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My mother and I are coming to visit the VI's because we both can right now....We have never vacationed alone together... I just went through a divorce and she is retired....so, It should be a good time to reconnect! I would appreciate your advice on WHAT WE MUST DO! We will be there Sat. 8/25 @ 2pm until Sat 9/1 at 11am. We are staying on St Thomas but really want to explore St John like a native. When I say that I mean we want to eat at the local places there and just relax...Not into the real tourist scene.
Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Amy
I'll leave it to others to suggest specifics but my advice is start breathing slowly, moving slowly and practice relaxing. Island time really does exist and everything does and should move more slowly. Practice saying "No worries." And have a great trip.
I appreciate that. I guess I kinda made it sound like we were visiting NYC or something. Relaxing and island time is why we chose to come there. Thanks for your reminder.
A
On STJ, bring a book, beach chair and pick any of the beaches. If you are relying on taxis to escort you around I suggest Hawksnest or Trunk. Both are beautiful and lend themselves to laid back venue or snorkeling if you have the gear. If you do not mind driving on the left, rent a car and visit both Cruz and Coral Bays. They each have their own distinctive character.
Local places- Local food- Victor's Hideaway, Gladys's Cafe in town, and Cuzzin's on Back ST.
- others- North Drop on Hull Bay road- rt 47, Hull Bay Hideaway, Indigo's - tho it is also a tourist spot, locals really like it.
St. John is the more laid back non-touristy place in general. If you like to hike, than definitely check out the trails on STJ and lots of exploring can be done. If you want to snorkel, bring some gear and have fun. I would suggest checking the cruise ships schedule as they do take several tours to Trunk Bay to snorkel, but in general you should be fine. My favorite beaches are Cinnamon (has restrooms and showers - camping style, but with running water) and Maho (has no amenities whatsoever, but the sand is so soft and the view is beautiful, palm trees, etc.) Those two beaches are good if you have your own transportation and Hawksnest and Trunk are also beautiful and are good if you take a taxi. I have heard that the beaches at Caneel are excellent and not crowded (I have not been there yet).
St. Thomas is busier, but there are great places to visit as well. I personally like Mountaintop for its views (take a camera), Magen's Bay is the largest beach on island and if you go there you have to stop at the Dairy for milkshakes after a day at the beach. Mmmm I miss those. Coki Beach is beautiful and you don't even have to snorkel to see the fish, but it is a tiny beach and can get very crowded (still I think it is worth seeing).
For shopping, Charlotte Amalie has the most stores and is scenic. It reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans, but is right on the water and is bigger. If you shop there than have lunch at Gladys Cafe or Cuzzin's or anywhere you are if you are hungry. Lots of little places, just look for the menu boards. Cruz Bay in St. John is my fav for shopping. Less busy, smaller, and more of a laid back atmosphere, but prices seem to be higher. However there is more unique items and less 'touristy' stuff.
Well, that is my two cents and change. Have fun no matter what you do!
Teresa
