My wife and I are returning to St. Thomas again this year. We'll be there from 8/17 through 8/29. We always rent a car from Dependable Car Rental as they are a very nice company to do business with (family operation) and they jump through hoops to help you. Have never been on any booze cruises but do go on the day sail with New Horizons. We're staying at the Beach Club so perhaps we'll run into each other. As for eating out, it all depends on what you like and what you want to spend. We picked up a Rotary Club coupon book and get two for one all over the two islands. Well worth the money ($20).

Rick & Deb

Since you will be at the Elysian, the Ritz next door offers a very nice sunset cruise but I would hardly call that a "booze cruise." There is some sort of party boat, Tiki something or other, that I've heard playing loud music and assume that it might be more of the "booze cruise" atmosphere that you might be seeking and I'm not even sure where it is docked. Discount Auto Rental (www.discountcar.vi but they also have a new URL which I haven't bookmarked so the old may transfer you to the new) has a desk at the Elysian and has always been competitive with prices of other rentals and they do meet you at the airport upon arrival and drop off for departure. The rental vehicle can be more economical than the taxis if you plan on island exploring since the taxis can add up quickly. Nearby and in Red Hook are some good dining options but at the Elysian, Bonnie's by the Sea has music some nites and it is very casual dining right on the beach. The Rotary 2For Dining out book is a great deal if you can still get your hands on one. Ronnie tells me Color of Joy has moved out near the entrance to the Elysian and they do sell the books.

Plenty,plenty to do on the East End!! Besides Bonnie's, there is also Arthur's-great baby back ribs and seafood- next door to the St Thomas Yacht Club (you might go over there for Friday night Happy Hour and see if anyone needs crew!)-those are all within walking distance.

I believe the Elysian has a sunset cruise or can arrange one. The Kon-Tiki is a party barge that runs out of Charlotte Amalie harbor. Definitely the Ritz (Lady Lindsey), the Renaissance (Day Dreamer and Coconuts), Bolongo, and Sapphire all have sailboats (mainly, if not all, catamarans).

Red Hook is a hop, skip and jump away for restaurants, bars, and the ferry to St John. Have fun!

Elysian Beach Hut probably works with New Horizons and possibly they do a sunset sail too. Never thought of that one! Check with them. A great day is to take a sail to Jost van Dyke and there are several charters who do that. My favorite is Fantasy. You can walk to Aruthur's from the Elysian thru Cowpet and down the stairs at the end but the gate does close at nite. Not something that I would do at nite anyway. During the day, you can climb over the rocks to get to the Yacht Club and Arthurs (know how hard it is not to type Jerry's= ?). He does make a mighty pina coloda! Off the beaten track tshirts can be found Friday nite at the Yacht Club (Rolex Regatta) and at the Cowpet Condo office at the Elsyian for the Olympic Bobsled team.

Where do you get the Rotary Club coupon book?

Many places sell them, we got ours at the Red Hook Mail Service in Red Hook, it is the center across from the American Yacht Club, upper level. Also, there is a lock and key place next to American Yacht Club(same side of the str) and they had it too. It was well worth the $20.

Also try The Color of Joy, across the street form the entrance to Elysian. I had some but I think we have officially run out!
Ronnie

I just received my coupon book today. Corinne at The Color of Joy took care of mailing it to me before they ran out, she was a jewel. It seems to be chocked full of great places to eat and you can easily get the 20 bucks back by utilizing a couple of the coupons. Corinne's E-mail is [email protected]. Please tell her Sharon sent you and thanks to the Islander for pointing me in the right direction.

SG