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talked to a rental agent about St. John today who brought up several concerns:
First, we are planning on going the third or fourth week in October. Since this is the end of hurricane season, she told me 'many' shops/restaurant will be on vacation - that the months of September and October are notorious for things being closed...any input on this?
In addition, she tells me that Coral Bay is on the less populated side of the island and that it's a bit of a difficult drive over to Cruz Bay - I really don't care about that, except if we need to drive over to find restaurants. Any ideas about this? I assume that we can find things on the west, north and south sides of the islands that will keep us fed (we're not looking for fancy food, just good fresh fare)...is that a correct assumption?
Thanks.
There are a lot of restaurant closed in Sept and October that is true.
I wouldn't call the drive to Cruz Bay from Coral Bay 'difficult'. It does take about 30-40 minutes from Coral Bay (depending on how far out you are) to Cruz Bay and the road is very winding with lots of switchbacks and you have to go over Bordeaux Mountain so it's up and down like a rollercoaster. It's not a road that you 'd want to drive if you've had too much to drink but you shouldn't be driving any road if you've had too much to drink.
If you wait until November most restaurants that do close will be back open again but I wouldn't let that stop you from making your plans for whatever time you want to go to STJ. StJ is great whenever you go.
First, make sure the agent you are speaking to actually lives on island rather than representing a property but their "office" is in the North East US.
Second, the drive from Cruz to Coral is not difficult. The only problems with Centerline or North Shore drives is having to stop and take in the glorious scenery every 1/4 mile.
Third, the down time in restaurants during the October-November dates are true (everyone has to take a break at some point) but frankly you don't go to STJ for the culinary experiences.
Fourth, you are traveling during the tail end of hurricane season so take the insurance (cheap and worth the peace of mind).
Finally, you have mentioned you are traveling to get some down time relaxation and you are assured of that during your planned time of travel.
Listen to all points of view and comments but understand they are personal viewpoints. Take the plunge and experience the island for what it is. I promise you...it will talk to you while you are there and forever more when you return to the mainland. Addiction is not strong enough a description.
We love the Coral Bay area and don't mind the drive to Cruz Bay. The views make it quite enjoyable. On one of our visits to St. John we went in September and some of the restaurants in Coral Bay closed while we were there. So, I have to think that some of those would be reopened by late October. It's still the most wonderful place to be in all the world.
stjohnjulie provides a link for restaurant closings but I doubt she has one this early for the 2010 fall season.
Your questions seem very strange. STJ is actually a very affluent island, mostly national parkland. Crime against tourists is rare and usually of the steal-out-of-an-unlocked-car variety. You are getting bad information from somewhere.
As far as villa rentals are concerned, try the website for Calabash Cottages. 3 great properties within your price range.
local residents have to eat out someplace, so st. john will not turn into a ghost town. and those eateries that do close, rarely do so for the entire hurricane season or months at a time. there will still be places to go.
the island is only yea long, a commute to the job stateside generally can take longer... it's all a matter of perspective. good questions to ask, but i think you'll enjoy your stay.
If this is the time of year that you want to travel, then do it.
Yes, the island will be quiet, but it seems like that is what you are looking for.
Coral Bay is not that far, in fact nothing is that far. It is a small island.
As a former rental agent, I will tell you to not listen to rental agents:-), not really ,but when I look back at some of the things that were in my normal island info, I think that I was a little biased towards what was best for the company and my owners. Not that it is a bad thing, but I told people that Coral Bay was far away simply because we did not have any Coral Bay rentals.
Do check out the STJ spice link to restaurant closings. it will give you some good insight on what it may look like while you are there this year. Most restaurants follow similar schedules each year.
Book your trip, get trip insurance, and have a great time.
I think that going to a new destination can be hard for most people. The fear of the unknown is tought o get past for some and it is hard when you are getting so many different viewpoints from so many different people.
STJ is a wonderful island with wonderful people. The beaches are incredible, views are breathtaking, and, for many, it is an addiction.
I would disagree with your agent
We have travelled many times to STJ/STT in October
By Mid-October for the most part everything is open
Even in Early October a majority of places have doors unlocked
Usually I find the local shopkeepers, restaurant folks, and the whole attitude of islanders in general is really great in October!
They have been on vacation or have been home and seen mom and dad, the home place, sat in traffic trying to get to the airport, and figured out the VI is a very special place and glad to be in their paradise home!
I have found just the opposite in April... Still everybody is nice, but it is because it is there job... Either it has been a good season and they just want some quiet or a bad season and now trying to figure out how they are going to get home in September so mom won't cry on the phone this year again. For the most part they are ready for some quiet time.
Trip insurance is good thing... You are still on the fringe of a storm, but the risk is very low.
I say October go for it - More rain in November 😎
As for what side of the island - One vote for Cruz Bay Side
