You'll have a fine time, but there has been a lot of change in the past 20 years. I don't think of much of the change as improvement. More people, more cars, more upscale. Still beautiful, but it'll have a different flavor to it than the STJ of your sweet memories. Weather should be fine. You'll be at the end of hurricane season, so the odds are against getting hit. We were on Virgin Gorda in mid-October last year and the weather was superb. It's still low season, so there won't be too many people around. Some places may still be closed, but plenty will be open.

World Headquarters is now called Morgan's Mango and it's a restaurant rather than a bar as it used to be. They have a guy playing guitar some nights, but no bands like they once did. I remember nights in Cruz Bay wandering back and forth between Fred's and World Headquarters. They were good nights. There was a band named Inner Visions that played at Fred's back then(unsure if they were using that name at that time) . They're still playing and some of their sons are with the band now.

As for the egg roll thingys---not clear what you mean. Maybe pate or roti?

We still take the ferry from Red Hook. There's a new ferry terminal in Red Hook and when you were last there, there may not have yet been any terminal building at all on the dock in Cruz Bay. You'll have a fine time. Just be prepared. It's not going to be as you remember.

Sorry that I can't help with any information on the bars that you mentioned, but a great link to check out any storm prediction paths is www.nhc.noaa.gov. August and September tend to be the more active months, but storms can occur in October. The plus side is that you will find most hotel rates are cheaper and you don't have to deal with the large crowds.

Hope this helps,

Molly

OCTOBER

Temperature Fahrenheit Celsius

Average High 88.5° 31.39°

Average Low 75.7° 24.28°

Mean Temperature 82° 27.78°

Record High 97° 36.11°

Record Low 70° 21.11°

Precipitation Inches Centimeters

Average Precip. 5.5 in 13.97 cm

I returned to STJ in 2006 with my wife after not being there in 25 years. It was her first time there. Much of it had changed a lot... some places not so much, but it still is a wonderful place to go and be a part of. We are returning in 3 weeks and I can't wait. You'll have a wonderful time... especially now that you can share it with your wife.
Not sure about going in Octobe, I've never been. Are the egg roll thingys you're talking about conch fritters?? In 2006, we took the ferry from Charlotte Amalie, but this time, I think this time we're going to go from Red Hook.

crickett : )

Lex, they were good nights. I do remember. Man what a world of freedom back then when I was only 18. I can remember the smell of STJ like it was yesterday and the peace that I felt within. (probably just youth and no cares) Now I twixt on should I or shouldn't I . I am a person of no great wealth, but I do know how deeply I am in love with my wife and to experience STJ with her would be a moment in life where we just breathe and we push all of the monotonous cares into the past. Not to mention 8 days w/out the kids (yeah). I am sorry to here how it is changing that is sad.
Lex you remember way back when, ever remember an islander who walked around the park with a tall Abraham Lincoln hat on. If you do not it is probably a good thing.
I appreciate the info on things on those who replied. Maybe a couple of more questions. My schedule has changed. We are now planning on coming the 3rd week in August. I have read back post about the weather in August and it all seems to be good, but I wanted to check before I seal the deal today. And is it feasible to leave STJ in the am and make an 0800 flight .
My wife is so excited about coming, I even offered her a new washer and dryer and dining room set which she desperately wants, but STJ it is. ( I do not want those things, i was checking her level of commitment).
Thanks again. Looking forward to the day I arrive and all of the time in between.
Bill

My first trip to ST John was 20 something years ago for a day trip. I was staying with a friend at a house on water island for free for the week. Good times.

When I went back with 4 kids in 2001 things had changed a lot. Cruz bay used to be a sleepy town with one jeep rental! Really developed now.

I went back with a couple of daughters last fall and felt about this same. Great place with plenty of privacy once off the beaten path. Working on another trip this summer. It is my favorite place in the world next to my mountain home.

Ric

I remember "world Headquarters"... now its called "morgans Mango" its no longer a dance club. its a restaurant. I lived on st thomas and remembering many times dancing the night away and missing the last ferry and hitching rides on sailboats back to st thomas in the wee hours of the morning.

And is it feasible to leave STJ in the am and make an 0800 flight.

You probably want to spend the night on St. Thomas so you can get to the airport on time. Recommended check in time is 90 minutes when traveling between USVI and US Mainland. The first ferry out of St. John to Red Hook is 6am. Would probably get to the airport around 7am. Not sure if the water taxi's start earlier than 6am. Any other feedback?

--Islander

Hey, I used to play in a band at World Headquarters back in '86, "87 Fun times. We were called "Eden" Haven't been back in over 20 years. Want to go charter though.

BP