JUNE

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

CONTENTS JUNE / JULY 2021

Former Senator, ‘Positive’ Nelson, “Walk to Freedom,” July 3. Daily News

FEATURES

3 Duty Free Allowance 30 Luncheria—Mexican Food 35 Local Farm Stands 36 Meet Elwin Joseph

Meet Jamila Hammad 39 St. Croix’s Authenticity

Through Change 41 Buck Island Charters—

Teroro II & Dragonfly 47 East End Marine Park’s

New Visitor Center 59 “Walk to Freedom” and

Relay for Life on St. Croix 62 RE/MAX St. Croix

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 39 OUR DANISH CONNECTION 40 WATERSPORTS 46 BEACHES 47 GOLF & TENNIS 48 GOOD TO KNOW 50 STAYING HERE 51 EASY HOTEL GUIDE 52 GETTING AROUND Rental Cars/Taxis/Ferry 54 MAPS 60 TO YOUR HEALTH 62 BUYING HERE 64 SKYWATCH

ON THE COVERS

JUNE ELWIN JOSEPH “Daily Chores #3” Watercolor

Luncheria. Best Tacos for 39 years! Susan Wall

ST. CROIX THIS WEEK

Morris Caribbean Publications St. Croix This Week St. Thomas / St. John This Week St. Thomas In A Day

IN THE USA

PUBLISHER Charlotte Atkins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chelsea Sunshine DISTRIBUTION Liz Covert

Copyright 2021. No part may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

JULY

JAMILA HAMMAD “Eventide” Mixed Media on Wood

MANAGING EDITOR - MEDIA CONSULTANT

Susan S. Wall 340-773-0715 / 340-277-9642 stcroixthisweek@gmail.com e-edition – stcroixthisweek.com