Magen’s Bay
If you have time to spare, plan a circular tour of the island. Head west along the waterfront from Charlotte Amalie to the left turn at the light by the Veteran’s Drive Post Office. Or, stop for drinks or lunch at Frenchtown, an enclave settled by the French from St. Barths. Home to numerous restaurants and bars, the area seems to attract the island’s movers and shakers.
Back on Veterans’ Drive, continue past the Cyril E. King Airport and see the beautiful buildings of the University of the Virgin Islands nestled up in the hills to your right. The campus environs has an intimate feel reminsicent of a small New England college. Refresh yourself with a swim at Brewer’s Bay or continue uphill. As you continue around the island, one panorama after another will unfold as you follow the narrow, twisting roads. Follow Route 30 through areas that still bear the names of Danish estates; Bonne Esperance, Perseverance, and Fortuna, are just a few.
Retrace your drive to Route 301 or West End Road for a trip along the island’s northern side. Take northern Rte. 33 to head east. Make sure you have a good map, because the roads on this side of the island can easily confuse.Everybody stops at Drake’s Seat because the view is stupendous. Drake’s Seat is located at the intersection between Routes 40 and 35. For still more awesome views, continue along the north side, Route 42, until the land flattens out and you are on Smith Bay Road. Looking east, note the heart-stopping views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Turn left at the signs for Coral World, a not-to-be missed attraction that features an under-sea viewing observatory. Watch Caribbean sea-dwellers swim by as divers feed them. You can stop for a swim at nearby Coki Beach. Head through Red Hook at the very east end, along the south side on your return to Charlotte Amalie. The drive takes you past several hotels, groups of condos, local marinas and Havensight Mall before you get back to town. For trendy night-life, visit Red Hook at the very east end along the south side.
Staying on the Island
From cozy guest houses to posh hotels, and a coterie of vacation condominiums in between, St. Thomas has the accommodations you seek.
If money’s no object, stay at one of the newest hotels on the island; the Ritz Carlton. Located near Red Hook; the 180-room hotel dazzles visitors with elegant ambience. Strung along the south side, visitors will find a chain of similarly-sized hotels, all individually-owned, from Bolongo Bay Beach Resort & Villas, to Bluebeard’s Beach. Along the north shore you will find a string of smaller, beachfront hotels. Vacationers and business travelers like the 520-room Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort, a full-service resort facility convenient to Charlotte Amalie, a few miles south of Havensight Mall. Those willing to forego a beach should try the 170-room Bluebeard’s Castle. Adjacent to an historic landmark, the hotel is located just above the city and has recently undergone major renovations. Most convenient to the Seaplane along the Veteran’s Drive is the Windward Passage while Emerald Inn Resort and Lindberg Hotel and Villas are closest to the airport.
Visitors who want all the comforts of home might want a condominium vacation. There are condos at the Anchorage, Crystal Cove Villas, and Mahogany Run at the golf course. Red Hook Apartments, Watergate, Sapphire Village and Secret Harbor Beach Resort also have condominium rentals.
In Charlotte Amalie, you will find a handful of guesthouses located in some of the historic buildings. Hotel 1829 has been in business since the island’s fledging tourism days. You will also find a handful of less expensive guesthouses scattered in and around Charlotte Amalie.
Dining Out ....
From food carts along the side of the road, to top-of-the line dining, you will find it on St. Thomas. If you are shopping in Charlotte Amalie, numerous restaurants are tucked away in alleys and up the hills. For a to-die-for lunch or dinner at top-notch prices, try Virgilio’s on the up-hill side of Raadetts Gade. Moderately-priced lunch can be found at Herve’s on Government Hill. Room with a View and Banana Tree Grille are both at Bluebeard’s Castle. The island’s hotels vie with each other to create the best in fine dining, creating, through competition, a culinary experience bar none. For nouvelle cuisine, dine at the Old Stone Farm House on the north side near Mahogany Run. Head out of town to the many selections of restaurants in Frenchtown, or to Romano’s in Smith Bay. Other popular Red Hook eateries are: Pesce, Molly Molone’s Irish Pub, Fish Tails, and Duffy’s Love Shack. A good fun spot to visit is the Hubbly Bubbly Hookah Time for Middle eastern eats and belly dancers.
The best bargain in St.Thomas has to be Texas Pit BBQ where you get half a barbecue chicken, spice or mild sauce, potato salad or coleslaw and a roll on a styrofoam plate and plastic utensils for a steal. The wagons are located in Red Hook,Wheatley Center and the Charlotte Amalie waterfront. They also offer tasty ribs and briskets. Of course there are always McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut at various locations around St. Thomas.
Associations
Now that you have a modest acquaintance with St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, their similarities, differences and a little about their personalities, you will want information on associations and Clubs to get involved!
That’s the best advice for anyone who wants to become a part of their new community. Like everywhere, many volunteer organizations fill in the gap where government stops. Others will help you discover a new hobby. All will help you to meet new friends. Everybody needs help. They will welcome you with open arms. See Chapter 7 for a list of organizations which has a wide scope of interests to meet your every need and if you can’t find what you like - gather some like-minded people together and start a new one!
General and Special Interest Groups (all Area Code 340)
Art Groups
Youth Programs
Labor
Business & Professional Associations
Sports & Recreation
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