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Hi,
Ive spent many nights looking through old posts and finding so many answers to my questions about St Croix. We hope to be making a trip there next summer (my husband, me and 2 16 yr old boys). My husband and I went many years ago (18) and we are anxious to return. We stayed at the Hugo destroyed Grapetree Bay Hotel (which I hear is still kind of sitting there) and this time we are considering Chenay Bay.
My first question is about shopping. We are mostly beach/water people but would like to check out the shops in C-stead. Is anything open in the evenings that you could look at after dinner or do you have to go in the daytime?? I'd hate to miss any beach time but there are some shops that I really want to see!!
: )
thanks.
Hello and Welcome to the board Phyl,
Christiansted has very neat historical buildings, good restaurants, shops - its worth a day and you can even get beach time in. Plan a day for Christiansted, bring or wear your swimwear. In the morning visit Fort Christiansvaern, Steeple Museum, take a look at the Customs House and Gov't House. Then do some shopping. Have lunch on the Boardwalk. Use the restroom at the restaurant you go to, to change into your swimwear (if you aren't wearing it already) and then take the small ferry over to Protestant Cay for some beach time in the afternoon. 😉 great day! The ferry operates from the board walk area just in front of the park by the Fort.
Shopping is mostly a daytime thing. I think the shops close up around 6pm. There are a few events during the year where shops stay open a bit later into the evening, like the Jump Ups in Christiansted. The next one is November 25th.
--Islander
Hello Phyl
I'm with you, when going to St Croix you have to spend most of the day light hours in the water and at the beaches, but (I can't beleive I'm saying this) you should do like Islander says and spend a day in downtown Christiansted - there are some shops, sites, buildings, restaurants and bars to make it a real enjoyable day.
Yes the Grapetree Hotel or should I say it's ruins are still there. There is a lot of hurricane damage in that area - but there are a few new villas starting to pop up here and there, and Grapetree beach is still beautiful and one of our favorites.
We stay at the condo's just to the east of Chenay Bay - There are about 5 real nice beaches that are no more than a 15 minute drive from that resort
Have fun with your trip -- I think I'm going to start checking for some reasonable air fares now that you have me in the mood --o/k I'm always in the mood for STX
Steve
what are the condos called that you stay in?? I could still be swayed on staying somewhere else. I'd love to hear about them.
phyl
Phyl
They are called Coakley Bay Condo's or Coakley's Nest, depending what web site you find them on
These condo's are not beach front nor are they luxurious - but they are clean & comfortable and they made my vacations to stx very affordable. There is a restaurant on site the Cultured Pelican, it overlooks a hugh swimming pool
It's a 3 minute drive or a 10 minute walk from Chenay Bay Resort
They have 2 & 3 bedroom units
These condo's work for us -- I hope to be back there June "06
Have fun making your plans
Steve
That's originally where I had thought of staying but was trying to justify spending the extra $$ to go to Chenay. My boys would be no extra charge at Chenay and Im not too sure about the $$ of Coakleys Nest. We're also hoping to go in June 06. How much is it per week at Coakley with a 2 br and 2 kids over 12??
Oh, and how late do most restaurants stay open in C-stead??
thanks so much for your opinions.
The rates are listed as $950 per week for a 2 or 3 bedroom unit
You know - I've been to STX 7 times within the last 10 years and I've never really given any attention to restaurant hours so it would just be a guess, sooooooooooo my best guess is 10 pm - Although Rum Runners on the boardwalk might stay open a lot later.
We spend tooooo much time on the beach all day with our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a cooler full of Budweiser and Presidente beer, with all that sun and fun were usually in bed by 10 - real party people huh.
Ask me how many grains of sand are on Shoys beach
or how many palm trees surround Cane Bay beach and I'll be there for you.
Have a bunch of fun
Steve
Please make a visit to Frederikested. There are great beaches with very good beachside restaurants. Also, stop by my store, Tropical Girl, for great fashions. It's located next to Turtles Deli which has wonderful sandwiches. Any trip to St. Croix should include a drive to Frederiksted.
patstx,
Where's the best place to park near your store?
JW
There is always plenty of parking right in front of my store. It's located in Prince Passage which is a cute court yard.
I've got that on my list of things to do. If I had to pick 1 beach in F-stead, which would you recommend?? (maybe 2). Thanks.
The beaches at Cottages by the Sea and that area are really sandy and nice and the water is calm. North of Frederiksted the beaches are nice, but there are a lot of rocks going into the water.
