VISITOR & LOCAL GUIDE FOR 49 YEARS
FEB 2020
ST. CROIX THIS WEEK BLACK HISTORY
MONTH
TRADESMEN OF ST. CROIX
PASSING ON VITAL TECHNICAL
SKILLS & COLONIAL CRAFTS
WALDEMAR
BRODHURST
WIRE ART
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. fin e i sl an d jew e l ry. o f t e n i m itat e d , n e ve r d u pl icat e d . son ya lt d s to re. com son ya lt d @ gm a i l.com @ son ya . lt d Com pa n y S t S TE 1 C h ri s t i a n s t ed, VI 1 ( 877) 766- 9284
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 Ted Davis
IN EVERY ISSUE 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 64 SKYWATCH
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE Double the Limit of Other Islands
23
THE CARIBBEAN WRITER VOL 33, Metaphores & Musings
35
FARM STAND FRESH Local Markets
36
ON THE COVERS Waldemar Broadhurst World Ocean School
39
GALLOWS BAY/WHAT’S IN A NAME? Nina York
39
OUR DANISH CONNECTION Denmark’s Legacy on St. Croix
41
JOLLY ROGER CHARTERS The Kliens—Making Waves
42
SCUBA DIVING ON ST. CROIX A wreck, wall, pier & reef in a day
John Robert Lee, The Caribbean Writer.
10
Susan Wall
TRADESMEN OF ST. CROIX Karen C. Thurland
47 S.E.A.s TURTLE SEASON KICK-OFF Clean-up, Learn, Volunteer 59
ESTATE CANE GARDEN MUSEUM? Dr. Michael Connors
60
CULTURED NATURALS BODY CARE PAMPERED VI
62
2020: YOUR YEAR TO BUY! Joe Caruso, St. Croix Island Life
ON THE COVERS December – The Art of Turtles Project WALDEMAR BRODHURST, Artist Chris Lima, Woodworker
March– WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL
36
Fan Face, Waldemar Brodhurst.
3
26 MAPS
54 56 58
ST CROIX ROAD MAP CHRISTIANSTED MAP Walking Tour FREDERIKSTED MAP Walking Tour
alk. sted Boardw X, Christian s. BREW ST Home Brew
23
FEATURES
St. Lucian News
Estate Cane Garden.
59
ST. CROIX THIS WEEK Morris Caribbean Publications St. Croix This Week St. Thomas / St. John This Week St. Thomas In A Day Copyright 2020.
PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR DISTRIBUTION
IN THE USA
Charlotte Atkins Chelsea Sunshine Christian Faust
MANAGING EDITOR - MEDIA CONSULTANT Susan Wall 340-773-0715 / 340-277-9642 stcroixthisweek@gmail.com e-edition – stcroixthisweek.com Februar y / March 2020 • 1
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 Canegata Bourdon Broker-Owner Dianne Ava Gail Bourdon Broker-Owner -O’Reilly Broker-Owner
Claudia Claudia Carrington Emelyn Claudia Carrington Morris-Sayre Carrington
Rosalee Rosalee Hays Rosalee Hays GageGage Christopher Rosalee Hays GageGage and Hays Lindsay Jones Gage
Dianne Canegata Jason Dianne Canegata -O’Reilly Dianne Canegata Walker -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 LaJennell Toya Lettsome-Ault La 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 #5 Company Street, 00820 Office is Independently Owned &VI Operated www.remax-stcroix.com www.livingonstcroix.com Each 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 • Februar y / March 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
TRADESMEN OF ST. CROIX by Crucian author Karen C. Thurland, Ph.D.
Tradesmen are commonly referred to as artisans or craftsmen. The items made by local tradesmen during the Danish and early American periods were made with hand tools and required skill, creativity, patience and long hours to finish. Because of the scarcity of A Peter Thurland Mahogany Rocking materials, a great deal of improvising Chair. Kenneth was done to complete their work. Christopher Tradesmen have operated their shops in the towns of St. Croix for several generations. Black tradesmen have passed on vital technical skills to their sons and apprentices and those colonial crafts persisted during the Danish era. A few trades have continued for over a hundred years of American rule. In observance of the 100th Anniversary of the Transfer of the islands to the United States, the book highlighted three tradesmen who were at the transfer ceremony on March 31, 1917 in Christiansted. Two of the tradesmen, Peter G. Thurland Sr. and Alphonso Forbes, participated as musicians in the transfer ceremony. Mr. Thurland, a joiner who Hugo “Nookie” Doyle. Richard Schrader, Sr. later organized the St. Croix Community Band, later taught the building and Monroe Clendenen. St. repair of mahogany furniture to his sons Croix Landmarks Society and several apprentices. Mr. Forbes, a shoemaker like his father, also became a bandmaster for his own band and worked as an accountant and a real estate appraiser. Carlos H. McGregor observed the event and continued in the tailor trade taught to him by his father. The tradesmen documented in this book include a blacksmith, mason, shoemaker, tailor, two goldsmiths, and two joiners. They began as apprentices and went on to master a trade and operated their own workshop or business. These native Black men contributed to the economic, social, and political life of St. Croix through periods of prosperity and financial hardships. These tradesmen were respected by people in the community and an important part of the island’s history and culture. Roberta Q. Knowles, Ed.D., Professor Emerita of the University of the Virgin Islands describes the historical information a reader will get from this book, “Congratulations Dr. Thurland! Tradesmen of St. Croix is another “gem” in your crown as one of the reigning queens of Virgin Islands history! It’s a profound relief to put aside the trials and errors of everyday life and reminisce about “the good ole days” – when you knew your neighbors and they would look out for you and when things were simple, but orderly! The book has an interesting assortment of photographs and tradesmen. The extended quotes throughout add to the authenticity of the observations, and the extraordinary participants are talented, versatile, and community and church oriented. They should inspire young readers to follow in their footsteps – and to make the Virgin Islands a better place. The Author’s Notes at the end add diversity and depth to the profiles of other notable tradesmen!” Find Tradesmen of St. Croix at Eden South in Christiansted, Undercover Books in Gallows Bay, The Caribbean Museum for the Arts in Frederikstyed, and from the author. Peter Thurland, Sr. Fair Use
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. Our chic hotels, resorts and cozy bed-and-breakfast inns will pamper you with warm hospitality, while our world-class restaurants tempt your taste buds with local and international menus. St. Croix’s wide array of the entertainment choices, including fairs, festivals, live concerts and gaming venues ensure that the fun never ends. On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I hope you have an amazing vacation experience in St. Croix. Thank you for choosing the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sincerely,
Joseph Boschulte Commissioner USVI Department of Tourism
Karen C. Thurland, Ph.D., Author. Arol Abel Will Thurland. Smithsonian Institution
Februar y / March 2020 • 3
Events Calendar FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
Cruise Arrivals* Frederiksted Pier
Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility Virgin Islands Port Authority— FEBRUARY 2020
Mon, Feb 3 8AM-6PM Silhouette Thurs, Feb 6 8AM-5PM Norwegian Pearl Wed, Feb 12 8AM-5PM Grandeur/Seas Tues, Feb 19 7:30AM-5PM Viking Sea Wed, Feb 26 8AM-6PM Siilhouette
MARCH 2020
Wed, Mar 18
8AM-6PM
Silhouette
*Check www.viport.com to confirm the most current schedule.
NOTE: Event info was at press time and
WEDNESDAYS, 9AM Frederiksted Historical Walking Tour C.H.A.N.T. (340) 277-4834, www.chantvi.org WEDNESDAYS, 5-9PM 2 for 1 Bottles of Wine, Un Amore Restaurant (340) 692-9922; www.unamorestx.com WEDNESDAYS – SATURDAYS, 11AM-1PM & 3-5PM Jewelry Making Classes, Bead on a Wire (340) 718-2323, www.beadonwirestx.com THURSDAYS, 9:45AM Alexander Hamilton Walking Tour C.H.A.N.T. (340) 277-4834; www.chantvi.org THURSDAYS, 10-11AM Yoga with Sheera in the Garden, The Botanical Garden of the VI. 340) 692-2874
subject to change. Double-check before heading out! February 15 is the deadline for event considerations for the APR/MAY 2020 issue. Email info, in the format you see here, to Daisy LaFond at daisy.lafond@outlook.com.
THURSDAYS, 5-7PM Yappy Hour for Dog Lovers & Canines Un Amore Restaurant Patio, 340) 692-9922
ONGOING
THURSDAYS, 5:30PM-Close Seafood Boil Night at BREW STX Alex Scimeca, 7-9PM, (340) 713-6339;
SUNDAYS & TUESDAYS, 10AM-2PM Schedule on www.beadonawirestx.com (340) 718-2323
THURSDAYS, 6PM Disco Bingo at Deep End Bar & Restaurant RSVP! (340) 718-7071; FB
MONDAYS–SATURDAYS, 10AM-2PM Self & Guided Walking Tours, The Botanical Garden of the VI, (340) 692-2874
LAST THURSDAYS, 6PM Seaside Wine Club at Seaside Market & Deli 4 wine food pairings. (340)719-9393
MONDAYS, 5:30PM Crab Races & Steak N’ Ale Night BREW STX (340) 719-6339
FRIDAYS, 5:30PM Crab Races at Deep End Bar & Restaurant (340) 718-7071, FB
MONDAYS, 6-8:30PM Grill Night at The Mermaid Restaurant Buccaneer Hotel, (340)712-2120
FRIDAYS, 5:30PM Paint ’n Sip Classes, Barbara’s Art Studio, Company Street. $40. Text (340) 514-9038.
TUESDAYS, 10AM-12:30PM Friends in the Courtyard, Strand Street, Frederiksted, Hosted by Fresh Start. Sandy Hruska (505) 670-0655.
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 6-8PM Sushi Dinner, Beauregard’s on the Beach Buccaneer Hotel, (340) 712-2120
TUESDAYS, 12:30–1PM Meditation in the Garden, The Botanical Garden of the VI, (340) 692-2874
THURSDAYS, 5:30-10PM Smithy’s King Crab Leg & Lobster Night CHOP Bar & Grill Restaurant, (340) 778-2467
SATURDAYS, 11AM-1PM Art Classes at Christa’s Art Gallery Register (340) 513-8581
TUESDAYS, 5-8PM Two for Tuesdays Specials at BREW STX (340) 719-6339
SATURDAYS, 4-5:30PM Breathwork for Inner Peace, The Courtyard/ St. Croix Reformed Church. Alternates. (340) 220-1614
TUESDAYS – SUNDAYS, 6-9PM Dinner on the Terrace & the Lounge Buccaneer Hotel, RSVP, (340) 712-2120
SATURDAYS, 8PM-12AM Karaoke with Dee Dee DJ Silva and DJ IQ CHOP & Grill Restaurant, 340) 778-2467
3RD TUESDAYS, 6PM Book Discussion Group, Undercover Books www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com, (340) 719-1567.
FIRST SATURDAYS, 9AM-2PM Nursery Open. Plants for sale. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands, (340) 692-2874
4 • Februar y / March 2020
FEBRUARY 2020 1 TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 11AM-5PM Mascaras y Ritmos Masks & Rhythms Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts 340) 772-2622, www.cmcarts.org 1 SATURDAY, 5-7PM Versace’s 9th Birthday PAW-ty The Fred Hotel, Frederiksted St. Croix Animal Welfare Association benefit. Dogs on leash invited. (340) 777-FRED, www.DrinkWithFred.com 1 SATURDAY, 7PM “Patrick & The Swayzees” Block Party Queen Cross Street, Christiansted Key West band returns with vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll. Food, drinks, dancing, live music. (340) 227-7156, caravellecasino.com 2 SUNDAY, 5:30-6:30PM Jazz Vespers St. Croix Reformed Church Inter-faith gathering; local musicians. (340) 778-0520, stcroixreformed.org 5 WEDNESDAY, 10AM – 2PM Int’l Decade/People of African Descent African Black History Exhibit & Talk UVI Great Hall and VI CCC Center (340) 692-4272, viccc@live.uvi.edu 6 THURSDAY, 11AM-3PM Welcome Cayamo Cruise Passengers! The Fred Hotel, Strand Street Mama’s Black Sheep LIVE! FREE! (340) 777-3733, www.DrinkWithFred.com 7 FRIDAY, 5:30-7PM Visit the Bats @ Barren Spot Bat Tower Rare opportunity and educational by St. Croix Environmental Assoc. Free, members & children; $10. Non.. (340) 773-1989 8 SATURDAY, 2PM Annual Dog Parade Christiansted Boardwalk Arf! Vote for your favorite! Krewe de Croix event. (817) 908-3912 or (828) 447-3986 8 SATURDAY, 6PM Havana Nights Fort Frederik, Frederiksted Project Promise transforms the Fort into the tropical rainforests of Cuba. Live pulsating Cuban music, delicious Cuban cuisine, silent auction. Win 2 tickets to Cuba! RSVP
Events Calendar SAVE THE DATE!
viccc@live.uvi.edu, (340) 692-4272 20 THURSDAY 5-8PM Art Thursday Downtown Christiansted Galleries and shops show the work of artists and jewelry makers. A favorite of visitors and locals. ArtThursdayStCroix.com, FB
FEB 8. Havana Nights, Ft. Frederik.
20 THURSDAY, 5-8PM New Photos & Paintings Henle Gallery, Company Street New images by Fritz, Maria and Tina Henle, Jack Anglin painting. (340) 332-1628 henlegallery.com Project Promise
(340) 513-0446, www.projectpromisevi.com 13 THURSDAY, 6:30-8:30PM Bead on a Wire Craft & Sip Richmond Courtyard Wine, light fare, and fun creating beautiful jewelry. (340)718-2323, www.beadonawirestx.com 14 FRIDAY, 6-10PM Jump Up for Love Downtown Christiansted Local bands, street vendors, Moko Jumbies, shopping late and dining. Christiansted Restaurant & Retail Association (CRRA), FB 14 FRIDAY, 5-7PM & 8-10PM Valentine’s Day Surf & Turf Prix Fix The Fred Hotel, Strand Street Live music. RSVP (340) 777-FRED (3733) www.DrinkWithFred.com 15 SATURDAY, 4PM 9th Annual Sausagefest Ziggy’s Island Market, Solitude, East End Sausage dishes from across the globe, live music. Benefit for the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, (340) 773-9272 15- 17 SATURDAY-MONDAY, 9AM- 6PM AGRIFEST 2020 Agricultural Fairgrounds, Lower Love Livestock, local produce, plants, local foods & drinks, vendors galore, and activities for the entire family. Biggest Ag Fair in the Caribbean. (340) 778-0997, www.viagrifest.org 17 MONDAY- FRIDAY, 10AM – 6PM CHE Media Broadcast for 49th AgFair UVI Tent, Agricultural Grounds
20 THURSDAY, 11AM-1PM Annual UN World Social Justice Day Workshops/Film Screenings UVI Great Hall $ VI CCC Suites (340) 692-4272, viccc@live.uvi.edu, 21- 23 FRI, 2-5PM, SAT, 9AM-5PM, SUN, 9AM-3PM 49th Annual Orchid Show Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Hundreds of orchids on display, orchids for sale, and raffles including Toni Lance’s poster artwork. (340) 332-5845,www.sgvbg.com. 21 FRIDAY, 6-9PM Sunset Jazz Buddhoe Park, Frederiksted Bring a blanket or beach chair. Free! Food and drinks available. 21 FRIDAY, 6-9PM Enchanting Evening Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands Cocktails, orchid show preview, seated dinner. Limited seating. $250 pp. (340) 692 2874, infoatthegarden@gmail.com, sgvbg.org
FEB 15-17. Agrifest 2020, Fairgrounds, Lower Love. Susan Wall
22 SATURDAY, NOON Annual Mardi Croix Parade North Shore Special Parking, Awards, After-party. Val, (817) 908-3912, Dee (828) 447-3986.
YEARS
of
GRILL THE SPITFIRE A Musical
APRIL 2-5, 2020 SUNSET BBQ Friday, April 3, 6pm Cork & Fork Friday, April 3, 6pm Wine in the Warehouse Saturday, April 4, 6pm Gourmet Vinter Dinner Sunday, April 5, 6pm
340-773-9898 www.stxfoodandwine.com
Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley Based on the Film by Lee David Slotoff January 31, February 1, 7-8, 14-15 Sunday Matinee: February 16 at 4 PM
GETTING SARA MARRIED
We’re Saving Your Seat!
FEBRUARY THRU MAY 2020 SCHEDULE
A Comedy by Sam Bobrick March 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 Sunday Matinee: March 22 at 4 PM
DONE TO DEATH
A Play by Fred Carmichael May 8-9, 15-16 2 Sunday Matinees: May 10 & 17 at 4 PM
(ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM ¥ Sunday Matinees 4 PM Box office & bar open 45 minutes before showtime # 18 Est. Orange Grove
Christiansted, St. Croix
Southwest of Golden Rock Shopping Center
For info & updates, go to www.cct.vi eileencct@gmail.com ¥ 340-778-1983 Februar y / March 2020 • 5
Events Calendar TAKE TIME FOR THESE! 7 SATURDAY, 10AM-3PM Limpricht Park Vintage & Collectibles Fair Christiansted Community Alliance, (340) 513-2081 7 SATURDAY, 4-8PM “Audre Lorde the Berlin Years” Screening Abby’s Lingerie Salon, Company Street Dagmar Schultz Film , WCSC 39th Anniversary. $10. Cash bar. (340) 773-9272
FEB 21-23. 49th Annual Orchid Snow, Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands. Toni Lance
25 TUESDAY, 5-9PM Fat Tuesday at The Fred The Fred Hotel, Strand Street Hudson and the HooDoo Cats! Free! (340)777-FRED (3733) www.drinkwithfred.com 26 WEDNESDAY, 12-4PM African Black History Month Reception & Exhibit, CHE Panel UVI CCC Conference Suite (340) 692-4272, viccc@live.uvi.edu 28 FRIDAY, 5:30-7:30 PM Jazz in the Park Fort Christiansvaern Bandstand Cool jazz sounds on the Christiansted harbor! Bring chairs, blankets, coolers & friends. Community Music. Free! (340) 277-9642
MARCH 2020 1-2 SUNDAY-MONDAY, 1-6PM Status of Women Symposium UVI Great Hall, Exhibit at VI CCC www.unwomen.org/en/csw, (340) 692-4272 1 SUNDAY, 5:30-6:30PM Jazz Vespers St. Croix Reformed Church Inter-faith gathering; local musicians. stcroixreformed.org 6- 8 FRIDAY – SUNDAY Queen Louise Home for Children Golf Tournament, Carambola Golf Club Benefit hosted by St. Croix Golf Association (340) 772-4099, www.lssvi.org 6 • Februar y / March 2020
8 SUNDAY, 8:30-11AM Sandy Point Nature Walk See nesting sea turtles, plants, animals in the Refuge. Free for S.E.A. members and children. $10 for non-members. (340) 773-1989 12 THURSDAY, 6:30-8:30PM Bead on a Wire Craft & Sip Richmond Courtyard (340) 718-2323, www.beadonawirestx.com 14 SATURDAY, 11AM St. Patrick’s Day Parade Downtown Christiansted The 51st Annual paints the town green! www.stpatricksdayparadestcroixvi.com 16 MONDAY, 1-5PM “Commemorating Queen Mary” VI CCC Conference Suite-UVI AAS Cultural Heritage Arts Exhibition, Screening (340) 692-4272, viccc@live.uvi.edu 19 THURSDAY 5-8PM Art Thursday Downtown Christiansted Galleries and shops show the work of artists & jewelry makers. A favorite of visitors and locals. www.artthursdaystcroix.com, FB 19 THURSDAY, 5-8PM Henle Gallery, Company Street New images by Fritz, Maria and Tina. Jack Anglin paintings.(340) 332-1628 HenleGallery.com.
MAR 14. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Christiansted. Susan Wall
Info and activities. Beach clean-up. (340) 773-1989, FB 25 WEDNESDAY, 6-9PM Int’l Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery & Transatlantic Slave Trade Great Hall, UVI Distinguished Lecture by Dr. Patricia T. Morris www.un.org/en/events/ slaveryremembranceday, (340) 692-4272 26-28 THURSDAY-SATURDAY, 12-4PM Art Exhibition & Bamboula Gatherings Great Hall, UVI Dr. Patricia T. Morris, Cultural Heritage Artist and International Leader in Women’s Empowerment & Development. (340) 692-4272, viccc@live.uvi.edu 27 FRIDAY, 5:30-7:30PM Jazz in the Park Ft. Christiansvaern Bandstand Cool jazz sounds on the Christiansted harbor! Bring chairs, blankets, coolers & friends. Community Music, Inc. Free! (340) 277-9642
20 FRIDAY, 6-9PM Sunset Jazz Buddhoe Park, Frederiksted Bring a blanket or beach chair & catch the cool Sounds of ocal & international musicians. Food & drinks available. Free.
28 SATURDAY, NOON Annual Chili Cookoff Queen Cross Street, Christiansted Homemade chili competition, Journey Band, 80s band, cold drinks. Mutiny Island Vodka drink specials. Krewe de Croix event. Val, 817-908-3912
21 SATURDAY, 9-11AM Turtle Season Kick-off Southgate Coastal Reserve St. Croix Environmental Association provides
31 TUESDAY Transfer Day Observance 102nd Anniversary of the US purchase of the Virgin Islands from Denmark.
Attractions & Tours SOAK UP SOME CULTURE!
ATTRACTIONS 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. 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. 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. 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.
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Strand Street, Frederiksted.
where in the VI. Tours, meetings, luncheons. www.stxestatetour.com
Sunset Sails, 4-6pm. Holiday events. www.worldoceanschool.org.
Pt. Udall Millennium Monument Easternmost point in the US. A giant sundial marks the azimuth of the first sunrise of 2000.
St. Croix Seashell Society Formed in 2014, the Seashell Museum in the Great Hall at the Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands at Estate St. George, highlights the beauty of our marine ecology. Mon – Sat, 9am – 3pm.
Schooner Roseway – 340-626-7877 National Historic Landmark. Gallows Bay, Christiansted. Nov 27 – Mar 24.
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. 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 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.
Open daily except Christmas 3:00 pm 9:00 am - 5:00 Museum Store: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Mon - Sat + Cruise Ship days infoatthegarden@gmail.com
One North Street —340-514-7114 Historic and restored Christiansted townhouse. One of the finest collections of antique West Indian Mahogany furniture and artifacts anyFebruar y / March 2020 • 7
Attractions & Tours GET LOST WITH A GUIDE!
Virgin Islands Food Tours. Walk, learn, taste!
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
TOURS
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.
Aerial—Scenic, Island Hopping Cape Air, 100 flights a day. 800-CAPE-AIR. See ad Pg 9 for Caribbean destinations.
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.
Around the Island — Sweeny’s St. Croix Safari Tours, narrated. Runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Departs 10 am, Christiansted Taxi Stand, King Street. (340)-773-6700, Evenings, (340)-773-9561. 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 – 3 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. Danish—Christiansted, Frederiksted, Island, Nina York, (English, too). 340-332-4451.
CHANT Crucian, Heritage & Nature Tourism
Historical Walking Tours Nature Hikes & Tours
(340) 277-4834 • www.chantvi.org
Sweeny’s
Preserving & Exhibiting the Seashells of the Virgin Islands
St. Croix Safari Tours
NARRATED TOUR INCLUDES: ■ Botanical Garden ■ Drive Scenic Northshore & Columbus Landing ■ Frederiksted Lunch Stop ■ Cruzan Rum Distillery Tour runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Departs 10AM, Downtown Christiansted, from Taxi Stand, King Street, opposite Government House. Returns 3:45PM.
8 • Februar y / March 2020
SEASHELL MUSEUM Educational Workshops In the Great Hall at The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands, Estate St. George MON – SAT, 9AM – 3PM
Email: sjtouss@gmail.com
Call (340)773-6700 • Evenings (340)773-9561
Attractions & Tours SEE YOU OUT THERE!
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. Schooner Roseway — Specialty Season Sails: Wine Down Wednesdays, thru Feb 26, 4pm, Sunset Sails thru Feb 28, 4pm, Valentine’s Day Sail, Feb 14, 4pm. Mama’s Black Sheep aboard, Feb 27th, 6:30pm. 340626-7877, www.worldoceanschool.org. Sion Farm Distillery, Mutiny Island Vodka — Bar, food menu, tours. Tues – Fri, 11am – 6pm, Sat, 10am – 2pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. 340-227-2366, www.
Government House, King Street, Christiansted. Judith King
mutinyislandvodka.com, Facebook VI Food Tours — Three-hour guided food tasting and cultural walking tour. 866-498-3684. www.vifoodtours.com. West Indian Townhouse – 340-514-7114 Historic site, fine WI furniture & artifacts. www.stxestatetour.com
One North Street. West Indian kitchen antiques.
ONE NORTH Tour Historic Christiansted Townhouse
Featured in Traditional Home & Magazine Antiques
Details & Pricing— StxEstateTour.com 24-hour notice required • (340) 514 - 7114 Februar y / March 2020 • 9
Shop Duty-Free! SNEAK IN A FEW SHOPS!
$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. ib designs. island vibes.
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
Nicole Canegata
Cleopatra Gift Shop – 340-713-6161
Quite possibly one of the oldest gift shops on St. Croix, they opened 44 years ago in 1975. The Abdallah family, originally from Jerusalem, has owned it all these years, first at Sunny Isle and now on Company Street. Not to be caught without something you need, this shop has it all from gold and silver jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, hook bracelets, novelty pins, pendants) plus Larimar and costume jewelry, to ladies and men’s watches (Elgin, Helbros, Activa, Bulova, Casio, Loris) and St. Croix and VI souvenirs like plates, clocks, shot glasses, pot holders, baseball caps, tees, flags and banners. Also check out their magnets, key chains, umbrellas, model ships, knives, and sunglasses. Open Monday – Sat, 9am – 5:30pm. Watch and jewelry repair! Find them next to the Post Office.
Gold & Silver Jewelry - Custom Jewelry - Repairs
St. Croix & USVI Souvenirs
EBBE’S STORE EBBE’S STORE ~Est. 1969~ ~Est. 1969~
~Est. 1969~
“A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That” Diego Conde
Open Mon - Sat, 8am - 5:30pm 9 Company Street next to Post Office
340-713-6161
10 • Februar y / March 2020
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
Cleopatra Gift Shop Men’s & Women’s Watches - Watch Repair & Batteries
JOINT DECLARATION
This is a Customs Declaration that can be made by family members who live in the same household and return to the United States together. These travelers can combine their purchases to take advantage of a combined flat duty rate, no matter which family member owns a given item. The combined value of merchandise subject to a Flat Duty Rate for a family of four traveling together would be $4,000. Purchase totals must be rounded to the nearest dollar amount.
4 King Cross Street Christiansted - 340-773-3020 EbbesStoreInfo@gmail.com
On the Corner Where King Cross Meets Company
Returning resident travelers may import tobacco products only in quantities not exceeding the amounts specified in the personal exemptions for which the traveler qualifies. See below for up-to-date specifics on Customs Duty information concerning Rates, Duty-Free Shop articles, and Mailing and Shipping Goods.
LEARN MORE
US Customs & Border Protection www.cbp.gov • (877) 287-8667
Shop Duty-Free! TRY IT, LOVE IT, BUY IT! 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
From the Gecko Boutique – 340-778-9433
From the Gecko. St. Croix’s choice for Fun Caribbean Apparel!
Stylish and fun “Island Lifestyle Apparel,” jewelry, apothecary items, and accessories for every day Caribbean casual, island professional and special events. Experience superior fashion at wallet-friendly prices for women and men at From the Gecko Boutique. Stop by
Asha World Designs. Indian spinning rings.
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.
Februar y / March 2020 • 11
Shop Duty-Free!
LOCAL, HANDMADE JEWELRY A MUST! COMPANY STREET....cont. our shop to browse colorful selections including breathable, organic fabrics, apparel from exclusive designers and fair-trade partners. Looking for a wardrobe upgrade or gift for someone special? – let us help. Our experienced style consultants will ensure you find what you’re looking for and leave with a smile. Shop in-store for full selection or purchase select items on-line with worldwide mailing or free in-store pick up. Home of the exclusive “HOME” collection...Stylishly serving St Croix since 1991! www.fromthegecko.com. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
ib designs – 773-4322 (say “eye-bee”) An island favorite in historic Christiansted, this gallery is home to the distinctive designs of local artist/metalsmith, Whealan Massicott. Whealan has been crafting for over 25 years and is fortunate to have a fabulous team of artisans join him in creating magical jewelry. Being a musician at heart allows life’s move Joyia Inspirational Jewelry. Lots of beautiful NEW jewels this season!
Ebbe’s Store. Feisty African fabrics, a cultural favorite! Susan Wall
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
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 • Februar y / March 2020
Shop Duty-Free! SHOPPING ON MY MIND! ments, 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.
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. The Shoe Bar. Style and comfort in Naot best-sellers.
Purple Papaya. Largest selection of men’s and women’s swimwear.
ADORNSTCROIX.COM
On the corner of Queen Cross Street & Company Street
ADORNSTCROIX.Com
Februar y / March 2020 • 13
Shop Duty-Free! BUY LOCAL!
shopping, and vacation needs. It’s where you always get more for Le$$!
QUEEN CROSS STREET Adorn - 340-227-1343
ADORN is a new warm and welcoming brick and mortar nestled in downtown Christiansted. ADORN was born to inspire making a home happier, to delight your loved ones, and to celebrate your inner whimsies. ADORN is bringing back the ART OF GIFTING offering a curated collection of unique, fun, and memorable items including home decor, jewelry, art, gift wrap, cards, and locally made products. ADORN is honored to support independent designers and handmade artists. Many of the entrepreneurs they support use their business and art to contribute to causes and projects globally. Follow them on Facebook & Instagram for new items, events, and more! Open 10 am - 5 pm Monday - Saturday. www.adornstcroix.com
Baci Duty Free – 340-773-5040 ADORN. All natural skincare products handcrafted on St. Croix.
COMPANY STREET....cont Sonya, Ltd. – 340-778-8605
Hook up with the Original- Sonya’s St. Croix Hook. Located at #1 Company Street since 1964, an introduction to the hand-wrought jewelry at Sonya’s begins with the pleasantly inexpensive hook bracelet which is often 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.
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.
This trendy shop has swimwear for all shapes and sizes including hard-to-find separates, cup sizes, long torso, and attractive styles for full-figured women. We also carry colorful sarongs, cover-ups, bags, great accessories, casual and dressy clothing, and sandals. And…the reason for the name – hats, hats, and more hats! Visit our store on Queen Cross Street near Strand. We’re open 7 days a week, Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays, 11 am – 4 pm.
The Purple Papaya – 340-713-9412
14 • Februar y / March 2020
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
Hotheads – 340-773-7888
PAN AM PAVILION
Nested in St. Croix’s historic Christiansted, and embedded in the hearts and minds of everyone who has entered through its doors, is the Purple Papaya Souvenir and Gift Shop. The store is loaded with a full line of souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks, the largest selection of embroidered tee shirts and sweatshirts, Hawaiian shirts and dresses, sun tan lotions, sunglasses, towels, hats & caps, disposable cameras, batteries, and quality beach/swimwear for the entire family. So, if you are looking for excellent customer service, and quality merchandise, come on in. It’s the island’s number one spot for ALL your Duty Free
Hotheads. Knockout swimwear, dresses, sarongs, coverups.
JOYIA-Inspirational Jewelry – 340-713-4JOY (4569)
RJS Handmade Designs. Silver Coral earrings and pendant.
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
Shop Duty-Free! SHOPPING ON MY MIND!
Instagram! Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Queen Cross Street www.joyiajewelry.com
Tropical Bracelet Factory Outlet – 340-719-0672
We are not only a store but an attraction not to be missed specializing in magnificent jewelry made on the premises. See how your special piece is designed, created, and finished through our studio’s glass windows. View our extensive collection of stainless steel, copper, platinum, gold, and silver earrings, pendants, and rings. We have the largest selection of island bracelets, chaney, Larimar, conch, diamonds of all colors and sizes, certified ancient coins, natural pearls including the most unique of them all— “The Queen Conch Pearl.” Free rum samples from our extensive liquor collection available daily. Stop in for a rare cigar to commemorate your vacation. Known for our locally made crafts and collectables, take home a real souvenir made right here on St. Croix. Open Monday – Saturday, 10-6pm. Baci Duty Free. Vahan timeless, luxury jewelry collecrions since 1968.
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
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.
STRAND STREET
Crucian Gold- 340-244-2996 FEEL THE LOVE and discover how Crucian Gold’s original designs are inspired by St. Croix’s natural beauty and culture. Visit our Christiansted store where Nathan Bishop and our family of jewelers create the Island Bracelets, Chaney Collection, and a wide array of stunning original silver and gold artisan jewelry and gifts. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, FB & IG, www.cruciangold.com
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.
Small Wonder – 340-773-5551
Eden South. Home grown preserves, pepper sauce, and syrups. Susan Wall
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.
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
Februar y / March 2020 • 15
Shop Duty-Free! FOUND ON ST. CROIX
The Remedy. Stop by and try a complimentary sample of locally-brewed Leatherback beer. www.sublimestx.com, Facebook. Mention this ad for 15% off!
GALLOWS BAY Rare Finds – 340-713-9254 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
Sonya, Ltd. The tradition goes on. Choose your classic hook.
STRAND STREET...cont.
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!
Located in the Caravelle Arcade in Christiansted Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5pm
(340) 713-3113 www.sublimestx.com
16 • Februar y / March 2020
Also find sturdy wooden educational toys, doll houses, rocking horses & train sets by Plan & Brio. Special items include sterling silver feeding spoons, ceramic piggy banks, adorable stuffed animals, dolls & doll furniture, children’s tables & chairs, baby & children’s accessories, plus year-round holiday & event costumes. Layaway & Baby Shower Registry available. Located just steps from the Government Parking lot at 1110 Strand Street.
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
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, locallycrafted jewelry, and sandals. Located in the Caravelle Arcade between Dashi Restaurant and
Small Wonder. Clothes and toys for boys and girls from around the world. Susan Wall
Shop Duty-Free! OWN IT, MAKE IT YOURS! Pharmacy. Conveniently located in Peter’s Rest, Plaza Extra East is your one stop, shopping destination for all your grocery, home, and personal care needs. www.plazaextraeast.com
Sweet Lime Furnishings – 340-719-6360 Want that WOW factor in your home or condo? Sweet Lime Furnishings, on Constitution Hill, can help you get it, with indoor furniture made from teak, mahogany and other durable hardwoods; outdoor furniture in elegant unfinished teak, 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. Document1
Sublime STX. Catch a wave in our sun-protective, quick-dry clothing!
1/26/07
10:18 AM
Undercover Books & Gifts. Feel good stories for kids. Susan Wall
AROUND THE ISLAND Ashley Furniture HomeStore – 340-778-6440 Your home is a haven and a reflection of your life and we are committed to helping you achieve your dream home with something to suit every room, every taste, and every budget. We have a large selection of Home Appliances, Accessories, Area Rugs, Bedding, Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Entertainment, Home Office, and Outdoor furniture. We are passionate about serving you with the highest standards of excellence with knowledgeable sales professionals, friendly and polite delivery and service visits. Up to 36 months, 0% interest financing available. United Shopping Plaza, open Monday Saturday 9 am - 6:30 pm, Sunday, 11 am - 3 pm. www.ashley.com.vi, Facebook.
Just Steps from the Gov’t Parking Lot!
1110 Strand Street, Christiansted
340-773-5551
Rosa Asencio Silversmith
340-642-3291 N ST EW
StranORE! d Stre et
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
Tropical print Sundresses & Shirts Swimsuits and Sunglasses Sunhats St. Croix Tee Shirts Sun Hats, Swimsuits & Dresses Wooden Toys 4 Company St., Christiansted
HANDMADE DESIGNS
Rare Finds. Antique French perfume bottle and other quirky, fun collectibles. Susan Wall
Strand StreetArcade #5 Strand Street, Caravelle
www.rjshandmadedesigns.com Februar y / March 2020 • 17
Page
Shop Duty-Free! SHOP TIME, TAKE TIME!
TROPICAL BRACELET
A Family Business
Tropical Bracelet. Local design, locally made—Forever Crucian.
This family-owned business, on the corner of Strand and Queen Cross Street, has been hand-crafting timeless keepsakes in precious metals and gems for over three generations. You can actually watch handmade jewelry pieces come to life behind the store’s glass windows. Tropical Bracelet’s crafters, all family members, base their designs on the nature, rhythm, and culture of St. Croix. The breeze, the weather, the waves, the beauty above and below the water, and the sounds in the air have inspired all that is crafted in the store’s workshops. Tropical Bracelet is one of the largest crafters of the very popular Crucian Hook Bracelet. Other collections include Crucian Unity, Crucian Tranquility, Positive Vibes, Crucian Embrace, and Crucian Tree of Life. Most collections are available in pendants, earrings, and bracelets in silver, gold, or a combination. Jewelry repair is also available including stone replacement and settings, ring resizing, watch battery replacement, polishing and refurbishing. Come through the side entrance and find a wonderful array of gifts, souvenirs, and fine liquors! Tropical Bracelet 340-719-0672 www.islandbracelets.com
Fresh Produce. Bakery. Gourmet Cheeses. Full Service Butcher. Deli. Salad & Soup Bar. Hot Prepared Foods. Extensive Selection of Wine, Beer & Liquor
Gautam, Susan, Cheryl, Norma, and Jorge.
Antiques, Unique Gifts and Collectibles
Open Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat. 10 am - 4 pm At the Gateway to Gallows Bay
340-713-9254 18 • Februar y / March 2020
and craft center
One of the largest manufacturers of fine jewelry in the USVI
340.719.0672
www.islandbracelets.com
On the corner of Queen Cross and Strand Februar Streets, Christiansted. y / March 2020 • 19
Shop Duty-Free! MUST-HAVES!
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!
Crucian Gold. Celebrate life with our Ankh Collection.
Undercover Books & Gifts
Gallows Bay, St. Croix
Phone: 719-1567 Phone: 340-719-1567
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AROUND THE ISLAND cont... The Museum Store – 340-692-2874 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.
10/28/09 2:41:24 PM
The Museum Store. Glass butterflies on coral stands. Susan Wall 20 • Februar y / March 2020
Februar y / March 2020 • 21
Shop Duty-Free! TELL ME WHERE TO GO SHOPPING!
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Sonya, Ltd. Sublime STX
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The Shoe Bar Tropical Bracelet Factory Undercover Books 22 • Februar y / March 2020
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The Caribbean Writer’s VOLUME 3
T
he Caribbean Writer is pleased to announce the release of Volume 33 under the theme: “Musings and Metaphors: Revolution, Evolution and Devolution” It is an eclectic collection of poetry, essays, fiction exploring themes of …THE SELECTIONS sexuality, privilege, family, BETWEEN struggle, love, migration, THESE COVERS power and identity. GRANT US THE According to the editor PLEASURES Alscess Lewis Brown, “the NESTED IN THE poems draw their energy IMMEDIACY OF from the observation of life, exciting our capacity THE WORLD THEY for musings or enlarging PORTRAY. our appreciation of beauty while each story involves us in the behavior of the characters who inhabit it. Each book review whets our reading appetite for the delicious promises of the text it explores. All in all, the selections between these covers grant us the pleasures nested in the immediacy of the world they portray,” she said. Volume 33 boasts literary content and tributes from such authors and scholars as John Robert Lee, Nancy Anne Miller, Jose Oseguera, Keisha-Gaye Anderson, Yates Young, Winsome Monica Minot, Rohan Facey, Erica Mapp, Gerry LaFemina, Andrew Morrison, Randy Baker, Lewis R. Gordon, Kelsi Folsom, Natalie Corthesy, Thomas Reiter, Britney Gabbidon, Nicole Georges-Bennett, Tomas Sanchez Hidalgo, Amilcar Sanatan, Sasenarine Persaud, Kourtnie Rodney-Brown, Sylene Joseph, Ale McKenzie, and Melanie M. Mohammed. Short fiction writers include Patricia McDonald, Malica Willie, Sara Lynn Burnett, Dorian Xanyn, Berkley Wendell Semple, Elena Botts, Winston (Bobby) Nugent, Ildiko Tillmann, Kirk Budhooram, Cyril Dabydeen, Portia Subran, Kerlyne Hilaire, Arti Deonarine, Aprille L. Thomas, Nena Callaghan, and Laurel Eberle. Reviews of books written or edited by Ryhaan Shah, Ameena Gafoor, Juliette Storr, Lomarsh Roopnarine, Tammy L. Brown, Keith E. Benjamin, Clement White, Lisa Allen-Agostini, Jacob Ross, Esther Phillips, Earl Lovelace and Robert Antoni, Cindy McKenzie, Debbie A. Mohammed and Nikolaos Karagiannis and others. It also includes insightful and exciting poetry, short-
“
”
Britney Gabbidon
Earl Lovelace
Erica Mapp
Keisha Ga
ye Anders
on
Kirk Budhooram
stories, personal essays, interviews and book reviews by new, emerging or established writers from within the Caribbean and its diaspora. “The Caribbean Writer is a treasure of the University that has garnered the support of each President since its existence, and I am honored to follow in that grand tradition,” said UVI President David Hall. “That support has been consistent because of the obvious and inherent worth and value of this publication, and its centrality to the mission of the University of the Virgin Islands.” Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Kimarie Engerman had high praises for Volume 33, stating that she is “proud of the The Caribbean Writer which continues to provide a forum for a wealth of varied literary expressions in a high quality publication that is now known, read, and respected around the globe.” Volume 33 is edited by Alscess Lewis Brown, a published author of young adult literature and a member of the University’s adjunct faculty since 1990, teaching courses in literature, writing and the humanities. “Once again, I am delighted to have the distinct privilege and honor of editing this prestigious journal. The Caribbean Writer - the living testimony of Caribbean people – is showing signs that we cannot escape the changes taking place globally,” Brown said. Volume 33 is an imaginative and expressive review of the power, prescience and resilience of the Caribbean diasporic experience. The Caribbean Writer is an international, refereed literary journal published by the University of the Virgin Islands each year. To maintain its high standard, the local editorial board is comprised of Dr. Lomarsh Roopnarine, a professor at the Jackson State University, and professors from both UVI campuses, Dr. Vincent O. Cooper, Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre and Dr. Linda Smith recently joined the board starting with the 2020 edition of TCW. She replaces Dr. Vanda Espinosa. who TCW thanks for her service as they wish her well on her new ventures. The featured cover art of this edition, is a painting by Howard Patrick Barry, titled Acquainted with the Night. Copies at Undercover Books, Eden South,Caribbean Museum Center and UVI bookstores.
Nicole Georges Bennet
www.thecaribbeanwriter.org (340) 692-4122 or 692-4152 thecaribbeanwriter@uvi.edu Februar y / March 2020 • 23
Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED
balter – 340-719-5896 balter is housed in a historic Danish building on the corner of Company and Queen Cross Street. The charming interior with modern elements creates a comfortable and fun vibe. Meals are prepared with a traditional European and modern Asian feel with a heavy Caribbean influence. Our bar uses a “Farm to Glass” concept utilizing local, seasonal fruits and vegetables and has an award-winning wine list, hand selected by Sommelier/Owner Patrick Kralik. “Come as you are and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and tasty libations. We look forward to serving you and having you become a part of our family!” Live music events weekly. Catering services available, in your home our ours! Open 6 nights for dinner from 5 - 9:30pm. Closed Wednesdays. www.balterstx.com, Facebook, Instagram.
passionate food, local rhythm come as you are, and become part of our family!
340-719-5896
Company at Queen Cross St www.balterstx.com
24 • Februar y / March 2020
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
Open 6 nights! Happy Hour 5pm!
BES Craft Cocktail Lounge – 340-773-2985 Whether we source our ingredients from one of St. Croix’s local farms, forage for them in the bush or utilize our local fisherman, we create the best quality house-made liquor infusions, syrups & bitters, craft cocktails, and tapas. Our mission is to provide cocktails and culinary artistry that connect our patrons to the magic that is St. Croix. You can come relax, listen to eclectic music, engage in conversation, and munch
on some Saltfish Gundy & Breadfruit Tostones while sipping on a Crucian Queen. The vibe is love and all kind hearts are welcome. Wednesday – Saturday, 5 pm – 12 am. Facebook, Instagram. 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 BREW STX – 340-719-6339 BREWSTX is the ONLY restaurant and mocrobrewery in the VI located on the beautiful Christiansted boardwalk. The two-level waterfront venue provides spectacular views and great photo ops! The menu features house-smoked meats and cheeses, fresh fish dishes, and many veggie options including a ‘build-your-own’ salad or wrap and tempeh Reuben sandwich! Enjoy any meal with one of our HOUSE brews on tap! (Full bar available). Monday – Saturday, kitchen open 11 am – 9:30 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm. Live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays nights. Facebook. 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, Mushroom and Chevre Quiche, Basmati Rice with Fresh Pineapple Salsa or Linguine with Portobello Mushroom Cream Sauce. Open Tuesday
CRAFT COCKTAILS
& TAPAS
HOUSEMADE LIQUOR INFUSIONS
SYRUPS & BITTERS
BEER & WINE GOOD VIBES WED-SAT // 5PM-UNTIL KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT
340.773.2985
(340) 773-6330 4PM - MIDNIGHT M - S
53B Company St. (near the corner of Queen Cross & Company St.) BesCraftCocktailLounge@gmail.com
@bes.stx
Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED
– 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. 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. 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
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. BREW STX. Coconut fried shrimp with sweet chili sauce.
walls and bars on the windows! Today, come savor craft cocktails, a wide array of rums & wines, fresh seafood including local fish & lobster, mouthwatering sous-vide steak, pork, & chicken, and flavorful vegetarian/vegan options! Visit our luscious courtyard, for a drink or our Live Music events! Have a corporate/ social event? Our beautiful courtyard and/or our historical restaurant are just what you need (catering on-site)! Reservations available. Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor.
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
340-643-4729 Februar y / March 2020 • 25
Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED
rant overlooking the beautiful Christiansted Harbor. Sit back and watch the local fishing boats deliver their daily catch of Wahoo, Tuna, or Mahi-Mahi—we specialize in the fresh seafood that is brought to our dock every day. Creative dinner options incorporate an eclectic blend of world cuisines along with a unique and affordable wine list, and drink specials from the most complete bar on the island. Open 7 days a week, ½ Price Happy Hour, 4–6 pm daily. www.angrynates-stx.com, angrynatesstx@gmail.com, Facebook.
The Mill Boardwalk Bar and Brick Oven Pizza.
friendly service. That pretty much sums it up! Open 7 days a week, 11am – 10pm. Facebook, Trip Advisor, Instagram. Nates Boathouse & Seafood Emporium – 340-692-6283 Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch on our boardwalk patio or in our breezy open-air restau-
The best spot on the Boardwalk for Burgers & Beer! Kitchen Open, Mon - Sat, 11 am - 11 pm Sun, 11 am - 10 pm
BAR OPEN LATE!
Nauti Bar & Grille – 340-718-0544 Home of real Texas BBQ, Fresh Seafood & Oysters, Cold Beers & Beverages. Daily News Readers’ Poll—“Coldest Beer Bar Restaurant, 2018/19! A 2019 Taste of St. Croix 1st Place winner for entrée! Serving up “smoked fresh” USDA Choice beef brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, “fresh catch” seafood & specials. Family-friendly, great staff, fun games, dancing on the patio. Happy Hour, 5 – 7pm - Mon, Football & Steak, 6pm - Tues, Karoake, 7pm - Wed, Open Mic, 7 – 10pm - Thurs, Fri, Sat, Live Music, 8pm - Sun, Tailgate Party, grilled burgers & dogs, 2 – 7pm. Hospital Street just East of Christiansted, look for the BBQ sign and head to the waterfront. Open 7 days, food service
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
340-773-3400 juices & fitness center
Microbrewery & Restaurant Kitchen Open 7 Days a Week 11am - 9:30pm
340-719-6339
26 • Februar y / March 2020
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
from noon - 10pm; drinks ‘til close. www.nautibargrille.com, 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, soft-serve ice cream, and more. All meals served in an easy-travel paper bag. Of course, a full bar at your disposal as well! The best spot on the Boardwalk for burgers and beer! Open Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 11 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm. Facebook. Singh’s Fast Food Restaurant – 340-773-7357 Singh’s—an island tradition serving flavorful Carib, Indian, and Latin dishes for 44 years! Roti is the favorite—Chicken, Beef, Goat, Shrimp, Conch, Tofu, and Potato. Doubles available. Serving up generous plates of Curry Chicken and Goat, Conch, Beef, Shrimp, Pork, Oxtail, King Fish, and Lasagna. Great Side Orders and Finger Food. TA reviews say, “Absolutely amazing!!! Incredible flavors, fresh food, authentic, a must try!” “Very good local food and the quality is tops. We stop here when we come from Denmark.”
Food & Drink CHRISTIANSTED / GALLOWS BAY
David Mohan-Singh, born in Trinidad, founded this infamous restaurant, along with his wife, in 1975. Still in the family, Dinorah and Ram Singh run it today. Open Mon – Sat, 8am – 9pm. Eat in or Grab & Go. 23 King Street up from Sunday Market Square. FB 40 Strand Eatery - 340-692-0524 An award-winning eatery, in an eclectic urban setting in downtown Christiansted, has something to please everyone. This top-rated restaurant has wooed both locals and visitors with a historic setting, exceptional service, and creative dishes. The originator of build-your-ownMac-and-Cheese, you will find a diverse menu from comfort food to exotics like sous vide beef tenderloin, saffron hollandaise and crispy poached egg! Handcrafted cocktails from local ingredients and Specials, including the freshest seafood the local waters have to offer, are the norm. Reservations suggested; walk ins are welcome! (facebook, Trip advisor, Instagram, twitter) TOAST Diner – 340-692-0313 This cozy, award-winning diner near the boardwalk waterfront boasts an extremely creative menu including Venezuelan-style arepas, breakfast all-day-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 BuildYour-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)
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 cui- sine—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.
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 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.
340-718-0544
Open weClose. close. Open77days daysaaweek weekat--noon Openuntil Till We BehindBryan’s Bryan’s Marine Marine on the water. Behind water.
One Kitchen Many Flavors
Since 1975
urant a t s e R d o Fast Fo I NOR AH SI NGHt
&D ake Ou DI LI P at In | T quare E • m - 9p rket S Sat 8am ar Sunday Ma Mon e n t e Stre 23 King
(340) 773-7357 Februar y / March 2020 • 27
Food & Drink GALLOWS BAY & FREDERIKSTED squeezed juices and smoothies. Seaside Market & Deli – Eat Fresh. Live Smart. Facebook
FREDERIKSTED
Tap Deck. Asian-inspired specials.
GALLOWS BAY cont... We feature a variety of convenient, ready-made foods including a fresh soup and salad bar, and a buffet featuring hot entrees and sides plus a large selection of fresh produce, including local selections, and a coffee & juice bar featuring your favorite coffee drinks, fresh
ST. CROIX, USVI
@LOUIEANDNACHOS
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 tropicallyinspired 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-
Featuring a fun menu, delicious cocktails, nightly specials and incredible sunset views! Plus Brunch every Sunday from 11am - 3pm
SMOKE
NOW OPEN IN FREDERIKSTED! X ST FEATURING GREAT BBQ AND RETAILING SELECT WINES AND BBQ & BOTTLE SHOP CRAFT BEER.
www.smokestx.com
37 & 38 STRAND ST, FREDERIKSTED, VI 00840 28 • Februar y / March 2020
Cibone. Fish soup.
fresh ingredients and wild-caught seafood, they were an Entre award-winner in the 2017 Taste of St. Croix. 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!
fine seafood 340-719-2663
Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch
and Spectacular Sunsets Reservations at 340-772-1266
Food & Drink FREDERIKSTED / EAST END
Louie & Nacho’s Beach Bar – 340-772-5151 Come see one of the best sunset views on the island at Louie & Nacho’s! Our fun taco menu will keep you coming back for more. Whether you try our shredded Beef Brisket and Pork Carnitas Tacos or get one of the signature tacos, like a chicken parmesan or jambalaya, you’ll enjoy every last bite. Don’t feel like a taco, then have a rice bowl or salad. The menu also features authentic Buffalo wings and delicious shrimp ceviche as well as weekly specials and a breakfast/brunch menu on Sundays. Ask us about hosting or catering your next event. On Strand Street, next to The Fred and above Turtle’s Deli, we’re open daily from 11am - 10pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ louieandnachos. www.louieandnachos.com Tail End Bar & Restaurant – 340-643-9281 With our fresh new look, well-stocked bar and Tasty Local Dishes served every day, Tail End Bar, Restaurant, Courtyard, and Nightclub is ready to serve you. Our menu includes all your local favorites such as Stew Oxtail, Stew Goat, Fish in Creole Sauce, Curry Chicken, Baked/BBQ Chicken, Souse & Potato Salad and Many More! Come experience professional service with a smile in a comfortable atmosphere. Dine inside or outside in our beautiful courtyard. It is one of the largest courtyards in Frederiksted and is available to rent for your special event! Join us every Wednesday for Karaoke night and Musical Videos! Stop by today! Open 10am until, 7 days a week. SmokeSTX – 340-713-9494 Smoke STX is one of Frederiksted’s newest dining attractions. Located on the south end of Strand Street, next to Louie & Nacho’s Beach Bar, their menu features a wide variety of smoked meats and side dishes including Chopped Brisket, 3-Day Ribs, Smoked Mac n’ Cheese, and BBQ Baked Beans. Everything is made from scratch, with lots of love, and it shows in every delicious bite! In addition to great BBQ, there’s a large selection of beers and wines as well. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am - 8pm. Facebook. 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 MondaySaturday 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 & Catering St. Croix’s East End, Gorgeous Buck Island View! Photo, Susan Wall
EAST END Blue Water Terrace – 340-692-BLUE (2583) A restaurant and catering business with a fabulous view across from Buck Island! Specialties are steaks and seafood, ‘Lori’s Famous’ Fried Chicken, BBQ ribs, lasagna, chicken pot pie, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Find Lori’s housemade desserts, ice cream, and local artwork and jewelry in the Market. Open nightly for dinner, 5 – 9pm, Sunday Brunch, 10am – 2pm, Lite Bites, 2 – 5pm, Closed Tuesday and
SEE YOU SOON, PAULI, LORI, TAYLOR, & JEDI
DECEMBER & JANUARY Open Nightly for Dinner 5 – 9pm
Sunday Brunch 10am – 2pm
Lite Menu 2pm – 5pm CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
“
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.
”
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!
Serving a Variety of Local Dishes
OPEN DAILY, 10AM - until
340-692-BLUE (2583) www.bluewaterterracevi.com Februar y / March 2020 • 29
Food & Drink EAST END
been family-owned and operated for over 70 years! Lunch is served beachfront daily at the newly renovated Mermaid Restaurant and Beauregard’s on the Beach. On Monday nights, The Mermaid hosts its Grill Night with live music, beach games and fire dancers. The Buccaneer’s Terrace restaurant offers fine-dining with light fare available in the Lounge with an incredible sunset view. Menus offer fresh and wild-caught fish and shrimp, prime meats, locallysourced salads, pastas, and vegetarian dishes. Live entertainment is offered seasonally. There’s an extensive wine list and each restaurant features a children’s menu. Reservations are required for dinner. Member of Historic Hotels of America; awarded “Best Sunset Bar” by Bride’s Magazine. www.thebuccaneer.com, Facebook. Goat, Soup and Whiskey. Eggs Florentine.
EAST END cont...
Wednesday. Call ahead for reservations, catering parties, or to have your food ready for pick up! www.bluewaterterrace.com, Facebook. The Buccaneer Restaurants – 340-712-2100 Minutes east of Christiansted, The Buccaneer has
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.
Cheeseburgers. Crispy Snapper Sandwich. Susan Wall
“There’s nothing like a hamburger at Cheeseburger’s (overheard recently), the East End Headquarters for food, fun, and frolic!” Facebook. Deep End Bar & Grill — 340-718-7071 Tucked between Tamarind Reef Resort & Spa and Green Cay Marina sits the Deep End Bar & Grill
SOUP AND WHISKEY
LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS 11:30AM to 9:00PM | TUES-SUN | CLOSED MONDAY
RESERVATIONS SUNDAY BRUNCH (340) 773-3333 10:00AM TO 2:00PM CASUAL FINE FOOD | WINE LIST | CRAFT COCKTAILS • EAST END • COAKLEY BAY CONDOS •
Coakley Bay, St. Croix VI | Keystone Resort, CO | Put-in-Bay, OH 30 • Februar y / March 2020
Open 365 Days
Dine Undercover, Poolside, or on the Beach! 718-7071
Food & Drink EAST END / NORTH SHORE nights a week. Closed Mondays. September, closed last three weeks.
AMA Cane Bay – 340-227- 3432 Located in a dramatic setting on St. Croix’s
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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
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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
NORTH SHORE
AMA Cane Bay. A sunset and a Sazerac.
A
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.
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Deep End Bar. Classic and casual poolside.
Goat, Soup and Whiskey – 340-773-3333 Welcome to the Goat! Lunch service begins at 11:30am with appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Enjoy your lunch with a glass of wine, beer, or a fresh-squeezed Caribbean cocktail. Dinner service begins at 5pm with Steaks, Chops, Seafood, and Pastas combining with the delicious lunch offerings. Pair your dinner with a selection from the wine list or from the extensive craft coctail menu. Choose fresh coffee, expresso or cappuccino to compliment in-house desserts. At Sunday Brunch, from 10am – 2pm, take in views of Buck Island with a glass of Champagne, a Mimosa, or build-your-own Bloody Mary. Our alfresco dining room is located at Coakley Bay Condominiums on East End Road. Dinner reservations recommended, Tues – Sat, 11:30am – 9pm. Closed Mondays.
I C A’S P A R
st. croix • USVI • 340.718.1118
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 Cast Iron Pot. Conch in butter sauce.
10A La Grande Princesse Februar y / March 2020 • 31
Food & Drink NORTH SHORE
Brunch, 10 am – 2 pm. www.amacanebay.com, Facebook, Instagram
EAT @ Cane Bay. BBQ Chicken, rice, sautéed veggies.
NORTH SHORE cont...
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
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, 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! EAT @ Cane Bay – 340-718-0360 EAT is a casual beachfront restaurant and bar with a spectacular view of famous Cane Bay Beach on the Northshore of St. Croix. While sitting on our breezy deck, enjoy a refreshing tropical drink, or a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. Happy Hour is from 4 – 6pm daily, followed by a beautiful sunset and then dinner entrees such as Fresh Wahoo
and Juicy Ribeye steak. Live entertainment Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from 6 – 9pm. Sunday Brunch is popular with locals and visitors; enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch items while listening to a live reggae band. Whatever time of day you will be glad you ate @ Cane Bay. Open Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 9pm and Sunday, 10am – 9pm. Let’s Eat! www.eatatcanebay.com, Facebook. The Palms – 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 3pm-6pm and Live Entertainment on Friday & Saturday nights. Call ahead for takeout orders. Reservations necessary for Parties over 6. Follow us on Facebook!
pizza-pasta-italian 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 • Februar y / March 2020
SUPERSTORE
Gift Card
tues-sun 5pm - 9pm • dine in or take out!
5 corners
340-692-9922
Food & Drink NORTH SHORE / MID-ISLAND
The Sweet Stuff – 340-277-6721 / 340-514-2003 We’re an at-home business in Christiansted, offering local benyes, red grout, and tarts (coconut, guava, pineapple, guavaberry, and bundt and custom cakes. “The Sweet Stuff was born out of pure nostalgia, a manifestation of memories of my upbringing on St. Croix, says owner Xanthia Jacobs. In 2013, after her daughter graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando, she came home to St. Croix and began receiving orders for cakes and cupcakes. “As I helped her prep orders, I had fond memories my childhood in the kitchen with my late maternal grandmother Florita Petersen (Mudda). Getting the recipes from my aunt and making my first batch of tarts took me back to my six-year-old self in the kitchen beside her.” Our goal— to make cakes and locals desserts, just like Mudda used to make! Facebook, Instagram Un Amore, One Love – 340-692-9922 Frank and Katherine Pugliese have added another restaurant to their roster. Formerly of Bacchus and eat@ canebay, Un Amore “One Love” is a combination of Frank’s ancestral roots and their combined passion for all things Italian. In the heart of 5 Corners with plenty of parking, this lively, warm and welcoming restaurant has a relaxed vibe and fabulous food. The menu is mostly Southern Italian with Neapolitan-style pizza, fresh pastas, and ricotta and mozzarella cheeses made in house. Also find some of the classics like bolognese, tiramisu, and cannolis. There’s a well-rounded wine list, and every Wednesday they feature 2 for 1 bottles of wines from the entire list. If you have a soft spot for dogs, every Thursday they have Yappy Hour on the patio where you and your four legged friends can mix & mingle, 5% of sales every Thursday go to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. Dine in or take out! Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5 – 9 pm.
MID-ISLAND A Better Day Café, Juice & Whole Foods Bar – 340-778-8888 Nestled in the heart of the Beeston Hill Health &
Wellness is A Better Day, the whole-food, plant-based restaurant and the island’s first full-service meal prep kitchen! Founded to give St. Croix a place to eat clean delicious foods while hosting collaborations among our talented and health conscious community, we are proud to have been serving you for the past year. Known for our home-made bean burgers, gluten-free pate’s, 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 and supplement recommendations. Call us daily for our tasty specials! CHOP & Grill Restaurant – 340.778.CHOP (2467) Savor local, continental and comfort foods in cool AC—breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily! We’re family friendly, locally-owned and home of Smithy’s famous King Crab Legs and Local Lobster (Thurs 5:30 - 10pm). Located mid-island with parking in the Sunny Isle Shopping Center, we offer free wifi, free meeting space (with food order) and can cater your special event, office breakfast or lunch. Crucian Hospitality is Our Promise (CHOP) so stop in and let us show you some love! Our beautiful 20-foot bar has all your favorites plus locally made wine, beer and liquor. Newly renovated, CHOP is available for event space rental any day of the week. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Open Sun & Wed 8am -5pm, Thurs & Fri 8am - 10pm, Sat 8am – 12am. 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-
A Better Day, LLC. Plant-based foods & meal-prep kitchen!
kabobs home from the drive-up booth! Located between Centerline Road and the Highway on Route #663 and open Monday – Tuesday, 11:30 am – 6 pm, Wednesday – Saturday, 11:30 am – 9 pm, Sunday, 10:30 am – 8 pm. 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 mid-island on Route #75, off Centerline Road, we’re open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eat in or Take out! Facebook 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,
13th year! 16th year!
Self-serve breakfast Whole-food, plant-based lunch Meal Prep & Catering
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B E ESTON
Cold-pressed juices Smoothies Detox protocols
Mon, Tues, Thurs 9am- 2pm & 4pm - 8pm Supplements Wed, Fri 9am-6pm
(340) 778 - 8888 www.abetterdayllc.com
BREAKFAST, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, LUNCH, && DINNER DINNER ALL ALL DAY! DAY!
MEET SMITHY MEET SMITHY @ @ THE THE BAR! BAR! Traditional Crucian Breakfast on Sundays! Traditional Crucian Breakfast Daily! Traditional Crucian Breakfast on Sundays!
KIDS EAT FREE, FRIDAYS, 4-8 PM KIDS EAT8am FREE, 4-8 PM Sun & Wed, - 5pm Fri,open 8am - 10pm Mon–Thurs, 8 am–5 pm•FRIDAYS, •Thurs Thurs,&Bar till 9 pm
Mon–Thurs, 8 am–5 pm• •Closed Thurs,• Sun, Bar open till pm Sat, 8am -–12am Mon Tues Fri & Sat, 8 am 12 midnight 8&am – 99 pm Fri & Sat, 8 am – 12 midnight • Sun, 8 am – 9 pm Sunny Isle Shopping Center near First Bank Sunny Isle Shopping Center near First Bank
340-778-CHOP (2467) 340-778-CHOP (2467)
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
Februar y / March 2020 • 33
Food & Drink TELL ME WHERE TO EAT!
Easy Dining Guide Restaurants & Bars Local area code is (340)
Cuisine
Meals
Credit Cards
Res.
Location
A Better Day 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
balter
719-5896
West Indian Contemporary
D
MC, V
Yes
Christiansted
Beach Side Café
772-1266
American / Local / Seafood / Waterfront
L, D, BR
AE, MC, V
Yes
Frederiksted
Beauregard’s at the Buccaneer
712-2120
Burgers / Salads / Fish
L, D
AE, D, MC, V
Yes
East End
BES Craft Cocktail Lounge
773-2985
Local / Eclectic / Cocktails / Tapas
D
M, V, D
No
Christiansted
Restaurant
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
No
Christiansted
Breakers Roar Tiki Bar
773-6330
Craft Cocktails, Waterfront
AE, D, MC, V
No
Christiansted
Café Christine’s / ART GALLERY
713-1500
Fresh / Healthy / Café-style
L
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
No
East End
CHOP & Grill Restaurant
778-2467
Local / Continental / Comfort
B, L, D
MC, V
No
Mid Island
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
EAT @ Cane Bay
718-0369
Burgers / Salads / Fish
L, D, BR
MC, V, D
No
Northshore
El Flamboyant
779-3285
Latin / Seafood / Caribbean
L, D, BR
None
No
Mid Island
Goat, Soup and Whiskey
773-3333
Casual / Fine / Continental
L, D, BR
MC, V
Yes
East-End
La Reine Chicken Shack
778-5717
Open Pit BBQ / Seafood
B, L, D
ATM
No
Mid Island
Louie & Nachos Beach Bar
772-5151
Tasty Shareable Taco Meals
L, D, SB
AE, D, MC, V
No
Frederiksted
Maria’s Cantina & Sports Bar
713-0222
Authentic Mexican
L, D
AE, MC, V
No
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
No
Christiansted
Rum And Wine Bar Restaurant
643-4RAW
Seafood/Steak/Vegan/Craft Cocktails
D
AE, MC, V, D
Yes
Christiansted
SALT - Great Pond
718-SALT (7258)
Farm & Sea to Table
B,L
D, MC,V
Yes
South Shore
Seaside Market & Deli
719-9393
Gourmet /Salad Bar/ Prime Meats
B, L, D
AE, D, MC, V
No
Gallows Bay
Singh’s Fast Food
773-7357
Caribbean/Indian/Latin Mix
B, L, D
Debit, MC, V
No
Christiansted
Shupe’s on the Boardwalk
773-3400
Burgers / Wings / Ice Cream
L, D
MC, V, D
No
Christiansted
40 Strand Eatery
692-0524
Seafood / Steaks / Craft Cocktails
D, BR
MC, V, D
Yes
Christiansted
Tail End Bar & Restaurant
643-9281
Caribbean/Casual/Seafood
L, D
D, M, V
No
Frederiksted
Tap Deck Bar & Billiards
773-5227
Continental, Eclectic, Small Bites
L, D
AE, D, MC, V
No
Frederiksted
The Courtyard Juices & Fitness Center
773-7728
Juices / Smoothies / Healthy Food
B, L
D, MC, V
No
Christiansted
The Mermaid at The Buccaneer
712-2120
Burgers / Salads / Fish
L, D
AE, D, MC, V
Yes
East End
The Mill Boardwalk Bar & Brick Oven Pizza
643-MILL
Brick Oven Pizza / Waterfront
L, D
MC, V, D
No
Christiansted
The Palms at Pelican Cove
718-8920
American/Caribbean/Beachfront
B,L,D,BR
MC, V, D
Yes 6+
Northside
The Sweet Stuff
514-2003
Custom Order Cakes/VI Desserts
The Terrace at The Buccaneer
712-2120
Seafood / Steak / Continental
D
AE, D, MC, V
Yes
East End
Toast Diner
692-0313
Eclectic / Venezuelan Food
B, L
MC, V, D
No
Christiansted
Un Amore
692-9922
Pizza / Pasta / Italian
D
MC, V
Yes
Northside
34 • Februar y / March 2020
AE, D, MC, V
Northside
Food & Drink MID-ISLAND / SOUTH SHORE
FARM STAND FRESH!
MID-ISLAND cont...
ARTfarm, LLC – 340-514-4873 Everything has to do with the weather! For hours, check the website or Facebook. www.artfarmllc.com
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 with our wines from the largest liquor selection on island. We have catering available from our full-service 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.
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, Wed, 6 am – 6 pm VI Dept of Agriculture features vendors with local vegetables, fruits, plants, & trees. Ridge2Reef Farm – 340-473-1557 Wed & Sat, 11am – 3 pm Although we do not sell produce on the farm, you can pick up our fruits, vegetables, and meat at the Lawaetz Museum in Frederiksted. www.ridge2reef.org. Join the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program! Link to sign up and pick-up locations: www.harvie. farm/profile/ridge-to-reef-farm.com
SOUTH SHORE SALT- Great Pond – 340-718-SALT (7258) Fresh. New. Local. The love of food and local ingredients is part of what makes Salt Great Pond the foodie place to be! We work with local farmers to bring you the freshest ingredients, highlighting the bounty that our little island has to offer. Fresh-squeezed cocktails,
Located on South Shore
Hours: 9am - 3pm, - 3pm Hours:Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat,Wed, 9 am9am – 4 pm Thurs, 9am *Dinner, 5-8pm Fri, 11 am-–3pm 7 pm; Sun, 10 am – 2 pm Fri, 9am - Tues) 3pm *Dinner, 5-8pm (Closed Sat, 9amHour: - 3pmFriday *Dinner, 5-8pm Happy 4-7pm Sun Brunch,Available: 10am - 2pm *Supper, 5-8pm Catering on-site/off-site Closed Tuesday (7258) SALTSTX.com 340-718-SALT Catering Available: on-site/off-site 340-718-SALT (7258) SALTSTX.com locally-crafted beers, and fabulous wine selections pair great with our breath-taking South Shore sea view and, of course, the food! Located in the old Petronella dairy farm on Route 62 overlooking the beautiful Great Salt Pond. Now open for dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun, 5 – 8 pm. See ad above for other hours. Catering available on or off premises. Closed Tuesday. Get salty! www.saltstx.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. 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. Days & times may vary; call head.
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
Serving the Community for 17 years!
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! ARTfarm. Picking cucs!
CUSTOM CAKES - 340-277-6721 BENYES, TARTS, RED GROUT 340-514-2003
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Rt. 75 off Centerline Road
Eat In or Take Out • 340-778-5717 Februar y / March 2020 • 35
FEBRUARY
On the Covers
Waldemar Brodhurst Waldemar is a Crucian artist who works exclusively in found and recycled materials like cable, rope, barbed wire, glass, wood, screening, fans, cardboard, fabric and objects— all fair game for his extraordinary imagination and ability to turn trash into beautiful art. Brodhurst abandoned his formal education in junior high school and, as a young man, supported himself by painting cars and rebuilding and swapping engines. He frequently rode his bike into Frederiksted where he was privileged to observe the iconic St. Croix artist Dove painting landmark Frederiksted scenes sitting on the sidewalk. Selling small, handheld sculptures out of a box at first, today his energized work can be seen all over the island! All of his subjects, human and animal are infused with their own unique vitality and selfexpression but it is in his female figures that we see a deeply held respect and admiration for the strength and vulnerability of women. These expressions were formed by the courage he witnessed in his own mother. Deeply affected by her death, he struggled for years until he found the ability to channel and release his feelings into his sculptures. His work, and the man himself, are a testament to the transformative power of art! Waldemar created Caribbean islands and birds on sticks for a troupe in the Children’s Christmas Festival Parade, January 3, did two large sculptures for the VI Lottery Pop Up Shows on St. Thomas and St. Croix in January, and showed in the “Crucian Fantasea Expressions” show at Iona Skye Gallery in Christiansted from December 19 through January 19. He’s currently working with Clean Sweep Frederiksted painting colorful tires for their Urban Garden Art project and will have three sculptures in the St. Croix Artists Guild’s “The Art Show,” January 24 through February 7 at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in Frederiksted. His works can also be seen at Art @ Top Hat Gallery in Christiansted, and Franklin’s in Frederiksted. Waldemr Brodhurst 340-642-5032 Waldy.brodhurst@gmail.com 36 • Februar y / March 2020
MARCH
World Ocean School
Waldemar Brodhurst art.
Susan Wall
Claude O. Markoe students. World Ocean School
Claude O. Markoe students. World Ocean School
“I Learned How To Steer the Helm!” From November through March, Roseway operates their Student Programs here in St. Croix serving over 350 students in multi-day programs. Elementary School students are introduced to W.O.S. through a series of half day programs sparking an interest in academics and the maritime industry. After raising the sails, they turn around and see St. Croix from a new perspective, sometimes discovering for the first time how beautiful it is. Junior High School students come aboard one day a week for 6 weeks to learn sail handling and seamanship with lessons in physics, mathematics, history and poetry. They calculate the speed of the boat, tie knots, climb the rigging, navigate, and work as a team. Their continued participation inspires engagement at home, school, and in the community. High School students have opportunities to become Jr. Crew Members, spending several hours a week sailing Roseway and building seamanship skills, and to work with Deckhand Educators to maintain and preserve Roseway, learning transferable vocational skills and earning Coast Guard Recognized Sea Time. Deckhand Educator, Anna Li Holey, explains her excitement to work for World Ocean School, “As a student, my experience on the Roseway was unforgettable and, through this program, I fell more in love with sailing and living out at sea. The crew members during my class made a lasting impression and I hope I can bring the same passion and enthusiasm in educating other students.” Here’s what the students are saying, “I know I can do that, what else can I do?” “I have become more confident in what I have to say.” “Before I didn’t think I needed anybody, but I learned that its OK to learn from others.” “Its great to be able to agree as a group (like raising sails) and make connections.” “Now I can see anything, anything is possible.” “This is why I devote my life to World Ocean School, and why I contribute personally,” says Eden Leonard, Executive Director. World Ocean School 340-626-7877 9B Hospital Street, Christiansted info@worldoceanschool.org www.worldoceanschool.org
Local Art
BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT, UVI/CCC, FEB. 26 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 Bead on a Wire – 340-718-BEAD (2323) Learn how to make jewelry—Wire Work, Chain Maille, Pearl Knotting, Viking Knit, Stringing, Knotted Lariat, and Seed Beading—from Artisan/ Instructor, Vanessa Harvey Hinds! Visit her bright, yellow and white Bead Store in the new Richmond Courtyard, on Soboetker Lane, between Rt. 75 and the Seaplane Ramp. Find tools, seed beads, semiprecious gemstone beads, Swarovski crystals and pearls, base and precious metal wire, and stringing supplies. Attend one of her many weekly two-hour classes—check the website or Facebook page for days and hours. Let her help you plan a Jewelry Party, Craft & Sip, or Special Jewelry Event. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm. www.beadonawirestx.com, 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 18th-century Danish townhouse. Artist-in-Residence program. Come visit and join us! www.cmcarts.org, Facebook. Christa’s Art Gallery – 340-513-8581 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, and tee shirts. Sign up for art classes and Sip and Paint events. Open Mon – Fri, 11am – 5:30pm; Sat, 10am – 3pm. 57 Company Street. www.christaart.com. Facebook. Instagram.
Lyn Voytershark “The Art Show,” sponsored by the ARTISTS GUILD OF ST. CROIX, opens January 24 at The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, in Frederiksted, with apps, live music, and cash bar. Show runs through February 7. The ARTISTS GUILD OF ST. CROIX, a non-profit community arts organization, strives to create a world of art possibilities through education, exhibitions, and public outreach programs.
ART @ TOP HAT GALLERY
FINE LOCAL ART - PRINTS - CARDS - PHOTOGRAPHY MAPS - HANDMADE JEWELRY - VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES AUTHENTIC WEST INDIAN ANTIQUES
Learn How to Make Jewelry!
52 Company Street, Christiansted 340-513-3558 Weekly Classes in Stringing – Seed Beading Pearl Knotting – Wire Work Chain Maille – Viking Knit Fully-stocked Bead Store Tools – Beads – Gemstones – Crystals Pearls – Wire – Stringing Supplies Hours Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm
340-718-BEAD (2323) www.beadonawirestx.com Februar y / March 2020 • 37
Local Art
ART THURSDAY, FEB 20 & MAR 19
Weddings I DO!
ous other artists. Call for scheduled hours and by appointment. www.henlegallery.com 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. Bead on a Wire. Old Mill pendant made at a Craft & Sip class. Sign up for one of ten seats!
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 vari-
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
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!
Celebrating Art & Culture
Paintings - Prints - Tees - Totes - Rugs - Posters Umbrellas - Pillows - Shower Curtains - Mugs
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?
‘Sip & Paint’ Events - Art Classes 57 Company Street - 340-513-8581 www.christaart.com
The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands.
Beautiful St. Croix photographs delivered right to your home!
Fritz Henle • Maria Henle • Tina Henle & other artists #55 Company St., Christiansted HenleGallery.com • 340-332-1628 38 • Februar y / March 2020
Visit www.ddstudio.smugmug.com/Travel/StCroix or call us at 310.861.6001 for more details!
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!
Christiansted and Gallows Bay, 1779, Oxholm’s West Indies map.
A St. Croix Neighborhood, with An Ominous Name, Is Nice Enough by Nina York It seems odd that any authority would endow a neighborhood with a scary or derogatory name, but such is the case for several areas of St. Croix originating in Danish times that are still in use. Some are names given by owners of sugarcane plantations – examples are Hard Labor, Barren Spot, Little Profit, even Humbug! One Christiansted neighborhood’s official name is Fængselet, the Danish name for The Prison, which is accurate in being the site of the old Richmond prison in use until the mid-1950’s. But a neighborhood we all consider pleasant and vibrant still carries a name that might be a deterrent for visitors but that most of us don’t dwell on defining: Gallows Bay. Maybe some of us are not even aware of the meaning of the word gallows, an ancient instrument of Gallows Bay, 1905. Danish artist, Hugo Larsen often lethal punishment by hanging offenders that tragically was used in former days as a public spectacle to deter criminal behavior. We note on the old Oxholm map of Christiansted in the upper left-hand corner a depiction of a gallows in the very site that today carries its name. Fortunately, this practice was discontinued in the late 19th century, and the rather swampy area was not developed until the late 1970’s by the Armstrong family that also owns the Buccaneer Hotel. It did have a population of fishermen, and the nearby street names of Fisher and Lobster Streets illustrate that identity which is still very valid and brings many shoppers for fresh fish from local waters there. But the Gallows Bay Marketplace was a massive undertaking of clusters of attractive buildings holding retail shops, restaurants, a bank, numerous offices, even a U.S. Post Office. This prompted a neighboring development along the Hospital Street/East End Road of a supermarket, pharmacy and other commercial facilities facing a new ballpark and sports center. Adjoining the Marketplace were the Schooner Bay Condos, a marina and the Gallows Bay harbor facility for docking of inter-island commercial freighters, the QE4 ferry to St. Thomas, and in winter months the Schooner Roseway, the two latter availing themselves of a new Visitor Center pavilion that will also serve visiting mini-cruise ships when the dredging of the harbor is completed. At that time, all freight activity and pertinent offices will be moved to existing facilities on the south shore of the island. While Christiansted itself is handicapped by limited parking, the Gallows Bay area, despite its ominous name, is thriving. 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. Februar y / March 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 Caribbean Sea Adventures. One way to Buck Island is our glass-bottom boat!
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.
Jolly Roger Charters – 340-513-2508 Sail, snorkel, hike, and relax on the Jolly Roger, a 42’ sailing Catamaran, with Captain Mike. Sail to Buck Island, on a half or full day trip, and experience the colorful reefs, beautiful hiking, and white sand beach (snorkel gear and instruction included). The Jolly Roger specializes in private charters and prides itself on providing guests with a more personalized experience by not overbooking the boat. Most trips depart from the boardwalk in Christiansted. Jolly Roger is an Authorized National Park Service Concessionaire. www.jollyrogervi.com, Facebook, Instagram.
Llewellyn’s Charter – 340-773-9027
Book Online
www.CaribbeanSeaAdventures.com
Or call 340-773-2628
40 • Februar y / March 2020
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
Watersports
STEAL SOME TIME AND GET IN THE WATER!
Jolly Roger Charters—The Kleins Run the Waves & on Foot Captain Mike has lived on St. Croix since 1984. After growing up in the small, but lively town of New Paltz, NY, he made his way to St. Croix on a three-masted sailing schooner named Rambler in a semesterat-sea program out of Gloucester, MA. He began captaining Jolly Roger in 1986 and in 1994 bought the boat and began Jolly Roger Charters. Mike became a National Park Concessioner in 2009 focusing on Buck Island Trips – full and ½ day plus sunset sails. “We specialize in private charters and smaller groups with personalized service and pride ourselves in customer service, striving to make sure our guests have a special experience in a relaxed environment whether on the boat, at the beach, or snorkeling our beautiful reef. If you come out to Buck enough, you’ll see everything—we see huge
them more options during their visit. We understand that, for some of our visitors, this is their first time in the Caribbean and/or first time snorkeling. It is our goal to make this a wonderful experience that they will remember and cherish.”
Bridget, Michael, Jr., Captain Mike.
schools of blue tang, parrot fish, squid, lobsters, barracuda, and spectacular coral formations every day,” says Mike. “We have been sailing with our Danish visitors for years. We make ourselves available to cruise ship passengers through direct and online bookings as well as last minute walk-ups to give
In 2012, Mike represented the VI in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. It was there that he met his now wife, Bridget, while competing. In 2017, they welcomed their first child, Michael Jr. Both Mike and Bridget still compete in most of the running and triathlon races on island. They are the race directors of the St. Croix Scenic 50, an ultra-marathon held in January.
Lyric Sails (340) 201-5227 www.lyricsails.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
Februar y / March 2020 • 41
Watersports
TAKE THE PLUNGE—MAKE SOME MEMORIES!
SCUBA DIVING ST. CROIX, USVI Dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day!
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.
Sweet Bottom Dive Center. Expect to see tropical fish, turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
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
BUCK ISLAND EXCURSIONS & SUNSET SAILS cont.....
340-773-DIVE (3483)
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 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 JR-09-214more copy.pdf
1
6/29/09
9:57 AM
2 Breathtaking Locations • Cane Bay Beach • Davis Bay Beach
Renaissance Carambola Resort RE-OPENING SOON
Less crowded trips! ● Private charters are our specialty!
Wall Diving, Boat Diving, Pier & Night Diving Available
sweetbottomdive.com 42 • Februar y / March 2020
JOIN THE EXPERTS! 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 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
DIVE EXPERIENCE — Diving St. Croix for 37 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
Celebrating 37 Years!
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 Februar y / March 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)
Virgin Kayak Tours. Try a Hobie Pedal Kayak!
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 – 340-277-8295 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.
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 • Februar y / March 2020
Sail Roseway! www.worldoceanschool.org
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
Virgin Kayak Tours – 340-514-0062 Voted ‘Best Kayak Tour’ on St. Croix for the past eight years by the readers of the VI Daily News! Family owned and operated for 20 years, Virgin Kayak Tours offers nighttime Bioluminescent Tours, Salt River Historical Park & Ecological Preserve tours, and Custom Tours—half day, full day, or week long. They use the award-winning Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, so your tour is effortless, even in windy conditions, and focus on St. Croix ecology, Pre-Columbian history, and the cultural landscape. “You’ll definitely see our passion shine through on every St. Croix kayak tour!” Located off Route #80 at Salt River Marina. jill@virginkayaktours.com virginkayaktours.com
Sea Thru Kayaks VI. Don’t miss a thing in your clear kayak!
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. See it on a SeaScooter!
Mermaid Adventures Snorkel Tours like only Mermaids and Merman do Snorkel with ease on underwater propulsion scooters!
Book Your Adventure Today!
310-742-5015 *
Proceeds benefit reef charities on St. Croix
www.mermaidadventures.net Februar y / March 2020 • 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 • December 2019 / Januar y 2020
Al Dorsa
Golf & Tennis PLAY TIME!
SEA’s TURTLE SEASON KICK-OFF Saturday, March 21, 9 – 11 am Southgate Coastal Reserve This annual event, which coincides with the beginning of Leatherback turtle nesting season, welcomes back all the nesting sea turtles to St. Croix by cleaning up the beach and informing participants about sea turtles in general and how everyone can help these endangered species, some through volunteering with SEA. Southgate Coastal Reserve, off East End Road, is a popular recreation spot but is also a nesting beach for all three species of turtles that regularly nest on St. Croix— Leatherbacks, Green Turtles, and Hawksbill turtles. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest of all living turtles with thick, leathery skin and distinct ridges. Green Sea Turtle’s flattened body is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace and has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. Hawksbill Sea Turtles are critically endangered; they are distinguished from other sea turtles by their sharp, curving beaks and actually spend more time in shallow lagoons and coral reefs than the open ocean. A major part of this Kick-Off event is a Beach Cleanup. In addition to being a health threat to people using the beach, trash on the beach and in the water is a major threat to the nesting female turtles and their hatchlings. Organizations expected to partner with the Turtle Season Kick-off include the Friends of the East End Marine Park, the Sandy Point Leatherback Project, and STAR (Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue) plus students from the UVI Sci 100 class leading activities. STAR is a collaboration of Federal and Territorial agencies, non-governmental organizations, veterinarians, and community volunteers working together to respond to sea turtles in trouble. In addition to helping sick, injured, and disoriented sea turtles, they collect valuable information that allows for a better understanding of threats facing sea turtles and better protection of these endangered animals. In case of a sea turtle emergency, call 340-690-0474.
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.
Carambola Golf Club.
The Buccaneer Hotel courts.
Steve Simonsen
Par 72 Championship Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Kelly Greer
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
St. Croix Environmental Association 340-773-1989 – Facebook www.stxenvironmental.org
Photo by Kelly Greer
Tee times from 7:30am - 4pm
72 Estate River 340-778-5638
www.golfcarambola.com Februar y / March 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 • Februar y / March 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.
Frederiksted Waterfront.
Atlantic Ocean Puerto Rico
Tortola
US
St. Thomas
BVI
UK
St. John
Culebra Vieques
Christiansted
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Caribbean Sea
Frederiksted
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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
Stuart Rames
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 Februar y / March 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
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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 • Februar y / March 2020
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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 Februar y / March 2020 • 51
Getting Around
BOOK WITH A SENSE OF ADVENTURE!
TAXI SERVICES
Rudy’s Taxi & Tours:.... 340-773-6803, 514-4600 Believe It Taxi Service..................340-690-3774 Antilles Taxi Service....340-773-5020, 690-9585 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 • Februar y / March 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.
Februar y / March 2020 • 53
On-the-Go Destinations! FIND IT HERE! IN, ON, AND BY THE WATER.
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Buying and Renting Here 1. Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 2. RE/MAX St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2
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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. Reef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 6. St. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 7. Schooner Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 8. Sugar Beach St. Croix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 9. Villa Madeliene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 2 AMA Cane Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 3. Beach Side Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 4. Blue Water Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1
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HENRY E. ROHLSEN AIRPORT
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
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Vincent F. Mason, Sr. Coral Resort Sandy Point
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Cast Iron Pot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 Cheeseburger’s In Paradise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 CHOP & Grill Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 Deep End Bar & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-2 Duggan’s Reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 EAT@Cane Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 El Flamboyant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 Goat, Soup and Whiskey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-2 La Reine Chicken Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-2 Plaza Extra West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4 SALT - Great Pond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-3 The Buccaneer Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-2 The Sweet Stuff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 Un Amore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2
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
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St. Croix Dive Sites 1.
A series of dive site descriptions.
Stingraysted – This dive has a slopping wall that starts in 40 feet and goes well below 1,000 feet. Great place to see Sting Rays. Lots of Barred Squirrel Fish, Yellow Tail Snapper, and Turtles. 2. Scotch Banks – There’s a slopping wall on the west side and sand chutes and flats that go all the way to Buck Island. Good place to find Nurse Sharks under ledges, Conch, Eels, and Peacock Flounders. In deep water you will find Black Coral and Elephant Ear Sponges.
© Cartographers, LTD. 2020
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.
Brought to you by Dive Experience, Christiansted boardwalk.
2. Blackhaus Cane Bay Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 3. Chenay Bay Beach Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L-1 4. Cottages By the Sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 5. Cruzan Sands Villa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G-0 6. Discovery Grove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1 7. Divi Carina Beach Resort and Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . N-2 8. Hotel on the Cay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 9. Mt. Victory Camp Eco Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2 10. Northside Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1 11. Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort. . . . D-1 12. Sand Castle On the Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4 13. Tamarind Reef Resort & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 14. The Buccaneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-1 15. The Palms at Pelican Cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 Other Interests 1. Captain Morgan Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 2. Caribbean Community Theater (CCT). . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 3. Cruzan Rum Factory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. Point Udall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-1 10. Randall “Doc” James Racetrack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4
11. Salt River National Historic Park & Ecological Preserve . G-0 12. St. Croix Seashell Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4 13. St. Croix Yacht Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-1 14. Sunny Isle Shopping Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 15. The Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands . . . . . . . D-4 16. University of the Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 Shop Duty Free 1. Ashley Furniture Homestore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. Februar y / March 2020 • 55
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Get Around Like a Local! FIND IT HERE! EXPLORE HISTORIC CHRISTIANSTED. 5
Protestant Cay
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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, Pg 63 2. Joe & Julie San Martin at RE/MAX St. Croix, Pg 62 2. Emeyln Sayre at RE/MAX St. Croix, Pg 62 2. RE/MAX St. Croix, Pg 2 Food & Drink 1. balter, Pg 24 2. BES Craft Coctail Lounge, Pg 24 3. Breakers Roar Tiki Bar, Pg 24 4. BREWSTX, Pg 26 5. Café Christine / ART GALLERY , Pg 26 6. Luncheria, Pg 26 56 • Februar y / March 2020
7. Maria’s Cantina, Pg 27 8. Nates Boathouse, Pg 26 9. Nauti Bar & Grille, Pg 27 10. Rum And Wine Bar Restaurant, Pg 25 11. Seaside Market & Deli, Pg 27 12. Shupe’s on the Boardwalk, Pg 26 13. Singh’s Fast Food, Pg 27 14. 40 Strand Eatery, Pg 25 15. The Courtyard, Pg 26 16. The Mill Boardwalk Bar & Brick Oven Pizza, Pg 25 17. Toast Diner, Pg 25 Get Fit/Be Well 1. Cultured Naturals, Pg 61 2. PamperedVI, Pg 61 3. Tropical Therapy, Pg 61 Getting Around 1. Budget St. Croix, Pg 53 2. Centerline Car Rentals, Pg 53 3. Seaborne Seaplane Ramp
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4. Sweeny’s St. Croix Safari Tours, Pg 8 Local Art 1. Art @ Top Hat, Pg 37 2. Christa’s Art Gallery, Pg 38 3. Henle Studio, Pg 38 4. Maufe Gallery, Pg 38 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 7. Lutheran Church 8. Moravian Church 9. National Park Service (NPS Headquarters) 10. Public Restrooms
P - Parking Christiansted National Historic Site Christiansted National Historic District
Shop Duty Free 1. Asha World Designs, Pg 11 2. Adorn, Pg 13 3. Baci Duty Free, Pg 15 4. Bead on a Wire, Pg 37 5. Cleopatra Gift Shop, Pg 10 6. Crucian Gold, Pg 21 7. Ebbe’s Store, Pg 10 8. Eden South, Pg 12 9. From the Gecko, Pg 11 10. Hotheads, Pg 13 11. ib designs, Back Cover 12. Joyia Inspirational Jewelry, Pg 12 13. Purple Papaya, Pg 13 14. Rare Finds, Pg 18 15. RJS Handmade Designs, Pg 17 16. Small Wonder, Pg 17 17. Sonya, Ltd, Inside Front Cover 18. Sublime STX, Pg 16 19. The Shoe Bar, Pg 12 20. Tropical Bracelet, Pg 19 21. Undercover Books & Gifts, Pg 20
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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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
Staying Here 1. Carvelle Hotel & Casino, Pg 34 2. Club Comanche / Hotel St. Croix, Pg 51 3. Company House Hotel 4. Holger Danske Hotel 5. Hotel on the Cay, Pg 51 6. Kings Alley Hotel 7. King Christian Tours 1. One North Street Watersports 1. Big Beard’s Adventure Tours, Pg 40 2. Caribbean Sea Adventures, Pg 40 3. Dive Experience, Pg 43 4. Jolly Roger Charters, Pg 42
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. Februar y // July March • 57 June 20142020 • Page
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.
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FOR YOUR SAFETY AED Locations in Frederiksted
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American Legion Hall Botanical Garden Cruise Ship Pier Fire Station Police Bike Patrol Unit Sandcastle on the Beach Vincent Mason Pool Whim Museum
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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
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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
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Buying and Renting Here 1. Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Pg 63
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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 ◆
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Food & Drink 1. Beach Side Café, Pg 28 2. Cibone, Pg 28 3. Louie & Nachos Beach Bar, Pg 28 4. Smoke STX, Pg 28 5. Tail End Bar & Restaurant,Pg 29 6. Tap Deck Bar & Billiards, Pg 29 7. The Fred, Pg 29 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 709. Our Town Frederiksted
10. Paul E. Joseph Stadium 11. Police Bike Patrol Unit 12. Public Restrooms 13. Rotary Club of St. Croix West 14. St. Croix Country Club Shop Duty Free 1. Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Pg 23 & 37 Sports 1. Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism, Pg 8 2. Cruzan Cowgirls, Pg 8 3. Lyric Sails, Pg 41 4. Mermaid Adventures, pg 45 5. Nep2une Scuba Diving, Pg 42 6. West End Water Sports, Pg 45 Staying Here 1. Caribbean Breeze Apartments & Vacation Homes, Pg 51 2. Cottages By the Sea 3. Frederiksted Hotel 4. Mt. Victory Camp, Pg 8 5. Sand Castle on the Beach 6. The Fred Hotel, Pg 51
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RICHARD HAMPTON JENRETTE ESTATE CANE GARDEN MUSEUM? by Michael Connors, PhD or the first time in two generations Saint Croix’s Estate Cane Garden is for sale.
Built on Saint Croix’s south shore during the last quarter of the eighteenth century Cane Garden’s great house exemplifies the prevailing neoclassical style of the era. Its situation atop a high hill approximately 120 feet above sea level takes maximum advantage of the cooling tropical trade winds; in addition, it affords a comprehensive view to the north of 200 terraced acres of the original sugar plantation as well as a panoramic view to the south of the Caribbean Sea. The Estate is located three miles south of Christiansted, originally the Danish colony’s seat of government, as well as its social and cultural center.
Diligent research and archival sources have proven the crucially important historical significance of the property. Ownership of the property that ultimately became Cane Garden can be traced as far back as a Count DuVal whose name appears on the property as delineated on a 1671 French map of Saint Croix by François Lapoint. Archival sources suggest that DuVal, who may have been a papal envoy, used the land as a Jesuit retreat. However, the earliest documented development of the property did not take place until the 1760s, almost thirty years after France sold Saint Croix to the Danes. Cane Garden was built by the MacEvoy family, of whom the first member on the island was Christopher MacEvoy Sr., a planter of Scottish parentage who arrived in 1751 and quickly established a dynasty in the sugar trade. (The MacEvoy family also owned Whim Plantation, whose great house has been closed since 2017 due to hurricane damage.)
Another example of Cane Garden’s historical significance is that Dr. William Thornton, one of the architects who worked on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. was involved in the 1820 remodeling of Cane Garden’s great house. Stylistically, the affinities between his work on the Capitol and the Cane Garden great house include the essentially English Palladian-revival design and a number of architectural details.
Estate Cane Garden’s ruins include the cookhouse, enslaved workers’ living quarters, the sugar processing works of a livestock mill and a windmill, and the original cold-water bathhouse (one of only two known on Saint Croix.) The other was at Whim Plantation. Such cold-water bathhouses were common in late-eighteenthcentury English rural architecture. Estate Cane Garden’s present owner, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, a foundation funded by the late Richard Hampton Jenrette, has decided to sell the property now that Mr. Jenrette has died. Richard Jenrette was not only responsible for the research, conservation and meticulous restoration of the property and great house, but furnished the rooms of the great house with selected antique objects that are in keeping with what would have been historically correct, emphasizing colonial West Indian mahogany furniture. The previous owner of Cane Garden, Mrs. Howard Wall, collected much of the antique mahogany furniture and sold it to Mr. Jenrette when he purchased the house. Mr. Jenrette remarked, “Mrs. Wall loved old island-made furniture and began to collect it shortly after World War II when nobody wanted antique furniture, especially the slightly naïve island-made furniture. “
The collection includes a number of mahogany four-poster beds, cup-tables, hand-caned chairs and settees, gaming tables, armoires, and parlor presses. Other notable and important items are the nineteenth century mahogany pier mirror and console, and an eighteenth century slab table both used at Government House in Christiansted, the official residence of the colonial governor general. In recent years, Colonial West Indian furniture, especially Crucian-crafted antique mahogany furniture has once again become fashionable and highly prized, and in the last decade has become a popular independent collecting field.
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Diligent research and archival sources have proven the crucially important historical significance of the property.
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Estate Cane Garden stands today as one of Saint Croix’s and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most important examples of material culture, and an historical reference to the Caribbean’s colonial period. For these reasons alone it is important we see that it is preserved. What better way than to make it our own, Richard Hampton Jenrette Estate Cane Garden Museum? Michael Connors, an expert in Caribbean antiques and architecture, has over thirty years of experience in writing, consultation, and teaching in fine and decorative arts. He has written many books including Caribbean Houses, British West Indies Style, and French Island Elegance, is a consultant for international architects and interior designers, and frequently lecturers at museums, educational, and retail institutions.
Get Fit! TIME FOR A TUNE UP
CULTURED Naturals Body Care / Home Scents
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riginally from Jamaica, Ramone Reid is the founder and CEO of Cultured Naturals Body Care, formulating and manufacturing Face, Hair, Body and Home Scent products, using locally-sourced ingredients, for the past five years. All products are plant based, featuring botanicals and essential oils gentle and functional enough for the entire family. There’s a baby line, featuring the faces of Ramone’s daughters Juliett and Gracie, and a Men’s line with a Makeup line coming soon. A hummingbird, called the Jamaican Doctor Bird, is part of the company logo and on all packaging—a symbol of healing love, positive energy, and homage to Jamaica. Ramone grew up working side by side with her Grandmother Zoe Adeana Cooks, a nurse for 40 years, a healer and Jamaican Maroon. With a wealth of information about natural remedies, Ramone learned about natural alternatives and their effectiveness. Fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs were abundant on her grandparent’s property and all were put to good use for eating and medicinal purposes, and remedies were passed down through the generations to Ramone creating the Cultured Naturals Body Care’s slogan, “Marrying Nature with Science.” Ramone started her business in her kitchen but it has evolved from 6 to 60 products that are sold in stores island wide, off island, online, and in her store in Christiansted. The business has gained momentum and brand recognition evident by a recent feature on www.Travel Noire.com, a platform for travelers looking for “the most amazing individuals from the African diaspora, who reside all over the globe!” Ramone received a full scholarship to the University of Havana to Study Medicine. She left with a diploma in Spanish Language and continued her studies in Jamaica earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and becoming a Registered Nurse. After a few years, with grad studies at Nova Southeastern University, Nassau, and Fort Lauderdale, she received her MBA. Service and community were always taught to be of great importance, and that has been Ramone’s focus to present day. She strives to create opportunities, foster collaborations, offer mentorship, and support the local economy. Look for the Cultured Naturals booth at the Ag Fair, February 15 – 17. CULTURED Naturals 55 Company Street • 340-626-8232 www.cuturednaturalsbc.etsy.com
pampered VI
THE COURTYARD
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he Kalima Center, on King Street, Christiansted, houses two businesses under one roof that offer health options for taking good care of yourself both inside and out and from head to toe!
Jordan Stevens, owner and licensed Esthetician/Lash Stylist at Pampered VI works with a staff of professsional experts—Kenya Davis, Waxing Specialist/ Esthetician, Nicole Brown, Massage Therapist, and Keosha Christsine, Lash Technician. Sabrina Powell mans the front desk as Receptionist. Ever thought of tinting your eyebrows and/or lashes? Now’s your chance. This is an easy, safe professional procedure to enhance your appearance naturally. Taking skincare to the next level, get that long-wanted custom facial or consult about microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or dermaplane services. Smooth skin and a skin care treatment in one? Fast and effective waxing services are available from brows, to face, to bikini, to arms and legs, even back and chest. What a treat when you’re ready! Choose traditional waxing or natural sugaring services. For ultimate relaxation and stress relief, there’s nothing better than a good body massage! Get refreshed and revived while improving circulation and posture, reducing muscle tension, increasing join mobility and flexibility and improving skin tone! Make an appointment with Nicole! Then there’s the ultimate treats—body scrubs, wraps, and a sauna! Pampered VI offers a quiet place, right in town, to indulge and maybe even spoil yourself! Next door, The Courtyard Juice & Fitness Center, run By Shane Kuhlman, is a perfect compliment now that you are on a roll to take care of yourself. Eat in or Grab & Go healthy smoothies, juices, coffees, salads, sandwiches and snacks here while upstairs schedule to take one of these professional classes regularly for a new, fit you—7 kinds of yoga, Barre Fitness, Group Breathe, Slow Flow, and Aerial Fit N Flow in a large, beautiful open-air space. Pampered VI & The Courtyard King Street & Strand Alley 340-773-7738 www.pamperedvi.com www.thecourtyardstx.com
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Be Well!
STEP UP, TRY SOMETHING NEW! Cultured Naturals Body Care — 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, 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. 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 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 stateof-the-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 Tropical Therapy - 340-773-5333 You will love visiting us in our tranquil setting with eight Treatment Rooms and a Scrub/Mud Room. Established in 1990, our therapists are Nationally Certified and VI licensed. We offer Therapeutic and Deep Tissue Massage, Stone Massage, Reflexology and Rolfing. Dermalogica products, the #1 choice of skin care professionals, are used exclusively for facials to deep-cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. Other treatments include Waxing, Cupping, Chemical Peel, Ear Candling and Microdermabrasion. Conveniently located above the Post Office in Gallows Bay where parking is right across the street. Open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm with some flexibility; some Sundays are available. Call or book online. www.tropicaltherapyvi.com
Pampered V.I. Take a day just for you.
Facials - Massage - Body Scrubs Eyelash Extensions & More!
340-773-7728 Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
day spa & lash lounge
www.pamperedvi.com Kalima Center, King Street, across from Government House
Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Naturals
Body Care Products & Home Scents
Jackie’s Beauty Supply - Plaza Extra West Mt. Welcome Pharmacy - 55 Company Street
340-626-8232
Paradise Chiropractic & Wellness Center.
www.culturednaturalsbc.etsy.com
Kelly Greer
Chiropractic Nutrition Optimization Detox Health Talks
• 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 Februar y / March 2020 • 61
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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 look forward showing off hills “my realisland. estate?I From an islandtoretreat 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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LISA CHRISTENSEN-HARRIS REALTOR ASSOCIATE OFFICE: 340-778-7000 x 104 CELL: 340-227-7899 S T. C R O I X R E A LT Y
lisa@coldwellbankervi.com www.coldwellbankervi.com
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 Eastcoldwellbankervi.com End home with apartment. Joe Caruso, St. Croix 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
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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.
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 own dream will walk you through real estate in Colorado. She is committed to proto Purchase terms so that you’ll have all the facts to vidinga exceptional customer to her clients make good decision and useservice our negotiating skills and customers. Many of her clients return that have helped hundreds of buyers acquire for their additional transactions refer friends and dream properties. We liveorby ourtheir motto: Teamwork family knowing they will be treated with the utmost makes dreams work! www.teamsnmartin.com
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, 340773-1048. www.emsayre.com
Contact us about buying, selling
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; a long-established, servicerealize your Caribbean dream! oriented 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-
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2020: YOUR YEAR TO BUY! Whether you have been visiting St Croix for years or if this is your first time to our island, this is the right time to buy. There are many positive reasons to own property on St Croix. Weather – How could it be any better? Sunny year round with daytime temperatures in the 80s, gentle trade winds, and low humidity. Beaches – Our beaches are named on the Forbes “Ultimate List” for 2019. They are beautiful, but not crowded. Every beach has a distinct personality—you are sure to find the perfect fit for you. Crystal Clear Waters – World-class Diving and Snorkeling for all skill levels. Restaurants – Voted some of the best in the Caribbean, St. Croix’s restaurants offer a variety of local food and culinary specialties. There is a “Taste of St. Croix” for every palate. Music – Every night of the week you can find excellent musical talent in comfortable venues. Jazz, rock, reggae--we have it all. Festivals – Enjoy the cultural heritage with street parties and parades for every holiday. People – St. Croix has the friendliest people you will find anywhere. All day you will be welcomed with a pleasant “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good night,” and strangers will quickly become friends. Economy – We are on an upward trend. Millions of investment dollars are pouring into our business community, and the rental market is strong. Part of the U.S. -- No passport required for America’s Paradise. You can own a piece of paradise! Whether you want a house, a condo, a vacant lot-whether you want to live full-time or have a place to visit anytime--I can help you find the perfect place. Property prices have been on the rise. Now is the time to buy. Contact me for expert assistance. I would love to talk with you about your future home! Visit our website to download helpful information: Buyers Guide / Condominium Guide / Relocation Guide.
Joe Caruso - 340-474-0466 joe@stcroixislandlife.com 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 Concordia.
Brooke Myers, Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty
PARADISE AWAITS YOU St. Croix | U.S. Virgin Islands
www.stcroixislandlife.com 5100 Chenay Bay Christiansted, VI 00820 Joe Caruso | Realtor Cell: 340-474-0466 joe @ stcroixislandlife.com
SALES & RENTALS Gallows Bay | 340.718.7000 340.778.7000
Experience the Difference ColdwellBankerVI.com
Frederiksted | 340.642.3333 Februar y / March 2020 • 63
STARS SHOPPING
ST. CROIX Sky Watch FEBRUARY 2020 / MARCH 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.
March Moon Phases
First Quarter................. 1 Feb Full Moon...................... 9 Feb Last Quarter................15 Feb New Moon..................23 Feb
First Quarter......................2 Mar Full Moon...........................9 Mar Last Quarter................... 16 Mar New Moon..................... 24 Mar
WEST
February Moon Phases
EAST
By: Tom Lesser, formerly Senior Lecturer at the American Museum-Hayden Planetarium and frequent island visitor.
Sunrise & Sunset February Sunrise............................................................. 7:19 am February Sunset..............................................................6:46 pm March Sunrise.................................................................. 6:57 am March Sunset...................................................................6:58 pm
SOUTH
Sunrise and sunset times are based on the 15th of each month.
CONSTELLATIONS: UPPER CASE • Stars: Lower Case
T
he very bright Venus will dominate the western sky after sunset. It is the third brightest natural object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.
Orion the Hunter is almost overhead in the Islands. Orion is easy to find, its seven bright stars form the outline of the Hunter’s body: Two bright stars form his shoulders red Betelgeuse and Bellatrix), two more his knees (Saiph and the very bright Rigel) and three his belt. With clear dark skies you may be able to see the jewels in Orion’s sword, hanging from his belt. Orion is not alone in his celestial hunt. By Orion’s feet are his two hunting dogs. Canis Major the Big Dog is very easy to find. Look for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, and you have found the Big Dog. North and east of Sirius and Orion is a somewhat fainter star, this is Procyon and Canis Minor, the Little Dog.
64 • Februar y / March 2020
Above Procyon in the Little Dog and Betelgeuse in Orion, look for two bright stars nearby each other and of about the same brightness. They almost look like twin stars, and in fact these two stars, Castor and Pollux, mark the heads of the Gemini Twins. According to mythology, Castor and Pollux were twin brothers and the sons of Jupiter. The twins accompanied Jason and the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. To the west of Orion is the bright red star Aldebaran, the red right eye of Taurus, the Bull. Perhaps you can see a sideways “V” shape that forms the Bull’s head. Just above Aldebaran and the V is a cluster of many stars close together, the Pleiades or seven sisters. This is without a doubt the best known of all star clusters. On a clear dark night, they are so easily spotted that they have been noted in writing since at least 2357 B.C.E. Not surprisingly, there are many myths and legends about the Pleiades. One
story tells that these sisters were so beautiful that Orion, the Hunter, was unceasing pursuing them. They appealed to Jupiter for help. He changed them into doves whereupon they flew into the sky and found refuge among the stars. Around 2:00 a.m. the bright planets Jupiter and Mars will rise in the east, seen against the background of stars of Sagittarius, the Archer. Sagittarius looks nothing like an archer. Shorter after Jupiter and Mars appear, Saturn will rise in the east. All three planets will be easier to locate if you wait a few hours for the planets to climb higher in the sky. March 19th is the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (the start of Spring) and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere (the start of Fall). The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world.
IS STUNNING
Finding the right setup for your Finding right setup for your space is the easier than it seems. space is easier than it seems.
We ship to St. Thomas, St. John and BVI We ship to St. Thomas, St. John and BVI
shop in-store 4200 United Shopping Plaza | Suite 113 | St. Croix, VI | 00820 | USA shop in-store 4200 United Shopping Plaza | Suite 113 | St. Croix, VI | 00820 | USA tel. 340.778.6440 | shop online ashley.com.vi | hours of operation M-S 9am to 6pm | Sun 11am to 3pm tel. 340.778.6440 | shop online ashley.com.vi | hours of operation M-S 9am to 6pm | Sun 11am to 3pm