St. Croix This Week September 2020 by Metro Caribbean

VISITOR & LOCAL GUIDE FOR 49 YEARS

SEPTEMBER 2020

ST. CROIX THIS WEEK AL DORSA

COVER ARTIST

THE MEN’S COALITION OF THE VI REACHES OUT

MONA LAWAETZ OUR DANISH CONNECTION

REMEMBERS CHRISTIANSTED, PART 3

A HISTORY OF ST. CROIX’S CAYS

To Do o Go WHERE T HOW T o Find It WHAT

Attractions Tours/Events Shopping Food & Drink Local Art Watersports Beaches/Golf Getting Around Road Maps Staying Here Buying Here Get Fit/Be Well Sky Watch

The Original St. Croix Hook. fine island jewel ry. often imitated, never du plicated . sonyaltdstore.com sonyaltd@gmail.com @sonya.ltd

1 Company St STE 1 Christiansted, VI

b o a r d wa l k

ne x t to t w i n c i ty coffee

1 (877) 766-9284 fo rt c h r i s t i a n s va e r n

Son ya Ltd

Twin City Cafe Company house

Balter

CONTENTS

USVI WELCOMES TRAVELERS

REMEMBERING CHRISTIANSTED Part 3, Mona Lawaetz

40 EATS & DRINKS

SORBETIERE ICE CREAM/SORBET

FARMSTAND FRESH!

ART ON THE COVERS

OUR DANISH CONNECTION A History of St. Croix’s Cays

WEST END WATER SPORTS

SCUBA DIVING ST. CROIX

CORAL DISEASE IN THE VI, PT. 2 Dr. Erinn Muller, MOTE Marine Lab

HURRICANE PREP

PROJECT PROMISE CATERPILLARS

OWNING A PIECE OF PARADISE Joe Caruso, Island Life Real Estate

ON THE COVERS AUGUST LETISHA AYALA “Lady in Madras” Watercolor SEPTEMBER AL DORSA “Tangle” Photograph

Blonde Ale .

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

4 EVENTS CALENDAR 7 ATTRACTIONS & TOURS 10 SHOP DUTY FREE 22 EASY SHOPPING GUIDE 24 FOOD & DRINK 34 EASY DINING GUIDE 36 LOCAL ART 38 WEDDINGS 40 WATERSPORTS 46 BEACHES 47 GOLF & TENNIS 48 GOOD TO KNOW FACTS 50 STAYING HERE EASY HOTEL GUIDE 52 GETTING AROUND RENTAL CARS,/TAXIS/FERRY 60 GET FIT/BE WELL 62 BUYING HERE 65 SKYWATCH

Beach Life

Dr. Erinn Muller.

THE MEN’S COALITION OF THE VI

3 SOCIALLY-DISTANCED TELESCOPES 5

Mote Marine Laboratory, FL

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

Leatherba ck Brewing .

Strut.

Al Dorsa

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

MAPS

54 56 58

ST CROIX ROAD MAP CHRISTIANSTED MAP Walking Tour FREDERIKSTED MAP Walking Tour

ST. CROIX THIS WEEK Company Street.

Susan Wall

IN THE USA

PUBLISHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER DISTRIBUTION

Charlotte Atkins Chelsea Sunshine Liz Covert

MANAGING EDITOR - MEDIA CONSULTANT Susan S. Wall 340-773-0715 / 340-277-9642 stcroixthisweek@gmail.com e-edition – stcroixthisweek.com August/September 2020 • 1

Estate Agency on St. Croix

Our Voted Best Award-Winning Voted Best Real Real ® Estate Agency REALTORS are Estate Agency aton your service on St. St. Croix Croix Our Our Award-Winning Award-Winning ® REALTORS ® ® are REALTORS are at your service Claudia at your service Rosalee Carrington Hays Gage

Ava Gail Bourdon Broker-Owner

The Virgin Islands Of The United States OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE

1105 King Street Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. 00820 Ava Gail Bourdon Ava Gail Bourdon Broker-Owner Dianne Ava Gail CanegataBourdon Broker-Owner O’Reilly Broker-Owner

Claudia Claudia Carrington Emelyn Claudia Kelly Pugh Carrington Morris-Sayre Carrington

Rosalee Rosalee Hays Gage Christopher Rosalee La Toya Ault Hays Gage Jones Hays Gage

Dianne CanegataJason Dianne CanegataO’Reilly Dianne CanegataWalker O’Reilly O’Reilly

Emelyn Emelyn Char Emelyn Morris-Sayre Emelyn Gregoire Morris-Sayre Morris-Sayre Morris-Sayre

Christopher Joe and Juliet Christopher Jones Christopher SanJones Martin Jones

Jason La Toya Jason Walker Jason Lettsome-Ault Walker Walker

Karen Char Maria Gregoire CharDel Stanton Gregoire Valle Gregoire

Char

Joe and Juliet Timothy Joe and Juliet San Martin Joe and Juliet Providence San Martin San Martin

La Toya La Toya Lettsome-Ault LaJennell Toya Lettsome-Ault Bryan Lettsome-Ault

Karen Karen Yvonne Stanton Karen Stanton Toussaint Stanton

Timothy Patrick Timothy Robin and Walt Providence Timothy Providence Providence Frazier III Providence

340-773-1048

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

Jennell Jennell Bryan Jennell Bryan Bryan

RE/MAX St. Croix

#5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820 Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

Yvonne Toussaint

340-773-1048 340-773-1048 info@remax-stcroix.com

Timothy

Yvonne Yvonne Toussaint Yvonne Toussaint Toussaint

Robin and Walt

Andre Toussaint Robin andIII Walt Frazier Robin and Walt

Frazier III III Frazier

RE/MAX St. Croix info@remax-stcroix.com RE/MAX Croix info@remax-stcroix.com www.livingonstcroix.com #5 CompanySt. Street, Christiansted, VI 00820 info@remax-stcroix.com www.livingonstcroix.com Street, 00820 EachCompany Office is Independently Owned &VI Operated www.remax-stcroix.com #5 www.livingonstcroix.com Company Street, Christiansted, Christiansted, VI 00820 www.remax-stcroix.com #5 Each Office Office is is Independently Independently Owned Owned & & Operated Operated www.remax-stcroix.com Each www.remax-stcroix.com 2 • August/September 2020

Tel: (340) 773-1404 Fax: (340) 713-9806

Tel: (340) 772-1000 Fax: (340) 772-0333 Welcome to our beautiful Virgin Islands of the United States. Our islands are unique in what they each offer and our communities are filled with people who are proud of our storied history. While visiting, I encourage you to immerse yourself in our culture and to explore the unique offerings of all four Islands that make up our paradise.

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits to the south of our small island chain and is renowned for its pastoral landscapes, Danish architecture and historical landmarks. With its offshore wrecks and unbelievably beautiful underwater reefs, St. Croix is also a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted and indulge in St. Croix’s renowned art and delicious culinary scenes. St. John is one of the smaller U.S. Virgin Islands and conservation center of the territory. It is best known for its pristine beaches and the attractions within the Virgin Islands National Park, which occupies more than half the island. The lands in the Virgin Islands National Park shelter migrant birds and the mangroves support corals and anemones. As with all the Virgin islands, you will find that St. John provides a rich mix of our culture and history. St. Thomas is our business and shopping center and the seat of government. Charlotte Amalie is the capital town of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean. St. Thomas is among the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for sailing and yachting enthusiasts. Water Island is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and rests just off the coast of St. Thomas. It is mostly residential but offers fun attractions like Honeymoon Beach and quaint accommodations. The island can be reached by ferry from the Crown Bay Marina or by other vessels. As the Lieutenant Governor and Governor, both Treganza Roach and I wish you a warm, fun-filled stay and please accept our invitation to return often to our paradise. Albert Bryan, Jr. Governor

A Socially-Distanced Gathering of Telescopes! Its not about what’s not happening but what is! With Covid-19, we have no gatherings on St. Croix but St. Croix itself has been gathering, with a sociallydistanced telescope on the East End of the island, to 10 other telescopes in the US for 27 years! This Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of 10 radio telescopes operated remotely from their Array Operations Center in Socorro, NM, as part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). They work together as an array that forms the world’s longest system that uses very long baseline interferometry. Dear Visitor, Welcome to St. Croix, a land of spectacular beauty, rich cultural diversity and intriguing history. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with 84 square miles of rolling hillsides, pristine beaches and a tropical rainforest, St. Croix offers endless opportunities to pursue your heart’s desire and create a unique vacation experience. Adventurers and nature lovers can spend time hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing or golfing at one of our championship golf courses. Scuba diving enthusiasts can experience five different dives in one day. For a more relaxed approach, swim in the crystalline waters of Buck Island, the only naturally occurring underwater National Monument in the U.S. History buffs can experience St. Croix’s vibrant history through its architecture, historic landmarks, food, music and traditions. Explore the magnificent Estate Whim Museum, a restored 18th century greathouse and sugar plantation, Forts Christiansvaern and Frederik or tour the lush gardens of the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Early risers can catch a picturesque sunrise at Point Udall, the easternmost point in the United States. Christiansted and Frederiksted, our main seaside towns, are a shopper’s nirvana with charming boutiques offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and apparel to colorful local art. Visitors enjoy a generous $1,600 duty-free shopping allowance.

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

Joseph Boschulte Commissioner USVI Department of Tourism

Construction began in 1986, and ﬁnished in 1993 with the ﬁrst astrometrical observation with all 10 antennas that same year. The cost was $85M and $10M a year to operate; its funded by the National Science Foundation. Each receiver has a parabolic dish antenna 25m wide, 10 stories tall, and weighing 218mtons near its control building. The signals are recorded on a bank of hard disc drives; the information is time-stamped using atomic clocks. It then undergoes processing in a powerful set of digital computers that carry out the interferometry and make corrections for the rotation and slight shifts in the crust of the Earth over time. Other telescopes are in NH, IA, TX, NM, AZ (2), CA, WA, and HI.

John Connor

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.

August/September 2020 • 3

Events Calendar AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

WEDNESDAYS, 7-10PM Open Mic Night Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine (340) 718-0544, FB THURSDAYS, 9:45AM Alexander Hamilton Walking Tour Crucian Heritage And Nature Tourism (CHANT), (340) 277-4834 www.chantvi.org THURSDAYS, 5-9PM Thirsty Thursdays CHOP & Grill Restaurant King Crab Leg Night (340) 778-2467, chopusvi@gmail.com Inquire about live music

WEDNESDAYS. Historic Walking Tours, Crucian Heritage And Nature Tourism (CHANT). St. Croix Landmarks Society

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: Any or all of these events will be modified or cancelled if necessary to comply with any orders or restrictions at this time. Please call, check websites, Facebook, or text prior to events.

AUGUST 15 is the deadline for event considerations for the OCT/NOV issue. Email event info, in the format you see here, to Liz Covert at lizcovert@yahoo.com

ONGOING WEEKLY ALL DAY Order TO-GO Art Kits Barbara’s Art Studio, Company Street Kits include paints, 11 x 14 canvas, & instructions $30. See Facebook or text (340) 514-9038. MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, 9AM-1PM Botanical Garden Public Admittance Adults $8; Seniors (60+) & USVI Residents $6; Children under 12 $1. Cash only at this time. (340) 692-2874, www.sgvbg.org MONDAYS, 5:30PM Crab Races & Steak ‘N’ Ale Night BREW STX, Boardwalk (340) 713-9820 4 • August/September 2020

MONDAY-SUNDAY, 9AM-1PM Botanical Garden Members & Guests Admittance Members free, Guest passes accepted. Local & Group discounts. Cash only. (340) 692-2874, www.sgvbg.org TUESDAYS, 5-8PM “Two for Tuesday” Specials BREW STX (340) 719-6339 Inquire about live music TUESDAYS, 7PM until Best Karaoke Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine FB, (340) 718-0544 3RD TUESDAYS, 6PM Book Discussion Group Undercover Books & Gifts (340) 719-1567 www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com WEDNESDAYS, 9AM Frederiksted, Historical Walking Tours Crucian Heritage And Nature Tourism (CHANT). (340) 277-4834, www.chantvi.org

THURSDAYS, 5:30PM-Close Seafood Boil Night BREW STX (340) 719-6339 Inquire about live music THURSDAYS, 6PM Disco Bingo Deep End Bar & Restaurant Reserve! (340) 718-7071 www.newdeepend.com THURSDAYS, 7-10PM Solo artist or DJ Night Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine (340) 718-0544, FB LAST THURSDAYS, 6PM Seaside Wine Club Seaside Market & Deli, Gallows Bay 4 wine & food pairings, free (340) 719-9393 FRIDAYS, NOON-3PM Curbside Pick-up TO-GO Art Kits Barbara’s Art Studio, Company Street Kits include paints, 11 x 14 canvas & instructions $35. See FB Barbara Art Studio Class or text (340) 514-9038 FRIDAYS, 5:30PM Crab Races Deep End Bar & Restaurant (340) 718-7071, www.newdeepend.com

Events Calendar SAVE THE DATE!

3RD SATURDAYS, 10AM Orchid Awareness & Education Group Organized to increase awareness and disseminate knowledge and appreciation of orchid growing on St. Croix; meetings held at the Community United Methodist Church Complex, Estate Hogensborg, Frederiksted. (340) 514-5349, Facebook SUNDAYS, 5PM Blues Society Band Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine (340) 718-0544, FB St. Croix Hiking Association. We’ve got hikes!

FRIDAY / SATURDAY, 8PM until Live Bands Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine (340) 718-0544, FB SATURDAYS, TBA Saturday “Kids Readings” Return! Check out the website or call Undercover Books & Gifts (340) 719-1567 www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com SATURDAYS, 6-8AM V.I. CARES INITIATIVE Join us in keeping our shorelines clean; Various meeting spots, check FB: Clean Up St. Croix for details; Bring your own mask, they provide gloves, garbage bags, and pickers

EVERY DAY Takeout The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza Details and menu on Facebook (340) 643-6455

BY APPOINTMENT Art @ Top Hat Company Street, Christiansted Changing exhibits of works by local Virgin Islands fine artists. TopHat0055@gmail.com, (340) 513-3558 Henle Studio Company Street, Christiansted Showcasing painting and prints by Maria Henle; Photographs, books and films of St Croix s premier photographer Fritz Henle; Tina Henle photographs (340) 332-1628, www.henlegallery.com Maufe Gallery Strand Street, Christiansted Unique and dynamic artwork and on-site jewelry workshop at Cruzan Gold. (340) 332-4556 Joyia-Inspirational Jewelry Queen Cross Street, Christiansted Virtual Styling Sessions by phone or video/Zoom. (340) 713-4569, www.joyiajewelry.com/styling, FB Mount Victory Camp North of Frederiksted Rainforest Hikes & Wilderness Skills Workshops (340) 201-7983, www.MtVictoryCamp.com.

SATURDAYS. VI Cares Initiative.

AUG 15. Mt. Victory Camp. Wild Plant Workshop.

VIRTUAL St. Croix Environmental Association Looking for Outdoor Activities? Particularly with the kids? Check Facebook or website www.stxenvironmental.org or email info.atsea@gmail.com for additional activities as Covid-19 restrictions and best practices allow. (340) 773-1989 V.I. Pace Runners Virtual Races V.I. Pace would like to interest you in participating in optional Virtual Races www.surveymonkey.com/r/vipaceraces St. Croix Hiking Association We’re got Hikes! Find upcoming hike info, and where to meet. (340) 772-2073, www.stcroixhiking.org Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Visit the garden without leaving home! “In the Garden With Dewey” videos at www.sgvbg.org Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty Virtual Open House! 1 PM Saturdays. Check it out at CBVirtualOpenHouse.com

ONE NORTH 1 North Street, Christiansted. Tour historic 1760 Townhouse and learn about West Indian furniture, artifacts, and history. (340) 514-7114 – www.stxestatetour.com August/September 2020 • 5

Events Calendar TAKE TIME FOR THESE! 15 SATURDAY, 9:30 AM - 2 PM Wild Edible & Medicinal Plant Workshop Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge Come immerse yourself in the world of wild plants. Learn proper identification of edible and poisonous plants, and make your own tincture and salve! $30 (includes materials). Bring a lunch. Register at mountvictorycamp@gmail.com

AUG 7-16. Caribbean Community Theater.

AUGUST 2020 1 SATURDAY, 2-5:00PM Fire-By-Friction Workshop Mt Victory Camp Eco Lodge Learn 3 different ancient methods of fire by friction using all local materials. Carve your own kit to take home! $20. Register: mountvictorycamp@gmail.com 4 TUESDAY, 7PM TILL CLOSE 3rd Anniversary Party Nauti Bar & Grille Hospital Street, behind Bryan’s Marine. Join the celebration on Karaoke Night! Bring your talent; the stage is yours! 340-718-0544, Facebook. 7,8 FRIDAY/SATURDAY, 8 PM “I AND YOU” Caribbean Community Theater An Award-Winning Play by Lauren Gunderson with an explosive twist! Directed by Heather McRae. (340) 778-1983; www.cct.vi 9,16 SUNDAY MATINEE, 4 PM “I AND YOU” Caribbean Community Theater An Award Winning Play by Lauren Gunderson with an explosive twist! Directed by Heather McRae. (340) 778-1983, www.cct.vi 14,15 FRIDAY/SATURDAY, 8 PM “I AND YOU” Caribbean Community Theater An Award-Winning Play by Lauren Gunderson with an explosive twist! Directed by Heather McRae. (340) 778-1983; www.cct.vi 6 • August/September 2020

23-30 SUNDAY – SUNDAY, ANY TIME! Virtual Woman Race Anywhere! You have one week to complete 2 miles; Run, walk, jog, any form of movement wherever you are! Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. Register and post results at www.wcstxvi. FB, IG 25 TUESDAY, 6:30PM “Summer Slumber” Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center Tossing, Turning, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia? It’s time to take back our natural ability to sleep. Free. Peter’s Rest, near FEDEX, (340) 713-4326, info.stx@paradisechirovi.com

SEPTEMBER 2020 19 SATURDAY AT SUNSET Rosh Hashaah Begins 22 TUESDAY ALL DAY Fall Equinox, Fall Begins 27 SUNDAY AT SUNSET Yom Kippur Begins 29 TUESDAY “Superimmunity” Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center Learn to create an immune system even superwoman would ask about! Free. Peter’s Rest, near FEDEX, (340) 713-4326, info.stx@paradisechirovi.com

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: Events will be cancelled if necessary to comply with COVID-19 restrictions; Please check websites, Facebook or text/email prior to events.

SEPT 21. International Day of Peace.

THE MEN’S COALTION OF THE V. I. The Men’s Coalition of the US Virgin Islands (MCVI) was founded in 1985 as a non-profit, nonpartisan, non-sectarian organization with a purpose of developing, promoting, and implementing programs to help eliminate family violence and violence in general. Group education programs are conducted for men and women who batter, raising awareness of the impact of Domestic Violence (DV) and other forms of violence in the USVI. We are governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders who are interested in the welfare of the community and are the only agency in the USVI that is federally-approved to provide Primary Batterer Intervention Programs offering primary treatment (education & counseling) for batterers. We also run a ‘Rites of Passage Program’ for 7–12 year old boys focusing on manhood, anger management and conflict resolution. Over the last 34 years, the MCVI has provided counseling and support services to over 800 men and women. We play a critical role in addressing DV and violence and welcome any support and funding from individuals, businesses and organizations interested in reducing violence within our community.

Raising Impact Awareness Helping to Eliminate Family Violence Counseling and Support Group Education Programs 8am-12pm Monday-Friday (340) 778-2161 Rt.#70 at Sion Farm Intersection

Attractions & Tours SOAK UP SOME CULTURE!

ATTRACTIONS PLEASE CALL AHEAD.

MANY OF THESE LISTINGS HAVE SHIFTED DAYS & HOURS OF OPERATION WITH THE PANDEMIC. Arthur Able 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 Sept. 2009. Prince Street, Frederiksted. Caravelle Hotel Casino — 340-773-0687 Newest Slot Machines, Video Poker, Spin Wheel Games, Cash Raffles. In-town Transportation. Days and Hours, see Ad below. Christiansted Block Party Series. Facebook.

The Lawaetz Famiy Museum, Frederiksted.

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, 11am – 5 pm. See ad Pg 37.

One North Street —340-514-7114 Historic and restored Christiansted townhouse. One of the finest collections of antique West Indian Mahogany furniture and artifacts anywhere in the VI. Tours, meetings, luncheons. 24-hour notice. www.stxestatetour.com

Divi Carina Bay Casino —340-773-7529 Table Games for seasoned players and newcomers. Over 250 Slot, Video Poker, and Multi-game Machines—traditional and video reel. Ticket Play. Live entertainment. Carina Café.

Susan Wall

Pt. Udall Millennium Monument Easternmost point in the US. A giant sundial marks the azimuth of the first sunrise of 2000. Schooner Roseway – 340-626-7877 National Historic Landmark. Gallows Bay, Christiansted. Nov – May. Local Office. Sunset Sails, 4-6pm. Holiday events. www.worldoceanschool.org.

Estate Whim Museum— 340-772-0598 Sugar Factory, Mill, Slave Quarters, Great House. Grounds map with guided and self-guided options. Exhibits. Open Wed & Sat, 10am – 3pm; Research. Library by appointment. Ft. Frederik Museum —340-772-2021 Built in the 1750s, this Historic Landmark, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Five permanent collections on display. Open Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm. 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 ballroom. King Street, Christiansted. Historic Landmark. See Christiansted Tour, Pg 57.

2020

Hams Bluff Lighthouse—First lit in 1915 under the Danish Government. North of Frederiksted; historic landmark. See Guided Hikes, Pg 9. Lawaetz Family Museum — 340-473-1557 18th Century Danish farm homestead managed by Ridge2Reef Farm and backed by the Lawaetz family. National Historic Registry. Open Wed and Sat, 11am-3pm. Group tours any day with advance notice. Mahogany Road, Frederiksted. www.llgfarm.com

Open, 9am - 1 pm Mon - Sun, Members & Guests Mon - Wed, General Public Verify Hours Before Arrival Museum Store

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. August/September 2020 • 7

Attractions & Tours GET LOST WITH A GUIDE!

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 and snorkeling trails. 7 miles from Christiansted. Accessible by NPS Authorized Concessioners; find them in Watersports, Pages 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 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Site parking; public restrooms on Church Street. Salt River Historical Park & Ecological Preserve exhibit, 2nd floor, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm. 340-773-1460. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands.

Susan Wall

Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism (CHANT). ‘Alexander Hamilton’s Christiansted’ Tours.

CHANT Crucian, Heritage & Nature Tourism

 Historical Walking Tours  Nature Hikes & Tours

(340) 277-4834 • www.chantvi.org

8 • August/September 2020

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. New Visitor’s Center coming; exhibits moved to Ft. Christiasvaern at the Christiansted National Historic Site, Mon – Fri, 10am – 2 pm.

TOURS Aerial—Scenic, Island Hopping Cape Air, 100 flights a day. 800-CAPE-AIR. See ad Pg 9 for Caribbean destinations. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands, established in 1972. Sixteen acres, 1500 native and exotic species. Restored buildings and ruins of a 19th century Danish sugar cane plantation. Open daily, 9 am – 1 pm, except Christmas. Museum Store. Nursery open First Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. 340-692-2874. Christiansted — “Alexander Hamilton’s Christiansted,” Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism (CHANT), Thursdays, 9:45am, minimum 2 guests. 340-277-4834. www.chantvi.org.

Attractions & Tours SEE YOU OUT THERE!

Danish—Christiansted, Frederiksted, Island, Nina York, (English, too). 340-332-4451. Frederiksted — Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism (CHANT), 340-277-4834. Horseback — Beach, Rainforest, Ruins. Cruzan Cowgirls, 907-841-1990. Ridge to Reef Farm—Certified Organic. Tours and farm stays in camp-style eco lodging. Workshops in permaculture, agroforestry, and living skills. 340-473-1557, ridge2reef.org Rum Distilleries — Captain Morgan Visitor Center, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Gift Shop, 340-713-5654; Cruzan Rum Distillery, Visitors Pavilion & Store, 9:30am – 4pm, M-F. Tours, 10am – 3pm. 340-692-2280. Sion Farm Distillery, Mutiny Island Vodka — Bar, food menu, tours. Tues – Fri, 11am – 6pm, Sat, 10am – 2pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. 340-227-2366, www. mutinyislandvodka.com, Facebook

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Frederiksted.

West Indian Townhouse – 340-514-7114 Historic 1760 site, fine West Indian furniture and artifacts. Tour includes an informal and entertaining Caribbean history lesson! 24-hour notice. Two blocks off the Christiansted boardwalk. www.stxestatetour.com

PLEASE CALL AHEAD.

MANY OF THESE LISTINGS HAVE SHIFTED DAYS & HOURS OF OPERATION WITH THE PANDEMIC.

Cruzan Cowgirls. Ride the beach at sunset!

ONE NORTH Tour Historic Christiansted Townhouse

Featured in Traditional Home & Magazine Antiques

One North. Walk through history!

Details & Pricing— StxEstateTour.com 24-hour notice required • (340) 514 - 7114 August/September 2020 • 9

Shop Duty-Free! LOCAL MARKETPLACE!

$1600.00

DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE! For US citizens, this is

DOUBLE the $800.00 limit from other islands! 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

ib designs. New Breadfruit Collection supports local ‘Trees that Feed’ projects.

COMPANY STREET Asha World Designs – +1-340-690-6512

Climb the steps next to Common Cents Pub and you will find the marvelous ASHA shop. British owner Sarajane sells eclectic world adornments and attire gleaned from her extensive global travels. Her signature clothing line is hand made with pride in India, Thailand and Bali using hand block printed, hand loomed natural fabrics with globally sourced fabulous prints. To compliment the ASHA collection you will find a treasure trove of unique jewelry designs, accessories, gifts, textiles and homewares. This season also brings Pitchulik, Mungo, Erika Peña, Björg, some exciting collaborations and several new capsule clothing lines from emerging world designers. www.ashaworlddesigns.com, @ashaworlddesigns

EBBE’S STORE – 340-773-3020

Approaching their 50thAnniversary, 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 patterns, 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 ribbon and lace, and gifts, just to name a few! Located on the corner of King Cross and Company Street, open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sat, 11:30am – 5:30pm. Closed Wed and Sun. Facebook.

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.

EBBE’S STORE EBBE’S STORE ~Est. 1969~ ~Est. 1969~

~Est. 1969~

“A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That”

LEARN MORE

Diego Conde

4 King Cross Street Christiansted - 340-773-3020 EbbesStoreInfo@gmail.com

On the Corner Where King Cross Meets Company 10 • August/September 2020

Ebbe’s Store. Traditional cotton Gingham!

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

Shop Duty-Free! TRY IT, LOVE IT, BUY IT! ib designs – 773-4322 (say “eye-bee”)

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

Eden South. Crucian recipe tee shirts!

Susan Wall

Asha World Designs. Indian spinning rings.

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, colorful 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

E•den South, [eed-n south] n: The Best of St. Croix

Tastes of History Within Your Reach

■ Handcrafted Preserves & Syrups ■ Rainforest-Inspired Tees, All Ages ■ Jack’s Bay Pepper Sauce Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm Company Street, Christiansted • 340-713-1003 August/September 2020 • 11

Shop Duty-Free!

LOCAL, HANDMADE JEWELRY A MUST! COMPANY STREET....cont 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

The Shoe Bar. Style and comfort in Naot best sellers!

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

Did You Know?

Top Shoe Brands ■ Men’s ■ Women’s A glass of wine while you shop.

BCBG, Jessica Simpson, Vince Camuto, Nunn Bush, Clarks, & Naots, just to name a few. 55 Company Street • 340-713-1445 12 • August/September 2020

“Comanche Heading for Buck Island,” Albert Camille, 1958. The Comanche was yawl as well as a hotel in Christiansted! This watercolor, which survived Hurricane Hugo in 1989, exploding out of its glass and frame and rolling itself up and lodging inside a closet, used to hang on the West wall of The Front Porch Restaurant at the Comanche Hotel on Strand Street and gifted to me when I opened my store, Island Sport, in 1984. As I cut through that West wall to create a window into the store, owner Ted Dale took the painting down and handed it to me saying, “This must be meant for you!” —S.W.

Joyia Inspirational Jewelry. Queen Cross Street.

Shop Duty-Free! SUMMER DIVERSIONS!

GREAT READING BY LOCAL AUTHORS! A Most Unlikely Story—A Short Memoir of a Long Life. Emy Thomas. Just off the press, this is an illustrated paperback printed in full color and large format. It includes some of the author’s poetry and newspaper articles. Brain Unwashed: Return To Nature – Initiate Freedom. Dr. Josh Caya. The author lays bare many of the cold realties of the outside world and detailing clear-cut strategies and exercises to help realign with nature, and unlock true potential. Crucian Dialogues: Defining the Problem. Mario C. Moorhead completes the series entitled Crucian Dialogues. The book combines four books, He and Me, It and Me, She and Me, and finally Dem and Me. Don’t Stop the Carnival. Herman Wouk. The “compulsively and clock-racingly readable” novel (New York Times Book Review) that captures the comedy and tragedy of island life and inspired a Jimmy Buffett musical. Fireburn. Apple Gidley. The Danish-owned island of 1870s Saint Croix vibrates with passion and tension. Rich in description, a well-researched novel that shines a light on a historic period that has received little attention in literature until now. Hidden Secrets of St. Croix. Clarice C. Clarke. Appeals to the eyes, the intellect, and the memory as it forces the reader to engage in retrospection into the past. Quotes from the Quiver. Dante P. Galiber, MD. A writing odyssey, begun in 2008. Time, space, and human interaction provided the moment, the setting, and the inspiration for more than 450 quotations. The Cultural History of the American Virgin Islands and the Danish West Indies. Arnold R. Highfield. A 40-year memoir by a VI historian Professor and Author of some 20+ books, who dedicated his career at UVI to the study of the history and culture of the DWI and the Virgin Islands of the US. The Eighth Flag. Stanford Joines. Cannibals. Conquistadors. Buccaneers. Pirates. Seven flags have flown over St. Croix in the last 500 years; time to recognize our eighth; it was black. The Sugar Industry on St. Croix. Karen C. Thurland. A sugar industry that spanned from early settlement years to the middle of the 20th century. Historical overview describes the economics of sugar cultivation, diversification of crops, the Virgin Islands Company, homesteading, the Virgin Islands Corporation, and the termination of the industry here. Undercover Books & Gifts 340-719-1567 – Facebook www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com

Asha World Designs. Baja Jumpsuit. August/September 2020 • 13

Shop Duty-Free! BUY LOCAL!

Eden Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry. Stay cool this summer • shop online now sonyaltdstore.com

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 24 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 topselling brands from Arturo Fuente, Padron, My Father, Monte Cristo, Macanudo and Cohiba. Largest selection of rums from around the world like Ron Zacapa. www.bacidutyfree.com

14 • August/September 2020

South The US Virgin Islands Welcomes All Travelers Visitors are requested to follow all health & safety measures. Travel with masks, wipes, sanitizers. Sanitizing measures available. Health screening for all arrivals. Symptomatic guests will be referred to the Department of Health. 50% of seating capacity in vans & safaris. Use authorized transportation. Guest rooms & surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned. Call ahead for reservations & seating plans at restaurants. Maintain physical distance. NO MASK, NO SERVICE. USVI Dept of Tourism, 340-772-0357 Dept of Health, 340-712-6299

Company Street, Christiansted.

Susan Wall

Shop Duty-Free! WHAT’S IN STORES!

MON - SAT, 10AM - 6PM QUEEN CROSS & STRAND ST, CHRISTIANSTED 340-773-5040 - 340-332-4449 BACIDUTYFREE.COM LARGEST SELECTION OF CIGARS IN THE VI! STATE-OF-THE-ART WALK-IN CEDAR HUMIDOR.

Baci Duty Free. Vahan timeless, luxury jewelry collections since 1968.

JOYIA-Inspirational Jewelry – 340-713-4JOY (4569)

Artist and jeweler, Joyia Jones, invites you to visit her family-operated studio where we create handcrafted jewelry using silver, gold, and precious stones. Set

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

Tropical Bracelet Factory Outlet – 340-719-0672

Rare Finds. Busts and baubles, jewelry and jokers, bowls and baskets. Susan Wall

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.

A RC T I C S A I L I N G For pioneers and global explorers! Multifunctional watches with sapphire cr ystal.

A RC T I C S A I L I N G For pioneers and global explorers! Multifunctional watches with sapphire cr ystal. w w w.bering time.com

w w w.bering time.com

August/September 2020 • 15

Shop Duty-Free! FOUND ON ST. CROIX

CARIBBEAN MUSEUM Sublime STX. Mike Finch rocking it!

STRAND STREET

Crucian Gold- 340-244-2996

Protect your skin & look good doing it! UPF 50 + Protective Clothing Clothing blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays Original artwork licensed from artists Made locally on St. Croix!

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 10am5pm, FB & IG, www.cruciangold.com

CENTER for the ARTS

Antiques, Unique Gifts and Collectibles

Located in the Caravelle Arcade in Christiansted Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5pm

(340) 713-3113 www.sublimestx.com

16 • August/September 2020

Open Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat. 10 am - 4 pm At the Gateway to Gallows Bay

340-713-9254

Strand Street, Frederiksted.

Susan Wall

Shop Duty-Free! OWN IT, MAKE IT YOURS!

Small Wonder. Clothes and toys for boys and girls from around the world.

RJS Handmade Designs – 340-642-3291

Expect the best from Silversmith, Rosa Asencio! For over 16 years, her unique, handmade 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 is still the best method for capturing exquisite detail in metal objects rewarding the artisan with an object of great individuality. Visit the store to see the complete collections of earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets, inspired by the island’s beauty and culture. “Something is bound to catch your eye!” New, expanded store on Strand Street, Christiansted. www.rjshandmadedesigns.com; Facebook.

RJS Handmade Designs. Uniquely created; make it your own.

Rosa Asencio Silversmith

340-642-3291 N ST EW

StranORE! d Stre et

HANDMADE Document1 DESIGNS 1/26/07 10:18

Strand StreetArcade #5 Strand Street, Caravelle

www.rjshandmadedesigns.com

Page 1

J&H Clothing. “What’s in your closet?”

Small Wonder – 340-773-5551

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

Just Steps from the Gov’t Parking Lot!

Tropical print Sundresses & Shirts Swimsuits and Sunglasses Sunhats St. Croix Tee Shirts Sun Hats, Swimsuits & Dresses Wooden Toys 4 Company St., Christiansted 1110 Strand Street, Christiansted

340-773-5551

, Polos coste re Tees a L u ! New Cult Stock pbacks n I a ’S Sn sMEN colors! - Tee many s - Jeans s - Tops gear t Tank - Dresse & Gym Peters Res , m S 0 m i ’ 7 - Sw m -5p ll Rt. MEN WO s - Jeans apana Ma Thurs 10-a6pm k t s a m n Ta irs at W Tue Sat 10a 9861 a Fri - ) 244 Upst (340 August/September 2020 • 17

Shop Duty-Free! SHOP TIME, TAKE TIME!

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 Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5 pm and ‘Cruise Ship Days.’ www. cmcarts.org. Like us on Facebook!

GALLOWS BAY

Rare Finds – 340-713-9254

ib designs. island vibes.

Nicole Canegata

STRAND STREET...cont. Baby Shower Registry available. Located just steps from the Government Parking lot at 1110 Strand Street.

Sublime STX Sun-Protective Clothing – 340-713-3113 Made on St. Croix, our clothing images of animals, fish, coral, birds, turtles, waves, and more are digitized from licensed original paintings! Lightweight and perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, diving—anything under the sun—with UPF50+ moisture-wicking fabric. Everything is Sublimation Dyed, so images never fade or wear off, becoming part of the fabric. We have a great selection of long and short sleeve shirts in men, women, youth and toddler styles plus dresses, sarongs, and buffs. Rounding it out is Pura Veda reef-friendly organic sun block and after sun products, sunglasses, locally-crafted jewelry, and sandals. Located in the Caravelle Arcade between Dashi Restaurant and The Remedy. Stop by and try a complimentary sample of locally-brewed Leatherback beer. www. sublimestx.com, Facebook. Mention this ad for 15% off!

18 • August/September 2020

This fascinating shop is found at the gateway to Gallows Bay — turn left on East End Road at the By-Pass traffic light. Here you’ll discover an assortment of different, fun gifts and collectibles. Open Wednesday thru Saturday, they offer something old, something new, something for every taste and budget. Browse here for a memento of St. Croix. 713-9254.

Undercover Books – 340-719-1567 If you are looking for an independent bookstore in St. Croix, Undercover Books & Gifts in Gallows Bay is it. The Bistro is located right next door, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee after browsing the shelves. Undercover has everything you need in a bookstore. You will find the latest in fiction, and non-fiction as well as a fantastic children’s section. Don’t be surprised if you run into one or two local writers while you’re there; they have a great local interest selection and provide a comprehensive representation of the local talent. Open Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm, Sat, 10 am – 4:30 pm. www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com

CARIBBEAN MUSEUM CENTER ARTS FOR THE

10 Strand St. F’std 340.772.2622 Tue-Sat 11am-5pm Local Arts • Gift Shop www.cmcarts.org

Shop Duty-Free! SUMMER FINDS!

Susan Wall

tropical

bracelet

Susan Wall

Sweet Lime Furnishings. Light, airy, and soothing colors in rattan chairs and inlaid chest.

factory

Queen Cross Street, Christiansted August/September 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Shop Duty-Free! TAKE HOME HANDMADE!

tion 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, man-made wicker over aluminum frames or durable plastic lumber with a 20-year warranty; comfy sofas and chairs in washable or Sunbrella fabrics; exotic, one-of-a-kind pieces and the work of some of St. Croix’s best-known artists. Our inventory is huge, and we’re adding to it all the time! We’re also happy to special order. Tuesday - Saturday, 10am – 4 pm, www.sweetlimefurnishings.com, Facebook

The Museum Store – 340-692-2874 Crucian Gold. Crucian Knot Twisted Cuff and Double Infinity Pendant.

Austin Carino

AROUND THE ISLAND J&H Clothing – 340-244-9861

Can’t seem to find the right outfit? Don’t know what you should wear for a special event? Come see Tamika at J&H Clothing, a small fashionable boutique with women’s dresses, active wear, and swimwear, and men’s shirts, jeans, cultural tees, hats and more! We offer classic brand polos from Lacoste and Ralph Lauren. Our goal is to provide a variety of modern choices that can be worn for ANY occasion. Find us upstairs at Watapana Mall across from Plaza Extra East over Martha’s Deli. Open Mon – Thurs 10 am - 5 pm and Fri – Sat 10 am – 6 pm. Can’t wait to see you! Facebook.

Undercover Books & Gifts

Gallows Bay, St. Croix

Phone: 719-1567 Phone: 340-719-1567 20 • August/September 2020

The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Museum Store specializes in botanically themed gifts, books and local art. Offering tasteful home decor and dazzling jewelry designs matched only by the Garden itself! If you’re a cook you’ll find one of the best collection of cookbooks on the island and other kitchen items. There’s great stuff for kids as well, with a focus on toys and books that are both fun and educational. Remember your trip to the Botanical Garden and St. Croix with a memento from The Museum Store. Open Mon - Sat, 10 - 4 pm & cruise ship days.

Plaza Extra East – 340-778-6240 Great Price. Right Value. With great low prices, Plaza Extra East features thousands of your favorite grocery store brands as well as foreign specialty foods, bulk packaged items, a full service bakery, deli, and prime meat counter. Plaza offers a large produce section featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, including locally grown items. In addition to a wide selection of wine and spirits, Plaza Extra East is also home to Doctors Choice Pharmacy. Conveniently located in Peter’s Rest, Plaza Extra East is your one stop, shopping destina-

The Museum Store. Take home some serenity. Susan Wall

August/September 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 21

Shop Duty-Free! TELL ME WHERE TO GO SHOPPING!

FIND IT HERE! Art @ Top Hat

Art / Crafts / Paintings/Fabric Bath, Body & Hair/ Supplements Beach / Travel Gadgets Binoculars Books / Cards Cameras Cigar Humidor Clothing - Children Clothing - Men Clothing - Women Coffee / Tea / Condiments Crystal / China Fashion Accessories Fashion Eyewear/Sunglasses Handbags/Totes Home Furnishings/Accessories Jewelry Liquor Local Fruits / Preserves / Produce Music CD’s Pet Supplies Shoes / Sandals / Hats Souvenirs / Gifts Sunscreen Supermarket / Deli / Bakery Swimwear Tee Shirts Toys Watches

Easy Shopping Guide

Asha World Designs

F F F

Baci Duty Free Christa’s Art Gallery

F F F F F F F F F F F F F

F F

F F F

Crucian Gold Cultured Naturals Body Care Ebbe’s Store Eden South

F F

F F F

F F F F

Plaza Extra West

F F

F F F F F

F F

Seaside Market & Deli

Small Wonder Sublime STX

F F F

F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F

The Shoe Bar

F F F F

22 • August/September 2020

F F

F F F

F F F F F

Sonya, Ltd.

F F

F F F

RJS Handmade Designs

Undercover Books & Gifts

Plaza Extra East

Tropical Bracelet Factory

Joyia Inspirational Jewelry

The Museum Store

J&H Clothing

Sweet Lime Furnishings

F F

ib designs

Rare Finds

F F F

F F

F F F F F F F F F F F F F

F F F F F F

F F

TRACING HISTORY Left: Apothecary Hall. Susan Wall Below: Ms. Hermione, a treasured presence on the corner of Company and Church Streets by Mildred C. Jones. Susan Wall

Prince, in his large town yard. On the other corner was Merrill’s Kodak Store; (in those days it was so important to develop photographic film aka “flim”).

REMINISCING ABOUT CHRISTIANSTED 60 YEARS AGO Part 3 in a Series, Strand Street and Company Street by Mona Lawaetz

“

Over on Strand Street, commerce was active. The expansive “Ice House” is where you bought large blocks of ice to cool your fridge. The extensive Skeoch Christiansted Utilities and Lumberyard straddled both sides of the street. After the Town Wheel, was Crawford’s Travel Agency on the corner where Ms. Eileen and Alicia wrote up all airplane reservations on PanAm or Caribair with real paper tickets. The gregarious, entertaining Freddie Steinmann ran the Rubiyat Restaurant located on the corner of Queen Cross Street; nearby was the Comanche Hotel and Restaurant of the Dale and Reynolds era. It featured St. Croix’s first real swimming pool, a street bridge, an elevator up one floor, Ted’s fabled war canoe and many a tale about his expeditions. Later on, Wendy and Violette Hilty did some inspired work in salvaging and restoring many of the buildings along the Strand. Valmy Thomas Sporting Goods, Hendricks Bike Shop, and the Pink Fancy Hotel extended towards Water Gut. Way beyond that on the bayside were the Machineel dock and furthest out, the leper colony. Company Street was the preferred route for the processions initiated by the Belgium nuns on certain holy days when they could demonstrate a well-disciplined parade of neatly uniformed school children. More fun on this street, though, were the steelpan quelbe “tramps” which were festive, all-inclusive and safe, even for school age girls. The first block after the Post Office on the right was the Cellar Bar, then Lee Platt’s Island Imports located below the Golden’s residence. Across the street from the lovely Mahogany Inn were the stores of Mrs. Moorehead’s Toy Chest and Mrs. Anduze’s Twix and Tween. Upstairs from the Compass Rose lived Ms. Phaire, whose madeto-order Vienna cakes were the best ever. The amazing Svenders (WWII refugees from Eastern Europe) had the avant-garde Little Guard House with her wooden sculptures and treasures of the world. (Many a school child was subconsciously inspired by the Svenders’ human courage of survival and abstract art). My “uncle.” Lawrence Merrill had the real old-fashioned Apothecary Hall on the corner of Queen Cross and Company Street where prescribed potions were compounded. (Thanks to David Hayes, some of his wooden pharmaceutical drawers are on display today). Uncle Merrill kept some of his choice race horses, notable St. Patrick and Moon

On the next corner was Sylvia Schanj who was a saint. She had THE magazine store and we were allowed to buy a Tarzan or Lulu comic book for a few pennies. (She was very tolerant of our frequent visits, perhaps because she was buying some land at Golden Rock from my parents on their sales offering to Cruzans of “$25.00 down and pay as you can”). Ms. Sigrid had a varied dry goods store where we bought cloth by the yard, thread, zipper, and buttons. (A seamstress sewed all of our school uniforms and clothes as there were few ready-made clothing stores until the “continentals” cometh with Mahoney Place, Ay Ay Fashions, Sun and Moon and Nini’s of Scandinavia). The new Bob-A-Ru was quite a hit with a selection of stationary items that we did not even know existed. We had Zielinski’s BATA Shoe Store that shod just about the whole island (unless one was wearing “homemade beel tire shoes”). Clara’s Market was a well-stocked family grocery. Gracious market women were always busy in the relocated Open Market with locally grown provisions, fruits, homemade treats, sweets, and an equal share of laughter and melee. Hendrick’s Meat Market, Bermudez Grocery, and Salvador’s Barber bordered Market Square on the Queen Street side. Then Mr. Abdullah across the way on the corner, who arrived to STX later from the Middle East. Ebbe’s dry goods store was on the opposite corner and exists today with the beautiful Ms. Eulalie Pedersen still resideing above. Further up town lived the Krieger, Frederiksen, Pemberton, Canegata, deChabert and other great families. Mount St. Mary’s and the old Danish Hospital were furthest up the hill. On the next block (the Quin House today) we had the gift shop of Ms. Iyantha’s (who always wore her signature hibiscus in her hair). Next to her, was my Dad’s friend, Charlie Schuster’s butcher shop. Just on the cross street next to Bertie and Lucia Nelthropp, was the well-stocked, “novel” Jeltrupp’s Book Store and Minine’s Salon. Further down Company Street were Manocan’s, Fifo’s, and Brignoni’s Grocery; across was Dam’s Liquor Store. Can you smell freshly baked “titi” bread from Mencho’s down the street? Somewhere on the next block I remember, after school at St. Mary’s, going upstairs and buying a two-cent “lindy.” Alejo’s Shap was on the other school corner (across from Muckles on Queen Street) where we could buy a canned juice or a Mary Jane. Back in the mid-1950s and early 60s, our jewel of Christiansted was friendly, clean, safe, and robust. It was our treasured village. Hopefully, the inherent beauty of Christiansted, its architecture, history, commerce, and social setting is not totally lost or forgotten by some of us ole’ timers. Hopefully our younger generation will re-visit our town and begin to honor our past and our ancestors. Perhaps together we can savor and rescue our town: Christiansted Matters. August/September 2020 • 23

OUT OPEN FOR TAKE- P CURBSIDE PICK-U DELIVERY SPACED SEATING

Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED

Mushroom and Chevre Quiche, Basmati Rice with Fresh Pineapple Salsa or Linguine with Portobello Mushroom Cream Sauce. Open Tuesday – Friday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, reservations recommended. Join us for a glass of wine, a lovely lunch and admire the local artwork in the cafe. A unique setting, not to be missed; a best kept secret... until now. Company Street in Apothecary Hall. Menu posted daily on Instagram and Facebook.

Breakers Roar Tiki Bar – 340-773-6330 Breakers Roar opens in November on the waterfront next to the King Christian Hotel! The bar, specializing in Pan-Asian/West Indian flavors, sports an old world nautical theme with sailing ships, sea creatures, and underwater memorabilia. You can expect a full menu of amazing handcrafted, tropical cocktails like The Big Fundamental, Drinking Like a Fish, Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Moko Jumbie, or 3 Dots & a Dash! made with fresh-squeezed juices and more! Choose from Tiki Classics, Tiki Gold Standards, and Breakers Roar Originals. Come on over and indulge in our wide selection of spirits including 50 different types of rum! Happy Hour. Follow our IG page for updates.

5 9 K I N G S T R E E T , C H R I S T I A N S T E D | www.breakersroar.com

BREW STX – 340-719-6339 BREW STX is the only restaurant and microbrewery located on the beautiful Christiansted boardwalk. The two-level waterfront venue provides spectacular views and upscale bar fare! The menu features a variety of shareable appetizers, handhelds, fresh fish dishes, steak dinners, and many vegetarian options including a ‘build-your-own’ salad or rice bowl! Enjoy one of the HOUSE brews on tap created right on site! (Full bar available). Kitchen open 11 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week. Live music weekly. Facebook & Instagram.

BREW STX. Shrimp Po’boy to go!

Café Christine | Art Gallery – 340-713-1500 Nestled in a quiet historic courtyard, Café Christine offers fresh salads & small batch cuisine, using local ingredients when available. House-made desserts. Menu changes daily but includes signature dishes like Vegetarian Platter, Croque Monsieur or Madame, Dark Chocolate Flourless Torte and Coconut Pie. You might also see Salmon Spread with Mixed Greens, Artichoke,

The best spot on the Boardwalk for The best spot on the Boardwalk for Burgers & Beer! Burgers & Beer! KITCHEN OPEN: KITCHEN OPEN: Mon-Thurs 11-10 Mon-Thurs 11-10 FRI & SAT 11-11 FRI & SAT 11-11 SUN 11-9 SUN 11-9

340-773-3400 340-773-3400 BAR BAR OPEN OPEN LATE! LATE!

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, 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-themonth’ works on display. Most weekends, we offer Art, Yoga, or Wine and Food Workshops; schedule on our Facebook page. Open Monday - Saturday, 8 am 6 pm; give us a call for drive-thru or pick-up service! We’re available for private parties up to 50 people. www.thecoutyardstx.com, Facebook. 40 Eats & Drinks – 340-692-0524 Located in the heart of Christiansted, the newly renovated and reimagined 40 Eats & Drinks will be a must stop for visitors and locals alike. This establishment will focus on TO-GO items with curbside pick-up, as well as proper social distancing dine-in options. A fun menu awaits those who enter, with choices for everyone. They will revive the Danish open face sandwich, the Smorrebrod, as well as the classic Mac and Cheese Shoppe. Over 5 soups daily, an inspired salad selection and creative Pot Pies are just the start to your mouth-watering experience at 40. The Grab-n-Go section will have snacks, bottles of wine and fun oddities to entertain your senses. Brunch will be served Saturday & Sunday; creative new specials. Open 11am to 7pm Mon - Fri & 9am to 3pm Sat & Sun. Downtown Christiansted has hosted a myriad of incredible restaurants, and the owners of 40 Eats & Drinks are proud to continue that tradition. Grounded Café – 340-626-9993 Grounded Cafe began at Victorious Believers Ministries as an outreach to encourage visitors to

Bistro / Art Gallery TUESDAY - FRIDAY 11:30 AM - 2:30PM 6 COMPANY STREET, CHRISTIANSTED UP THE STAIRS AT APOTHECARY HALL (340) 713-1500

Farm fresh food in a historic courtyard setting (340) 773-6330 4PM - MIDNIGHT M - S

24 • August/September 2020

340-719-6339 340-719-6339

Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED

come and have coffee before service. With this in mind, we opened our first location at the VIYA building that had everything but a Grounded Cafe! We’re now also on Strand Street in Christiansted and the Sunny Isle Food Court. We use Fair Trade beans, Roots Java from Rwanda in fresh blends made to order. Nitro Brew available. With our hot and cold brewed beverages, signature sandwiches, specialty drinks, hand-crafted salads, soups, fresh-baked novelties, and desserts, Grounded Café is more than coffee, we’re an experience! See our complete Menu online. Get the Grounded Café App at your App Store and order ahead! All three locations open at 7am. www.groundedcafevi.com, IG, FB, T. Luncheria — 340-773-4247 This restaurant is an institution on St. Croix - a taste of Mexico in Christiansted for 37 years! All the locals know owner, Lenny, and Louie, bartender on Thursday and Friday evenings, making the best Margaritas your way! Enter through the big pillars and follow the Danish brick wall up to the bar for ordering. Enjoy all your favorites, at casual tables in a terraced, outdoor courtyard - Nachos, Salads, Quesadillas, Burritos, Enchiladas, Tacos and Tostadas. Enjoy “Two’fer Tuesday” with 2 Tacos for $5, and 2 Beers for $5. End then there’s “Thursday Night Tacos,” 2 Tacos for $3, dine in only. Located on Company Street in

Apothecary Hall and open Monday - Saturday, 11 am 9 pm, Thursday 11 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, custom-built brick oven; fresh dough made in-house 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 – 9pm (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

FRESHLY BREWED FAIR TRADE “ROOTS JAVA” RWANDA COFFEE

Organic & Fresh Signature Sandwiches Specialty Drinks • Salads • Soups Fresh-baked Novelties • Desserts 1 Christiansted - (340) 626-9993 2 VIYA Building - (340) 626-6799 3 Sunny Isle - (340) 626-6339 Open Mon-Sat • Closed Sundays

ORDER ONLINE

Use our Grounded Café App on your smartphone!

www.groundedcafevi.com

340-692-0524

340-643-4729 August/September 2020 • 25

Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED

CHRISTIANSTED cont... island. Open 7 days, 8am – 9pm, ½ -Price Happy Hour, 4–6pm. FB, IG, www.natesboathouse.com

Only steps from the Boardwalk with a bite for everyone. Local cuisine, Pizza, Wings, and our Famous Beetchz Shrimp. Home of the Crucian Conclusion!

Nauti Bar & Grille – 340-718-0544 This is Christiansted’s ‘Sports Bar on the Water’ with HD TVs inside and out. Come ‘Feel the Breeze’ on our waterfront patio, play pool, darts, and cornhole. We are the Home of ‘Real Texas BBQ,’ fresh local seafood, the coldest beer and hand-crafted libations! Also serving up smoked USDA Choice beef brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, seafood and scratch-made food prepared fresh daily. “We smoke the good stuff ” so come out early because it goes fast! Family-friendly, great staff, fun games, dancing! Weekly live events—check our Facebook page for current listings. We’re just off Hospital Street down on the water’s edge. Take a left at the BBQ sign; lots of parking. Open 3 pm until we close, 7 days a week; food service 3 - 10 pm. www.nautibargrille.com, FB Rum And Wine Bar Restaurant – 340-643-4RAW (4729) The area of the historic Rum And Wine Bar Restaurant was originally used to hold people coming off the boat and awaiting medical examinations before being allowed to enter the town and island; notice the coral

juices & fitness center

Yoga - Barre - Smoothies Juice - Breakfast - Lunch Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Tues/Wed/Thurs 7:30am - 2pm Fri/Sat 7:30am - 10pm Sun 8am - 2pm

340-773-7728 www.thecourtyardstx.com

Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House

40 EATS & DRINKS Located next to the historic Club Comanche Hotel, 40 Strand has provided fantastic meals for locals and visitors alike for the past six years. Chefs Todd Manly and Brant Pell teamed up to provide modern take on local favorites, blending refinement with comfort. Winning many awards from Taste of St Croix over the years, hosting the annual Krewe de Croix Hot Sauce Competition, and supporting nonprofits such as Project Promise, the chefs have accomplished much together. If it’s one thing they pride themselves on, it’s embracing the community here on St Croix and its culinary scene. After having started several successful restaurants and with the development of Mutiny Island Vodka, it is with much joy that the next project is started—40 Eats & Drinks. The same location but with a few renovations and adjustments, Todd and Brant have transformed the restaurant into a warm combination of historical and modern. With its new look, it will focus on ToGo items with a take-out counter at the bar and proper social- distancing-approved seating inside as well as out. Bringing back the classic Smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches) and their proprietary Mac and Cheese Shoppe, and adding 5 daily soups, a savory pie portion to the menu, and fresh and fun salads rounds out the offerings that will be available from 11am – 7pm on weekdays. 40 Eats and Drinks will continue their long-standing tradition of tasty and creative weekend brunches, which will be available on not just Saturday, but Sunday as well, served from 9am to 3pm. 40 will feature several specialty cocktails and have a fun selection of wines both by the glass as well as for take away. Classic selections like Voodoo Shrimp and our famous Rum Cake from the original menu and a slew of new tasty treats, you will find something perfect for you on the new menu at 40 Eats & Drinks.

40 EATS & DRINKS 340-692-0524 The Courtyard 2017.indd 1

Kings Alley, Christiansted

(340) 713-8899

Takeout & Catering Available

26 • August/September 2020

1/6/17 11:50 AM

Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED / GALLOWS BAY

walls and bars on the windows! Today, come savor craft cocktails, a wide array of rums & wines, fresh seafood including local fish & lobster, sushi, and numerous other mouthwatering options! Visit our beautiful restaurant and luscious courtyard for a memorable dining experience, Monday to Sunday, from 6 to 10pm (subject to change). Also inquire about hosting your next social/corporate event with us - catering on-site! Reservations available. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates and our menu. Tripadvisor. Salty Beetchz-340-713-8899 Located in King’s Alley, Salty Beetchz Bar and Grill is the perfect place to relax and enjoy an eclectic mix of local and stateside cuisine. Whether you want to watch the game or have a nice family dinner, this is the place for you. Just steps away from the Boardwalk, you will find Salty Beetchz large outdoor deck, perfect for dinner or cocktails under the stars and beautiful lighting. With a wide variety of options, you’re sure to find a great bite for everyone on your guest list. Be sure to try the famous Beetchz Shrimp or wrap your night up with the Crucian Conclusion. Take-out and Catering available. Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner—Tues/ Wed/Thurs 7:30am-2pm, Fri/Sat 7:30am-10pm, Sun 8am-2pm. Closed Mondays.

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 gourmet market! With a full-service bakery and deli, Seaside offers made-to-order sandwiches, fresh breads, deli meats, and a variety of sweet treats. Shop Seaside for a huge selection of wines, gourmet cheeses, specialty food items, and the freshest meat and seafood on island. We feature a variety of convenient, ready-made foods

Mexican Restaurant & Sports Bar

Authentic Mexican Food

Best Margaritas & 9 Draft Beers on Tap!

LUNCH & DINNER Monday 11 am - 9 pm Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 10 pm

340-713-0222 Gallows Bay Marketplace 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

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 – Thursday, 11 am – 10 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am - 11 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm. Facebook & Instagram. TOAST Diner – 340-692-0313 This cozy, award-winning diner near the boardwalk waterfront boasts an extremely creative menu including Venezuelan-style arepas, breakfast allday-long, rum cake French toast, the diner burger, biscuits and gravy, the decadent Peanut Butter and Jealous Sandwich, daily specials, and more! While a full bar is available, locals and visitors depend on the Build-Your-Own-Bloody- Mary, 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. (facebook, Trip advisor, Instagram, twitter)

340-718-0544

Open weClose. close. Open77days daysaaweek weekat--noon Openuntil Till We BehindBryan’s Bryan’s Marine Marine on the water. Behind water. August/September 2020 • 27

Food & Drink FREDERIKSTED / EAST END

FREDERIKSTED Restaurant & Catering St. Croix’s East End, Gorgeous Buck Island View! Photo, Susan Wall

SEE YOU SOON, PAULI, LORI, TAYLOR, & JEDI

New Comfortable 6’ DistanceSafe Seating on Our Terrace. New Full Menu To Go if You Prefer.

Beach Side Café — 340-772-1205 or 340-772-1266 The Beach Side Café at Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel in Frederiksted offers fresh catch seafood specials, American and local dishes with tropically-inspired cocktails and mocktails hand-crafted from local juices, along with our house-made desserts on the island’s best beach for fun-in-the-sun and spectacular sunsets. Open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 8:30 pm, and our fabulous Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10am until 3pm with dinner following from 4:30 until 8:30. Join us Tuesday and Wednesday for our outdoor grill 11am until 6:30 pm featuring burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken and Mahi sandwiches. Visit Sand Castle on the Beach and the Beach Side Café for everything you’ll need to enjoy a true St. Croix experience. Ciboné – 340-719-2663 Back and even better, Cibone is an exciting, intimate dining experience. Featuring local, farm-fresh ingredients and wild-caught seafood, they were an Entre award-winner in the 2017 Taste of St. Croix.

Call Ahead for All Dine-In & To-Go Reservations. Closed Wednesdays.

“

Think of us for your catered parties, private functions overlooking Buck Island, sweet tooth fix, last-minute lunch box, fried chicken picnics, ice cream cravings, pizza-n-beer, Sunday afternoons, & the finest cuisine & spirits.

Located in the charming and historic Limetree Courtyard on King Street, they are open Tuesday – Saturday for dinner, 6 – 10 pm, and on Sunday for Brunch, 10 am – 3 pm. Like us on Facebook! Eat With Fred – 340-777-Fred (3733) “A Barefoot Chic” dining experience on Strand Street, Frederiksted! Eat With Fred is an elegant yet casual beachfront dining venue with beautiful West End views and sunsets. Come as you are! Eat With Fred has a relatively small “set” menu with a more expansive Feature Menu each day so that they can focus primarily on locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal St. Croix flavors providing a truly unique culinary experience. At press time, they are offering only Carry Out and Delivery Menus. Visit www. eatwithfred.com for options and pricing and order online! Tap Deck Bar & Billiards – 340-773-5227 Tap Deck is located on the waterfront, in front of the Frederiksted Pier! Enjoy an eclectic small bites menu, daily chef specials, draft beer, fine wines, and craft cocktails inside our air-conditioned dining room. Or watch a famous West End sunset from the outdoor gallery! Tap Deck serves lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 3pm-11pm. Come for poke, flatbreads, sliders and more, and stay for the inviting atmosphere and professional bartenders. They’re the first restaurant on St. Croix to eliminate single use plastic! 2nd floor entrance via the beautiful “Pier 69” courtyard. Tap Deck is the headquarters of Lyric Sails, so come in, book a sail and relax pre-and post-sail! Follow us on FB @ TapDeckSTX and at tapdeckstx.com.

”

Restaurant: Hand-cut Steaks & Fresh Local Seafood, Lori’s Famous Fried Chicken, Crab-Stuffed Wahoo, Apple BBQ Ribs, Rack of Lamb, Fresh Lobster Dishes & our Homemade Stone-Baked Pizza! Housemade Desserts from scratch and Ice Creams! Catering: LET US CATER FOR YOU! Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family!

340-692-BLUE (2583) www.bluewaterterracevi.com 28 • August/September 2020

Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch

fine seafood 340-719-2663

and Spectacular Sunsets Reservations at 340-772-1266

Food & Drink FREDERIKSTED / EAST END Cheeseburgers in Paradise – 340-718-1118 For the best in local and off-island entertainment, check out this schedule. We have the legendary Llewellyn singing songs of the Caribbean on Saturday nights and Brian Wilson on Sunday. Two Fridays a month, we feature one of Chicken Charlie’s amazing bands from the states. Come out and dance to your favorite 60s rock-n-roll and feast on fresh local lobster, great steaks and other specials. “There’s nothing like a hamburger at Cheeseburger’s (overheard recently), the East End Headquarters for food, fun, and frolic!” Facebook.

RS ISE D

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. Try Frank Duggan’s Sunday Brunch, 10 am – 1:30 pm, with Eggs Benedict, weekly specials, Mimosas or Bloody Marys. Reservations welcomed! Dinner served 6 nights a week. Closed Mondays. September, closed last three weeks.

EBUR

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 nightly for dinner, 5 – 9pm, Sunday Brunch, 10am – 3pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Call ahead for reservations, catering parties, or to have your food ready for pick up! www.bluewaterterrace.com, Facebook.

EAST END

Tap Deck. “Smoke on the Water.” Mezcal, fresh blackberries.

Cibone. Deep-fried Shusi, Veggie Rolls.

Deep End Bar & Grill — 340-718-7071 Tucked between Tamarind Reef Resort & Spa and Green Cay Marina sits the Deep End Bar & Grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 6 days a week! Dine undercover, poolside, or on the beach all with a smashing view of Green Cay! With a great selection of tropical blender drinks and a diverse menu, there is something for everyone. Come see us for Weeknight Specials – Mango BBQ Ribs, Tuesday, live entertainment—Yoshea on Sax, Wednesday, no entertainment, Thursday, Disco Bingo, Friday, Crab Races, Sunday Brunch, Bill Bass Steel Pans when available. Open Mon – Sat, 7 am – 9 pm, Sun, 8 am – 2 pm. www.newdeepend.com, Facebook.

I C A’S P A R

st. croix • USVI • 340.718.1118

Open 365 Days

Dine Undercover, Poolside, or on the Beach! 718-7071 August/September 2020 • 29

Food & Drink NORTHSHORE

NORTH SHORE

AMA Cane Bay – 340-227- 3432 Located in a dramatic setting on St. Croix’s Northshore is AMA Cane Bay and award-winning Digby Stridiron is your Chef! “AMA,” he says, “is the indigenous Taino word for the ocean/body of water and definitely reflects our cuisine and location!” A waterfront, fine dining restaurant offering a relaxing ambiance, amazing views, and stunning sunsets! AMA Cane Bay utilizes sustainably-sourced local ingredients to prepare their entrees, a fusion of Caribbean and American cuisine. Come join us when you feel like dining with the sounds of the waves or unwinding at the top deck bar. Open for dinner and drinks, Tuesday - Saturday, 5 – 9 pm and Sunday Brunch, 10 am – 2 pm. www.amacanebay.com, Facebook, Instagram

AMA. Our Mahi Takeout.

Cast Iron Pot – 340-692-2477 Here lies the essence of Local Cuisine! “We strive to preserve tradition and culture while keeping a modern flare and extend our hospitality and authentic flavors to the St. Croix community and our visitors.” Hearty dishes like Savory Stewed Chicken, Salt Fish Gundy, Red Peas Soup,

Private Parties • Conference Room Daily Specials • Top Class Catering Tues & Wed 11 am - 5 pm Thurs - Sat 11 am - 9 pm

LOCAL LOBSTERS

Every Style – Every Day 10A La Grande Princesse

The Palms at Pelian Cove. Vodka Mint Lemonade. 30 • August/September 2020

Food & Drink NORTHSHORE / MID-ISLAND

Catch-of-the-Day, Pot Fish, Fresh Local Beef, Coconut Bread Pudding, and Homemade Cakes are prepared with love and passion by Burton Peterson, award-winning local chef and owner of Top Class Catering for 20 years. Trip Advisor “Top-Rated Seafood & Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant.” Northside Road in Estate La Grande Princesse. Open Tues & Wed, 11 am – 5 pm, and Thurs – Sat, 11 am – 9 pm. Local lobsters, every style, every day! Leatherback Landing @ Cane Bay – 340-718-0362 Leatherback Landing has arrived in Cane Bay! With a focus on promoting exceptional local beer while embracing and celebrating the community, the restaurant boasts a rotating selection of fresh Leatherback Brewing beers on tap and in cans along with classic island cocktails. The food menu features many favorites along with local specials made with quality ingredients sourced from farmers, bakers, and fishermen located right here on the island. Happy Hour runs from 4pm6pm daily, and brunch, which starts at 10am every Sunday, is a must. Reservations and large parties are welcome. Cane Bay is a day-trip destination where you can bring the whole family. Pull up a seat, grab a drink, and take in the natural beauty of the island. The Palms at Pelican Cove – 340-718-8920 Located 3 miles west of Christiansted, the natural Beach Side setting of The Palms Restaurant & Bar underscores the award-winning flavors coming from the kitchen. The atmosphere can be dressed up or down; Oceanfront dining is available in our open-air pavilion. The Palms Restaurant and Beach Bar is a favorite among locals and is reasonably priced. We offer Steak, Wings, Seafood, Burgers, Salads, Cold Drinks, and more! We are open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Mon-Thurs 7:30 am-10 pm, Fri & Sat 7:30 am- 11 pm, Sun 8 am-10 pm. We have nightly Chef Specials, Daily Happy Hour 3pm6pm and Live Entertainment on Friday & Saturday nights. Call ahead for takeout orders. Reservations necessary for Parties over 6. Follow us on Facebook!

MID-ISLAND

A Better Day Café – 340-244-0333 Nestled in the heart of the Beeston Hill Gym is A Better Day Cafe, the whole-food plant-based restaurant and island’s first full-service meal prep kitchen! Founded to give St. Croix a place to eat clean delicious foods, we are proud to have been serving you for almost 2 years! Known for our home-made bean burgers, gluten-free pates, Smart Lunch Meal Prep specials, hearty soups and detox juice cleanses we are committed to making healthy eating fun, delicious and convenient! We also offer Holistic Health Consultations with our founder, Dr. Micah McIntosh, to personalize your meal plans, supplement recommendations, and combat chronic disease! We have quick pick-up for your nutritious goods and Zoom Video for appts! Call or text us daily for our tasty specials at or abetterdayllc.com/ specials. Facebook

El Flamboyant. Breaded Shrimp & Bread Fruit Testones.

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 coveted family recipes!” This colorful, family restaurant offers up a Caribbean, Latin, and Seafood menu that has been pleasing patrons for over 16 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 driveup 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.

Susan Wall

Self-serve breakfast Whole-food, plant-based lunch Meal Prep & Catering

U PS

YM TA I R S A T T H E LG L I H

B E ESTON

Cold-pressed juices Smoothies Detox protocols

Mon, Tues, Thurs 9am- 2pm & 4pm - 8pm Supplements Wed, Fri 9am-6pm

(340) 244-0333 www.abetterdayllc.com

13th year! 16th year!

Beach Front Dining BREAKFAST * LUNCH * DINNER

BEACH FRONT DINING

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER Steaks, Seafood Cold Drinks

Steaks • Seafood • Cold Drinks Daily Chef Specials Live Music Friday & Saturday Daily CHEF Specials LIVE MUSIC EVERY

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Hotel Rooms w/Ocean View Special Events/Functions

www.palmspelicancove.com EAT

DRINK

BEACH

340-718-8920 ONLY AT THE PALMS 340-718-8920

Restaurant - Bar

Caribbean • Latin • Seafood

Open Mon & Tues, 11:30 - 6pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 11:30 - 9pm Sun, 10:30 - 8pm Happy Hour! Thurs & Fri, 4:30 pm – 7 pm

Mid-Island, Rt. 663

340-779-3285

August/September 2020 • 31

Food & Drink NORTHSHORE / MID-ISLAND

SORBETIERE ICE CREAM & SORBET

orbetiere was founded by Dr. Albert A. Titus after he discovered an old-fashioned ice cream churn on a vacation to St. Martin and used his background in chemistry and mathematics to create a different type of ice cream. One that didn’t include eggs, food coloring, stabilizers, or artificial preservatives. He was successful in doing so and tested his creations with family and close friends. A long-time friend, Ms. Julyn Henry, joined Dr. Titus in creating Sorbetiere, LLC in May 2017 and together they manufactured ice cream and sorbet using a 5-gallon rock-salt and ice churn. They then single-handedly distributed their products to supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants. A year later, Dr. Titus’ childhood friend, Ms. Alyssa Fredericks, was brought in to help in expanding production and logistics. Together the trio forged the rapid growth of Sorbetiere through rigorous quality control, broadening of the product line, and aggressive marketing strategies. Today, the company is managed by both. Henry and Ms. Fredericks as Dr. Titus continues to create and craft new flavors for Sorbetiere.

Leatherback Landing. BBQ Ribs.

SUPERSTORE

BIGGEST SUPERMARKET IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS! 5 minutes from the Airport • Open 7 days a week Largest selection of fine wines & spirits • Fresh produce Proud supporters of our local farmers Fresh USDA meats, poultry & seafood • Pharmacy in store

#14 Plessen • Frederiksted, VI 00840-4621

340-719-1870 • plazaextrawest.com 32 • August/September 2020

SUPERSTORE

Gift Card

What started as a mobile ice cream parlor is also now a creamery/store in Peters Rest across from the Coco-Cola Bottling Company! Come in for an amazing selection of homemade ice cream and sorbet cups or cones, sundaes, and milkshakes. You will no doubt be taking home a pint or quart of your favorite flavor! How about Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Very Strawberry, Chunky Pineapple, Cinnamon Coconut, Nutty Banana, Ginger Thomas or Buttery Pecan for starters? If you’re feeling indulgent, think about Baileys, Kahlua Coffee, Cruzan Rum Raisen, Ponche Caribe Pistachio, or Ponche Kuba/Almonds! Also find Non-dairy / Sugar-free and CBD-infused ice cream flavors as well as the Indulgent Pina Colada Sorbet. Have fun discovering these Frozen Island Treats! Open Sun – Thurs, Noon – 7pm, Fri & Sat, Noon – 8pm. 340-513-0648 Susan Wall

Food & Drink MID-ISLAND

Sorbetiere Ice Cream & Sorbet – 340-513-0648 You’ve probably seen or visited our Mobile Parlor but have you been to our creamery/store in Peter’s Rest across from Coco-Cola Bottling Company? We now bring you our healthy, locally-made frozen treats every day! Ice creams are freshly churned in our creamery using the freshest ingredients. Contrary to most ice creams, ours are made without eggs, food colorings, stabilizers, or artificial preservatives. Non-dairy ice creams are made with premium coconut milk and sweetened with agave or maple syrup. Full spectrum CBD is infused into our CBD offerings and 100% fruit is used in the production of our fine sorbets. Book our Mobile Parlor for Special Events! “Sorbie” Rewards Program for Kids. Open Sunday – Thursday, Noon – 7pm and Friday & Saturday, Noon – 8pm. FB, IG

Sorbetiere Ice Cream & Sorbet. Treat Yourself—shakes, cones, cups!

Locally Made

Susan Wall

us Crucian Treat io ic el D ly ib ed cr In n A cream and

hear, ice “Sorbetiere you ain’ e!” u won’t want to shar yo , od go h su et rb so •Sorbie Rewards Program for Kids •Book our Mobile Parlor for Special Events •Sunday - Thursday: Noon - 7pm •Friday & Saturday: Noon - 8pm

Photos by Susan Wall

Peter’s Rest across from Coca-Cola Bottling Company 340-513-0648

•Ice Cream • Sorbet •Non-Dairy Ice Cream •Indulgent Ice Cream •Premium Quality •Egg-Free •No Preservatives •100% Real Fruit

August/September 2020 • 33

Food & Drink TELL ME WHERE TO EAT!

Easy Dining Guide Restaurant

Take Local area Out code is (340)

OPEN FOR TAKEOU CURBSIDE PICK-U T P DELIVERY SPACED SEATING

Cuisine

Meals

Credit Cards

Res.

Location

40 Eats and Drinks

692-0524

Fresh/Eclectic/Cocktails

L, D

AE, D, MC, V

Christiansted

A Better Day Cafe at Beeston Hill

778-8888

Vegan/Caribbean/Meal Prep/Detox

B, L, D

MC, V

Yes

Mid-Island

AMA Cane Bay

227-3432

Local, Gourmet, Cocktails, Waterfront

BR, D

AE, MC, V

Yes

Northshore

Beach Side Café

772-1266

American / Local / Seafood / Waterfront

L, D, BR

AE, MC, V

Yes

Frederiksted

Blue Water Terrace

692-2583

Restaurant / Market / Deli

D, BR

MC, V

Yes

East End

BREW STX

719-6339

Sandwiches / Smoked Wings / BYO Salads

L, D

MC, V, D

Christiansted

Breakers Roar Tiki Bar

773-6330

Craft Cocktails, Waterfront

AE, D, MC, V

Christiansted

Café Christine’s / ART GALLERY

713-1500

Fresh / Healthy / Café-style

None

Yes

Christiansted

Cast Iron Pot

692-2477

Local / Seafood / Grill

L, D

MC, V

Yes

Northside

Cheeseburgers in America’s Paradise

718-1118

Continental

L, D, BR

MC, V

East End

Ciboné

719-2663

Farm & Sea-to-Table

D, BR

MC, V

Yes

Frederiksted

Deep End Bar & Grill at Tamarind Reef Resort

718-7071

Casual, Beachside Dining

B, L, D, BR

MC, V

Yes

East End

Duggan’s Reef

773-9800

Seafood / Steakhouse

D, BR

MC, V

Yes

East End

El Flamboyant

779-3285

Latin / Seafood / Caribbean

L, D, BR

None

Mid Island

Grounded Cafe

626-9993

Fair Trade Coffee / Casual Hand-crafted Meals

B, L, D

AE, MC, V

Csted/Sunny Isle

La Reine Chicken Shack

778-5717

Open Pit BBQ / Seafood

B, L, D

ATM

Mid Island

Leatherback Landing @ Cane Bay

718-0369

Grill / Seafood / Caribbean / Waterfront

B, L, D

MC, V, D

Northshore

Maria’s Cantina & Sports Bar

713-0222

Authentic Mexican

L, D

AE, MC, V

Gallows Bay

Nate’s Boathouse & Seafood Emporium

692-6283

Seafood / World Cuisine

B, L, D, BR

D, MC, V

Yes

Christiansted

Nauti Bar & Grille

718-0544

Smoked Meats & Chicken / Fresh Seafood

L, D

AE, MC, V, D

Christiansted

Rum And Wine Bar Restaurant

643-4729

Seafood, Sushi, Vegan, Craft Cocktails

AE, D ,MC, V, Debit

Yes

Christiansted

Salty Beetchz

713-8899

Local/Pizza/Wings/Cocktails

B, L, D, BR

AE, D ,MC, V, Debit

Christiansted

Seaside Market & Deli

719-9393

Gourmet /Salad Bar/ Prime Meats

B, L, D

AE, D, MC, V

Gallows Bay

Shupe’s on the Boardwalk

773-3400

Burgers / Wings / Ice Cream

L, D

MC, V, D

Christiansted

Sorbetiere Ice Cream & Sorbet

513-0648

Locally-Made/Non-Dairy/Egg-Free

D, MC, V

Mid Island

The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Center

773-7728

Juices / Smoothies / Healthy Food

B, L

D, MC, V

Christiansted

The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza

643-6455

Brick oven pizza, Waterfront

L, D

AE, D, MC, V, Debit

The Palms at Pelican Cove

718-8920

American/Caribbean/Beachfront

B,L,D,BR

MC, V, D

Yes 6

Northside

TOAST Diner

692-0313

Eclectic / Venezuelan Food

B, L

MC, V, D

Christiansted

34 • August/September 2020

Christiansted +

Food & Drink MID-ISLAND

FARM STAND FRESH! CALL AHEAD OR CHECK ONLINE FOR CHANGES IN SCHEDULES. ARTfarm, LLC – 340-514-4873 On Summer Hours. Open on a pop-up basis only. www.artfarmllc.com, FB Crescent Farm - 340-277-0707 Sat - Sun, 9 am - 5 pm 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 Farm – 340-473-1557 Wed & Sat, 11am – 3 pm Pick up our fruits, veggies, and meats at the Lawaetz Museum in Frederiksted. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Sign up & pick-up locations. www.ridge2reef.org

La Reine Chicken Shack – 340-718-5717 Serving the Community for 17 years! Are you ready to savor one of St. Croix’s best- kept secrets? Taste La Reine Chicken Shack’s mouth-watering BBQ chickens, slowly-cooked on wood-chip coal over an open pit! Get in line! Other menu favorites include Roast Pork, Ribs, Steak, Local Seafood, daily specials and many other island delicacies. Come mingle with our friendly staff and local patrons in our recently renovated outdoor seating area. Enjoy one of our most popular drinks “Cruzan Confusion” at our full bar. Located midisland on Route #75, off Centerline Road, we’re open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eat in or Take out! Facebook Plaza Extra West Supermarket – 340-719-1870 The biggest, full-service supermarket on St. Croix features organic, fresh local produce. Our Dairy Department is filled with a variety of fine cheeses, a large selection of meats, organic eggs, and juices. Our Meat Department is stocked with the finest cuts prepared by our Master Butcher; USDA meats, Certified Angus meats, poultry, and seafood. Pair your favorite cheeses, seafood, meat and desserts

La Reine Chicken Shack. Cedric Angeles, Coastal Living

with our wines from the largest liquor selection on island. We have catering available from our fullservice Deli and Bakery. Try our delicious Stone House Subs, pastries and desserts. Artisan breads, platters, and hot foods served daily. We look forward to serving you. www.plazaextrawest.com, Facebook.

Sejah Farm – 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 – 340-332-3932 Sat, 8 am – Noon Produce, fresh & preserved local fruit, fresh baked goods, local honey, handmade soaps, herb and ornamental plants.

Serving the Community for 17 years!

Tropics Hydroponics Farm – 340-227-5546 Mon - Fri, 8 am - 4 pm, Sat, 8 - 12 noon, Sat, La Reine Market Brian McCulough specializes in Bibb lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, & other vegetables. Farm locations, Pg 54-55.

Mouth-W Mouth-Watering atering

Open-Pit BBQ Chicken Roast Pork Ribs • Steak Local Seafood

Catering for All Occasions!

Newly Renovated with Full Bar

Try our “Cruzan Confusion!”

Open 7 Days a Week! Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Rt. 75 off Centerline Road

Sejah Farm. Eggplant.

Plaza Extra West. Farm Fresh Cucs and Bananas.

Eat In or Take Out • 340-778-5717 August/September 2020 • 35

On the Covers

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY THEIR WAY!

AUG

“I was born and raised on St. Croix where I recently graduated from the Croix Central High School where my LETISHA AYALA St. favorite subjects were English, Geometry and Art! I have been drawing since the age of 4 and even still have some of the pictures since then. As I grew older, I began experimenting with different art mediums and testing my abilities. My peers around me, as well as my parents, always supported my art. I never really experienced someone influential until I came to Central High School where I met Niarus Walker, my art teacher, and began working with her. I had fun working on the cover image for the August issue of St. Croix This Week. I actually painted it to submit for the 2020 Congressional Art Competition and ended up winning 2nd place! “Lady in Madras” is a watercolor of a Quadrille dancer. I loved the bright colors of her dress and headpiece. When Ms. Walker and I first talked about the competition, I knew that I wanted to paint something related to Virgin Islands culture.” The annual Congressional Art Competition honors more than 400 students from every Congressional District in the US, including the territories. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett hosted the competition for the US Virgin Islands. “Besides painting, I also draw pictures with pencils and charcoal, digital paintings, graphic design, and a bit of ceramic. As for college, I actually plan on studying Nursing here at the University of the Virgin Islands, but of course when I have free time, you can find me drawing something new!”

Letisha

May Flower.

Lady in Madras.

Playing Cards.

SEPT

Canary Island Daisies.

Lens Flare Sunset.

Leonard Frederick.

36 • August/September 2020

“When I was a young man, I enrolled in a course called: “Photography for people that like to drink ” Half a century later, I’m still making photos AL DORSA wine. and drinking more wine than I probably should. The magic of photography back then was the process. The congenial nature of “going out shooting” with your friends, then “souping” (developing) your negatives, and finally watching your prints materialize under the muted glow of the darkroom’s safe light. It was like you had this super power. You, the master of an arcane technology beyond the ken of most. As much as I savor those memories, I’m actually thankful those days are past. Several thousand hours in the darkroom, splashing about with toxic chemicals was quite enough. Today’s digital photography has matured to a degree that rivals and sometimes surpasses the quality of traditional photographic media. Chances are that your phone makes better pictures than the heavy camera I lugged around back in the good old days. And software? Mostly free, powerful, easy to use and immediately available wherever and whenever you choose. The upshot is that there’s a ton of great photography being made by people of all stripes that can be shared with anyone who cares to look, and all in the blink of an eye. Yet there is still room for a photographer to bring his or her own unique vision to an appreciative audience thanks to magazines like this one, galleries that struggle to survive, and of course the vast offerings of the world wide web. Thank you all for looking! If you’d like to see more, please visit my website, www.aldorsa.com.”

Local Art

SHARING STORIES THROUGH ART! Art @ Top Hat – 340-692-2787 Across from the US Post Office and in a historic two-story townhouse on Company Street, the Art @ Top Hat Gallery presents changing exhibits of works by local Virgin Islands fine artists, always with amazing collections to choose from. Also sculpture, photography, pottery, antiques, and handmade jewelry. Estate sale collectibles. Happy to work with homeowners, interior designers, and businesses looking for just the right art work. Always prints, maps, cards and other island memories—and we ship! Browsers welcome. Art shows and open Art Thursdays during the winter season. Open Wed – Sat, 1-5pm and by special appointment by calling 340-513-3558. Facebook Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – 340-772-2622 Our mission is to preserve, promote and exhibit the arts of St. Croix and the Caribbean community, to provide an interactive environment that encourages children, youth and adults to learn positive forms of expression, and to offer creative learning experiences which foster an understanding of the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Caribbean, and their source. Housed in an 18thcentury Danish townhouse. Artist-in-Residence program. Come visit and join us! www.cmcarts. org, Facebook. Christa’s Art Gallery – 340-713-9959 Christa-Ann Davis Molloy was a St. Croix This Week cover artist in February and March of 2017 and since then, opened a gallery in La Grande Princesse and now on Company Street in Christiansted. Born in Trinidad, West Indies, she began an interest in art and design by the age of 11, encouraged by her Mom, her sister, her sons, and friends. She loves to paint portraits, old buildings, quadrille dancers, mocko jumbies, Caribbean scenes, and events. Lots of these images are incorporated into products at her gallery. Come see her umbrellas, shower curtains, coasters, rugs, cushions, mugs, tee shirts, and face masks. Sign up for art classes and Sip and Paint events. Open Mon – Fri, 11am – 5:30pm; Sat, 10am – 3pm. Company Street. www.christaart.com. FB, IG Henle Studio – 340-332-1628 Celebrating 25 years, this historic loft, upstairs on Company Street in Christiansted, showcases the paintings and prints of Maria Henle, the photographs, books, and films of St. Croix’s premier photographer Fritz Henle, the fine art photography of Tina Henle, the beautiful Sea Glass Jewelry of Therese Donarski, paintings by Jack Anglin and various other artists. Call for scheduled hours and by appointment. www.henlegallery.com

Prospect Plantation, Artist Unknown.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts.

ART @ TOP HAT GALLERY

Celebrating Art & Culture

FINE LOCAL ART - PRINTS - CARDS - PHOTOGRAPHY MAPS - HANDMADE JEWELRY - VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES AUTHENTIC WEST INDIAN ANTIQUES

52 Company Street, Christiansted 340-513-3558

Paintings - Prints - Tees - Totes - Rugs - Coasters Umbrellas - Pillows - Shower Curtains - Mugs - Face Masks

‘Sip & Paint’ Events - Art Classes 57 Company Street • 340-713-9959 340-513-8581 • www.christaart.com

CARIBBEAN MUSEUM CENTER ARTS FOR THE

10 Strand St. F’std 340.772.2622 Tue-Sat 11am-5pm Local Arts • Gift Shop www.cmcarts.org

Fritz Henle • Maria Henle • Tina Henle & other artists #55 Company St., Christiansted HenleGallery.com • 340-332-1628 August/September 2020 • 37

Local Art ART MARKET

Weddings I DO!

hat could be more romantic than beginning your life together on a beautiful island? Tying the knot here can be breathtaking and stress-free with experienced wedding planners committed to every detail of your special day. Accommodations, ceremony and reception sites, menu planning, floral arrangements, photographers, musicians, transportation, special themes, and gifts and activities for your guests are all taken care of for you. With historic churches, Danish architecture, luscious villas, yachts and palm-fringed beaches, we’ve got your perfect backdrop for a memorable day. Whether saying “I do” for the first time, or renewing your vows, St. Croix sets the stage of a lifetime!

Frederiksted, Toby Schoyer.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts.

Maufe Gallery – 340-332-4556 Maufé Gallery owner/artist Thérèse Trudeau welcomes 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 performance art pieces taking place. Open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Beautiful St. Croix photographs delivered right to your home!

Visit www.ddstudio.smugmug.com/Travel/StCroix or call us at 310.861.6001 for more details! 38 • August/September 2020

For a Wedding Proposal Request, List of Vendors, Marriage License Application, and Island Wedding Brochure, visit usvitourism.vi and click on Weddings & Honeymoons. When you get married on St. Croix, you’re also in a perfect location for a romantic honeymoon! Why not have your wedding here, as well as your honeymoon, or marry here and honeymoon on St. Thomas or St. John?

Ted Davis Galeria - 310-860-6001 (toll free!) After almost a decade in Christiansted, D&D Studio is now online! Visit us at https://ddstudio.smugmug.com/Travel/StCroixPhotos to purchase beautiful and collectable photographs by Ted Davis. These stunning images are unique St. Croix artworks, and are great additions to your home or office decor. You can have a piece of St. Croix delivered right to your door! Call or email for more details. info@ddstudio.us

Tied the knot.

Tina Henle

Our Danish Connection Throughout the Caribbean in former days, several European nations contended for ownership of many islands for their natural resources and value as providers of the profitable sugar cane cultivation. The small Scandinavian country of Denmark was an early player in St. Thomas 1660, St. John 1718, and St. Croix as the last but most profitable acquisition purchased from France in 1733. During the 184 years this island was owned by Denmark, that distant nation left its mark in so many ways. It can be said that it would be hard to find an island whose legacy from a former colonial owner is viewed by its population in as positive and friendly light as ours. This has resulted in a close relationship between Denmark and the U.S. Virgin Islands that has brought thousands of visitors from Denmark to visit these former possessions that hold so many memories of former days before 1917, the year of the Transfer to the United States. Here are some examples: • The solid 18th and 19th architectural structures, including official buildings, commercial or private residences, constructed of brick brought here as ballast, providing a handsome link to the past still in use. • The prolific ruins of the many plantation structures that once produced sugar and rum. Including the many former windmills that ground sugar cane. • The continued use of the old plantation names for all areas of the countryside, even the 18th century division of the island into named Quarters, as well as the old Danish street names in the towns, plus the old-time numbering of street addresses. Our two towns are named for Danish kings. • The presence in four churches of the official Danish Lutheran denomination. • The old cemeteries with special sections for Danish gravesites, and thorough records by Danish scribes of everyone buried there. • The continued use of certain holidays from the Danish calendar. • The many families carrying Danish last names despite African origin, and even use of historic Danish first names for Crucian children. • The existence of a Friends of Denmark organization that carries out exchange visit Festivals by members with its sister Society in Denmark, Danish West Indian Society, in addition to offering scholarships, sponsoring visits by Danish choirs, athletes, musicians and scholars. • The existence of a voluminous website accessible by anyone that covers all the persons residing here throughout the Danish period 1734 to 1917, thanks to the thorough records kept by the Danes during that time. • Access on the internet to over 5 million documents at the Danish archives relevant to the Danish West Indies, as our islands were called. • Last, but not least, the friendly Crucian population that looks out for visiting Danes and makes them feel welcome. If you happen to be a visiting Dane, we bid you Velkommen!

Protestant Cay.

Susan Wall

A Little History of St. Croix’s Adjoining Small Cays by Nina York Unlike our sister Virgin islands to the north of us, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, who are surrounded by lots of mini-islands known as cays (pronounced as keys) as well as nearby British Virgin Islands, St. Croix has only one real island nearby, but one beloved by us all as a National Monument and a favored leisure spot for all who appreciate our coral reefs.

Schooner Vigilant. St. Croix Landmarks Society Library & Archives

Buck Island, 7 miles from Christiansted off St. Croix’s East End, is under the management of the National Park Service and, while trips by licensed charter boats – sail or motor – command a fee, several youth support organizations have made it possible for public school students to become acquainted with this important natural resource in their neighborhood. Buck Island is in good hands, has no residents, and its beach area is hard to equal for beautiful sands and sea; for hikers, the trail to the viewing platform is a great exercise. Its history from former days tells us that it was once privately owned and that goats (“bocken”) were raised there. But its dry climate made it unsuitable for sugar cane. We do have two cays (and a small man-made island, with no public access, on the south shore created from the dredging of the channel for the Hess Refinery back in the early 1960’s). The better known, and enjoyed by many visitors as well as residents, is right in Christiansted harbor. But why its name Protestant Cay? We can thank the French ownership period from the mid1600’s; their colonizers were primarily Catholic, and the few Protestants were awarded the island as their cemetery. A few headstones can still be found there. Its role changed under the Danes starting 1735. With the increase in business activity and shipping, the Christiansted harbor, almost fully surrounded by Long Reef, had a narrow channel on the eastern part, presenting a risky entrance for all the ships coming to collect sugar and rum. The cay became the office and home of the harbormaster and pilot to ensure safe passage for the ships, including the Vigilant inter-island schooner ferry. Since 1965, Hotel on the Cay provides lodgings for humans and is a refuge for endangered wildlife. The beach is popular and is reached by a 2-minute ferry ride from the wharf. Many believe the island inspired Herman Wouk’s famous Don’t Stop the Carnival book. Our annual Triathlon has its starting point, the 800-meter swim leg, right at the Protestant Cay beach. Finally, Green Cay, closer to shore near Green Cay Marina, is a small 14-acre protected National Wildlife Refuge since 1977 and home to birds and the St. Croix ground lizard. Lizards are beloved by most of us for eating mosquitoes. It is endangered primarily because of the bad eating habits of mongooses once brought here to rid sugar cane fields of rats and snakes. Access by humans is not allowed. Nina York, born in Denmark but a St. Croix resident since 1976, has been a contributor for this publication since 2009 and was its Managing Editor from 1990-2003. She now offers tours for visitors from Denmark and the mainland, does translations, and volunteers for Rotary and the St. Croix Friends of Denmark Society. August/September 2020 • 39

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 experience, all our boats are available for private charters for weddings or large groups. Gift Certificates available. Give someone the gift of an experience they will always remember. Located on the Christiansted boardwalk; retail store. Authorized National Park Service Concessioner. www.bigbeards.com, Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Caribbean Sea Adventures – 340-773-2628 Big Beard’s Adventure Tours. We’re so happy to be back at Buck Island again!!

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

Llewellyn’s Charter – 340-773-9027 Take a fast and exciting sail with local sailing legend and calypso recording artist Llewellyn Westerman aboard his 37-foot locally-designed and built, six-passenger performance trimaran Charis+. He’s been sailing to Buck Island National Monument since 1960 and assures a comfortable arrival to the beach or the first designated underwater National Park. Snorkel gear is provided. Departs from the St. Croix Yacht Club at Teague Bay 9 to 1:00 am, 1:30 to 5:30 pm, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Personalized sails available. Call for more information and reservations

Lyric Sails – 340-201-5227

Book Online

www.CaribbeanSeaAdventures.com

Or call 340-773-2628

40 • August/September 2020

Combining her love for the ocean with a passion for music, food and wine, Captain Emily Weston, a marine biologist and dive instructor, has brought a unique venue to St. Croix—Lyric Sails! On her boat “Jolly Mon,” a 63-foot, custom-built, former racing catamaran, she and her amazing crew host sunset and

Watersports

STEAL SOME TIME AND GET IN THE WATER!

West End Water Sports, Where the Ocean is Your Playground! For those looking for beautiful shoreline, who want to cruise fast, jump some waves, and feel the wind in their face, West End Water Sports is the place to be on St. Croix. Located on Rainbow Beach, 1 mile North of the Frederiksted Pier, they cater to all ages and experience levels and provide a new fleet of top-of-the line JetSki’s for you to rent year- round! The modern “Jet-Ski,” being much sturdier and easier to ride than its predecessors, is safe and fun for everyone. Brian and Scott, the friendly owner/operators and their staff, will walk you through the safety briefing and instructions and make sure you are completely comfortable with the rules and guidelines. Not into Jet-Skiing? West End Water Sports also provides your ideal “all-in-one beach day!” Welcome to Rainbow Beach— one of the top, full-amenity beaches on St.

Don’t let the Northshore or East End weather or water deter you! Whatever is happening on the rest of the island, the West End is most always crystal clear, calm and beautiful, 9 times out of 10. One of the reasons they say, West is Best!

Lee Lashley

Croix. Rent chairs and umbrellas, Stand-Up Paddle Boards, Sun-Ray floats, snorkel gear and/or grab some friends and head for the full-size beach volley ball court next to Rhythms at Rainbow Beach Bar and Grill. This restaurant is well-known to the locals for their island beverages and great food— this is where you can play ‘bag toss’ on the beach with that favorite beverage in hand!

The Souvenir Shack offers beach basics like sunscreens, sunglasses, towels, koozies, sarong wraps, hats, waterproof phone cases and water shoes. Also jewelry, tees, stickers and other collectibles and a wide selection of Waboba water balls, footballs and frisbee discs for family fun. Celebrating 10 years, they are open 7 days a week, 11am – 5pm. Check them out on YouTube.

West End Water Sports 340-277-8295 – FB, IG www.wewatersports.com

Sail to Buck Island Reef National Monument on

Buck Island Charters

Departing Teague Bay Teroro II & Dragonfly

with Captain Carl or Captain Heinz

SAIL • SNORKEL • HIKE

Sail aboard Teroro II (42’) or Dragonfly (38’) Trimarans and experience a personalized tour of Buck Island Reef National Monument. The National Underwater Trail is a snorkel sight second to none!

9:00 am - 1:00 pm 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Authorized Concessioner

100% sail powered 6 passenger custom built 37’ trimaran

Authorized Concessioner

● Snorkel equipment included ● Dragonfly exclusive to six guests ● Departs from Green Cay Marina “H” Dock

Recommended in Frommer’s Tour Guide

www.gotostcroix.com/heinz

(340) 718-3161 • teroro@msn.com

Llewellyn’s Charter 340-773-9027

August/September 2020 • 41

Watersports

TAKE THE PLUNGE—MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

Sweet Bottom Dive Center. Learn to Dive!

SCUBA DIVING ST. CROIX, USVI Dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day!

340-773-DIVE (3483)

Sweet Bottom Dive Center. A scuba diver at Davis Bay, Northshore.

Diving here is easy & accessible with an array of experiences. All dive boats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and captains are USCG certified. Sea life is abundant and changes with the time of day and time of year. More than 500 species of fish, 40 types of coral and hundreds of invertebrates inhabit the water. Buck Island Reef National Monument – is 6,000 feet long, a ½-mile wide and includes the 176-acre island and 18,839 acres of submerged land and coral reef system. Frederiksted Pier – Macro life abounds; depths reach 50’ at the end of the pier; pilings are at 25’. Butler Bay Wrecks – 5 wrecks together on St. Croix’s Northwest tip; the deepest is at 110’ and the shallowest is at 20’. Salt River Canyon – This Northshore site has two walls facing each other across a quarter mile of blue water. Cane Bay Wall – Rated one of the top dives in all the Caribbean. Not to miss! -The Scuba Diving Resource

2 Breathtaking Locations • Cane Bay Beach • Davis Bay Beach

Renaissance Carambola Resort RE-OPENING SOON

Wall Diving, Boat Diving, Pier & Night Diving Available

sweetbottomdive.com 42 • August/September 2020

Sweet Bottom Dive Center. Get Certified!

Tim Linse

JOIN THE EXPERTS! BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS & SUNSET SAILS cont..... moonlight sails, with live music by local and visiting musicians, Wed – Sun out of Frederiksted and sail and beach “Funday” day sails on Sun and Mon. Also look for special events such as “Wine on the Water”—a 6-course wine and food pairing dinner, Reggae night and Spanish night. Each sail features appetizers, rum punch and an on-board bar. Private, customizable day sails and snorkel tours are available daily, and private evening charters are available on request. Book online at www.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 companies sailing to Buck Island Reef National Monument. Teroro II, a 42’ trimaran, is the first commercially built boat by Gold Coast Yachts at Salt River and chartered by Captain Heinz. Carl followed his father’s passion, after sailing and competing in his youth and after helping to captain Teroro II to Buck Island for 16 years, and now has is own boat Dragonfly, a 38’ trimaran. He and his father love to share their local knowledge with the guests aboard and give them a very personalized snorkeling tour of Buck Island Reef. We are recommended by Fromer’s Tour Guide and sail from Green Cay Marina.

DIVING Dive Experience – 340-773-3307 Get to know St. Croix’s underwater wildlife— Turtles, Eels, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Dolphins, and even Humpback Whales with St. Croix’s Original PADI 5-Star IDC Center! Michelle Pugh, a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, opened Dive Experience in 1983 and has the most experienced dive staff on the island. Diver safety, combined with fun and preservation of the marine environment are our primary concerns. Daily boat dives, Lionfish hunting dives—take your fillets home with you (yum!), and “No Moon” String-of-Pearl night dives! We offer diver training from the Discover Scuba program to dive instructor and complete dive and snorkel rental gear plus air and nitrox fills. New, expanded location on the Chritiansted boardwalk at Kings Alley. We love to dive and it shows! www.divexp.com

Nep2une Scuba Diving – 340-227-1915 Nep2une Scuba Diving, St. Croix’s newest, “old” dive shop is located just steps from the Frederiksted Pier. A service-oriented dive shop, featuring two, six-pack dive boats, to keep your dive experience personal. We are the only dive

DIVE EXPERIENCE — Diving St. Croix for 38 Years 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 Congressional Award for Entrepreneurial Success for Dive Experience. Sam Halvorson, Captain, Instructor, Dive Master, and Videographer, has been on board for 29 years. He knows the reefs like the back of his hand. His videos are a favorite souvenir! Michelle, who’s made over 10,000 dives on St. Croix, is the only dive center owner that actually dives most everyday—guiding lots of customers by request. While developing

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

DIVE EXPERIENCE Celebrating 38 Years!

“The Name Says it All”

2020

Open: Monday-Saturday, 8 am-5 pm Sunday, 8 am-4 pm

St. Croix’s First PADI 5 Star Center Owned by Michelle Pugh,Women Diver’s Hall of Fame

Diver Training — Beginner to Instructor Dive Equipment Retail & Rentals Daily Boat DivesLion Fish Hunts Snorkel Trips

Christiansted Boardwalk at Kings Alley

Local: 340-773-3307 Toll Free: 800-235-9047 www.divexp.com

August/September 2020 • 43

Watersports WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? DIVING cont...

shop diving 33 unique, dive sites on the West End of St. Croix. Our staff offers a high level of dive service and owner/boat captain/instructor Kiersten Fidao is committed to you, our customers, ensuring our service is above the rest. Our dedicated instructors, Jenny Keith and Margi Erway, are always enthusiastic and available to help. Dive Master Paul Silnes, our primary Night Dive Guide, is ready to show you creatures that only St. Croix’s most experienced dive guides can find. Open 7-days-a-week, 8am – 5 pm. www.n2scubadiving.com, Facebook, IG

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

Sea Thru Kayaks VI. Unobstructed view!

Located at Cane Bay Beach in our NEW 2,200 square foot facility, we offer daily shore diving to the famous ‘Wall’ only a short distance off Cane Bay Beach. 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 experience or are working towards a certification such as Open Water, Advanced Open Water, a Specialty Course, Professional Instructor Ratings or Technical Diving, we can accommodate you. Air, Nitrox or Trimix tank fills available along with top-notch scuba and snorkeling equipment to rent. Our original location at the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort will be reopening soon. Discover why diving with Sweet Bottom Dive Center is a sweet experience! www. SweetBottomDive.com, FaceBook.

JET SKIS / FLYBOARDING West End Water Sports – 340-227-8295 We are your #1 destination for the perfect beach day! Rent Jet Skis, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Snorkeling Gear, Beach Chairs, Lounge Chairs, Umbrellas, and Sun Ray Floats. We also have the newest craze in Water Sports—the Fly Board! The Westside waters of St. Croix are calm and clear and our Jet Ski riding, swimming and snorkeling areas are second to none! Play unguided on a Jet Ski in a square mile of smooth clear water or, for the more adventurous, check out our extreme Wave Jumping Adventure Tour. Spend a day on Rainbow Beach for a relaxing and/or exhilarating good time, great music, volleyball, corn hole, giant jenga and your favorite food and beverages at Rhythms Beach Bar and Grill. Facebook.

Dr. Erinn Muller of Mote Marine Laboratory treating a coral with black band disease with concentrated hydrogen peroxide in a delivery gel

Coral Disease in the VI

Part 2: Finding Effective Treatment Methods Erinn Muller, Ph.D, Mote Marine Laboratory, Science Director for Coral Reef Research and Restoration

The National Park Service (NPS), in collaboration with Mote Marine Laboratory, is testing a suite of targeted therapies to mitigate coral disease at Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM). Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent research institute based in Sarasota, FL and the Florida Keys. Dr. Erinn Muller, Mote’s Science Director for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, is the principal investigator for the project and a former resident of St. Croix. A team of researchers from Mote including Dr. Erinn Muller, Dr. Abigail Clark and Katherine Eaton will be on island from June 21 to July 3 to conduct the study. The objective of this field and laboratory-based project is to test and implement various strategies for reducing the spread and severity of coral disease. This work is being conducted in response to the multitude of coral diseases that continue to devastate coral reefs throughout the Caribbean including the National Parks of Florida and the US Virgin Islands. Coral disease is the primary cause of coral loss at NPS Caribbean coral reef park units, and the spread of coral disease is on the rise. Stony coral tissue loss disease, a multi-year, multi-species, coral disease outbreak that is currently affecting reefs in St. Thomas and St. John, is not currently present in St. Croix. However, several other coral diseases have been devastating St. Croix reefs for decades. Actions to reduce disease activity are essential to preserve key reef-building corals and coral diversity, which is foundational to the entire coral reef ecosystem. This two-year field and laboratory research project, funded by NPS, will create and implement actions to stop the advancement of multiple diseases that have been killing corals within the National Parks of Florida and the Virgin Islands. The objectives of this multi-partner project include: 1. evaluate the effectiveness of selected, promising coral disease treatment techniques in the laboratory and in the field, and 2. test the efficacy and practicality of the techniques to reduce disease prevalence long term. This information will provide an option for park staff and partners to implement effective treatments to reduce the effects of coral disease outbreaks.

KAYAK TOURS

Sea Thru Kayaks VI – 340-244-8696 Why choose sea thru kayaks? The difference is clear! The best bioluminescent light show is beneath your completely clear kayak. Other 44 • August/September 2020

Abigail Clark of Mote Marine Laboratory treating a coral with black band disease using concentrated hydrogen peroxide.

For more info: nhannaholloway@nps.gov

Watersports

LIVE THE BIO BAY EXPERIENCE! kayak types and designs provide a limited view over the sides or a small window. In our sea thru kayaks, your entire boat will be immersed in millions of light-emitting microorganisms. Our guest list has included National Geographic,New York Times, bioluminescent scientific researchers, Boston Globe, HGTV House Hunters International, American Airlines inflight magazine, and many others. All tours begin around sunset at Salt River Marina. Experience the bay that the scientific community is calling one of the best year-round bioluminescent bays in the world. Locally owned and operated. Visit our website for more information, tour dates, availabilities, and to schedule a booking or reservation. www.seathrukayaksvi.com

MOBILE SNORKEL TOURS 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 hottest snorkel locations like the Frederiksted Pier, Sandcastle, Cane Bay, and Green Cay across from Tamarind Reef. We provide high-end snorkel equipment and train you on its use before your tour time starts. We also photograph and video your entire tour. By touring with us, you are helping to keep the reef healthy for future tours and generations to come. Part of all proceeds benefit reef charities on St. Croix. Open every day, 9am - 6pm. www.mermaidadventures.net, FB, IG

Mermaid Adventures Just you and the sea turtles!

West End

Mermaid Adventures

Water Sports

Snorkel Tours like only Mermaids and Merman do

Lee Lashley

Snorkel with ease on underwater propulsion scooters!

Rainbow Beach, Frederiksted

Lee Lashley

Your all-in-one Beach Day!

Book Your Adventure Today!

310-742-5015 *

Proceeds benefit reef charities on St. Croix

www.mermaidadventures.net August/September 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 45

Beaches 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

Buck Island. Ted Davis

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 EAT@Cane Bay 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

Cane Bay Beach.

Ted Davis

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.

Ted Davis

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 flyboard, Jetski, paddleboard, and kayak 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

Sandy Point.

Susan Wall

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. Shoys Beach. 46 • August/September 2020

Al Dorsa

Golf & Tennis PLAY TIME!

ARE YOU READY?

ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

JUNE 1 – NOVEMBER 30

They form over water, move toward land and include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The season peaks between mid-August and late October. BASIC PREPAREDNESS TIPS Know Where to Go. If ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation routes to take and have a plan for where to stay. If you decide to stay at home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Pet Emergency Kits. Now your pets will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being; include them in your disaster plan. Communicate. Talk with your family about what to do. Include plans for elderly and disabled family members. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time helps reduce fear for younger children. For help with an emergency plan visit ready.gov Make a Plan.

GOLF

TENNIS

Tee-off at one of St. Croix’s exceptional golf courses! Carambola Golf Club – 340-778-5638

Open to the public. Stay tournament-ready! The Buccaneer Hotel – 340-712-2143

Open 7 days a week, 7:30 am – 4 pm. Commissioned by Laurence Rockefeller and designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., a beautiful, challenging 18-hole course that stretches over 7,000 yards with water hazards coming into play on seven holes. Pro Shop. Clubs and cart rentals.Call for rates, specials, and tee times. www.golfcarambola.com

Open Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 11:30 am and 3 – 6:30 pm; Sunday, 8 am – noon. Eight East End courts; lighted courts by appointment. Pro Shop and Game Match Service. Tennis Pro available for lessons. Call to reserve court time. www.thebuccaneer.com

The Buccaneer Hotel – 340-712-2144

Open 7 days a week, 7:30 am – 6 pm. 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

Divi Carina Bay Resort – 340-773-9700

“The Links” Mini Golf Course, 18-Holes, Driving Range, Clubhouse. Temporarily closed for renovations. www.divicarinabay.com

The Reef Golf Course – 340-773-8844 Open Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am – 3 pm. A beautiful 9-hole course on the East End with phenomenal views over Teague Bay, offering traditional and Disc golf. Pro Shop. Clubs and cart rentals. Tee times not required.

The Buccaneer Hotel courts.

Steve Simonsen

Par 72 Championship Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Make a Disaster Supply Kit. This should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. Take photos of your important things and email them to yourself or keep copies and files on a flashdrive on your house or car key ring, Register for Emergency Alerts & Notifications. Sign up at Alert VI. Preparing your home. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs. Secure rain gutters and downspouts and clear clogs to prevent water damage. Secure and reinforce roof, windows and doors. If you can , purchase a portable generator or install a generator outside, 20’ away from windows and doors, for use during power outages.

The Reef Golf at Teague Bay. 9-hole Disc Course!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

STORM NOTIFICATIONS/ALERTS A Watch. (48 hours) Weather conditions are favorable for tropical-storm-forced winds. Gather awareness of the specific threat and prepare for action; discuss your action plans with your family.

Source: www.vitema.gov

Photo by Kelly Greer

A Warning. (36 hours) A weather hazard is imminent! Take action, grab the emergency kit you have prepared in advance and head, if necessary, to safety immediately.

Tee times from 7:30am - 4pm

72 Estate River 340-778-5638

www.golfcarambola.com August/September 2020 • 47

Destination St. Croix GOOD TO KNOW!

DRIVE LEFT Whether renting a car or crossing the street, it is vital to remember that traffic in the USVI flows from the left side of the road. St. Croix has two towns—Christiansted at the center on the North Shore and Frederiksted at the West End. The Caribbean Sea, which surrounds the island, is always there to guide you along the roads that wind around the coast. Car rental agencies have a variety of vehicles available from sporty jeeps to roomy air-conditioned sedans, vans, and SUVs. The average price usually includes unlimited mileage but you fill the tank upon return! Both US and other driver’s licenses are recognized. The driver and front seat passenger are required by law to use seat belts and cell phone talking or texting is not allowed. Parking in Christiansted is limited. There is daytime parking in the National Park Service lot near Ft. Christiansvaern, until 4:30 pm, and a public lot with fees on Strand and King Cross Street. Running from mid-island west to within 1 mile of Frederiksted is the 4-lane, divided Melvin H. Evans Highway. The speed limit is 55. In other areas, the 35 mph limit applies; in town, 20 mph unless otherwise posted.

WORSHIP St. Croix’s history is mirrored in its old church structures. The Moravian brethren, arriving here in the 1730s from Saxony in today’s Germany, founded their mission to bring Christianity to the enslaved part of the population. The historic Anglican (Episcopalian) churches built in Gothic style include St. John’s in Christiansted and, in Frederiksted, St. Paul’s church. The large number of Irish settlers, along with Englishmen and Hispanics, have contributed to the presence of the Catholic church; Holy Cross in Christiansted is the oldest in the Virgin Islands. The Danish rule of the island from 1733 to 1917 brought the Lutheran church, which still plays a large role here. Lord God of Sabaoth in Christiansted occupies the former Dutch Reformed Church; Holy Trinity in Frederiksted was built shortly after the town was founded. The Dutch Reformed church (Presbyterian) now has a new midisland home. There are 150 churches on St. Croix, from SeventhDay Adventist to Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, and many more. Church attendance and activities are important to a large part of our population; visitors are always welcome at services, often a high point in their island experience. Many other faiths offer places of worship—a Jewish synagogue, a Hindu temple, and a Muslim mosque, to name a few. A church listing can be found in the yellow pages of our local phone book beginning on Page 48. 48 • August/September 2020

7 FLAG HISTORY HISTORY is what this island has an abundance of, going back several thousand years. Back then, the Amerindian population that had migrated here from South America called it Ay Ay. A tribe known as Caribs lent their name to the region and was encountered at Salt River in 1493 by the first Europeans, the 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 valuable crops. Under changing ownership by the Dutch, British and French, including a brief ownership by the Knights of Malta, this island did not prosper, and it was sparsely colonized. The French, that owned it from the mid-1600’s and gave it its present name, actually abandoned it around 1700 having failed at developing a viable plantation economy. For over 30 years St. Croix returned to its natural state, when a business enterprise of the little Scandinavian nation of Denmark, that since 1666 had taken possession of St. Thomas and later St. John to the north of St. Croix, in 1733 made the

decision to expand and purchase this island from the French. Known as the Danish West India and Guinea Company, it excelled in sugar cultivation and export made possible by slave trade from West Africa, a necessity for developing a large-scale operation of sugar cane harvests, for which this island was ideally suited thanks to its terrain and rainfall. In no time, the island was transformed, with forests giving way to planted sugar cane fields by thousands of enslaved persons who, after being brought here under horrific conditions, toiled in the fields under the hot sun. The island’s cane fields and accompanying estate structures were owned by an assortment of nationalities, with the English, Scots and Irish dominating, but the military and administration was run by Danes, after the island ownership was conferred to the Danish king in 1771. Soon, a lot of money was made here, but at a high cost of human life. The island posed health risks from tropical diseases and poor hygienic standards and opposition to the cruel treatment of the enslaved eventually brought about emancipation in 1848, several years after the British-owned islands had initiated it. But the fact that cane sugar was not so valuable since beet sugar now competed with it made conditions worse, and a revolt in 1878 led to further decline. So the islands of the Danish West Indies, as the three were called, were a sad sight and, in the early 20th century when WW1 was underway, the United States took interest in us for our strategic location, particularly as the Panama Canal had just been completed, and Germany was threatening to take possession of us. At a price of $25 million in gold, the transfer of the islands, to be known as the United States Virgin Islands, took place on March 31, 1917. And, the rest is History, of a different kind.

Northshore, Cane Bay. Sweet Bottom Dive Center

Atlantic Ocean Puerto Rico

Tortola

St. Thomas

BVI

St. John

Culebra Vieques

Christiansted

Caribbean Sea

Frederiksted

●

★

St. Croix

LOCATION/SIZE. St. Croix coordinates are 17 45’N x 64 45’W. We are part of the US Virgin Islands, located 90 miles East of Puerto Rico, and part of the Antilles chain from the Bahamas down to Trinidad. St. Croix is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, is 82.8 square miles, 28 miles long x 7 miles wide. GETTING HERE. There are direct flights on American Airlines from Miami and Delta Airlines from Atlanta. Inter-island airlines are operated by Cape Air, Seaborne, and Sea Flight VI. AE IV Ferry Service operates between St. Thomas and St. Croix. US citizens don’t need a passport; departing visitors need a photo ID. CLIMATE. Year-round temperatures range in the 80s during the day, 70s most nights, with summer somewhat warmer. Easterly trade winds keep the humidity down. Most island showers are over in minutes. Residents collect rainwater from rooftops into household cisterns. Saltwater distillation plants help the supply. With water scarce, it is used sparingly.

VIRGIN ISLANDERS. Virgin Islanders are a reserved but friendly people. “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” and “Good Night” are welcome Crucian greetings. Everyone speaks English or a lilting version of it. TIME. We are on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour earlier than EST but the same as EST during Daylight Savings. 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 Orange Grove open Mon-Fri, 8am4pm, Sunny Isle, Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, Sat, 9am1pm. Bank of St. Croix, Gallows Bay and Peter’s Rest open Mon-Th, 9am-3pm, Fri, 9am-3:30pm. See maps for locations. 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 stations. Pick up the St. Croix Avis and the VI Daily News in print and go online to St. Croix Source for local news. TELEPHONE & CELL PHONE. The local area code is 340 but you don’t need to dial it for local numbers. We have a local AT&T Store at Sunny Isle Shopping Center, 340-778-6400 and Sprint Store in Peter’s Rest, 340-713-0055 for forgotten cell phone accessories or information. POSTAL RATES. As part of the US postal system, 1st class mail is .50 cents for the first

ounce, postcards are .35 cents, international rates are $1.20 for cards and letters. See maps for post office locations. WHAT TO WEAR. Island dress is casual but bathing suits and men without shirts in town or grocery stores is frowned upon. Men don’t need ties or jackets; hats are great sun protectors for everyone. No adaptors needed for personal plug-ins. 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 US Federal holidays and local ones as well. The government closes for all holidays, banks close for most. Shops stay open except on major holidays. VISITORS BUREAU. Department of Tourism offices are located upstairs in the Frederiksted Mall, next to the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts on Strand Street. Open weekdays and cruise ship days, 340-772-0357. A smaller office, in the Kings Alley Hotel lobby in Christiansted, is open Monday-Saturday, 10-5pm. EMERGENCY NUMBERS. 911 Police, Fire, Ambulance, Landline 340-772-9111—Police, Fire, Ambulance, Cell Phone 919-684-2948—Divers Alert Network 340-773-2244—VI Territorial Emergency Management 340-778-6311—St. Croix Hospital 340-776-5283—AA 340-473-1497—Alanon August/September 2020 • 49

Staying Here Air Conditioned Beach Casino Children facilities / daycare Fitness Center Full Kitchen and Patio / Deck Golf Hiking Trails Internet Non-Smoking Pets Allowed Pool Restaurant Spa Tennis Watersports Wetbar / Microwave Whirlpool

Easy Hotel Guide

Phone The local area code is (340)

BE OUR GUEST!

Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River 340-772 1684 Buccaneer

F 340-712-2100 F F

Caravelle Hotel & Casino 340-773-0687 Caribbean Breeze Apartments 340-227-9853 & Vacation Homes Chenay Bay Beach Resort 340-201-1309

F FFFFFF

F F F FFFF F F F Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix 340-773-0210 F F Club St. Croix 340-718-9150 F F F F Colony Cove 340-718-1965 F F F F Company House Hotel 340-773-1377 F F Cottages By The Sea 340-772-0495 F F F Cruzan Classic 340-332-2504 F F Cruzan Sands Villa 972-747-7575 F F F F F Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort* 340-773-9700 F F F F F F F F Frederiksted Hotel 340-772-0500 F F F Holger Danske Hotel 340-773-3600 F F F Hotel on the Cay 340-773-2035 F F F F King Christian Hotel 340-773-6330 F F F F King’s Alley Hotel 340-773-0103 F F Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge 340-201-7983 F FF F Northside Valley 340-772-0558 F FF Palms at Pelican Cove 340-718-8920 F F F FF Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort* 340-778-3800 F F F F F F Sand Castle on the Beach 340-772-1205 F F FF FF F Sugar Beach St. Croix 340-718-5345 F F F FF F Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina 340-718-4455 F F F F F The Fred 1-844-789-8784 F F F FFFF The Waves at Cane Bay 340-718-1815 F F F F Vacation St. Croix 340-718-0361 F F F 50 • August/September 2020

F F F F F F F F

F F

F F F F

FF F FFF F F FFF F FFF

F F FFFFF F F F FF F FF F FF F F

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tay awhile! Come for your wedding, your honemoon, a romatiic or otherwise get-away, or family vacation! The Buccaneer—tennis, watersports, shopping, spa, beaches, pools, restaurants, and golf! www.thebuccaneer.com

*Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort closed for renovations. Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Rentals—gated, historic Frederiksted property. Walk to beaches, pier, shopping, dining. Studios, 1-bdrms. 1/2-acre garden, BBQ/kitchen, pool. www.airbnb.com/rooms/2989620. Club Comanche, Hotel St. Croix— landmark hotel in Christiansted National Historic District. West Indian charm, pool, restaurants. Main House or Bridgehouse. www.clubcomanche.com Cruzan Sands—luxury beachfront villa in Estate Salt River. Family friendly, sleeps 8! Sandy beach, great view from covered wraparound porch. www.cruzansands.com Hotel on the Cay—on a private cay in Christiansted Harbor! 53-room resort for couples, families and adventure seekers. Restaurant, terraces, beach, pool, watersports. www.hotelonthecay.com The Fred—the first new hotel on St. Croix since 1986! 22-rooms, beachfront, spa in historic Frederiksted. An eco-friendly resort “off the grid.” www.SleepWithFred.com Holger Danske Hotel—Christiansted Boardwalk. Boutique size, 42 rooms. Large balconies, restaurant, pool deck overlooks harbor, ferry ride to beach. www.holgerhotel.com

1200 King Cross Street Christiansted Boardwalk

holgerdan@aol.com www.holgerhotel.com Nates Boathouse Restaurant

1-(877)- HOLGERD

•

(340) 773 - 3600

Staying Here GRACIOUSLY LOCAL!

Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes

Club Comanche

Hotel on the Cay

The Fred

Cruzan Sands

EXPERIENCE THE CHARM OF FREDERIKSTED!

Susan Wall

Holger Danske Hotel

Susan Wall

New! - RIGHT on the Beach! 3-4 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath - Northside!

HISTORIC DANISH PARSONAGE • LUSH GATED COURTYARD

ALL NEW STUDIOS AND 1 BEDROOMS

TuesdayBreeze - Saturday, 11am - 9Homes pm Caribbean Apartments & Vacation Prince Street, Frederiksted • 340-227-9853 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2989620

972-747-7575 www.CruzanSands.com • Relax@CruzanSands.com

A Historic Caribbean Retreat on the Christiansted Boardwalk

340-773-0210 NOW OPEN www.clubcomanche.com

SleepWithFred.com

/SleepWithFred (340) 777.FRED (3733) 605 Strand Street, Frederiksted, VI 00840

“Step into an atmosphere of casual elegance” Hotel on tHe Cay (855) 654-0301 reservations www.hotelonthecay.com August/September 2020 • 51

Getting Around

BOOK WITH A SENSE OF ADVENTURE!

TAXI SERVICES Rudy’s Taxi & Tours:.... 340-773-6803, 514-4600 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:

Keep left!

Ted Davis

OLYMPIC—ACE Rent A Car

46 Years on St. Croix!

Experience Olympic’s Friendliness! www.olympicstcroix.com • CARS: Wranglers, 4WD, Soft Top, w/AC, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Versa, Focus, Toyota Yaris, Minivans, SUV’s •Unlimited Mileage - Low Rates • Most Credit Cards Honored • FREE pickup & return to most locations. We meet all flights at anytime.

340-718-3000 • 1103 Richmond Conveniently located 1 minute away from the seaplane at the entrance to Christiansted.

1 2 or More, Person each pay

The Buccaneer.............................$20 Carambola...................................$20 Christiansted.................................$16 Cotton Valley................................$24 Divi Carina Bay............................$24 Frederiksted..................................$12 Green Cay......................................$22 Shoy’s............................................. $20 The Palms at Pelican Cove......... $16 Tamarind Reef Resort................. $21

($10) ($10) ($9) ($11) ($12) ($6) ($11) ($10) ($9) ($11)

FROM CHRISTIANSTED TO: The Buccaneer................................$9 Cane Bay........................................$24 Carambola.....................................$30 Divi Carina Bay............................$18 Frederiksted..................................$24 Gallows Bay.....................................$6 The Palms at Pelican Cove..........$16 Tamarind Reef Resort..................$12

($5) ($11) ($12) ($9) ($11) ($3) ($9) ($6)

FROM FREDERIKSTED TO: Carambola.....................................$27 ($11) Christiansted.................................$24 ($11) Divi Carina Bay............................$36 ($18)

QE IV FERRY SERVICE St. Croix to St. Thomas

$60 One Way

Schedule subject to weather conditions

rent@olympicstcroix.com Call us direct: 888-USVI-CAR (888-878-4227) or fax: (340) 718-9000 No other discounts apply.

Restrictions may apply.

10% DISCOUNT

with this coupon presented at the time of rental on direct reservations only. Valid April 15 - December 1. 52 • August/September 2020

Depart St. Croix 8 am Arrive St. Thomas 10:20 am BOOK ONLINE! Depart St. Thomas 3 pm www.qe4ferry.com Arrive St. Croix 5:20 pm (340) 473-1322

TAXI INFORMATION

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

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

■ These taxi rates to and from the Airport and

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

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 properly 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 passengers), $40., Van (up to 14), $55., Safari (up to 25), $80. Rates for additional passengers will be negotiated 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

EPIDEL Taxi Service & Tours

Amador Delerme • 340-643-0205 amadordelerme2015@gmail.com

LOWEST Rates Cars, Jeeps, SUVs, Vans! Seasonal Specials!

Low Rates Friendly Service JEEPS CARS SUVs VANS Free Vehicle Delivery to many Hotels!

Car Rental Car Rental Car Rental Car Rental Car Rental

Consistently Voted Best Car Rental

Reservations budgetstcroix.com or Call 340.713.9289 • Toll Free 888.264.8894 • Airport 340.778.9636 • Christiansted by Seaplane 340.713.9289 • Cruise Ship Passengers call for reservations 340.713.9289

Renter must be 25 or older (ages 23-24 an underage driver fee applies), have valid driver's license & major credit card. An independent Budget Systems Licensee.

August/September 2020 • 53

On-the-Go Destinations! FIND IT HERE! IN, ON, AND BY THE WATER.

A 0

ELEVATIONS 1000' - 1200' 800' - 1000' 600' - 800' 400' - 600' 200' - 400' Sea Level - 200'

15 S ce n

The Wall

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12 2 10 6

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H 7 Salt River Ba y Nationa Ecological Preser ve

Cane Bay

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Columbus Landing

s id e R d N o r th

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Rainbow Beach

6 1

20 4

Rd. ogany

Lawaetz Museum

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4 (Ce Botanical Garden of ghway i H y r 17 the Virgin Islands 13 Queen Ma

Estate Whim Museum

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Beaches Buck Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-0 Cane Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 Colombus Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1 Cramer Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-1 Dorsch Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 Rainbow Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3 Reef Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 Sandy Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5 Shoy Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 St. Croix East End Marine Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1 Buying and Renting Here 1. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 2. RE/MAX St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2

l vi

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HENRY E. ROHLSEN AIRPORT 1 11

6/ Post Offices Banks 1. Banco Popular ATM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2, H-3 2. Bank of St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 3. First Bank ATM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2, H-3 4. Kings Hill Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3 5. Oriental Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 6. Richmaond Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2

) R oad 9

13 16

3 4

Airlines 1. Cape Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

54 • August/September 2020

FREDERIKSTED

Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort Sandy Point

St. Croix LEAP

3 11 3

Carambola Golf Course

Rain Fores t

e D am Rd 3

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3. St. Croix Island Life Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 Condos 1. Club St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 2. Coakley Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1 3. Colony Cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 4. Mill Harbour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 5. The Reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 6. St. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 7. Schooner Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 8. Sugar Beach St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 Farm Stand Fresh 1. ARTfarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-4 2. La Reine Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-3 3. Ridge to Reef (VISFI). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2 4. Sejah Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 5. Southgate Corner Farmer’s Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 6. Tropics Hydroponics Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2 Food & Drink 1. A Better Day Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 2 AMA Cane Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 3. Beach Side Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 4. Blue Water Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1 5. Cast Iron Pot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1

ig h w a y

6 Juan Luis 5 10 Hospital 3 3 15 2 14 1 5 1 2 9 1

Hope

Hovensa

1/2 1 mile

0 1/2 1 kilometre 6. Cheeseburger’s In Paradise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 7. Deep End Bar & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-2 8. Duggan’s Reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 9. El Flamboyant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 10. Grounded Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 11. La Reine Chicken Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2 12. Leatherback Landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 13. Plaza Extra West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4 14. Sorbetiere Ice Cream & Sorbet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 Get Fit/Be Well 1. Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center. . . . . . . . . H-3 Getting Around 1. Avis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 2. Budget Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 3. Centerline Car Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 4. Olympic - Ace Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 Hotels 1. Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1 2. Chenay Bay Beach Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L-1 3. Cottages By the Sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 4. Cruzan Sands Villa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-0 5. Discovery Grove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1 6. Divi Carina Beach Resort and Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . N-2

St. Croix Road Map FIND IT HERE! SCENIC ROUTES.

National Park & ser ve

4 8 3

6 1 4

Chenay Bay 3 6

Rd East End

ore R

Cramer Park Teague Bay 14 3 8

2 8

ore

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East End Marine Park

By-Pass

Sh South

S pring

13 1 7 12

7 8

Green Cay

Green Cay Marina

CHRISTIANSTED

BUCK ISLAND REEF NATIONAL MONUMENT

V.L . Baseline Array Telescope 10

St. Croix Yacht Club

Point Udall

Grapetree Bay

Great Salt Pond

East End Marine Park Management Zones

St. Croix Dive Sites A series of dive site descriptions. 7.

Salt River East Wall – Two moorings, inner mooring starts at 40’ and goes over 1000 ‘. Going North, you will see large sponges, black coral, yellow-headed Jaw Fish, and Schoolmasters. 8. Salt River West Wall – The wall starts at 20’ and is more of a verticle drop to 120’. This area has many canyons and swim-thrus. Some black coral and schools of horse-eyed Jacks.

Brought to you by Dive Experience, Christiansted boardwalk.

No Take Zone – Protects near shore environments including mangroves, sea grass beds, lagoonal patch reefs, and linear reefs. OPERATING A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT IS PROHIBITED. ALL FISHING AND EXTRACTION IS PROHIBITED. Recreational Zone – Allows snorkeling, diving, boating, and recreational shoreline fishing. Catch-and-release guide fishing, and cast-net bait fishing are allowed with a Marine Park Permit. ALL OTHER TRADITIONAL FISHING IS PROHIBITED (including but not limited to: fish traps; spear fishing; collection of lobster, conch whelk). Wildlife Preserve Zone – Protects nesting female sea turtles using beaches in East End, Issac, Jack and Boiler Bays to lay eggs.

7. Hotel on the Cay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 8. Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2 9. Northside Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 10. Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort. . . . D-1 11. Sand Castle On the Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 12. Tamarind Reef Resort & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 13. The Buccaneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 14. The Palms at Pelican Cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 15. Waves at Cane Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 Other Interests 1. Captain Morgan Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 2. Caribbean Community Theater (CCT). . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 3. Cruzan Rum Distillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4 4. Estate Whim Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4 5. Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center . . . . . . H-2 6. Island Center for the Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . H-2 7. Hams Bluff Lighthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 8. Library for the Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 9. Men’s Coalition of the VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 10. Point Udall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-1 11. Randall “Doc” James Racetrack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 12. Salt River National Historic Park & Ecological Preserve . G-0 13. St. Croix Seashell Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4 14. St. Croix Yacht Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 15. Sunny Isle Shopping Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3

16. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands . . . . . . . D-4 17. University of the Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 Shop Duty Free 1. J + H Clothing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-4 2. Plaza Extra East. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 3. Sweet Lime Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-3 4. The Museum Store at Botanical Gardens. . . . . . . . . D-4 Sports 1. Buccaneer Golf / Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 2. Carambola Golf Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2 3. Llewellyn’s Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 4. Mermaid Adventures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4, G-1 5. Sea Thru Kayaks VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-1 6. Sweet Bottom Dive Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 7. Teroro II & Dragonfly Day Sail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 8. The Reef Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 9. Virgin Kayak Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-0 10. West End Water Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

FOR YOUR SAFETY “St. Croix, the Island With a Heart” AED Locations Go to stcroixaed.home.comast.net for all current locations; updated constantly. Of interest to our visitors: Cruise Ship Pier, Carambola Golf Course, St. George Village Botanical Gardens & Whim Museum; Cost U Less & Plaza East, hotels, condos, police stations. Download Crowdsav App to your smartphone & press the “Locate AED” button for location & directions to the nearest one. Know where one is closest to where you live, work, pray, play, and shop before you need it!

PETER’S REST CONVENIENCE CENTER Located on Rt. 62 between Rt. 68 and Rt. 70 taking Residential Household Waste, Green Waste, Bulk Waste, Scrap Metal & White Goods plus Household Hazardous Waste. You can also recycle your aluminum and steels cans here to support the Boys & Girls Club. Operated by Virgin Islands Waste Management. Operating Hours — Monday – Friday, 6 am – 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 6 am – 5 pm, Holidays, 6 am – 2 pm. August/September 2020 • 55

Get Around Like a Local! FIND IT HERE! EXPLORE HISTORIC CHRISTIANSTED. 5

Protestant Cay

Christiansted Harbor

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Banks & Post Offices 1. Bank of St. Croix ATM 2. First Bank ATM 3. Post Office, Company Street 4. Post Office, Gallows Bay Buying and Renting Here 1. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty 2. Joe & Julie San Martin at RE/MAX St. Croix 2. Emeyln Sayre at RE/MAX St. Croix 2. RE/MAX St. Croix Food & Drink 1. 40 Eats & Drinks 2. Breakers Roar Tiki Bar 3. BREWSTX 4. Café Christine / ART GALLERY 56 • August/September 2020

5. Grounded Cafe 6. Luncheria 7. Maria’s Cantina 8. Nates Boathouse 9. Nauti Bar & Grille 10. Raw and Wine Bar Restuarant 11. Salty Beetchz 12. Seaside Market & Deli 13. Shupe’s on the Boardwalk 14. The Courtyard 15. The Mill Boardwalk Bar & Brick Oven Pizza 16. TOAST Diner Get Fit/Be Well 1. Cultured Naturals Boday Care & Home Scents 2. PamperedVI

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Getting Around 1. Budget St. Croix 2. Centerline Car Rentals 3. Seaborne Seaplane Ramp Local Art 1. Art @ Top Hat 2. Christa’s Art Gallery 3. Henle Studio 4. Maufe Gallery Other Interests 1. Alanon Meetings 2. Anglican Church 3. Catholic Church 4. Christian “Shan” Hendricks Farmer’s Market 5. Department of Tourism Visitor’s Bureau 6. Florence Williams Public Library

P - Parking Christiansted National Historic Site Christiansted National Historic District

7. Lutheran Church 8. Moravian Church 9. National Park Service (NPS Headquarters) 10. Public Restrooms Shop Duty Free 1. Asha World Designs 2. Baci Duty Free 3. Crucian Gold 4. Ebbe’s Store 5. Eden South 6. ib designs 7. Joyia Inspirational Jewelry 8. Rare Finds 9. RJS Handmade Designs 10. Small Wonder 11. SONYA’S Fine Island Jewelry 12. Sublime STX 13. The Shoe Bar

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D BOAR WALK

Christiansted Map

FIND IT HERE! CONNECT WITH OUR CULTURE & HISTORY.

CHRISTIANSTED WALKING TOUR Let’s start a leisurely walking tour of CHRISTIANSTED at the site of the Old Scale House 1 on the harborfront, known as the Wharf. One section of the 1856 structure displays the scale used in former days to weigh barrels of rum and sugar. The other section holds a bookstore and gift shop as well as an information center about all things St. Croix. This is one of a complex of five buildings comprising the Christiansted National Historic Site, established in 1952, administered by the National Park Service.

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Fort Christiansvaern 3 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.

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Nearby, The Old Customs House 2 with its sweeping staircase, on the grassy area next to the Fort, was completed in 1830. It now holds National Park Service offices.

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The exhibit rooms have shifting exhibits of local relevance. See Events Calendar for current exhibits. Admission tickets sold at the entrance ($7). No fee for children under 16. Senior passes accepted.

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Open every day from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm which also coincides with the hours of the adjacent Fort Parking Lot whose hours are strictly enforced. Brochures for all three parks available. The Steeple Building 4 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 5 , built in 1749. In its courtyard, slave auctions were formerly held. NPS 2nd Thursday Lectures held here.

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CHRISTIANSTED FOR YOUR SAFETY AED Locations in Christiansted i n case you need them American Legion Hall • Company House Customs House • Government House Marshall & Sterling • NPS headquarters

14. Tropical Bracelet 15. Undercover Books & Gifts Staying Here 1. Carvelle Hotel & Casino 2. Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix 3. Company House Hotel 4. Holger Danske Hotel 5. Hotel on the Cay 6. Kings Alley Hotel 7. King Christian Tours 1. One North Street Watersports 1. Big Beard’s Adventure Tours 2. Caribbean Sea Adventures 3. Dive Experience

Originally, Government House 6 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. The former are open to the public (entrance at mid-building on King Street). The Lutheran Church 7 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. Walking up Queen Cross Street to Company Street takes you to Apothecary Hall 8 on the left corner, which holds both the tiny Apothecary Museum on Queen Cross Street, open anytime, and in the courtyard the Archaeological Museum, open only Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Nearby on Company Street is the Old Market 9 , 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. August/September 57 June / July 2014 •2020 Page•57

Frederiksted Map

FIND IT HERE! DISCOVER THE WEST END.

Your tour of Frederiksted begins at Fort Frederik 1 by the cruise ship pier and newly revitalized waterfront. 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.

2◆ 5 4 7 2 6◆

Locations north of Frederiksted

To Creque Dam Rd.

2 14

Mahogany Rd.

Hams Bluff Rd.

631

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Hospital St.

King C ross St.

9 6 ★ ★

631

East St.

Queen Cross St.

14 6 ★

Fisher

St.

702

5 1

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. The park contains a bronze bust of the renowned slave rebellion leader. The Oscar E. Henry Customs House 3 was built in the 1800s. The Freedom Fountain 4, facing the pier, was installed for the Emancipation 150th Anniversary Celebration. After severe damage during a labor insurrection in 1878, the town was rebuilt in Victorian style. Victoria House 5, on Strand Street, and Apothecary Hall 6, 63 on King Cross Street between King and Queen Streets, preserve the Frederksted architecture of that time. Both received storm damage in September. The Visitor’s Bureau 7, 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 8. Frederiksted is home to a number of historic churches, including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 9, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 10, Friedensberg Moravian Church 11, and St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church 12. The Arthur Able Complex 13, formerly The Danish School (1799), is now the office of the Governor in Fredersted at Hospital and Market Street. At Strand and Queen Cross Streets is the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library 14, built in 1803. The Market Place 15, is still in use today, as it was in 1751 at the founding of Frederiksted.

WEST END ATTRACTIONS

N ew St.

S trand St.

Hill St. 1

Prince St.

1 goon St. ★ 2 La 8 ★ 3 ★ 1 4 3★9 . St 3 4 5 Custom House 12 ★ 1 2 13 Market St. ATM 15 1 ★ 13 11 5 2 ★ ★ ★ 7 1★ ATM 10 ★ 8 ★ ATM

Queen St.

Pier

American Legion Hall Botanical Garden Cruise Ship Pier Fire Station Police Bike Patrol Unit Sandcastle on the Beach Vincent Mason Pool Whim Museum

King St.

ed Frederikst

AED Locations in Frederiksted

erik Ft. Fred h c Bea 4

1 ◆

La Grange Rd. 12

FREDERIKSTED WALKING TOUR

Tour an early Danish homestead, the Lawaetz Family Museum 1 at Estate Little 702 La Grange on Mahogany Road. Plantation ruins offer visitors a tranquil backdrop 63the Mt. Washington Labyrinth 2 , 2 miles North of for peace and contemplation at Frederiksted. Open everyday, year-round. The entrance gate is to the left when you reach the property and parking lot. The Whim Museum 3 , on Centerline Road, is a fully-restored sugar cane plantation for self and guided tours and The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands 4 , also on Centerline, showcases 1500 native & exotic species. Award-winning Ridge to Reef Farm 5 , 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 Events Calendar and Attractions & Tours for more info.

Banks & Post offices 1. 1st Bank ATM 2. Post Office

Buying and Renting Here 1. Coldwell Banker Real Estate

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Vetera nʼs Sh or

Dor Bea sch ch

e Driv e

Metho Bethel Church

dist

Frederiksted Dive Sites

Butler Bay Arnageddon Rainbow Reef Frederiksted Pier Swirling Reef of Death

Go to www.n2theblue.com for a listing of all 40 sites!

Locations East of Frederiksted on Queen Mary Highway (Route 70)

Estate Whim Museum • St. George Village Botanical Garden 3 ◆

58 • August/September 2020

Food & Drink 1. Beach Side Café 2. Cibone 3. Tap Deck 4. The Fred Other Interests 1. Albert Edwards Fish Market 2. American Legion Hall 3. Emile Henderson, Sr. Fire Station 4. Ft. Frederik Beach Bathhouse 5. Frederiksted Community Boating & Sailing Assoc. 6. Frederiksted Health Care 7. Hams Bluff Lighthouse (north of Frederiksted) 8. Legislature of the Virgin Islands 9. Our Town Frederiksted 10. Paul E. Joseph Stadium 11. Police Bike Patrol Unit 7012. Public Restrooms

13. Rotary Club of St. Croix West 14. St. Croix Country Club Shop Duty Free 1. Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Sports 1. Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism 2. Cruzan Cowgirls 3. Lyric Sails 4. Mermaid Adventures 5. Nep2une Scuba Diving 6. West End Water Sports Staying Here 1. Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes 2. Cottages By the Sea 3. Frederiksted Hotel 4. Mt. Victory Camp 5. Sand Castle on the Beach 6. The Fred Hotel

PROJECT PROMISE’S CATERPILLAR PROJECT IS STILL GOING STRONG

ver four years ago Project Promise, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth on St. Croix, launched its groundbreaking Caterpillar Project. This comprehensive program offers eight years of holistic support services— including life coaching, mentoring, academic intervention, career exploration, personal wellness, creative expression, cultural awareness, community service and family support services—to a small pilot group of youth, referred to as the “Caterpillars”. When the Caterpillar Project started the participants were in the fifth grade. Now they’re a group of high-energy high school students and, in spite of a worldwide pandemic, the program is still in high gear.

Project Promise quickly adapted to the shutdowns “We’ve faced challenges over the years and have always found our way through them,” says Resa O’Reilly, Project Promise’s founder and president,“and COVID-19 has not stopped us, either. When school closed their doors on Wednesday March 18th, we were up and We have adapted running two days later. We didn’t skip a beat! to the new normal, In spite of transitioning to‘virtual’programadjusted our approach, ming, we have continued to implement all and helped Caterpillars nine components of our program.”

“

adapt as well. While some aspects of the Caterpillar program were relatively easy to implement remotely, such as homework assistance, life coaching and guest speakers for career exploration, other components required more creativity. Needless to say, Project Promise was up to the task. From the cultural awareness component’s virtual ﬁeld trip to the Virgin Islands National Park, to their “Letters of Love” community service project that impacted residents of senior housing facilities in Chicago, St. Croix and St. Thomas; Project Promise remained committed to the Caterpillars and the community through these unpredictable times.

Cultured Naturals

‘Sun, Moon, and Sand’ Sugarmill Shades & Candles Custom-made shades are washed in blue representing the sea and our Caribbean heritage. Embellishments of Hibiscus, Turtles, Ginger Thomas flowers and the Sun show the beauty of our island and our people. Etchings of stick figures of children represent our present and our future; it is through them that we protect our legacy. “I support Project Promise for its dedication and consistent efforts to mentor, uplift, and walk our children through life,” says Ramone. Cultured Naturals Body Care & Home Scents, 55 Company Street, Christiansted, (340) 626-8232. www.culturednaturalsbc.etsy.com

”

Above: Resa O’Reilly and the Caterpillars. Left: Resa O’Reilly.

Poetry and art contests were held for the creative expression project component. Both focused on having the students use these mediums to describe their experiences with social distancing. The Caterpillars even participated in online yoga classes! Community members have been very supportive “We made an eight-year commitment to these children because we wanted to provide a sense of stability,” Resa shares. “Whether it’s Hurricane Maria or COVID-19, being there for our students during times of uncertainty is especially important to us. That’s why we are so grateful for the community’s continued support.”

When Project Promise participated in the GlobalGiving Accelerator Program in June, they were the second organization out of 642 groups from 97 different countries to reach the first goal of raising $5,000 from 40 donors. They then quickly surpassed their second goal ($7,500 from 50 donors) before raising more than $10,000 in less than three weeks. Support has also come from a number of businesses on island. This includes Cultured Naturals Body Care. Ramone Reid, CEO, is generously donating 20% of the proceeds from sales of the company’s beautiful limited-edition Sun, Sand, and Sea Collection of ceramic sugar mill candle holders to Project Promise. The summer program focused on job readiness This year the Caterpillar Project’s six-week summer program focused on giving participants the tools and skills they need to be ready to join the workforce. Topics included Effective Interviewing, Developing Work Ethic, Practicing Teamwork, Providing Customer Service, Problem Solving in the Workplace, and Budgeting & Financial Literacy. The Caterpillars also participated in a short internship as well. Continuing to impact despite the challenges “We remain absolutely committed to this program and our students,” states Resa. “We have adapted to the new normal, adjusted our approach, and helped the Caterpillars adapt as well. Yes, just like nearly everyone else we’ve had challenges with technology and connectivity, but we have persevered. And, we are grateful for those who continue to help us impact our community in this way.” Project Promise (340) 513-0446 | facebook | www.projectpromisevi.com August/September 2020 • 59

Eat Right! Get Fit! TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF!

THE COURTYARD juices & fitness center Virtual Online & In-Studio Classes

A Better Day Peak Performance Lab & Cosmic Apothecary, LLC

Café. Gentle A Better Dayes. ic cleansing ju The Courtyard. Sta cia for Barre Fitness.

Go to thecourtyardstx.punchpass.com, click “Schedule - List” to view the current Class Schedule for Yoga, Meditation, and Group Breathe. Classes are both Virtual Online and In Studio. Then click “Purchase A Pass” for buying classes online. Choose from 10-Pack Class Pass, 5-Class Pass, Drop In, and Kundalini Yoga and Art Workshop. You will receive an email confirmation after your purchase, and your pass will be waiting for you at the studio! For future reference, click “Calendar” to see Class Schedules month by month. The popular Group Breathes with Ray Bratcher, have resumed via Zoom! A great way to release stress, tension, and anxiety and explore your inner essence, these classes will be offered online only for the foreseeable future, but this may be a good opportunity for you to give them a try from the comfort of your own home! Registration required. Questions? Please contact us at admin@thecourtyardstx.com – 340-773-7728 www.thecourtyardstx.com, FB

Re-designing the way we eat, care for our bodies, tend to our spirit and create our work. Offering Holistic Health Consults, Bodywork, Reiki, Meal Prep, Juice Bar, Health Conscious Restaurant, Wifi & Vibez. Welcome to light, tasty nutritious-ness! Conscious cooking with clean oils, extra veggies on your plate, and fresh-pressed juices to fortify your immune system. A Better Day Café puts daily nutritious menus up daily on their FB page and includes Juice Fast Day Kits, Immunity Concoctions, Vitamin C-Packs, daily specials. “Our Juice Kits on ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ are becoming all the rage! Clean your temple so you can be successful,” says Dr. Micah, owner and Chiroractic & Holistic Physician. “Join us in becoming superhuman!” End each month with more clarity and health than you started with. Cleanse bodily systems with cold-pressed juices, immunity concoctions, and delicious soups of the day! Please text or call with your order; we will reply with pickup times and total. We absolutely love serving you! A Better Day Café, Beeston Hill Health & Wellness 340-244-0333, www.abetterdayllc.com, FB

A Better Day Café – 340-244-0333 Nestled in the heart of the Beeston Hill Gym is A Better Day Cafe, the whole-food plantbased restaurant and island’s first full-service meal prep kitchen! Founded to give St. Croix a place to eat clean delicious foods, we are proud to have been serving you for almost 2 years! Known for our home-made bean burgers, gluten-free pates, Smart Lunch Meal Prep specials, hearty soups and detox juice cleanses we are committed to making healthy eating fun, delicious and convenient! We also offer Holistic Health Consultations with our founder, Dr. Micah McIntosh, to personalize your meal plans, supplement recommendations, and combat chronic disease! We have quick pick-up for your nutritious goods and Zoom Video for appts! Call or text us daily for our tasty specials at or abetterdayllc.com/specials. Facebook The Courtyard juices & fitness center 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, 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 weekends, we offer Art, Yoga, or Wine and Food Workshops; schedule on our Facebook page. Open Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm; give us a call for drive-thru or pick-up service! We’re available for private parties up to 50 people. www.thecoutyardstx.com, Facebook.

Self-serve breakfast

juices & fitness center

Whole-food, plant-based lunch

Yoga - Barre - Smoothies Juice - Breakfast - Lunch Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm

340-773-7728 www.thecourtyardstx.com

Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House 60 • August/September 2020

Meal Prep & Catering

U PS

TA I R S A T T H E LG H IL

B E ESTON

Cold-pressed juices Smoothies Detox protocols

Mon, Tues, Thurs 9am- 2pm & 4pm - 8pm Supplements Wed, Fri 9am-6pm

(340) 244-0333 www.abetterdayllc.com

Pampered VI. Have fun while getting flawless skin!

Stay Active! Be Well! MOVE FOR HEALTH!

botanicals, and extracts sourced right here in the VI. Check out our new baby line and men’s line. Shop our wonderful products at, Jackie’s Beauty Supply, Plaza Extra West, Mt. Welcome Pharmacy, online at www.culturednaturalsbc. etsy.com, or at our store at 55 Company Street, Christiansted. Open Tuesday – Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm, Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 7pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Cultured Naturals Body Care & Home Scents. Soy Candles with Sugarmill Holder.

Cultured Naturals Body Care & Home Scents – 340-626-8232 Get kissed by the Cultured Naturals Body Care Hummingbird! We offer an array of natural Body, Hair, Skin and Home scent products that are made right here in St. Croix with mindful and loving care. Our products are gentle, paraban, sulfate and GMO free! CNBC has married Nature with Science to create products the entire family can use, giving awesome topical and aroma-therapeutic benefits. They are primarilyVegan featuring essential oils,

Pampered VI — 340-773-7728 Tucked away in downtown Christiansted (King Street at the Kalmia Center), we’re a boutique spa offering exceptional, personal services. We aim to create an unforgettable client experience—let us show you what sets us apart! Luscious lashes, flawless skin, relaxing massage? We have you covered. Arrive early to enjoy our facility; beautiful showers and an infrared sauna available. The Center includes The Courtyard for healthy, locally-sourced juices, smoothies, and more! Have your next party with us! Group packages available, or let us come to you with mobile services! Book Online and see a full list of our services! Pamper Yourself! www.pamperedvi.com, Facebook. Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center — 340-713-4326 Our all-encompassing approach to health is focused on improving your ability to heal and function. We use comprehensive testing, including X-rays, to understand your body’s structure. Specific chiropractic adjustments remove any interference that’s preventing your body from working optimally. We also make recommendations on nutrition, exercise and

Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Monthly Health Talks, August 25 & September 29.

rehabilitation to help you get better results, faster. Just like on the islands, there may be potholes along your health journey. We are here to help you and your family find solutions through empowered health. With knowledgeable, well-qualified chiropractors and state-ofthe-art technology, Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center is here for you. Our chiropractors care deeply and work tirelessly to help you live a better life. Start your journey to better living by contacting us today! Insurance is accepted. www.paradisechirovi.com

Facials - Massage - Body Scrubs Eyelash Extensions & More! Chiropractic & Wellness Center

340-773-7728 Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

Chiropractic Nutrition Optimization Detox Health Talks

day spa & lash lounge

www.pamperedvi.com Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House

Naturals

Body Care Products & Home Scents

Jackie’s Beauty Supply - Plaza Extra West Mt. Welcome Pharmacy - 55 Company Street

340-626-8232

www.culturednaturalsbc.etsy.com

• Board Certified Doctors of Chiropractic • Family Chiropractic: Pre and Post Natal, and Pediatric Care • Sports and Extremeties Chiropractic

PETER’S REST near FedEx - 340-713-4326 www.paradisechirovi.com August/September 2020 • 61

ket am nie vices rcial,

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

you. Gallows Bay and Buccaneer Hotel. www.coldwellbankervi.com and www.stcroixforrent.com

Buying Here 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 government, 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 Coldwell Banker St.Croix Realty – 340-778-7000 experienced andtoknowledgeable realtors Are you ready start your search for St.on Croix the island. I look forward to showing off hills “my real estate? From an island retreat in the island” to other local islanders ‘statesidwith Caribbean Sea views, to aor vacation rental ers’ new St. Croix. of the things like along St.toCroix’s sandyOne coastline, to a flatI home to share withbyoff island clients is touring site shaded palm trees, paradise awaitsSt.you Croix from east St. to west you to on picturesque Croixintroducing in the U.S. Virgin the local way St. Croix. “I’ll work Islands! Led of by life Bryon Locher, the professionals with you from a $10St. piece of land toare million at Coldwell Banker Croix Realty eager dollar Cell, 340.227.7899. to helphouse!” you! Our team’s knowledge Email, of St. Croix and our combined 100+ years of real estate www.coldwellbankervi.com

SET THE STAGE FOR ISLAND LIFE!

Coldwell Banker St.Croix Realty – 340-778-7000 With broker Amy Land-deWilde at the helm, the professionals at Coldwell Banker St Croix Realty are eager to help you buy, sell or lease real estate. We offer a host of lovely homes, outstanding building sites, and both historic and commercial properties. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty also lists an array of rental properties, ideal for your next dream vacation or long-term lease. From a bungalow on the beach to a villa with a view, we have the perfect property for you Because we keep up with the latest technology and market trends, This Week ad 09-14_Layout 1 8/21/14 2:04 PM Page 1

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Villa Rentals • Homes & Condos for Sale • Homesites

Gallows Bay Marketplace

GALLOWS BAY MARKETPLACE • 340-778-7000 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 12 • 340-718-7000 HOTEL THE BUCCANEER

• coldwellbankervi.com/vacationrentals coldwellbankervi.com Estate Carlton, South Shore. Island Life Real Estate

Team San Martin Outstanding Agents. Teamwork Makes Dreams Work

Outstanding Results. St. Croix’s 1st Buyer’s Agent

Selling St. Croix since 1984

Re/max St. Croix 5 Company St. Christiansted VI 00820

m www.teamsanmartin.com

Phone: 340-773-1048

Photo by Al Dorsa

prinds ect r rgin dtacts ssible BVI. rgest takes ons ant VE. mple.

REMAX St. Croix yours. – 340-773-1048 make paradise We have a diverse group Joe and Juliesome of Team San Martin the on most of agents, of whom haveare lived St. respected andentire knowledgeable Team Croix their lives, thatREALTOR® are ambassadors on areexperts a long established, forSt.St.Croix. CroixWe and in the localservice-orireal estate ented business, selling St. Croix since 1984and andwww. St market. www.coldwellbankervi.com stcroixforrent.com Croix’s first buyers agents. Clients know that Team San Martin is truly connected with the successful Emelyn of Morris-Sayre – RE/MAX St. Croix outcome each real estate transaction, has a -genu303-517-5116 ine concern for your best interests, and is always Emelyn brings over 20 years to RE/ prepared to go the extra mile. experience When we find your MAX property, St. Croix, we having previously ownedthe herOffer dream will walk you through own real estate in so Colorado. is committed to Purchase terms that you’llShe have all the facts to to providing exceptional customer service to her make a good decision and use our negotiating skills clients and customers. Many of heracquire clients return that have helped hundreds of buyers their for additional transactions refer theirTeamwork friends dream properties. We live byorour motto: and family knowing they will be treated with makes dreams work! www.teamsnmartin.com

the utmost professionalism. 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 303-517-5116 or office, 340-773-1048. www.emsayre.com

Joe & Julie San Martin at RE/MAX St. Croix – or renting in the USVI and BVI. 340-773-1048 Joe and Julie of Team San Martin, are the most ® We know islands. LetREALTOR us help you respected andthese knowledgeable Team on St. Croix; long-established, realize your aCaribbean dream!serviceoriented business, selling St. Croix since 1984 Northfirst Street, Christiansted and St.11Croix’s buyers’ agents. Clients know www.homebuyvi.com 340.719.1409 they care about the successful• outcome of each real estate transaction, have a genuine concern w w and w.stcroix thisweek for their best interests, are prepared to.com go the extra mile. When they find your dream property, they’ll walk you through the Offer to Purchase terms, and use their same negotiat11/6/14 3:13 PM ing skills that have helped 100s of other buyers. Teamwork makes dreams work! www.teamsanmartin.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 committed to provid-

62 • August/September 2020

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT OWNING A PIECE OF PARADISE? by Joe Caruso

hen you’re out exploring our beautiful island, you will see that St. Croix has a great deal of undeveloped land. Much of that property is owned by the government and is protected, but currently we do have over 400 lots available for sale all around the island where you can build your new home. Picking the right location to build your island home is your first priority. Do you want ocean front? A sea view? A pastoral view? Would you like to be in a shaded valley, or high up on a hill? Do you want to live north, south, east, or west? St Croix Island Life has a working relationship with a local architect who will provide you with a site analysis—at no charge-that should make your decision easier. Once you have decided on where to build, Banco Popular and Bank of St. Croix, two local banks, will be happy to speak to you about providing a land mortgage. All of these decisions will greatly affect the cost of building your home. Building costs vary depending on location. A home on the side of a hill will cost more to build than one on a flat piece of land. You should budget at least $350.00 per square foot to build a modest home. There are significant differences between building here and building in the states. Most Caribbean homes are made out of concrete and a cistern is required to provide your home’s water needs. Septic systems are also a norm here. We have a strict permit process that has to be followed from breaking ground to moving in. Typically, it takes at least a year for a home to be built. St. Croix will provide you with the most economical land cost in the US Virgin Islands. One of the biggest advantages you have when you build is that you get exactly what you want where you want it in paradise. Please contact one of our agents at St. Croix Island Life to make that dream come true.

Island Life Real Estate 340-474-0466 www.stcroixislandlife.com

Buying Here

CHANGE COURSE, MAKE YOUR MOVE! ing our clients with personal service based on experience, knowledge and skills. We are always excited to show off our island’s real estate market, customs, and culture. We have the reputation for putting you, the client, first and placing your needs and goals at the top the list. Thinking Real Estate?... Think RE/MAX St. Croix. View a list of our real estate professionals on Page 2 and connect with us today. info@livingonscroix.com www.livingonstcroix.com Joe Caruso – St. Croix Island Life Real Estate 340-474-0466 What is “Island Life”? Island Life is about enjoying your life. It’s about being comfortable, relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, and being on and in the water. I want to show you what Island Life is about and help you see if St Croix is the right spot for you. My professional success for the last 44 years is the result of listening to clients’ requests and using my knowledge and experience to turn those requests into realities. Listening and communication are my #1 priority, and you’ll find me to be an enthusiastic and fun agent—and an expert on St Croix Island Life!— who can help you find the property you’re looking for. joe@stcroixislandlife.com

Estate Rust-Op-Twist, North Shore.

Island Life Real Estate

www.stcroixislandlife.com 5100 Chenay Bay Christiansted, VI 00820 Joe Caruso | Realtor Cell: 340-474-0466 joe @ stcroixislandlife.com

Our local Realtors are ready to help you find your dream home today!

Experience the Difference

Gallows Bay | 340.778.7000 ColdwellBankerVI.com

Frederiksted | 340.642.3333 August/September 2020 • 63

A TREE TALKS IN APOTHECARY HALL!

all Susan W

This small sign is on the trunk of the tree. Hear what she has to say!

64 â&#x20AC;¢ August/September 2020

STARS SHOPPING

ST. CROIX Sky Watch AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020

NORTH

Our clear skies are perfect for star gazing! VIEW THE MAP SO THAT THE NORTH INDICATOR IS FACING NORTH

Constellation names are in upper case. Star and planet names in lower case. The sun, moon, planets and stars all rise in the east and set in the west.

September Moon Phases

Full Moon..................... 3 Aug Last Quarter...............11 Aug New Moon.................18 Aug First Quarter..............25 Aug

Full Moon........................... 2 Sep Last Quarter....................10 Sep New Moon......................11 Sep First Quarter....................23 Sep

WEST

August Moon Phases

EAST

By: Tom Lesser, formerly Senior Lecturer at the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium and frequent island visitor.

Sunrise & Sunset August Sunrise................................................................ 6:26 am August Sunset.................................................................7:19 pm September Sunrise......................................................... 6:42 am September Sunset..........................................................6:37 pm

SOUTH

Sunrise and sunset times are based on the 15th of each month.

CONSTELLATIONS: UPPER CASE • Stars: Lower Case

Each year, around August eleventh, the Earth passes through a cloud of dust left behind by a comet and you can see a meteor shower. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks this year on the night of the 11th and morning of the 12th. The dark clear skies of the Virgin Islands make the islands a great place to see these “shooting stars”. About fifty miles above the Earth, walnut size pieces of dust and ice 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. With any luck you might see fifty or more meteors per hour. The light from the Last Quarter Moon will overpower many of the meteors, but you still should be able to see quite a few. Three bright stars dominate the sky this time of year. Since these three form a large triangle which is visible during the Summer months, up North, they are called the Summer Triangle. Each bright star marks a different, star group or constellation. Brightest and highest in the sky is Vega, in Lyra the Harp. In mythology this is the harp invented by Hermes, which Mercury gave to Orpheus, the

musician who join Jason and the Argonauts. On another occasion Orpheus took his into the infernal regions and charmed Pluto, king of Hades, with the music of his harp to win back his lost bride Eurydice. South of Vega, is Altair, in Aquila, the eagle. The eagle was the bird of Zeus and is often represented carrying aloft the young boy Ganymede. Aquila was also known as the bird of Jove and the bearer of his thunder. Whatever the legend, it is impossible to take the fainter stars that join with Altair and really make an Eagle out of this part of the heavens. The third star of the triangle is Deneb, the tail of Cygnus the Swan. There are many legends that might account for the presence of a Swan in the heavens. One myth states that the Swan represents Orpheus, who was slain by Bacchus. However Orpheus’ music was so wonderful that he was changed into a Swan and placed in the heavens near his beloved harp. Cygnus is flying South along a hazy band of light. This is the light from billions of stars so far away that you cannot see each one as a point of light. This is the Milky Way, our city of stars in the universe. All of the stars you can see, including the closest star, the Sun, are part of this Milky Way galaxy of stars. As you follow the Milky Way south you will

come to a very bright star-like object. This is the largest of all the planets, Jupiter. Just to the east of Jupiter, and somewhat fainter is another planet, Saturn. If you continue to follow the Milky Way toward the southern horizon you will come to the bright red star Antares, the heart of Scorpius, the Scorpion. Perhaps you can find the fainter stars that make up the Scorpion’s long curved tail. According to legend, Orion was such a mighty hunter that he boasted that he could defeat any animal on Earth in battle. Suddenly a scorpion appeared, stung Orion on the foot and Orion died. However, Orion was such a great hunter that he was given immortality and placed in the heavens. The scorpion was also placed in the night sky, but you never seen Orion and the scorpion at the same time. A little later in the evening the bright red planet Mars will dominate the eastern sky. The brightest of all the planets, Venus, will rise in the east just before dawn. The Sun will be directly over the equator on September 22nd; day and night are about equal in length all over the world. This marks the first day of fall (Autumnal Equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox) in the southern hemisphere.

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