Hello Alie,

Welcome to the board. Visit often and you will read other travelers vacation stories, perhaps answer a few questions for those planning trips based on your experiences and learn new stuff to help with planning your next trip to STJ... 😉

--Islander

What I do often, is when I get home to BBBRRRRR cold New Hampshire, I usually get going right away on planning the next trip, no matter how far off in the distance. That way, it is something to look forward to. I also learned to like Kenny Chesney and have gone through 2 CDs with all songs singing about our wonerful ST. JOHN and WHITE BAY. You will listen and think you are right there with him at some of the places he sings about. He has a CD just about the island. So, if you don't like country...just listen to him singing about being a pirate in his last life, and will become a relative of Black Beard yourself. There are so many of us form New England, I may be the first one to organize a "get together" at a place where we could meet and just sip margaritas and chat about our favorite stories. What about that idea? It will make the winter go by. Also, any of the Blanchard books/cook books/book signings, I go to because they have a restaurant in Anguilla, live in Vermont part time, and love to share their stories anf Barnes and Noble periodically.

Yeah, I've thought about getting Kenny Chesney's CD now that I hear the hype 😉 Didn't know about the Blanchard thing but I'll consider that, too. There's a bar/restaurant in Burlington here owned by the son of a guy on St. Thomas with his own restaurant--found that out last trip...will be frequenting it more often now 😉 Seems I run into more and more people who ping pong between this area and the Islands, and I do the same thing--the minute I get back here, I start looking for the next trip! It's good to be in similar company!

And yes, I think it's a great idea to have a New Englander get together to share stories and rum!! I'm in!

What part of Vermont are you from? My wife is from Essex and my Father-in-law lives in Georgia, VT. He's the President of VSAC. Do you know any Vickers'? His name is Don Vickers. How about any Bell's? Carmella Bell? She's my Grandmonther-in-law. Almost 93 years old now and still spritely! Camille Vickers (used to be Bell) is my Mother-in-law. I know the odds are slim that you know them, but stranger things have happened! Haha! About 3 years ago a couple from VT came in to my office for directions, and when I asked them if they knew any Vickers, she said, "Yeah! My dad works for Don Vickers and we spent a weekend with him and his daughter in New York when I was about 12. Do you know Tiffany Vickers?" I said, "Yep, I know them both quite well! Tiff is my wife, and Don is my Father-in-law!" Small world, huh? haha!

What is the name of the Kenny Chesney CD that is about the islands? I need some inspiration to transport me. We are in countdown mode for our trip in April but it is still far enough away that it does not seem real yet.

"Be As You Are" is the name of his CD that he sings about the water, his boat, island friends, pondering life on a beach, etc. If you have been down there, you will relate to the songs. I loved this summer when we had 3rd row seats at his concert...the lights came on and he had on a J Hook bracelet and a Woody's t-shirt. We know where his mind is...the same place ours is!

Hey Cricket, I'm from NH too. Just wait until tomorrow, we're getting sleet!! VT2STJ, I guess you've become addicted to STJ too. An amusing anecdote. A few years ago, we were heading to the airport in a taxi from Red Hook to the airport, and started chatting with the driver. He said that he had never been to the states, and would love to come. We said we were from NH and when we left there was a lot of snow. He said that he would love to experience snow, as he had never seen it, or touched it. He went on to say that it would be the adventure of a lifetime to do the snow scene. My husband and I were like, "yeah here we are dreading going back and this gentleman is anxious to see that slop". We said that we would send some of it down to STT for him. We are heading down for our annual week in Coral Bay in February and can't wait. Kenny who? Give me Jimmy!! (buffet)

I am from Bedford, New Hampshire! I am off to Kansas City to judge a horse show there until Saturday. I am then returning home to get the OTHER suitcase and off I go to St. John. My college roommate and I are spending Thanksgiving there. She has never been there, and I can't wait to show her around. I spoke to a few of the lovely teenie boppers at Woody's today to see if they need anything, and they said the weather is just perfect...I can't wait I usually check in with them and being sun lovers, they give the best report. A few showers are needed to keep the beautiful greenery and flowers blooming. Yeah, we went to Jimmy this summer, but Kenny sings about certain places I know, which makes me feel like I am there. I also have told him many times, that I was going to St. John way before he was even born...he gets a kick out of that.

Hello Alie (and all others)

I too am from Vermont and will be getting married in St. John this upcoming February. I would love to chat with you about your adventure and find out where you went and what you did. What villa did you rent in Coral Bay? We are also renting a place in Coral Bay for a week in February. We are in the process of finding a beach to get married on. I've received tons of advice from this board but would love to hear your advice. My personal e-mail is [email protected] and I'd love to hear what you have to say.
We just got back today from 13 days in the Western Caribbean and I'm washing clothes as we speak and just putting them back in the suitcases for February, less than 3 months and counting.
What restaurant in Burlington were you speaking of? I've been in Burlington for most of the last 19 years and just recently bought a home up in northern vt.

When you have a minute and drop me a line, I'd love to hear about your experience in ST. JOHN.
Thanks, Jill

Cricket...thanks for the info on the CD. I will be going to the store this week to pick this one up. I have been to St. Thomas but I have not had the pleasure of going to St. John. We will be returning to St. Thomas in April and we plan to spend at least one day if not more on St. John. Based on the info on this board, I know we will fall in love with St. John. Listening to this CD along with all of my Buffett will keep me on island time.

High '80's here in Los Angeles today. Looks like a nice warm weather......yeah, go ahead and tell me how we don't have the seasons

What is the name of the CD you are talking about? I would like to get it.

My wife and I are visiting St. John for the first time February 6-13. I can't wait. We are renting a villa in Coral Bay. Have you heard of Winsome House? It's new and somewhere up on Ajax Peak? Where have you stayed? I would be interested to hear about your recommendations for restaurants and fun bars. It is our 20th anniversary and I am planning this trip.

Nope, no Vickers, but I live in Colchester, so I'm close 😉 Good to meet ya!

Have not heard of Winsome House, but I bet in all my online searchings I've seen it once or twice (gonna go search right now since you have my curiosity up!). I stayed in Spyglass in Coral Bay last year and this year it was Coral Rays. I can never remember if Ajax Peak is the northern or western hillside but I'm pretty sure "my" two villas are on the western...Spyglass was an easy drive since it was paved but Coral Rays was definitely NOT for the faint of heart--good thing I'm schooled in 4WD!!!

Bill,
just checked out Winsome House--I go through Destination St. John, too, and love them. Ajax looks farther away from the bay than where we've stayed before, so I apparently have my hills confused 😉 You should have a lovely time and don't be afraid to ask the people at DSTJ for anything--they've always been very accomodating to me. I have a funny anecdote for that which I won't take up space on the board with, but suffice it to say, although I haven't experienced anyone else, I've been very happy with DSTJ so far.

As for restaurant recommendations, Skinny Legs is a must if you like the laid-back, old friends, comfortable place type bar/restaurant (we had a great conversation with Moe Chabuz, one of the owners, last time). If you're in Cruz Bay, Rhumbalaya and the Lime Inn are excellent, Polli's if you're craving Mexican, and Deli Grotto for an awesome sandwich--we discovered it last time and ate lunch there practically every day. Somebody please tell me it's still there in Mongoose Junction!!! Of course, listen to everyone else, too, as we tend to stick to our favorites and never seem to branch out, despite our best efforts 😉

Bill & Jo-ann

We'll also be in St. John in February and are staying in Coral Bay, we should think about meeting up sometime if we are all there on any given same day. What time frame is everyone going there in February?

Hi Jill, we will be on St. John February 6-13.

Hi Alie, thanks for the recommendations. Also, I am trying to decide where to have dinner for our anniversary. Someplace romantic, nice with a great view and great food. I have read about Tage, Chateau Bordeaux, Zozos, Asolare, and others. Any of your thoughts are appreciated.

Or,...,should I hire a chef to cook a dinner at the villa?

Is there anywhere to get flowers delivered?