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I will be taking my first cruise Feb. 12/05 and this is also my wife's and my first trip to any islands( I didn't want to start taking these types of trips untill I could afford to do it at least once every year, twice would be better!). One of the ports is St. Thomas and I have been doing bits of research here and there to gain as much info. on the history, points of interest etc as possible. When you are in port for only 9 0r 10 hours I figured I better plan ahead to cover as much as possible.
One main thing that interests us is craftwork done by the locals(my wife is also interested in the gold/ hand designed jewelery; there's a surprise eh!). If anyone could recommend the best places to find local crafts being sold it would be greatly appreciated. Even if it requires a short trip out of town( Charlotte Amalie ), that would be fine. I have also heard from friends that have stayed at resorts on St. Thomas that it is a good place to buy gold jewelery, hand crafted and otherwise. Any recomendations anyone can provide as to where to go for good selection/deals etc., my wife thanks you.
I just found this board today and have found the topics very informative. Thank you all!
I have had success finding wonderful pieces from local artists at the Color of Joy and Mango Tango.
Also, go to St. Thomas Source (not sure of the address but search google and it will come up) - they list local shows, etc. on a regular basis.
Pamela.
Hello Don,
Welcome to the board, good place to ask questions and plan your trip.
You might want to visit the Virgin Islands Arts and Crafts Co-Op - its accross from the Emancipation Park in Charlotte Amalie - they have local crafts, not fancy but worth a visit. For art work there are various art galleries in town like Blue Turtle Gallery and others. I find many of the shops in St. John Cruz Bay shopping area sell unique handcrafted art and jewerly - if you were planning to spend time on St. John and St. Thomas. Tillett Gardens in Tutu (outside of town) is a good place to look for local made art, pots, jerwerly, ceramics...
--Islander
Hi Islander,
Thanks for the reply. I'm not as much interested in artwork/paintings as I am in the handcrafted art, ceramics, wood, jewelery etc. How close to town is Tillett Gardens and is taking a cab probably the quickest/best way there? Also, since we are in port for only 9 hours, would I have time to take the ferry to St. Thomas for some quick shopping at the Cruz Bay shopping area and still visit Tillett Gardens or would that be pushing it as far as time goes.
Don
Don: Downtown, you might try the Native Arts and Crafts Co-op 340-777-1153 near Vendors Plaza- it is a store of items crafted by Virgin Islanders. I believe they have some wood workers represented. You might also check Gallery St Thomas on Garden Street 340-774-9440. It is the former Blue Turtle, and while it may be mainly paintings and photography, I think Claire also shows other art. There are a few goldsmiths- Onika, help!? Also, Kilnworks Pottery near Smith Bay 340-775-3979 has ceramics, pottery etc. You could stop by Tillett Gardens and Kilnworks on the same taxi trip. If you want to throw in a nice lunch, your day could be taken up in these activities. Come back and stay longer!
Hello Don,
If you are only going to be shopping and are not interested in beach time or island tours yes you can take a taxi to Red Hook first thing and head over to St. John, shop in Cruz Bay for an hour or two - have lunch there maybe and then take the ferry back to St. Thomas and then take a taxi to (gosh I don't remember the gallery - someone help me out - the one with the big Iguana on the side of the road - close to Point Pleasant Resort) ____?___ gallery. They have nice pottery ect. Then go to Tillett Gardens, I haven't been there in a while, last time I was there it was a lot of paintings, handmade candles and handmade jewerly - so you can determine if thats what you are looking for and if its worth a stop. They have a web site at http://www.tillettgardens.com/
If you want to do some island touring then head to St. John Cruz Bay for shopping in the am and then in the afternoon do an island tour of St. Thomas, try to get a private tour with a driver who has a car or small van rather then a large safari (the safari usually want to fill up rather then take just a couple people) and ask the driver if they would allow you to stop at gallery I am forgetting the name of or Tillett and then continue your tour.
--Islander
Islander: The iguana place is Kilnworks..
Thank you all for the wealth of information! And yes East Ender, I'm already planning to visit for an extended(2 week) stay for my next holiday after the cruise. Right now I'm busy researching places to stay. I've been reading the boards and getting some great information. Thanks again and I'm sure I'll have more questions down the road.
Don
Yes thats it - Thanks East Ender.
--Islander
Best Goldsmith with the most original pieces I've seen is named Petras Korver and I will contact him to find the name of the gallery in Charlotte Amalie where his work is on display. You will not be disappointed in it's use of natural materials. You wife would treasure a piece of his........I'll post the shop as soon as I get the name.
Yes, you did the right thing in trying to do a bit of research instead of just popping off the ship, scurrying around and re-embarking without having really "seen" us for your short visit. I commend your effort and heartly hope you enjoy your visit and will return and stay longer. It is a heavenly place.
Name of the shop is - Jewelerys Workshop in the Trompeter Gade (alley) which runs between Waterfront and Main street. Coming in from Waterfront the Workshop is on the left hand side and Petras' work is in the display case immediately to your left as you enter. Enjoy this marvelous find - I did and greatly admire the mans dedication to his fine art and to life.
As his extremely biased wife, I have to second Island Paul's recommendation regarding Petrus's work. Everyone who sees his work is amazed at the high-quality and unique craftmanship.
Feel free to stop by his website: www.korverkoncepts.com
or see it in person at the Jeweler's Workshop (up from Tommy Hilfiger's).
Ok, that's enough of the shameless self-promotion...
Try Dolphin Dreams Boutique in Red Hook at American Yacht Harbor. They carry quite a bit of local products. Mango Tango is also a great place.
