St.
Thomas has been a shopping Mecca since
the late 1600s and, for a period in the
early 1700s, the island was a a pirate
refuge for notorious buccaneers and, by
1800, Charlotte Amalie was one of the
busiest ports and trading centers in the
Caribbean. Today, St. Thomas is a choice
port of call among the cruise lines and
a popular Virgin Island vacation destination
St.
Thomas, with some of the Caribbean's best
beaches, hotels, and resorts is the Caribbean's
major cruise port and king of all duty-free
shopping destinations. Bargain hunters
are spurred on by the sheer variety of
merchandise. The island's history is steeped
in trade and shops: In the 1700's this
was a pirate refuge for notorious buccaneers.
Since then prosperous merchants have tendered
their wares on the streets of the harbor
side capital, Charlotte Amalie.
Quiet can be found at dozens of luxury
resorts, hotels and fine restaurants,
some with Danish influence. Steep hillsides
thick with flowers and bright red rooftops
make Charlotte Amalie a favorite of travel
photographers.
Point Pleasant Resort -
Home of Turtles Nest Condo
You'll
want to see the view from the top of St.
Peter Mountain (where great banana daiquiris
are an added reward) or visit Drake's
Seat with a panorama of 100 islands. Another
St. Thomas must see is the exciting underwater
population at Coral World (Walking distance
from Turtles Nest Condo).
Some
of the beaches you won't want to miss
include Bluebeard's Beach, Coki Beach
(Walking distance from Turtles Nest Condo),
Hull Bay, Limetree Beach, Magens Bay,
Morningstar Beach, Sapphire Beach and
Vessup Bay.
Imposing
Fort Christian, housing the museum with
a collection of Indian artifacts, dates
back to the 17th century. And the St.
Thomas Synagogue, built by Sephardic Jews
in 1833, is stately and solemn.
The
Virgin Island climate is tropical with
wonderful average winter daytime temperatures
of 78 degrees F. and summer daytime temperatures
of about
82 degrees F.
Getting
To St. Thomas
St. Thomas is served by major airlines
from US and European departure cities.
Daily service from principal US cities
is available on American, United, Continental,
and US AIR. In the U.S., Miami, Charlotte
and San Juan offer transfer connections
for departures that do not have direct
flights to St. Thomas.
Tutles
Nest Condo is about 20 minutes from the
airport.
Commuter
and Virgin Island inter-island air travel
is available on Airborne Express St. Thomas,
Air St. Thomas, American Eagle, Bohlke
International Airways, LIAT, Seaborne
Aviation, Windward Islands Airways,Caribbean
Sun and Cape Air.
St
Thomas Airport:
Cyril E. King International, 2 ½
miles from the capital Charlotte Amalie.
Airlines:
Air Anguilla
Air Sunshine
American
American Eagle
Bohlke International Airways
Cape Air
Caribbean Sun Airways
LIAT
US Airways
United
Vieques Airlink
Seaborne Aviation, (downtown)
Entry Requirements:
U.S. and Canadian citizens need proof
of citizenship. Entry requirements to
the US Virgin Islands for all others are
the same as for entering the United States
from any foreign destination.
Gateways/Flying
times:
Miami: 2 ½ hrs
New York: 3 ½ hrs
San Francisco: 10 hrs
Houston: 8 hrs
San Juan: ½ hr
(San Juan is the principal gateway in
the islands)
Airport
Connections:
Fares
are fixed. They should be displayed in
the taxi. St. Thomas Airport to Charlotte
Amalie $4.50 (15 mins). Southside hotels
$8.50 (20-30 mins). East End, St. John
Ferry $12.00 (30-40 mins). Fares are subject
to change, drivers may charge extra for
luggage, it is wise to know the price
up front.
Getting
Around St. Thomas
Rental
cars are readily available. Advanced reservations
are reccomended.
As
an alternative, Caribbean taxis are available
everywhere. These charming vehicles are
a cross between bus and private car: multiple
passengers share rides, and enjoy an expert's
(the driver) rendition of a mini tour
of whatever part of the island the ride
covers. Drivers are available for hire
-by the hour or day- for a more extensive
private guided excursion.
Note:
on an trip of several days or more, taxi
fares can add up fast. We recommend weighing
the daily cost of a rental vehicle in
comparison to taxis. If you don't mind
driving on the left, a rental car is a
great way to explore the island, take
a dip at a seculed beach and travel on
your own schedule.
Virgin
Island Sightseeing:
Atlantis Submarine, Paradise Point Tramway,
Estate St. Peter Greathouse, "World
Famous" Mountain Top, and V.I. Kayak
ECO Tours.
Don't
miss:
Take the water taxi from St. Thomas to
St. John, and spend a day in the U.S.
Virgin Island National Park. It is truly
a beautiful park with many bays and beaches.
There is a new snorkelers delight around
Trunk Island (Trunk Bay) where you can
take a few minutes and see underwater
life identified with markers. Experienced
snorkelers will find a wealth of places
for adventure and interest.
Shopping
in St. Thomas
Custom
allows $1200 worth of goods per person
duty-free. And there's no sales tax!
Local
Virgin island produced items available
include Cruzan Rum, Arts and Crafts, local
perfumes and bath scents, jewelry, and
clothing. Especially good buys include
distinctive name brand china, linen, and
watches.
Look
for local custom-designed jewelry, leather
goods, ceramics, Caribbean fabric designs,
basket work, and West Indian mahogany
wood sculpture.
Dining
in St. Thomas
St.
Thomas restaurants boast a wide variety
of cuisine from native Caribbean fare
to Continental, Danish, French, Italian
and Chinese. If you absolutely can't live
without your fix of fast food, we have
'em. Or just stop by one of the many delis
or cafes.
Agave Terrace Restaurant
at Point Pleasant Resort
Limin',
as we call it, is the art of hangin' out.
Piano bars, jazz clubs, discos, rock and
country music abound. Or, check out the
local Quadrille dancers or Steel Band
Show. It's all part of limin'.
There
isn't room here to list all our favorite
spots, but for starters, on St. Thomas,
try:
The Agave Terrace at Point Pleasant Resort
(home of Turtles Nest Condo) on the east
end of the island will delight you. The
hillside gardens welcome you and are picture
perfect after sunset. Super service enhances
the well-rounded menu including local
lobster, fresh fish, and steaks. An extensive
wine list is offered or you can choose
refreshing tropical drinks. Their great
food is recommended by the New York Times,
and Conde Nast Traveler and it is a six
time gold medal winner. Check on the children's
menu, and look for the Steel pan band
several nights during the week.
Hard Rock Cafe is a favorite of world
travelers who compare and contrast the
similarities and differences worldwide.
Great American food, music, and unique
memorabilia combine into a legendary atmosphere.
Jerry's Beachfront is in the Anchorage
on the beach. Enjoy Italian fare, or the
nightly local seafood specials. Their
great variety starts with Calamari, mussels
marinara, pasta fazoul, blackened mahi
mahi, Jerry's burgers, filet mignon, Caesar
salad, to a meatball submarine sandwich.
Choose from eleven sauces for your pasta!If
you're looking for a banana split, you
can find it here along with cappuccino
and espresso. It's the quintessential
"beach bar".
Old Stone Farmhouse is at Mahogany Run
Golf course in a 200 year old converted
sugar estate. You'll enjoy international
cuisine and consider it a fine dining
experience.
Tavern on the Waterfront is downtown near
Royal Dane Mall. Let your eyes feast on
harbor views as you delight in fresh seafood
and continental dishes. Tap your toes
to the live music.
One
of our personal favorities is Duffys Love
Shack in Red Hook. Stop by and see if
you and your group can finish off a Volcano!
Many restaurants are open for lunch, close
for a time, and reopen for dinner. Check
with your choice for serving hours and
reservations.
