21 minute read
Virgin Islands History
EAT Taste of the Tropics: Restaurants at a Glance
Gladys' Café Great Wall
Caribbean, West Indian Chinese 774-6604 B, L 776-3566 L, D All Major No $$ Casual MC, V No $$ Casual
Greengo's Cantina
Mexican Sonoran cuisine 714-8282 L, (D Fri) MC, V, D No $$ Casual Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar Steaks, Seafood, American 774-7998 L, D All Major No $$ Casual
Hook'D USVI
American 714-4665 B, L, D V, MC, D No $$ Casual
Hook, Line & Sinker Ideal Roti
Continental / Seafood Casual Caribbean 776-9708 L, D, S. Brunch All Major Yes $$ Casual 777-5321 L MC, V No $ Casual Town Havensight Downtown Town Red Hook Frenchtown Town, Bunker Hill
Iggie's Oasis
Indigo 4 Island Flavor Restaurant Island Sweet Stuff Island Time Pub
Classic American
Caribbean Caribbean, West Indian Bakery Pizza, Pasta, Salads
775-1800 L, D All Major No $$ Island Casual Poolside, Bolongo Bay Resort
714-4447 D All Major Yes $$ Ocean/Marina View Yacht Haven Grande
714-5588 L 201-6436 B, L MC, V Cash No $ Casual No $ Casual Crown Bay Marina Tillett Gardens
Karen's Place
Kinky Mermaid VI Lanai at Limetree Beach
World Cuisine Pacific Rim 226-3349 L, D 774-4884 L, D All Major No $ Casual All Major Yes $$ Casual Red Hook Southside, Limetree Beach
Lattes in Paradise
Deli Style Sandwiches, Coffee 928-607-6575 B, L MC, V No $ Casual Red Hook, American Yacht Harbour
Leatherback Brewing Tasting Rm American/Caribbean
Lovango Resort + Beach Club Creative Coastal Cuisine Love Livin
Vegetarian, Vegan
L,D D, MC, V No $ Casual Havensight Plaza
625-0400 L,D 998-5732 L, D All Major Req $$-$$$ Casual Fine Dining By private ferry from Red Hook MC, V No $ Casual Tillett Gardens & Pilgrim Terrace
Mafolie Restaurant
Caribbean 774-2790 B, L, D
All Major Yes $$ Great View Above Town Magens Bay Beach Bar and Café Burgers, Pizza None B, L All Major No $ Casual Northside
Margaritaville Restaurant American / Caribbean 775-8310 B, L, D All Major No $$ Casual Smith Bay
Mim's Seafood Bistro
Seafood 775-2081 D All Major Yes $$ Casual Bolongo Bay
Mirador by Chef Benny
International
My Brothers Workshop
Bakery, Sandwiches Oceana Restaurant and Bistro Seafood
775-7200 L, D, S. Brunch MC, V, D No $-$$ Casual East End, Point Pleasant Resort
715-2769 B, L 774-4262 L, D MC, V V, MC No $ Casual
Town Yes $$-$$$ Island Elegant Frenchtown
Old Stone Farmhouse
Caribbean Bistro
Outriggers
American, Caribbean Pangea terra table restaurant Farm to Table Paradise Bistro Bar & Grill
American / Caribbean 777-6277 D, Sun. Brunch All Major Yes $$$ Island Elegant Northside (254) 421-7593 L,D 690-0963 D All Major No $$ Waterfront, casual Red Hook, next to ferry terminal MC, V No $$ Casual East End, Pavillions and Pools Hotel
Pasta Go Go
Pasta 775-4646 B, L Cash No $ Casual Town
Pesce Petite Pump Room Pie Whole Pita Express Pizza Amore PiZZA Pi
American, Seafood Caribbean / American 714-7874 L, D 776-2976 B, L
Pizza
642-5074 L, D Greek, Healthy Vegetarian 777-4072 L Pizza / Sandwiches / Salads 774-2822 L, D Pizza 643-4674 L, D All Major Yes $$$ Casual MC, V, AE No $-$$ Casual All Major Yes $$ Casual All Major No $$ Casual MC, V No $$ Casual
MC, V No $$ Casual East End, Red Hook Town Frenchtown Town Havensight Christmas Cove, On the Water
PlantTastic PRIME
Vegan Steakhouse 514-6152 L 690-2191 D No MC, V No $ Casual
EAT Taste of the Tropics: Restaurants at a Glance
Rancho Latino RAW RooT 42 Roots Rum Island Pub
Latin Sushi American Vegetarian Bar 774-8909 L, D 714-7874 L, D 513-1688 L, D L L All Major No $$ Casual All Major No $$ Casual MC, V No $$ Casual No $ Casual
Cash No $ Casual Havensight, Vitraco Mall East End, Red Hook Northside, Flamboyant Resort Town Town
Sabroso
Saki House
Salt & Vinegar Sapphire Beach Bar Scoops & Brew Sea La Vie Senor Pizza Shoreline Bar & Grille
Waterfront, Town
Thai and Japanese 776-3338 L, D All Major No $$ Casual Red Hook
Fish & Chips American Grill Ice Cream and Coffee French Inspired 774-2447 L, D MC, V No $$ Casual
714-7874 x 18 L 690-2739 NA
All Major No $$ Casual All Major No $ Casual 693-7808 D (Tues.- Sat.) MC, V, D Yes $$ Romantic Nisky Center East End, Sapphire Resort Crown Bay Marina Frenchtown
Pizza 775-3030 L, D Cash No $$ Casual Red Hook
Sib’s Mountain Bar & Restaurant American
774-8967 D MC, V, D No $-$$ Casual Northside
Side Street Pub
Tacos, Burgers, Sandwiches 775-5131 B, L
Smoking Rooster BBQ
Traditional American Smoked BBQ 715-2625 B, L, D Stir It Up Coffee Shop & Bakery Local Baked Goods Stone House Café
American 642-9972 B, L 777-3000 L,D
Sudi's Caribbean Bar & Grille Caribbean Fusion
777-5423 L, D MC, V, D No $$ Casual MC, V, D Yes, 6+ $-$$ Casual No Casual All Major No $$ Casual MC, V No SS Casual
Sugar Cane Grille Sunny Days Ice Cream Sunset Grille
Caribbean, Seafood Ice Cream & Adult & Virgin Milkshakes 776-8056 B, L, D
All Major No $$ Casual L,D (Tues-Sun) V, MC, D No $ Casual Sandwiches, Pizza, Salads 714-7874 B, L, D MC, V No $$ Casual Town Havensight Havensight Town East End, Sapphire Village Town, Bunker Hill Hotel Red Hook East End, Secret Harbour
Taco Chelles
Tacos 244-8677 L, D None No $$ Casual Frenchtown
Taphus Beer House Texas Pit
Beer and Cocktails BBQ 774-4010 N/A 776-6579 D All Major No $-$$ Casual MC, V No $$ Take Out Town Red Hook, Subbase & Waterfront
taste at Paradise Point The Easterly The Salad Bar and Deli
Southwestern Inspired
690-2191 L, D on F,S,S MC, V Caribbean; Wood Fired Cuisine 715-2210 L, D MC. V No $$ Island Casual Paradise Point No $$-$$$ Casual East End, Red Hook
Salad Bar and Deli Sandwiches 626-4922 B, L MC, V, D No $ - $$ Casual Town
The Tap and Still Tickles Dockside Pub Twisted Cork
Burgers / Chicken / Fries American
244-4540 L, D 776-1595 B, L, D Comfort Food w/ Caribbean Twist 775-2675 L, D MC, V
No $ Casual MC, V, AE No $$ Casual MC, V, D No $-$$ Casual Red Hook, Havensight Sub Base Frenchtown
Up Island Homemade Ice Cream Ice Cream Shop
474-0421 L, D
VI Coffee Roasters
Coffee, Sandwiches, Pastries & Sweets 201-1235 B, L None
No $ Casual MC, V, D No $-$$ Casual Tillett Gardens Havensight, Al Cohen's Plaza
Victor's New Hideout Virgillos Win Mill 2.0 XO Bistro Za Rock Pizza Kitchen
Caribbean Italian Sports Bar and Lounge Bistro Pizza
776-9379 L, D 776-4920 L, D 643-4946 L, D 779-2069 D 244-9441 D
MC, V No $$ Casual
Sub Base All Major Yes $$$ Island Elegant Town MC, V No $ - $$ Casual Frenchtown
MC, V No $$ Casual East End, Red Hook
All Major No $-$$ Casual Tillett Gardens
Tying the Knot in Paradise
Celebrate your love on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
When dreaming of a destination wedding, those dreams usually come vividly painted in Caribbean blue and tropical colors with visions of uniting in love where sand meets sea. So if you are pondering — or have your heart set on — a beach wedding, vow renewal or other celebration of love, then the U.S. Virgin Islands provide a memorable setting. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony with just the happy couple and a handful of others or a grand occasion with folks flying in from all over, you can find accommodations, planners, musicians, décor, photographers and more here. But the beach — ah the beach — that is the centerpiece; the ideal tropical backdrop. And when it comes to beaches the Magens Bay Authority manages two of the most beautiful beaches one can imagine. According to Magens Bay Authority Management, Magens Bay on St. Thomas’ northside and Smith Bay Park on the east end, which provides public access to the beach (formerly known as Lindquist Beach), are two of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the entire Caribbean region. In fact, Magens Bay Authority Management notes, Magens Bay has been ranked on the Top 10 Beaches in the World list twice and in 2021 was listed as the Travelers’ Choice ‘Best Beach in the Caribbean’ by Caribbean Journal. “The white sands, turquoise blue water, tranquil atmosphere, and gentle waves crashing on the shore of the bay make it a prime location for the tropical wedding you’ve always fantasized about. Not only will your wedding be magazine worthy, but the pictures you capture to memorialize your event will be as well.” More than 100 weddings take place at the two parks each year. “While our numbers declined due to COVID-19 and lack of cruise ships, we fully expect the number to increase to pre-Covid numbers soon and perhaps even surpass them.” If you plan to have a wedding or vow renewal ceremony at Magens Bay or Smith Bay Park, there are some fees, regulations and courtesies that should be observed and honored.
Fees
The current fee to book a wedding at both Magens Bay and Smith Bay Park is $250 and is payable via the website -— www. magensbayauthority.org — or at the Magens Bay office. The specific area on the beach is selected by the wedding couple and/or wedding planner. Magens Bay Authority has an event coordinator to assist professional wedding planners.
Since there is an entry fee at the gate to the park, guests are expected to pay the entry fee. It is possible to pre-pay the entry fee for your guests to provide a better experience. Contact staff about how to make that happen at customerservice@ magensbayauthority.org or 340-777-6300. The Authority also asks you to please let them know who your vendors are so they will be expecting them at the gate and allow them free entry.
Tying the Knot in Paradise
Dates and Time
You can book your wedding/renewal up to 18 months in advance. The Authority recommends booking at least nine months out to allow adequate planning time and to ensure you get the date you want. Weddings are only allowed during park hours. Special arrangements can be made for sunset ceremonies, but all equipment must be removed before departure. There may be more than one ceremony a day, but not the same time of day. Currently Magens Bay Beach hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Smith Bay Beach hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. But hours could change so be sure to confirm before planning your special event.
Weather
It is wise to keep in mind that Virgin Islands beaches can be very hot at times, especially during midday hours. So adequate sunscreen protection is necessary. Thus, you should also be aware that per Virgin Islands law sunscreen or sunblock must be reef safe. Please also encourage your guests to remain hydrated with water and reduce alcohol intake, especially if the wedding is during mid-day hours. If they’re not from a tropical region, it could be overwhelming.
Privacy
Please keep in mind that having a wedding at one of our Virgin Islands public parks is much different than having a completely private wedding venue. Other park patrons tend to be very respectful of wedding ceremonies, but you are outside on a beach potentially with many other guests. With that in mind, in order to minimize potential interruptions, having weddings in areas that tend to be less crowded and at off-peak hours of the day (e.g., early morning weddings) tend to be best.
Venue Setting
Most couples understandably want to have a view of the water during their ceremonies, which means that the ceremony will take place in the sand. Keep this in mind when planning the wedding party’s attire, particularly shoes. If you have a guest who will require wheelchair access to the ceremony, please arrange with Magens Bay Authority prior to ensure the wheelchair mat for the sand is in place.
Photos by Alexandra Marie Photography alexandramariephotography.zenfolio.com
Critters
Bug repellent will also be necessary for sunset weddings, as “sand flies” come out near dusk and can be quite a nuisance. Additionally, you may see an iguana or mongoose strolling across the beach during your ceremony. Not to worry, they are harmless and tend to head in the opposite direction of people.
Protect Our Park
“Given that we are first and foremost a nature park and beach that prides itself on the preservation of the natural environment as much as possible, any glass bottles used during your ceremony must be removed from the premises after the event. Additionally, balloons, plastic confetti and artificial flower petals are not allowed in the park due to the hazards they pose to the wildlife when consumed,“ said Magens Bay Authority Management. “It’s also important to note that all event items/décor cannot remain on the beach overnight.”
Resources and Amenities
Currently Magens Bay Authority does not offer any wedding services or amenities other than the park’s restrooms and pavilion sheds. Beach sheds can be rented for reception use for an additional fee through the www.magensbayauthority.org website. The island is home to experienced local wedding planners who use Magens Bay and Smith Bay Park on a regular basis and the Authority does have an in-house event coordinator who can work with your wedding planner.
St. Thomas-St. John This Week has added a section on our virginislandsthisweek.com website. Our goal is for it to be a resource for all who want to celebrate their love with a special event in our beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands. Please visit the website often as we are planning frequent updates. Plus, if you are a business or vendor who helps plan or capture celebration of love events, please contact Publisher Charlotte Atkins at catkins@metrocarib.com to learn how to have your services included.
Put over three decades of tourism management and event planning experience in the Virgin Islands to work for you. ValEvents takes the worry out of planning a destination celebration. Their network of event professionals are creative, dedicated, resourceful and most importantly love what they do. Their stated KISS philosophy is to Keep It Simple & Stress-free. Val creates and curates unforgettable events to suit individual dreams and budgets for all occasions. From the traditional to the whimsical, together they will bring your vision to life. Planning a wedding from hundreds of miles away can be intimidating. ValEvents will accompany you every step of the way, making your dream day a reality. We will have an island minister meet you at your desired location to perform a nondenominational island wedding ceremony. Our ministers are down to earth and personable. We are confident that you will be pleasantly surprised with the service. The scenic beauty of the islands serves as the backdrop to your special day. Select from a variety of talented photographers ready to capture your special moments to be treasured for years to come. From staff photographers to professional photographers and videographers we offer options for every budget. Of course, flowers and décor add so much. They set your wedding theme, reflect your personality and capture the spirit of celebration on the most special and meaningful occasion of your life! The islands set a beautiful backdrop for your special day. Keep it simple and untouched or dress it up into an elegant affair. Arches and aisles, linens and centerpieces, ceiling treatments and lighting ... we have you covered. ValEvents can also help with wedding cakes, catering, music, venues … even adventure weddings. Or if your celebration of love is an engagement, vow renewal or another type of event, ValEvents stands ready to co-create your dream experience. For more information, visit valevents.com.
COCONUT COAST VILLAS ST. JOHN, USVI • 800-858-7989 COCONUTCOAST.COM
When you decide to celebrate your love with an engagement, wedding or anniversary event, Coconut Coast Villas on St. John is the perfect home base for your island celebration. Their “beach house comfortable” boutique hotel offers studios, two-, and three-bedroom vacation condos in a quiet family neighborhood close to town. Their two buildings surround an oceanfront pool, hot tub and patio. All of the rooms have large ocean front patios where the sounds of the surf and tumbling rocks will relax you. Plus you will have the Caribbean Sea on one side and an Audubon Wildlife Salt Pond on the other side. All the comforts of home await you -- free wireless internet, satellite TV, queen beds, private baths, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, guest laundry facilities, coolers, beach towels and off street parking. They also have beach chairs for you to use and snorkel gear for you to rent while on St. John. Plus you are minutes from some of the most stunning beaches in the world for your ceremony and for play and relaxation. On-site managers Dave and Julie will strive to make your experience on St. John relaxing and fun and will serve as your concierge to help you see all that the island has to offer. So if you are looking for a place for you and your sweetheart or your group, this is a comfortable offthe-map place to stay and celebrate your love in Paradise. For more information or to book your stay, visit coconutcoast.com
YELENA ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY ST. JOHN, USVI • 340-774-4027 WWW.YELENAROGERSPHOTO.COM
Yelena Rogers is a noted professional photographer based on the beautiful island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She was born in Russia, grew up in Ukraine and lived in New Hampshire before she moved to St. John, USVI in October 2010. She graduated with a Degree in Arts from Moscow State Lomonosov University and Master's Degree in Science from Boston University. She started her photography business as a second career in 2010 and has been growing it now for more than a decade. Yelena is known in Love City for her vibrant photography, capturing daily life, events, family portraits, nature as well as memorable images of celebrations of love. She specializes in lifestyle photography using clean classic style with elements of photojournalism. She pays close attention to composition and color rendition of her images. She says she believes that the photograph is the mirror of the photographer, and she always want to see the happy and beautiful emotions of her clients. “I am a collector of hugs and kisses, first looks and first dances, sunsets and rainbows. I see tears of happiness and smiles of joy. I make memories.” You can see for yourself on her website — www.yelenarogersphoto.com — in galleries of her photos of weddings, honeymoons, engagements and anniversaries and more. Call Yelena at 340-774-4027 or 603-401-4757 or e-mail Yelena. rogers@tds.net or through her website contact page.
GALLOWS POINT RESORT ST. JOHN, USVI • 340-776-6434 GALLOWSPOINTRESORT.COM
The island of St. John is a very popular wedding and honeymoon destination in the Caribbean, with its intimate, romantic atmosphere, unpopulated beaches and laidback ambiance. A premier property on St. John, Gallows Point Resort offers two stunning wedding locations on its beautifully landscaped grounds for your perfect island wedding, all with picturesque water views and gorgeous sunsets. Nestled on its own tropical peninsula, Gallows Point is peaceful and intimate, yet conveniently located within walking distance of Cruz Bay’s quaint shops and restaurants. Accommodations are comfortable and modern. Each unit boasts its own private balcony or patio with ocean views. Resort guests can dine on site at Ocean 362 restaurant, where understated elegance, views of the sea, and fine chef-driven cuisine make for an unforgettable meal. Gallows Point is an idyllic location for special events. Because some occasions are unique, once-in-a-lifetime moments – with your love, your family or your friends – Gallows Point Resort is intent on delivering enchanting moments that you and your guests will never forget. For more information, please visit www.gallowspointresort.com or contact the resort by calling 340-776-6434 or by email at info@gallowspointresort.com.
Celebration of Love
Things to Know About Getting Married in the USVI
When two hearts connect and want to share their lives, there’s no better place to celebrate and confirm that love than the U.S. Virgin Islands. And the USVI is the ideal place for a special ceremony to marry, renew vows, get engaged, mark an anniversary or any other special commemoration. We have beautiful beaches galore on St. Thomas and St. John, historic churches and landmarks, luxurious resorts, lush botanical gardens, attraction venues and stunning villas and more for ceremonies. For proposals you can pop the question underwater, in the air, on a boat, overlooking postcard vistas, at the edge of the sea or gazing out over it. The good news is that in addition to our storybook locations, it’s pretty simple to get married in the USVI. Here are a few things to know: • All beaches are public and you are permitted to have your wedding on any stretch of sand you like. Just be mindful there will likely be others there enjoying the beach. Managed beaches have fees and rules. • Since the U.S. Virgin Islands is a United States Territory, passports are not required for U.S. citizens to enter the USVI or to get married here. • If you marry here in the USVI, your marriage is legal in all U.S. states and territories. • Like other places, there is a process to getting married here in the islands and things that must be done in advance. That includes completing an
Application for Wedding License from the Superior Court of the Virgin
Islands, which can be download from www.vicourts.org and mailed. Your marriage application must be received by the courthouse 8 days prior to your arrival, so it’s suggested that you use Priority Mail. There is no additional waiting period to get your marriage license after you file the application. For more information, call the VI Superior Court at 340-774-6680 and request the
Family Division. • The costs are $100 for the marriage application and $100 for the license.
• There are wedding planners and officiants who are well-versed in the legal processes of getting married in the USVI so they can help make it easier. • On-island wedding experts are available for catering, transportation, flowers, cakes, music, décor and more. • There are all kinds of fun things for you and your event guests to do and enjoy while here like shopping, boat charters, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing,
Coral World, island tours, island hopping. This magazine is chockfull of all of the best things to do here. And if you are getting married in paradise, you might as well stay and enjoy your honeymoon here!
Gallows Point Resort is the only resort in Cruz Bay, St. John offering oceanfront accommodations in harmony with the island’s natural beauty. Nestled on a beautifully landscaped tropical peninsula, Gallows Point Resort is peaceful and intimate, yet conveniently located within walking distance of quaint Cruz Bay’s shops and restaurants.
Some occasions are unique, once-in-a-lifetime moments – with your love, your family or your friends. Gallows Point Resort is sure to deliver enchanting moments that you and your guests will never forget. The property offers two stunning wedding locations on the lushly landscaped grounds for your perfect island wedding, all with picturesque water views and gorgeous sunsets. Each comfortable and modern unit boasts its own private balcony and ocean views. Guests can dine on site at Ocean 362 and enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Gallows Point even has its own strip of sandy beach, peppered with pebbles, that’s shaded by towering palms overhead. Book your wedding group today and enjoy memories that will last a lifetime!
Wedding photos by Anne Bequette. Property photos by Steve Simonsen.
