>I just wanted to ask you if there are any suggestions that you have for a 1st time traveler to the islands. I will be >going to St. John for my honeymoon July 11-18. We are renting a villa through St. Johns properties. (hope that >they are a reputable company). Could you name a few good resturants? What about rental cars? Are the taxis >just as good? Any great things that we should not miss while we are there? snorkeling? things to see? I would >appreciate your imput since you lived there for a while. >THANKS!

>Bride to be!!!

At Islander's suggestion, I'm making a new thread of your questions Angelia.

I don't think you'll encounter any problems with St. John's properties. Most villa agencies are pretty much bound to provide a decent service because they compete with each other for business.

A few good restaurants? Ask 10 people and you'll get 10 different answers. It really depends on what you're looking for in a good meal. As noted in an earlier thread, bad service can ruin the experience to the degree that no matter how well the food is prepared, it still leaves a bad taste in the consumer's mouth.

Personally I always look forward to eating at the Fish Trap $$ (closed Mondays) at least a couple of times during my trips. My main objective though is to consume their fish chowder, which in my opinion ranks as the best I've had anywhere. Their pasta dishes are also pretty good. Paradiso $$$ is another one of my favorites, although they are a bit pricier than Fish Trap. Shipwreck Landing $$ in Coral Bay is casual and although I've had lunch there, I prefer their dinners. If you're going to be on that side of St. John during the day, just a short distance away from Shipwreck Landing is Skinny Legs $ which has very good burgers (and I border on being a vegetarian). Morgan's Mango $$ and Lime Tree Inn $$ are similar in cuisine and quality of food although I think the service at Lime Tree Inn is consistently better. I'll eat at one or the other at least once during my stays. Stone Terrace $$$ is good on quality but in my opinion a little short on quantity. Reservations are almost always needed no matter what time of year you're visiting. I'm a breakfast person so I'll visit either Chilly Billy's, J.J.s Texas Cafe, or Mongoose Junction Deli and Bistro for times when I don't eat in the villa. The Sun Dog Cafe also at Mongoose Junction is adaquate for lunch, but nothing special. For a fun *very* casual happy hour spot you shouldn't miss Woody's Seafood. It's also a great place to get food for late night munchies (before 11:00 p.m.).

Rental cars? I highly recommend you rent a car. On the other hand, you're going to be a newlywed. I guess it really depends on how much the two of you are going to want to get out and explore verses staying at the villa to bask in your new union. The farther the distance your villa is from Cruz Bay, the less you'll be able to rely on taxis. Cost wise, if you think you're going to make 3 or more trips a day away from the villa, it'll be cheaper to rent a car. Two trips a day and you'll probably break close to even.

Snorkeling? Don't miss Waterlemon Cay. Otherwise you'll find most of the beaches in St. John offer pretty good snorkeling on one or both ends of the beach where the rocks start.

I also highly recommend you take a day excursion to the B.V.I. (make sure you bring proof of U.S. citizenship either in the form of a passport or a raised seal birth certificate). There are a couple of ways you can do this. You can arrange to go on a party boat (like the Stormy Petrol or Limnos) or if you're a somewhat experienced boat handler you can rent a boat for the day from Ocean Runners or Nauti Nymph. Even if you're not a boat handler you can hire a captain for a day at about $125 + tip + the cost of the boat rental (somewhere around $340 for the day). Party boats usually cost about $150 per person which includes B.V.I. Customs fees.

Things to see? You're going to have to tell me a bit about what kinds of things you and your new spouse like to do. From there I can make a number of recommendations including things you might want to do in St. Thomas.

Richard N. Kurpiers