Our latest featured articles about the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Flora & Fauna
Very little of the vegetation that is so much part of our Caribbean horticultural scene today is indigenous to the islands. Captain Bligh of the Bounty carried breadfruit from Africa and coconuts from Malaysia. Bananas and plantains stem from the Canary Islands, as does sugar cane. From Mexico, Central and South America came papaya, poinsettias, cashews, genips and allemanda. Tamarind and African tulip trees, guinea grass and many local vegetables are from Africa; Madagascar produced flamboyants. Hibiscus first bloomed in Hawaii and frangipani flourished in Asia.
All beaches in the Virgin Islands are open to the public. A few have dressing facilities and showers – Coki (at Coral World) and Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas; Cinnamon and Trunk Bay on St. John. Some hotel beaches have beach chair/umbrella rentals and restaurant/bars nearby, such as Frenchman’s Reef Morningstar Beach and Sapphire Beach. It is advisable to leave valuables at your hotel unless you have a plastic container to take them along on your swim or snorkeling while at the beach. Avoid the mid-day sun. Start out with a 20 minute exposure with suntan lotion on your first few days. Even sitting in the shade can result in sunburn.
The following are some of our favorite Virgin Island beaches...
Every year on St. Thomas, French Heritage Week is celebrated in conjunction with Bastille Day. It is a time of festivities and commemoration, and a time to relish in that bastion of gourmet experiences: French cuisine.
There is only one truly French restaurant on St. Thomas- Hervé. Each day, but especially in honor of Bastille Day, Herve Paul Chassin and his wife, Paulette Keffas-Chassin, roll out the red carpet for all to savor the flavor of France. A special Prix Fixe four course meal has been offered over the years in honor of Bastille Day and the response from the French community, as well as many other St. Thomas residents and visitors, has been tremendous. This year, the celebratory dates will be July 12, 13, and 14 and reservations are strongly suggested for this popular event.
Their slogan “Get up close and personal “ couldn’t be more appropriate. See tons of marine life without ever getting wet. See and learn about the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from their unique underwater observatory. Visit the shark pool where you can pet a shark or hand feed a stingray. Visit with the Lorikeets which will flock to your arm when offered a cup of nectar. And if you don’t mind getting wet bring your bathing suit so you can swim with the sea lions or try a Sea Trek Helmet Dive.
St.Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point
This unique attraction offers visitors a tram ride up to Paradise Point, 700 feet above sea level, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, especially impressive when many of the cruise ships are in port. The tramway operates six cars, similar to those used at ski resorts, for the short ride to the summit. At the top, you can take in the amazing scenery and visit shops and the popular restaurant and bar. A visit at sunset is particularly beautiful. Recently added to Paradise Point is a new Bungie Jump. Located on the Main road in Havensight.
The U.S Territories (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and the British Virgin Islands (to the north and east) are among the most beautiful geographical areas in the world, blessed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather.
The islands lie in the path of soft tradewinds blowing direct from Portugal. Which perhaps accounts for the fact that “Santa Cruz” was among the first islands to be sighted by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage westward. He then sailed northeast, passing St Thomas, St John and Tortola and called them collectively Las Vierges.
International Rolex Regatta weekend in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a high point for many yachtsmen and yachtswomen from around the world. Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Caribbean", for some it represents an opportunity to shake off the winter dust in preparation for a hard summer's racing. For others, it is a chance to mix sailing and racing with a family vacation in one of the Caribbean's favorite locations. Whatever the reason, once experienced, the International Rolex Regatta becomes an annual mark on the calendar. The warm clear waters, beautiful surroundings and excellent competition draw you back year after year.
Discovering the World Under the Sea By Lydia Harris
One of the biggest attractions in the Caribbean is what lies below the surface of the sea. Teeming with plant life, coral and fish, the clear waters surrounding the Virgin Islands present an inviting canvas for undersea photographers.
Whether you simply want to take home a few snapshots or are a serious photographer, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of subject matter. You will, however, have different requirements in terms of skill and equipment.
Snorkelers can get some great photographs of coral, fish, sea urchins and the like, but won’t be able to get shots of some of the more spectacular life and colors below the surface. For that, diving is required.
Visitors to the USVI can't help but notice dozens of huge upside down thimbles that dot our islands' hills. We call them "sugar mills" because they were built, most in the 18th century, to grind up sugar cane once grown on island plantations.
If they look like windmills from Holland, it is because they are indeed a Dutch type of mill with a dome at the top, and four canvas sails (later movable wooden shutters or louvers) on wooden arms facing into the wind. Dutch settlers, in fact, introduced sugar cane and the process for making it to the lower West Indies in the early 1600s.
How did the mills work? Inside was machinery, with three upright iron-plated rollers. The middle one, which turned the other two by cogs, was attached by a central pole to the sail and axle mechanism at the top of the mill. Our almost constant trade winds would blow the sails with a strong enough force to turn the works below as cane stalks were fed through the rollers. Juices extracted by the grinding ran downhill to factory buildings where enslaved laborers produced brown sugar, white sugar, molasses, and rum for export. Nothing was wasted -- dried out leftover cane stalks became fuel for fires under copper pots used to boil the cane juice.
The bride wore traditional white, including a distinctive veil trimmed with seaglass and shells, and the groom was in black. She had a tasteful wrist corsage and he had a boutonniere. But both wore SCUBA tanks, too, as Toni Wilson wed John Santino underwater off Frederiksted on September 13, 2003, with 106 fellow divers in attendance. The ceremony is believed to have broken a previous record for the largest number of divers underwater for a wedding, set in 2001 when 39 divers were on hand for one in Florida.
Whale watching has become an “eco-phenomenon” in many places of the world: Iceland, Galapagos, New Zealand, artic Canada and California are just a few of the places known for whale watching. But you do not have to travel halfway around the world to see whales; there’s whale watching right here in the waters off both St. John and St. Thomas.
Cool off with frozen PainKillas and Mango Margaritas at one of St. Thomas’ favorite new party spots, FatBoys Bar, Grill & Games located on the East End in Red Hook. The scene is casual fun with great food, drinks, games.
The frozen drink list includes “CAUTION,” a refreshing RipTide made with Guava Lemonade and 151 Rum. The menu is casual dining, with items such as FatBoys’ Famous Fish Tacos, Cheek’n Sandwiches, Fresh Ground Burgers, Thai Cheek’n Tacos, Wings, and much more. There’s even a Palm Tree Hugger burger for vegetarians.
ST. THOMAS, USVI - Everybody loves a winner, and at the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, USVI, every class winner takes home a Rolex timepiece. But winning isnit everything, since fundamentally itis the fun, sun, blue water and dependable trade winds that have helped make this event an indelible mark on every ambitious sailoris spring competition calendar. For certain, sailors from the Islands, the U.S. mainland and far reaches of the globe will travel to St. Thomas to participate in the International Rolex Regatta, as they have annually for 35 years. From Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30, up to 100 boats will participate on challenging courses that wind around islands and include a run from the East End of St. Thomas, where event host St. Thomas Yacht Club is located, to the Harbor at Charlotte Amalie, the capital and center of shopping and cruise boat activity for the island. This day-long jaunt (the competitors also have to race back home to the yacht club) impresses sailors and town folk alike with visions of magical island vistas behind seas of billowing, colorful sails.
Tillett Gardens, St. Thomas, USVI By Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Brochures promoting the 17th season of Pistarckle Theater on St. Thomas, at Tillet Gardens, highlight the phrase "Unveiling our new 2007-2008 Season" in bold, black script splashed across a crimson stage curtain.
The word "Pistarckle" is derived from a Dutch Creole word, "spektakel." It means "noise or confusion" according to Nicola Emerich, co-founder of the Theater. Nicola (Nikki) Emerich and her husband, architect Brian Emerich, founded the Theater together in 1991. "I have a passion for theater," Nikki explains. "It can be noisy and sometimes confusing, because it's live, but it is not boring.
Celebrating Mongoose Junction's 30th Anniversary Season
As unique as the island itself, Mongoose Junction, along Northshore Road in Cruz Bay, is one of St. John’s most impressive architectural features. Though well known for its quality shops and dining establishments, Mongoose Junction is also enjoyed as a beautiful example of 18th century Danish building technique with a modern twist. Walking through archways made from local stone, and over walkways spanning the brook that runs from the mountainside to the bay, it is easy to forget that the oldest buildings around you are only 30 years old.
Mongoose Junction began in 1978 as the realization of a dream to bring together local artisans in an inspirational setting. Glen Speer, who moved to St. John in 1969 after attending UC Berkeley,
loves the cultural heritage and physical beauty of the island. His vision has given artisans, merchants and shoppers a venue unlike any other in the Virgin Islands. Mongoose Junction is built of local stone, coral, brick, and mahogany, with gutters and columns cast in place. Strolling through the junction, along walkways and courtyards shaded by mature trees, thick foliage, orchids and other local flora, you can”t help but share in Glen Speer’s inspiration. Keep your eyes open for the authentic colonial era glass bottles included in the masonry walls of the buildings.
Find The Spirit of a Virgin Islands
Christmas in Holiday Folk Tunes & Foods By Carol M. Bareuther, RD
If you want to experience Christmas Day at its island best, then head to Emancipation Garden at dawn. There, in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas, as the first rays of sun break over the horizon, dozens of voices blend in a sea of beautiful melodies at the outdoor concert known as the Challenge of the Carols. Yes, you’ll get goose bumps. Yes, your heart will sing. Yes, the holiday spirit comes alive in a way you may never have experienced but will always remember.
“In the old days, choirs formed, either from local churches or groups of friends. They would start caroling right after midnight on Christmas Eve, maybe before, and go from house to house singing until dawn,” explains Myron Jackson, director of the state historical office at the V.I. Government’s Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
Passion of a Sculptor - Bernard K. Passman’s Black Coral
As mankind goes about his work as a creator or innovator, it is often relatively easy to look back and trace developments. We know when the first plane flew, who invented the stoplight, and how penicillin was discovered. But in the case of black coral jewelry, coveted by the rich and famous, most people agree that the shift in development as an art form began in the Cayman Islands 30 years ago. It is now known around the world for the evocative and masterful works Bernard K. Passman has created using the material. “Passman made it into a truly artistic medium by creating abstractions or imaginative pieces, in effect, works of art.”
He began working as an artist during World War II and following his retirement as a land developer in 1961, Passman turned his full attention to his first love, sculpting. In short order, he acquired an international reputation and distinguished commissions in wood, stone, metal, and clay. Among his most notable works is the 21-foot Presidential Tree that received recognition from the President of the United States. The sculpture was featured at the Republican National Convention in 1968 and the Democratic National Convention in 1972.
“You have got to do St. John.” You hear that from everyone who has visited the Island and from those who live here. But, what does it mean to do St. John? Well, there are the wonderful hiking trails that meander through the island that can take you from the “bustling” town of Cruz Bay to secluded beaches and pristine Caribbean forests. How about touring the island on a two-hour tour of the National Park or just go shopping in Cruz Bay? And don’t forget the plethora of beaches.
A walk around town will reveal lots of historical buildings and street names. Following are some of the more important and famous historical attractions in the Charlotte Amalie area.
Blackbeard’s Castle
Also located just above 99 steps is this Danish watch tower built in the late 1600’s. The view from the tower offered a perfect vantage point to spot enemy ships entering the harbor.
Fort Christian This National Historic Landmark was completed by Danish settlers in 1680. Built originally to protect the colony from hostile marauders, It has housed a jail, a governor’s residence, a place of worship, and a police station. Currently under renovation and scheduled to be completed some time in 2008. A walk around town will reveal lots of historical buildings and street names. Following are some of the more important and famous historical attractions in the Charlotte Amalie area.
St. Thomas Synagogue This National Historic Landmark is the second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. The original synagogue was built by Sephardic Jews in 1796 and was rebuilt in 1833.
A Positive Addiction: Shell Collecting with Myra Peck
By Patricia Harkins-Pierre and Myra Linn Peck
Myra Linn Peck is a dedicated shell collector. “Believe me,” she says with a twinkle, “You can collect a lot of shells in 80 years, and I have, all over the world: Florida, California, the far Pacific Islands, Hawaii – and for the last 27 years – right here on St. Thomas.”
Technically, shells are the outer skeletons of soft-bodied animals called mollusks. The vast majority of mollusks are found on continental shelves and coral reefs in depth of less than 400 feet. The color of shells is probably determined by reaction to light, which is why the most highly colored specimens are usually found in shallow water.
Men and Women of the Soil: The Estate Bourdeaux Farmers
By Mary Alexander
Agriculture has always had deep cultural and historical roots throughout the Caribbean region and the Virgin Islands are no exception. Arawak and Carib Indians, the first known agriculturists in the region, complemented the bounty of the seas by planting peppers, yams, beans, sweet potatoes, corn and cassava. During the heyday of plantation agriculture, cotton, tobacco, indigo and sugarcane fields covered much of the islands. Enslaved Africans commonly grew provisions and raised livestock for local consumption. Later on, after the demise of the plantations, large tracts of land on the eastern end of St. Thomas were devoted to raising livestock. French immigrants from the island of St. Barts began arriving in the mid 19th century. Many settled on the north side of the island where they fished and farmed. These days their presence is not as pervasive as it once was, but for decades, “Frenchie” farmers were a mainstay in providing fresh produce to the island’s residents. Up until 1995, for example, Holstein cows were an integral part of a dairy located in the hills above Magens Bay.
The USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament By Carol M. Bareuther
Internationally traveled sports fishermen mark their calendars each year for the three days before the August full moon and one day after – August 25 to 29, 2007 – when the `Super Bowl of Sports Fishing Tournaments', namely the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (USVI Open/ABMT) takes place in waters surrounding the Virgin Islands. “Last year’s event was a huge success, with 37 boats and 110 anglers releasing a total of 144 blue marlin, or an average of almost 4 blue marlin per boat over the four-day tournament, all on relatively light weight 50-pound test line that requires adept angling skill,” says Jimmy Loveland, tournament director. “We’re expecting 40 boats to compete this year.”
Mongoose, iguanas and thrushies, oh my! The Virgin Islands boast a curious collection of critters you won’t find in many other locations, not even Kansas or Oz.
Scientists know him as Herpestes auropunctatus, while kids call him Rikki- Tikki-Tavi. The mongoose was brought to the Caribbean from India in 1870 to help control the rat population in sugar cane fields. Nine mongooses seeded all the long, slim, catsized critters you see scampering across the roadways today! Unfortunately, mongooses are diurnal, while rats are nocturnal. That means these two miss each other, with the mongoose hunting other critters, including birds, lizards, frogs and insects.
Il est temps de celebrer! (It’s time to celebrate!) By Carol Bareuther, RD and Patricia Harkins-Pierre
From Frenchtown, just west of Charlotte Amalie’s waterfront, to the French enclave on St. Thomas’ North Side, the French community – locally known as ‘Frenchies’ – have played an important role in the settlement and development of our islands. So vive la France!
With dinners, dancing, a fishing tournament and family fun, French Heritage Week (July 7-15) celebrates the importance of our French culture and customs.
France once claimed many Caribbean islands, including Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Haiti. French settlers first came to the Virgin Islands in the 1600s. The French flag flew over St. Croix for many years before the Danish united the Virgin Islands in 1733.
Immigration from the nearby island of St. Barthelemy – commonly called St. Barths – brought an influx of settlers whose descendants remain in the USVI today. Frenchies were mainly cotton farmers, but a failing market forced them to find other means to survive.
Close Encounters of the Bird Kind:
Coral World Ocean Park’s New Lorikeet Garden By Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Lorikeet Garden, at Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas, offers visitors a unique opportunity for being “up close and personal” with 18 gorgeous, gregarious winged pranksters. Animal encounter programs are a growing trend around the world according to Allegra Kean, former Director of Marketing at Coral World. Peter Noah, Coral World vice president of operations adds, “People want to experience the excitement and rush of being very close to the animals.” Certainly guests who enter Lorikeet Garden, a 1,600 square-foot walk-through aviary, can expect to be thrilled by the free flying, friendly birds they encounter in the enclosure. All birds are captive born and hand-raised, which means they are very comfortable around people. In fact Noah notes, “Of all the birds I’ve worked with, lorikeets are by far the most entertaining. They are natural clowns, very acrobatic, and inquisitive about people.”
All beaches in the Virgin Islands are open to the public. A few have dressing facilities and showers – Coki (at Coral World) and Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas; Cinnamon and Trunk Bay on St. John. Some hotel beaches have beach chair/umbrella rentals and restaurant/bars nearby, such as Frenchman’s Reef Morningstar Beach and Sapphire Beach. It is advisable to leave valuables at your hotel unless you have a plastic container to take them along on your swim or snorkeling while at the beach. Avoid the mid-day sun. Start out with a 20 minute exposure with suntan lotion on your first few days. Even sitting in the shade can result in sunburn.
Every year on St. Thomas, French Heritage Week is celebrated in conjunction with Bastille Day. It is a time of festivities and commemoration, and a time to relish in that bastion of gourmet experiences: French cuisine. 
Their slogan “Get up close and personal “ couldn’t be more appropriate. See tons of marine life without ever getting wet. See and learn about the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from their unique underwater observatory. Visit the shark pool where you can pet a shark or hand feed a stingray. Visit with the Lorikeets which will flock to your arm when offered a cup of nectar. And if you don’t mind getting wet bring your bathing suit so you can swim with the sea lions or try a Sea Trek Helmet Dive.
This unique attraction offers visitors a tram ride up to Paradise Point, 700 feet above sea level, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, especially impressive when many of the cruise ships are in port. The tramway operates six cars, similar to those used at ski resorts, for the short ride to the summit. At the top, you can take in the amazing scenery and visit shops and the popular restaurant and bar. A visit at sunset is particularly beautiful. Recently added to Paradise Point is a new Bungie Jump. Located on the Main road in Havensight.
One of the biggest attractions in the Caribbean is what lies below the surface of the sea. Teeming with plant life, coral and fish, the clear waters surrounding the Virgin Islands present an inviting canvas for undersea photographers. 
The bride wore traditional white, including a distinctive veil trimmed with seaglass and shells, and the groom was in black. She had a tasteful wrist corsage and he had a boutonniere. But both wore SCUBA tanks, too, as Toni Wilson wed John Santino underwater off Frederiksted on September 13, 2003, with 106 fellow divers in attendance. The ceremony is believed to have broken a previous record for the largest number of divers underwater for a wedding, set in 2001 when 39 divers were on hand for one in Florida.
Brochures promoting the 17th season of Pistarckle Theater on St. Thomas, at Tillet Gardens, highlight the phrase "Unveiling our new 2007-2008 Season" in bold, black script splashed across a crimson stage curtain. 
As unique as the island itself, Mongoose Junction, along Northshore Road in Cruz Bay, is one of St. John’s most impressive architectural features. Though well known for its quality shops and dining establishments, Mongoose Junction is also enjoyed as a beautiful example of 18th century Danish building technique with a modern twist. Walking through archways made from local stone, and over walkways spanning the brook that runs from the mountainside to the bay, it is easy to forget that the oldest buildings around you are only 30 years old.
If you want to experience Christmas Day at its island best, then head to Emancipation Garden at dawn. There, in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas, as the first rays of sun break over the horizon, dozens of voices blend in a sea of beautiful melodies at the outdoor concert known as the Challenge of the Carols. Yes, you’ll get goose bumps. Yes, your heart will sing. Yes, the holiday spirit comes alive in a way you may never have experienced but will always remember.
“In the old days, choirs formed, either from local churches or groups of friends. They would start caroling right after midnight on Christmas Eve, maybe before, and go from house to house singing until dawn,” explains Myron Jackson, director of the state historical office at the V.I. Government’s Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
Scientists know him as Herpestes auropunctatus, while kids call him Rikki- Tikki-Tavi. The mongoose was brought to the Caribbean from India in 1870 to help control the rat population in sugar cane fields. Nine mongooses seeded all the long, slim, catsized critters you see scampering across the roadways today! Unfortunately, mongooses are diurnal, while rats are nocturnal. That means these two miss each other, with the mongoose hunting other critters, including birds, lizards, frogs and insects.
From Frenchtown, just west of Charlotte Amalie’s waterfront, to the French enclave on St. Thomas’ North Side, the French community – locally known as ‘Frenchies’ – have played an important role in the settlement and development of our islands. So vive la France!
