I hadn't been to Mim's for the longest time. I live on the absolute opposite end of the island. But remembering how nice a restaurant it was my husband and I decided to go there one evening for dinner. Nestled by the water's edge at Bolongo Bay, Mim's is located in a perfect spot for those wanting to tuck away for a nice evening meal.

Continue reading "Mim's Seafood Bistro" »

Over 160 species of birds make the U.S. Virgin Islands their home for either part or all of the year.

One permanent resident that is easy to spot is the Bananaquit. This palm-sized yellow-breast-ed black-crowned feathered friend has a white eye stripe and is the territory's national bird. It's also fondly called a 'sugar bird' because of its love eating granulated sugar. Locals enjoy leaving a bowl out on their patios in anticipation of some impromptu bird-watching.

Continue reading "Bird Watching" »

Enhancing Your Looks, Enhancing Your Life is not just a catchy tagline, for Dr. Robert F. Centeno it represents a pithy personal mission statement. Born in the waterfront town of Frederiksted, St. Croix, Dr. Centeno returned home to his native Virgin Islands to found Saint Croix Plastic Surgery & MediSpa in 2008. After over 20 years on the mainland pursuing his education, medical training and practicing Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he fulfilled a life-long goal of returning to St. Croix to participate in the delivery of "best-in-class" health care. Inspired to pursue a career in Plastic Surgery by his brother Johnny (deceased), who was born with a craniofacial malformation, he hoped to return to take a leadership role in the continued improvement of healthcare services being delivered in the Virgin Islands, the Eastern Caribbean and beyond. That lofty goal, blessedly, is becoming a reality.

Continue reading "Enhancing Your Looks, Enhancing Your Life" »

Take the cooking styles of people like the ancient Arawaks, Africans, Europeans, East Indians and Asians. Blend this with a mix of indigenous and imported ingredients, everything from mangoes and scotch bonnet peppers to spiny lobster and bulls feet, and you have the melting pot that is traditional Virgin Islands cuisine.

For great local West Indian food visit St. Thomas' top local restaurants: Glady's Cafe in Royal Dane Mall, Cuzzin's on Back Street and Jen's Island Café & Deli Emancipation Park.

Pate: Pates are made from a flaky white flour dough that encloses a hot pepper-spiked mixture of ground beef, conch, salted codfish or vegetables. The dough is wrapped around the filling turnover fashion, and then deep fat fried.

Caribbean lobster: Unlike its North American cousin, this shellfish has no claws. Most of the meat is in the tail. Lobster tail is served split and grilled with melted garlic butter or the meat is mixed into rice or soup.

Continue reading "Must Try Local Foods" »

There is no snow, sleigh rides or pines waiting to be chopped down and decorated in the Virgin Islands. Yet, there is a wealth of Christmas traditions. Like many locales around the globe, these customs center on food, festivities and faith. Here's a sampling of some of the most special.

GUAVABERRY RUM. If you hear a group of carolers at your door singing: "Good mornin', good mornin', ah come fo' mi Guavaberry" then it's time to bring out the Guavaberry rum. This is a local libation made by families from a generations old recipe. The key ingredients are guavaberries. These bright red blueberry-sized berries grow on the mountainous northsides of the islands at high elevations and ripen in December. The mashed berries are mixed with flavorful essences, citrus peel, spices, rum and a small 'seed' amount from the previous years' batch and then allowed to steep for several weeks. The result is a potent liqueur. In olden times, carolers were invited inside for a quick meal of guavaberry rum, sweet bread and sliced ham to fortify them before resuming their singing down the street.

Continue reading "Virgin Islands Holiday Traditions" »

The East End of St. Thomas is now well known for its varied dining and nightlife options. With 20 or so establishments where you can eat, drink and dance there is no end to the choices for a great evening. The newest addition to the Red Hook area is a hip, yet approachable and innovative dining spot right in the middle of American Yacht Harbor called Coco Blue. This nightspot really extends the experience beyond the boundaries of the usual island dining and boasts the freshest fish and lobster on island. The decor is sublime and aquatically soothing. The menu, featuring delicious melange of tropical seafood and ingredients, stirs up an innovative recreation of Caribbean fair. The creative island-inspired cuisine includes: Blackened Fish Tacos, Poblano Crab Souffle, Fresh COCO-Chipotle Ceviche, Drunken Chorizo Mussels & Clams, Cilantro & Panko Encrusted Yellowfin Tuna with Avocado Risotto, Key Lime & White Wine Marinated Sea Bass with Manchego Mash, Banana Leaf Wrapped Mahi with Banana Pepper Buerre Blanc, Black Peppercorn Dusted Angus Grilled Filet with Creamy Chorizo Jus, and COCO Tempura Banana Cheesecake. It's no wonder that they were recently awarded "Best New Restaurant" by the Virgin Islands Daily News. For more Red Hook information see the listings within this section.

Enhancing Your Looks, Enhancing Your Life is not just a catchy tagline, for Dr. Robert F. Centeno it represents a pithy personal mission statement. Born in the waterfront town of Frederiksted, St. Croix, Dr. Centeno returned home to his native Virgin Islands to found Saint Croix Plastic Surgery & MediSpa in 2008. After over 20 years on the mainland pursuing his education, medical training and practicing Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he fulfilled a life-long goal of returning to St. Croix to participate in the delivery of "best-in-class" health care. Inspired to pursue a career in Plastic Surgery by his brother Johnny (deceased), who was born with a craniofacial malformation, he hoped to return to take a leadership role in the continued improvement of healthcare services being delivered in the Virgin Islands, the Eastern Caribbean and beyond. That lofty goal, blessedly, is becoming a reality.

Continue reading "Enhancing Your Looks, Enhancing Your Life..." »

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By Carol Bareuther, RD

Sports fishermen are drawn to the Virgin Islands like fish to water. That's because there are over 500 species of fish that swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the north and Caribbean Sea to the south. This bounty includes everything from world-record-setting fierce-fighting blue marlin to good-eating wahoo, tuna and dolphin (mahi-mahi). Summer is an especially good time to fish because its tournament time. Reel in a whopper, or the greatest number of fish, and you'll likely catch some cool cash and prizes as well!

Continue reading "Summer Sportfishing Season" »

By Carol Bareuther, RD

The little island of St. John comes to extra special life in the weeks leading up to and including the Fourth of July. This is when the annual and highly-anticipated St. John Festival takes place.

"What sets our Festival apart from Carnival on other islands is the generosity of the people, a variety of different foods, local arts and crafts that you can't buy anywhere else, and the music," says St. John administrator, Leona Smith, who heads up the annual Food Fair and Queen Coronation events that are just a small part of Festival festivities.

Smith's mother, Jane Johannes, a native St. Johnian who organizes the Festival Village and Senior Variety Show, says she can remember the celebration's inception. "It started as a one-day festival, where we had food tables, drink, dancing and music. People came by boat, walked or rode donkeys; anyway they could from all the surrounding villages. I came with my mother. I was just a young woman at the time. We had a big coal pot set up behind the table and did all the cooking right there, frying the fish and johnnycakes."

Continue reading "Celebrate St. John" »

Molly Molone's, American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook presents its 15th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration! Come join the Brittingham family and "party like the Irish" by marching in the famous St. Paddy's Parade around the harbor (2 p.m.) while enjoying the authentic and award-winning Irish "Riverdance"- style dancing of Brad and Carol from the world-renowned Coyle School of Irish Dance. They perform to the traditional music provided by the angelically-voiced Terry Kane and longtime Molly's Irish entertainer Cletus McBride, both playing guitar, mandolin, fiddle and flute.

St. Thomas musician Tim West will provide popular music with members of The Sunshine Band. Plenty of drink and Irish food specials all day and night, as well. Free admission.

Thursday, March 17, Noon - ?

If you want to sample a true taste of St. Thomas, then head to Emancipation Garden in the heart of Charlotte Amalie on Wednesday May 4 for the Cultural Fair. Tent covered table's line the streets and walkways and are filled with a bounty of culturally favorite foods. These sweet and savory dishes are made by local men and women who are the community's culinary torchbearers when it comes to traditional fare.

Each year, one of these stalwart cooks is honored and its Enid Donovan who will be recognized this year. In fact, this year's Cultural Fair will be called 'Enid's House of Delights'. Donovan, whose table is located at the eastern end of the Grand Galleria facing Emancipation Garden, is known for her blood pudding and kallaloo. Blood pudding is made by stuffing seasoning-spiced rice and cow or pig blood into a length of intestine and boiled. It's just like sausage. Kallaloo is a green soupy stew made from a base of spinach and flavored with pigtail or pig snout, fish or crab, and a variety of green vegetables and herbs.

Continue reading "Carnival Cultural Fair" »

On the last weekend of March each year the St. Thomas Yacht Club hosts the International Rolex Regatta on the beautiful waters of the US Virgin Islands. Now in its 39th year, this sporting event was the first that Rolex Watch Company, Geneva ever sponsored. They have continued to support the event over the years and it is now considered the overall best sailing event in the Caribbean and has an international following of competitors and boat owners alike.

The Races
The sailing events cover three days of both. On both Friday and Sunday there are great vantage points for those not participating to get a great view of what happens on the water from easily reached shore side vistas. On Friday the entire fleet races into the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The colorful spinnakers push the boats to a downwind finish in the middle of the harbor. The yachts quickly regroup and are called back to the starting line for an exciting race back to the east end of St. Thomas. The action takes place over a three-hour period from 11am till about after 1:30pm. Either right down town on the waterfront or at the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Hotel are excellent spots to view the action. On Sunday the races move to the north side of St. Thomas and the viewing is great from locations that look out on the crystal blue waters of Pillsbury Sound which sits between St. Thomas and St. John.

Continue reading "Rolex Regatta 2011" »

When I was booking my reservations to vacation in St. Thomas, I envisioned myself relaxing at a tropical tiki hut on the water enjoying the tropical breeze, snacking on some conch fritters, sipping a Pina Colada listening to rhythms of Bob Marley music emanating in the background.

Well... I found the place... Big Bambooz bar & burger joint in Red Hook - It's where you wanted to be! Surrounded by mangroves & palm trees, open air dockside dining doesn't get better then this. Their authentic island tiki shack - complete with palm thatch roof & bamboo structure - serves up tropical fare by native chefs. The open grills aroma beckoned us to order their local chicken roti, conch sauteed in butter sauce, surf-N-turf burger (jumbo prawns over a succulent black Angus burger) & the panfried coconut encrusted grouper with a side of plantains over a bed basmati rice...Yummmm!

Continue reading "Big Bambooz: Livin' the Dream!" »

On Sunday, July 11, all roads lead to historic Lindbergh Bay where a number of civic organizations have banded together to celebrate the survival of the ecosystem of the fragile marine environment of the area.

Named after Charles Augustus Lindbergh who landed his Spirit of St. Louis on the estate during his good will tour of 1928, Lindbergh Bay has recently captured the attention of visitors and locals alike.

Continue reading "Historic Lindbergh Bay" »

Local dishes are extremely popular with visitors as well as the locals. Traditional local food tends to be spicy and hearty. Curried Goat, stewed mutton, Chicken, Oxtail, and Fish are all popular mainstays of local cuisine.

Fungi (fun-gee) consists of cornmeal that has been boiled and cooked to a thick consistency. It is flavored with bits of okra. Fungi is usually eaten with boiled fish or saltfish.

Callaloo (or kallaloo) is a soup made from callaloo bush/ leaf and various meats and okra, and is boiled to a thick stew consistency.

Pates are pastries enclosing spiced meats, fish, and/or vegetables, then deep fried.

Continue reading "What is Local Cuisine and Where to Try Some" »

The Virgin Islands Government has the ability to offer tax benefits to businesses doing business in the Virgin Islands. Under the mirror tax system the VI uses the US Internal Revenue Code and all the US tax forms but the taxes collected are remitted to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue rather than the IRS. An individual who is a bona fide VI resident for the entire tax year files a VI return and pays VI tax on his worldwide income for that year. If the US citizen properly files and reports all his income from all sources on a VI tax Return and pays the VI tax, he is not subject to tax in the US. Special rules apply to determine if a person is a bona fide VI resident and if income is possessions source income. There are various tax benefit programs available to residents and businesses of the Virgin Islands through the Economic Development Program (EDC) and the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (RTPark). These programs offer tax credits of up to 90% of the income tax due.

Now is the time of year when sailors from the U.S. and Europe plan their trips to the Caribbean to participate in one or more of the popular island regattas held here every spring. Not all Caribbean regattas are created equal, however. Savvy sailors know that the International Rolex Regatta, hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club and scheduled for Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28, 2010, has an offering that goes beyond just beach parties and calypso bands. The International Rolex Regatta guarantees exceptional racing by virtue of its dependable trade winds and, even more important, a professional race management team.

The International Rolex Regatta is the only major Caribbean regatta that is run by a yacht club, so competing sailors can be certain that the organizers know a thing or two about what the "whole package" should be. Absolute proof that this is the case will always be in the eventual entry line-up, and this year anticipated headliners are Jim Mitchell (SUI), returning with his Reichel Pugh 52 Vincitore to defend his 2009 title, and Tom Hill (Puerto Rico), returning to reclaim the past glory of multiple Titan victories with his latest steed, Titan 15, a Reichel Pugh 75.

Continue reading "37th International Rolex Regatta" »

By Andi Bailey

These days, the hot new way to travel is not so much defined by the means of the vacation--i.e. the flight, the hotel, the gorgeous destination--but by the end result of a trip. Voluntourism is sweeping the world as the trend for travelers in the know. The idea is simple, and it's catching. Everyone from college students to retired couples is finding a way to lend a hand and spend their vacations helping others in the communities they are visiting.

Continue reading "Voluntourism" »

Daiquiri Blossom
1 part white rum
1 part orange juice
1 dash maraschino
1 orange slice and
1 marachino cherry

Mojito
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 oz light CRUZAN rum
club soda



Virgin Island Sunset
1 1/4 oz Captain Morgan
Original spiced rum
1/2 oz Myer's dark rum
1 1/2 oz orange juice
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz sweet and sour bar mix

August 4, St. Thomas - The Butterfly Farm and Barefoot Wines are presenting "Barefoot Brunch with the Butterflies" on Sunday, August 30, as a fund raising event for the Humane Society of St. Thomas. The event will feature professionally guided tours of The Butterfly Farm, as well as a light brunch, champagne cocktails featuring Barefoot Wines, and juices and water.

The fundraiser will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Each ticket-holder will receive a tour of The Butterfly Farm, a light brunch, and one cocktail or drink. Additional drinks will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of St. Thomas. Tickets for "Barefoot Brunch with the Butterflies" are available at The Butterfly Farm, the Humane Society of St. Thomas, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, and How 'Bout Your Pet.

The event is the brainchild of Sharon Tait, Manager of The Butterfly Farm, and Carol Pazik, Marketing Director of West Indies Corporation. According to Ms. Tait, "We wanted to develop an event that would bring needed revenues to the Humane Society but also provide a fun, family-oriented outing for adults and children. The Butterfly Farm is the perfect venue for this. I am so pleased that Barefoot Wines volunteered to help underwrite some of the costs of the event and provide appealing brunch beverages," she explained.

Representatives of the Humane Society will be on hand to discuss the organization's many programs, including adoptions, spay-neuter benefits, humane education, memberships, and the new Humane Care Campus. According to Andrea Martin, a member of the Humane Society's board of directors, "We are so grateful to The Butterfly Farm and Barefoot Wines for their efforts on behalf of the Humane Society. The Humane Society provides so many services to the community, many unrecognized by the public. Current economic conditions have impacted our revenues, so this fund raiser could not have come at a better time."

For further information, contact Sharon Tait at The Butterfly Farm (715-3366) or Andrea Martin of the Humane Society (774-9791).

Look for the Sun! See the Details for all of these Special Offers in each advertiser's ad showing a sun icon (follow ad links below). All Offers are good while supplies last or until February 29, 2012.

Download our page of Activities Special Offer Coupons to take shopping with you, and mention St Thomas This Week Magazine.

Continue reading "Special Activities Offers from our Advertisers" »

Look for the Sun! See the Details for all of these Special Offers in each advertiser's ad showing a sun icon (follow ad links below). All Offers are good while supplies last or until February 29, 2012.

Download our page of Shopping Special Offer Coupons to take shopping with you, and mention St Thomas This Week Magazine.

Continue reading "Special Shopping Offers from our Advertisers" »

The USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament
By Carol M. Bareuther

Internationally traveled sports fishermen mark their calendars each year in August - August 3, 4, 5, 7, 2009 - 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," says Jimmy Loveland, tournament director. "We're expecting 40 boats to compete this year."

Continue reading "The USVI Blue Marlin Tournament" »

he Virgin Islands hosts some of the finest marine life in the Caribbean. Acres of coral reefs make up an ecosystem that supports a large variety of sea creatures and under water plants. Snorkelers can enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal clear waters, diving through fantastic reefs to witness tropical marine life. St. Thomas and St John host a variety of snorkeling locations and famous underwater trails. Both novice and expert snorkelers will enjoy the passages through and over the reefs.

Continue reading "Snorkeling" »

The St. Thomas Carnival is rated one of the top ten carnival celebrations in the world. It is truly a cacophony of sites, sounds, smells and tastes that rival any event anywhere. An experience not to be missed, it is a unique cultural icon of the Virgin Islands, featuring its people, music, history and cuisine. Carnival as we know it today was started in 1942 and has been going strong ever since.

Carnival is a unique showcase of Virgin Islands culture celebrated throughout the month. A Culture Fair, a night of traditional games, a toddler's derby and Carnival Village are festivities of fun for all ages. Carnival Village, features local bands.

Carnival festivities culminate with the Children's Parade and the grand finale, Adult Parade. See complete schedule below. For information, call 776-3112.

There is a weekend in late March when St. Thomas becomes the place to be for sailors and sailor-wannabes alike. Leading up to this three day event, a steady stream of sailboats - big and small - make their way into American Yacht Harbor and Yacht Haven Grande while their skippers and crew anxiously await some competitive racing. Men and women travel to St. Thomas from all over the Caribbean, North America, and Europe to be a part of this exciting event. And while most of the event takes place off the downtown waterfront and Cowpet Bay, there are other curious activities happening behind the scenes right before the first gun signals the race start.

Continue reading "Rolex Regatta 2009" »

A Passionate Flower with Many Varieties Found Here in the Virgin Islands

No flowering plant has captured the attention of mankind, or stirred their passions, in quite the same way as orchids. They have been used in film, television and have appeared in countless advertisements and have graced numerous magazine covers. Today millions of people from all over the world remain devoted to this unique plant and its exotically beautiful "faces."

Continue reading "Orchids" »

Diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, enjoyable and offers something for everyone. There's no need to be a great swimmer. You need to be comfortable around the water and in general good health. Beginners will find conditions excellent - warm and calm seas, great visibility and much to see starting at just 20' to 30' - for short resort or full certification courses. For experienced divers, there are some 58 dive sites accessible by beach or boat, to reefs and wrecks.

B.O.S.S. Underwater Adventure Experience the ultimate thrill of your life with your own personal underwater scooter! The B.O.S.S. will allow you to view the marvels of the sea with no diving experience necessary. Explore the brilliant undersea world where you will enjoy a guided tour of the stunning colorful fish and tropical reefs of the Caribbean. Join the friendly, professional staff of Aqua Adventures for a truly unforgettable experience!

Coki Dive Center St Thomas's oldest continually owned dive shop, diving since 1989 Specializing in Beginner dives on 2 reefs right from off Coki Beach. Voted BEST DIVE SHOP by the readers of the Daily News for 2009. Our 6 passenger dive boat insures small dive groups on reefs only minutes away. Best snorkel rentals on Coki Beach- a Padi Gold Palm Facilty.

St. Thomas Diving Club Dive with the local experts! You will enjoy small group diving and personal service from a crew that is dedicated to the safety and enjoyment of everyone that comes aboard. We are a PADI 5-STAR Center offering daily AM and PM boat dives. Snorkelers welcome on afternoon trips. Located at Bolongo Bay Resort next to Iggies.

By Kimberly Young

Walking into Tillett Gardens, you can immediately feel the creativity flowing and pumping through the air. The brightly colored buildings, beautiful vegetation and rascally iguanas seem to draw you in. Around every corner there is another shop or studio with imaginative treasures and gems. It is hard to believe that Tillett Gardens will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

Jim and Rhoda Tillett moved to St. Thomas in 1959 and converted an old Danish farm of cowsheds and barns, with no electricity or running water, into what Jim called "a peaceful sanctuary of creativity and wonderment."

Continue reading "Tillett Gardens Celebrates 50 Years!" »

The harbor of St. Thomas is probably the finest natural harbor in the West Indies. Formed by an extinct volcano crater, it is protected on all sides, with a narrow opening to the south, and a consistent depth of ten meters.

In 1843 the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (RMSPC) selected St. Thomas as the hub of all its operations in the northern West Indies.

Continue reading "St Thomas Harbour - A Long History of Ships" »

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.

Download the PDF with more information.

While the other US Virgin Islands may hustle and bustle, St. John is a laid-back bit of Caribbean paradise. Two-thirds of the island was donated in 1956 to the United States by Laurance Rockefeller for use as a National Park. The result of his generosity created an unspoiled get-away offering tranquil beaches, sleepy lagoons, underwater coral gardens, scenic roads, well-maintained walking trails, lush foliage and fascinating plantation ruins.

Continue reading "St. John: Gem of the US Virgin Islands" »

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Pina Colada

1 ˝ ounces Light Cruzan Rum
2 ounces Coco Lopez
2 ounces fresh pineapple juice
1 cup crushed ice

Pour rum, Coco Lopez and pineapple juice into a blender. Add crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple and marachino cherry. Serve immediately.

Island Bushwacker

˝ ounce of dark rum
˝ ounce of Frangelico
˝ ounce of Amaretto
˝ ounce of Cr&eagrave;me de Cocoa
˝ ounce of Kahlua
˝ ounce of Bailey's Irish Cr&eagrave;me
Ice
Whipped cream
Grated nutmeg

Blend all ingredients with ice cubes until smooth and creamy. Top with whipped cream and grated nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Comments (2)

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.

Continue reading "Flora & Fauna" »

Comments (3)

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.

Continue reading "Underwater Photography" »

Comments (1)

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.

Continue reading "Virgin Island Beaches" »

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Coral World Marine Park & Undersea Observatory

Coral World's 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. When you are ready to relax, have lunch at one of the restaurants and shop for a special souvenir at one of the unique gift shops.

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.

Continue reading "10 Best Things to Do In St Thomas" »

Comments (10)

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.

Continue reading "History of the Virgin Islands" »

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.

Continue reading "Sugar Mills" »

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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.

Continue reading "Deeply In Love: A Record Setting Wedding" »

Comments (3)

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.

Continue reading "USVI Whale Watching" »

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By Patricia Harkins-Pierre

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. Browse through their actual menu in the new restaurant menu section of our site.

Continue reading "St. Thomas' New Island Hot Spot: FatBoys" »

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.

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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.

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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.

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No visit to St. John would be complete without visiting historic and elegant Mongoose Junction. With a design inspired by our 18th Century Danish Sugar Mills, and built by local stone masons and artisans, Mongoose Junction is a world class venue that hosts a variety of offerings and amenities in a setting that is a stunning blend of the island's natural beauty and the best efforts of its dedicated craftsmen.

Explore the shady tropical garden setting as you shop for designer or locally made jewelry and gifts, swimwear and clothing. Bamboula, Big Planet, Bougainvillea, Fabric Mill, Just Beach, Made in St. John, Nest and Shade, all feature clothing & accessories quite different from what you find on St. Thomas. Find beautiful jewelry, that special gift, home accessories and art at The Best of Both Worlds (voted Best Home Decor by Daily News Readers), Caravan Gallery (home to Kenny Chesney's signature hook bracelet), Island Fancy, Portico, R&I Patton Goldsmiths, Royal Caribbean Jewelers, Sugar Birds and Bajo el Sol Gallery, featuring artwork by some of St. John's finest artists. This year, we welcome Nest, with home essentials to adorn and inspire. Friends of the Park Store carries unique gift items--many of which are locally made-- from recycled materials & sustainable goods. Proceeds support programs in the VI National Park. You'll find artisans at work in many of our locations, and oftentimes the owner is on hand to assist you in any way.

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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.

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Follow the Self Guided Downtown Historic Tour using the Charlotte Amalie Map.

1) Legislature Building
Originally a barracks for Danish troops, dating back to 1874.

2) 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.

3) Emancipation Gardens
Commemorates the emancipation of slaves by Danish Governor Peter von Scholten on July 3, 1848.

4) Grand Galleria
In 1841, this unique structure opened as the Grand Hotel. It remained a popular place for vacationers to stay until 1975.

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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.

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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.

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Carol M. Bareuther, RD

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.

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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.

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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."

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