Green Cay Marina $40 ($20)

Hospital $20 ($10)

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

La Vallee $30 ($15)

Lorraine Village $20 ($10)

Little Fountain ................................. $20......($10)

Morning Star $25 ($15)

Queens Quarter $25 ($15)

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

Sunny Isle area $20 ($10)

Tipperary $40 ($20)

Williams Delight $20 ($10)

Work & Rest $20 ($10)

Yacht Club

$50......($25)

■ 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.

Taxi Charges & Special Provisions

■ The charges to areas not listed in this schedule shall be arrived at by using the nearest place with a rate crossed to the next place ahead with a rate closest to the passenger’s destination.

■ A taxi driver, while on duty, shall not refuse any passenger unless the passenger is intoxicated and disorderly or in the possession of a pet (other than a seeing eye or service dog) that is not prop erly secured in a kennel. No charge for service dogs. Large kennel charge, $30., small kennel, $20.

■ Round-trip fares – double the 1-way fare plus waiting charge of $1. per minute after 5 min.

■ Radio/Phone call—the fare plus 1/3 of the basic fare.

■ Exclusive Taxi Request— pays the rate charged for 4 passengers.

■ 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.

■ Hourly Rates—Sedan/Mini Van (1-4 passen gers), $40., Van (up to 14), $55., Safari (up to 25), $80. Rates for additional passengers will be nego tiated between the taxi operator and passenger(s).

■ Sightseeing Tours—1-4 passengers, $100.00, 5+ passengers, $20. each for 3-hour tour.

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

Let’s start a leisurely walking tour of Christiansted at the site of the Old Scale House on the har borfront, 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. Major construc tion of a new bulkhead for the Wharf is limiting access to this building that displays the scale used in former days to weigh barrels of rum and sugar.

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.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and ongoing construction, access to the Fort for the time being is limited but free of charge. 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 auc tions 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 cor ner. 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.

Your tour of Frederiksted begins at Fort Frederik 1 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 2 named for the renowned slave rebellion leader, a bust of whom is displayed there.

The Oscar E. Henry Customs House 3 was built in the 1800s. The Freedom Fountain 4, 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 5, on Strand Street, preserves the Frederiksted architecture of that time.

The Visitor’s Bureau 6 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 7 Free admission to exhibits and gift shop.

Frederiksted is home to several historic churches, including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 8, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 9, Friedensberg Moravian Church 10, and St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church 11.

The handsomely restored Arthur Abel Complex 12, 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 13, built in 1803. Just behind it lies the Dorsch Theater 14, an open-air stage and event site. The Market Place 15, 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 planta tion 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.

3

Clinical Laboratory, Inc has been striving to keep St. Croix at the forefront of technologi cal advancements in the medical field since it was founded in 1970. Clinical Laboratory is a mid-size, high complexity laboratory that provides services to doctors, health care institutions and walk-in patients. All patients and doctors have real time access to their test results via secure and confidential patient and provider portals.

It’s clean, modern facility is equipped with the most sophisticated medical technologies on the mar ket, operated by highly qualified personnel. All staff is trained to current standards and receive ongoing education and training in the latest procedures and techniques in order to provide the best care in the laboratory industry.

Be Well! Be Well!

WORLD CLASS HEALTHCARE

Clinical Laboratory, Inc. – 340-778-5369

Clinical Laboratory is a high complexity labora tory 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 por tal. Our laboratory is CLIA certified & provides collection & testing services in a state-of-theart facility using modern equipment ensuring clients receive the most accurate results avail able. 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

Founded by Pharmacist Steve Eckstein in 2007, on East End Rd, there’s now a 2nd location on Northside Rd at the Princesse Health Center, to better serve the community. Pharmacists Amber Harhen & Joe Cherkis 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 Rd open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-6pm, Sat, 9am-4pm,

Sun, 9am-2pm. Northside Rd open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, Sat, 8am-1pm. mtwelcomerx@gmail. com, www.mtwelcomepharmacy.com, FB

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

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear that the people of St. Croix needed a reliable source they could go to for top-of-the-line Covid testing with fast results. This prompted Clinical Laboratory to cre ate an in-house Molecular testing department along with an appointment scheduling system.

In addition to the efforts made to adapt to the Co vid-19 pandemic, Clinical Laboratory has also worked on making lab results for their patients accessible as quickly as possible by adding to their list of tests they perform in-house. This allows them to avoid sending samples out to a reference lab and ensures that results are available to the patient in as little time as possible.

The lab also offers a SneakPeek Clinical Early Gen der DNA Test service that provides a 99.9% accurate DNA-based blood test to determine gender as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy, with results in as little as two days.

For more information, give them a call or visit their website. Visit their Facebook page (Clinical Laboratory Inc.) for changes in operating hours due to closures or holidays.

Clinical Laboratory. Clinical testing for medical profes sionals, employees, insured and uninsured.

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.

Plessen Healthcare, LLC – 340-715-7720 We were founded on the fundamental belief that world-class health care should be accessible to everyone & the workplace should be a joyful & fulfilling practice for the entire team. Plessen’s Orange Grove medical campus includes a full-service, multi-specialty medical clinic & the first CMS accredited surgical center in the USVI. Plessen’s Urgent Care, at Sunny Isle Shopping Center, offers walk-in service 7-days a week for patients 2 & up. Avoid the ER for non life-threatening injuries & illness with in-house digital x-rays & laboratory diagnostics. Most health insurance, Medicare & MAP, accepted. www.plessenhealthcare.com.

SkyMed Air Ambulance – 866-349-2398 SkyMed has served the USVI since 1999. SkyMed Corporate in Arizona has served North American members for 32 years. USVI offers affordable rates for Puerto Rico, Florida or City of Choice. P.R. $120 single/$240 annual family; Miami $216 single/$336 family, Choose a city, $420 single/$660 family annual, + one-time $30 app fee single/ $40 family. Benefits include Round Trip for tests/proce dures not provided locally. Physician confirmation authorizes approval. Members don’t need to notify

us 10 days prior for business or leisure departures. SkyMed Travel helps members get wholesale rates on cruises, hotel packages & car rentals worldwide. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am.- 4:30 pm at the Gallows Bay office. SkyMed also brokers Emergency Services for non-members and can save them some money. 1-800-475-9633 7/24/365 www.skymedusvi.com

SkinFloraVI – 340-201-6191

SkinFloraVI is a micro med-spa located inside St. Croix’s only dermatology office at Five Corners. Our Medical Director, Dr. Carolyn Merritt, PLLC, has been treating patients on St. Croix for nineteen years adding integrated aesthetics into her practice by offering cos metic laser treatments, including laser hair removal and laser removal of small, pigmented lesions, Botox and fillers. A knowledgeable and experienced esthetician, Christine McIntosh, has recently joined the staff offer ing facials, body facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling, and more. SkinFloraVI also provides many pharmaceutical-grade product options for acne, anti-aging, and normal/oily skin. The term “skin flora” refers to the beneficial communities of microorgan isms that reside on human skin. Our goal is simply to help you nourish, revitalize, and love your skin! Book online, www.skinfloravi.com, Facebook, Instagram.

Facials - Massage - Body Scrubs

Eyelash Extensions & More!

340-773-7728

Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

www.pamperedvi.com

day spa & lash lounge

Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House

SkinFlora VI. Advanced skincare techniques.

Todd Zisholtz MD - 340-626-7942

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 train ing. 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 has 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!

well as valuable resources and general informa tion. 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.

extensive list of properties for sale and rent, as well as valuable resources and general informa tion. 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.

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

Buying Here

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

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,

Lisa Christensen-Harris – 340-778-7000 x104 Lisa Christensen is a third generation “Cruzan” dating back to when St. Croix was under the Danish Flag. Lisa’s family has served the Virgin Islands in the govern ment, business and public sectors. As a Sales Associate and Real Estate Specialist with Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty I have the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable realtors on the island. I look forward to showing off “my island” to other local islanders or ‘statesid ers’ new to St. Croix. One of the things I like to share with off island clients is touring St. Croix from east to west introducing you to the local way of life on St. Croix. “I’ll work with you from a $10 piece of land to million dollar house!” Cell, 340.227.7899. Email, www.coldwellbankervi.com

Buying Here

Emelyn Morris-Sayre – RE/MAX St. Croix303-517-5116

Lisa Christensen is a third generation “Cruzan” dating back to when St. Croix was under the Danish Flag. Lisa’s family has served the Virgin Islands in the govern ment, business and public sectors. As a Sales Associate and Real Estate Specialist with Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty I have the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable realtors on the island. I look forward to showing off “my island” to other local islanders or ‘statesid ers’ new to St. Croix. One of the things I like to share with off island clients is touring St. Croix from east to west introducing you to the local way of life on St. Croix. “I’ll work with you from a $10 piece of land to million dollar house!” Cell, 340.227.7899. Email, www.coldwellbankervi.com

Emelyn brings over 20 years experience to RE/ MAX St. Croix, having previously owned her own real estate in Colorado. She is committed to provid ing exceptional customer service to her clients and customers. Many of her clients return for additional transactions or refer their friends and family know ing they will be treated with the utmost professional ism. Her client’s needs always come first. She has received the prestigious National Association of REALTORS Omega Tau Rho Award for Outstanding Service and she has earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation. Buying or selling, Emelyn would be honored to assist you. Her office is located on Company Street, Christiansted. Call 303-5175116 or office, 340-773-1048. www.emsayre.com

LIVING ON ST. CROIX

by Ava Gail Blourdon Owner-Broker, RE/MAX St. Croix

REMAX St. Croix – 340-773-1048

Joe and Julie of Team San Martin are the most respected and knowledgeable REALTOR® Team on St. Croix. We are a long established, service-ori ented business, selling St. Croix since 1984 and St Croix’s first buyers agents. Clients know that Team San Martin is truly connected with the successful outcome of each real estate transaction, has a genu ine concern for your best interests, and is always prepared to go the extra mile. When we find your dream property, we will walk you through the Offer to Purchase terms so that you’ll have all the facts to make a good decision and use our negotiating skills that have helped hundreds of buyers acquire their dream properties. We live by our motto: Teamwork makes dreams work! www.teamsnmartin.com

REMAX St. Croix – 340-773-1048 Joe and Julie of Team San Martin are the most respected and knowledgeable REALTOR® Team on St. Croix. We are a long established, service-ori ented business, selling St. Croix since 1984 and St Croix’s first buyers agents. Clients know that Team San Martin is truly connected with the successful outcome of each real estate transaction, has a genu ine concern for your best interests, and is always prepared to go the extra mile. When we find your dream property, we will walk you through the Offer to Purchase terms so that you’ll have all the facts to make a good decision and use our negotiating skills that have helped hundreds of buyers acquire their dream properties. We live by our motto: Teamwork makes dreams work! www.teamsnmartin.com

It’s always the right time for real estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have the brightest, sunniest days, bluest skies. Our beautiful Caribbean waters are warm and always inviting.

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, serviceoriented 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 negotiat ing skills that have helped 100s of other buyers. Teamwork makes dreams work! www.team sanmartin.com

RE/MAX St. Croix – 340-773-1048

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 commit ted to providing our clients with personal service based on experience, knowledge and skills. We are always excited to show off our island’s real estate

www.stcroixthisweek.com

www.stcroixthisweek.com

The St. Croix REAL ESTATE market is active and warm like our waters. So, are you in the market to purchase a Caribbean Dream Home? As with any home purchase, you should always consider a few things: location, condition, what upgrades may be required, homeowner’s fees, taxes, and insurance.

If you are a property owner and have been considering listing your property, now is the time to get a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA. A CMA will give you an idea of your property value. The alternative to a CMA is an appraisal from a V.I. licensed appraiser. Whether you intend to sell or not, it’s always a good thing to know the market value of your property. If you are thinking about selling, don’t hesitate to contact USVI Real Estate Brokers dba RE/MAX St. Croix. We have buyers looking for homes and investment properties. Here is a market snapshot. Source, FlexMLS as of October 26, 2022.

RE/MAX St. Croix. Turner’s Hole—For Hotel or Condominium Development.

Our Team of real estate professionals is ready for the Buyers looking to explore our Home and experience it’s beauty through our eyes, a local RE/MAX Associate and REALTOR®. Property owners, let us help you determine the market value of your property and the best plan for your real estate goals. Contact one of our associates listed on page 3 of this magazine at 340-773-1048.

www.remax-stcroix.com info@remax-stcroix.com

RE/MAX St. Croix. Salt River—15 acres for Residential Development.

Living Here Living Here

market, customs, and culture. We have the reputa tion 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

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 get ting familiar with the island. Whether buying or selling, we are committed and dedicated to serv ing you. Please contact us for any questions you may have.We look forward to working with you. www.seaglassproperties.com

RE/MAX St. Croix. Investment opportunity, private and serene. Two Friends Estate. If

ST. CROIX Sky Watch

DECEMBER

Early in December you may just catch a glimpse of a very bright star-like object can be seen very low in the southwest just after sunset. This is the planet Venus. Once the sky gets darker, another bright planet, Jupiter is high in the west. High in the east, and not as bright as Jupiter, is the red planet Mars.

About fifty miles above the Earth, walnut size pieces of dust and ice left behind by comets are passing through the air so quickly that they burn up and you see a flash of light, a shooting star. The flash happens so quickly that if you say to a friend “look over there”, by the time they look the flash will be gone. The best time to look for these meteors is between midnight and dawn.

The night of December 13th to 14th is the maxi mum of the Geminids Meteor Shower. It may pro duce up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. Unfortunately, the waning gibbous moon will block many of the fainter meteors this year.

The night of December 21st to 22nd is the maxi mum of the Ursids Meteor Shower with about 5-10 meteors per hour.

The Solstice is on December 21st. The South Pole of the Earth will be tilted toward the Sun and the Sun will have reached its southernmost position in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.

Every year at this time people ask astronomers if they know what was the star of stars, the star which lead the Wise Men to Bethlehem at the time

of the birth of Jesus? Long ago people thought of everything that they saw in the night sky as a “star”. Thus, the planets, the “fixed” stars, mete ors, comets, etc. all were “stars”. So what might have been “The Star”? Meteors or shooting stars happen so quickly that if you see one, by the time you tell your friends to look, the flash will be gone. Certainly a meteor did not send the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Comets were well known, but were considered omens of bad tidings and thus a comet would not send the Wise Men in search of a great king. The fixed stars do not change from year to year, so they would not account for the search. For time to time a star may “explode” as a nova or supernova, and for a short time may even become visible in the daytime. But, our records show no “guest star” at the time of Christ’s birth.

The Wise Men followed the motions of the plan ets as these “wandering stars” moved against the background of fixed stars, for they believed that the motions of these wandering stars could foretell the future. With their knowledge of the motions of the heavens they could calculate that Jupiter and Saturn would pass each other three times and then be joined by Mars. But, what of Herod and his advisors, why did they not see this “star”? Most of the event would not be visible because it would happen during the day. But, the Wise Men knew that it was happening. They knew that this event would take place in Pisces, the Fish, a star group which for them was symbolic of the Hebrews. Thus some great event would take place in the land of the Hebrews and the Wise Men were off on their search. Was this meeting of the planets really

“The Star”? Astronomers do not know; the final decision is yours.

JANUARY

Quadrantids Meteor Shower reaches its peak on the night of January 3rd to 4th, with up to 40 mete ors per hour at its peak. This year the nearly full moon will block out most of the fainter meteors.

On January 4th the Earth will be “only” 91,403,034 miles from the Sun, its closest approach for the year. At its farthest point, on July 6th the Sun will be 94,506,364 miles from Earth.

Jupiter will continue to dominate the western sky and the red Mars will easily be spotted high in the eastern sky.

To the southeast of Mars are seven bright stars. This is Orion, the Hunter. Two stars form his shoulders (bright red Betelgeuse and Bellatrix), two more his knees (Saiph and the very bright Rigel)and three his belt. Orion is not alone in his celestial hunt. By Orion’s feet are his two hunting dogs. Canis Major the Big Dog is easy to find. Lower in the southeast look for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, and you have found the Big Dog. Above Sirius and east of Orion is a some what fainter star, this is Procyon and Canis Minor, the Little Dog.

Above Procyon in the Little Dog and Betelgeuse in Orion, look for two bright stars nearby each other and of about the same brightness. They almost look like twin stars, and in fact these two stars, Castor and Pollux, mark the heads of the Gemini Twins. Gemini and Taurus are two of the star groups or constellations of the zodiac.

By: Tom Lesser, formerly Senior Lecturer at

American Museum-Hayden Planetarium and frequent

ST. CROIX

From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself falling naturally in rhythm with the heartbeat of our islands. Our rich culture and storied history, our pristine beaches, turquoise waters, natural diversity beckon—and our smiling, friendly people can’t wait to warmly welcome you to America’s Caribbean Paradise.