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So, we're getting pumped about our arrival Sunday. We plan to relax at Galleon House on Sunday evening, maybe stroll around whatever's around before turning in.
On Monday, our check-in time at the Westin is 3 p.m. So, how should we kill the time until then? We can either find something to do on STT, or, after buying groceries there, go ahead and take the ferry over to STJ and do something over there, like maybe lunch and a get-acquainted drive-around. Suggestions? As in, how would you spend that time?
Thanks in advance.
I can't think of anything to see within strolling distance of Galleon House on a Sunday evening - the closed up buildings are interesting architecture or maybe a stroll on the waterfront apron for sunset?
Monday - an early morning walk on Main St and the Waterfront stores can be interesting watching as the town comes to life - if you have a car on STT a nice drive up into the hills will give you some beautiful views - then grocery shopping at Costuless or Plaza extra and off to the Car ferry - if you are taking the Westin ferry - get lunch in Frenctown and taxi to Crown Bay - if you are taking the Charlotte Amalie ferry check the schedule - I believe it is 10am and 1pm --------- or the Red Hook ferries leave on the hour.
I think trying to "kill time" until 3pm would be a waste of a day of your vacation. I would get to the Westin asap and drop your bags at the front desk (who knows your room might even be ready as it is "low" season and I doubt the hotel is full) put on your bathing suit, pick up a few towels and head to your beach of the day and go back to the Westin to check in whatever time you want - 4pm, 5pm, 6pm - it's your vacation why waste is wondering around trying to kill time 🙂
Pia
Since you will be in STT for the morning and early afternoon I really don't see exploring as a 'waste' of time - many STJ visitors and even some STJ residents only see St Thomas as a paved road that goes from the airport to Red Hook - there are many historical and contemporary attractions that will reward any interested traveler that wants to take the time to look around.
Certainly sitting on a beach is prime vacation mode - but just rushing off to STJ and missing out on a few hours seeing some of what 'Rock City' has to offer can be a worthwhile part of a vacation as well.
Well, "killing time" may not have been the best phrase. "Having fun under some time constraints," maybe? "Best way to spend some time before checking in"? Anyway, thanks for the advice. We'll be picking up the car on Sunday and taking it with us to St. John on Monday. I presume that means Red Hook, right?
I second the notion of doing some exploring on STT before you head to STJ. As mentioned, some cool artchitecture, etc. downtown. I highly recommend a meal at Natrual Livity. My favorite beaches so far (haven't been to all of them) on STT are Hull Bay and Smith Bay if you're interested in checking out some of the beaches before you head out. It's a win-win situation whatever you decide to do. 🙂 Enjoy!!
Most places will keep your bags for you so if you head over to STJ after buying groceries, you can drop your bags off at the Westin, enjoy their amenities until your room is ready or head to the beach or check out the town. If you want something to do in STT before heading over on the car barge:
You can check out downtown STT and do a little shopping, check out Virgin Grand Marina and the Mango Tango Art gallery located there, go to the Butterfly Farm in Havensite Mall (and do some more shopping,) go on the Paradise Point Skyride (you can drive up instead of taking the tram) check out Coral World, go to one of our many beaches for a swim.
Car ferries/barges have a couple different companies so some leave on the hour and others, on the half hour - If you get a roundtrip ticket for the barge just be sure that return trip is early enough for you to catch your Flt. home. There's a link on this message board for the ferry schedules. Enjoy your vacation.
I wouldn't recommend wandering around down town STT, after dark - nothing is open, especially on a Sunday night and one must be aware of safety issues.
I know what I would want to do, if I had my Jeep the night before and already pumped up about our trip.
Hmmm...
I wanna see some STJ northshore beaches.... mmmm... yeahhhhh
with a cooler with hydrating, non breakable containers.......
WAIT!!!!!
Gotta stop at Mongoose and buy a sandwich at Deli Grotto.
You get the picture yet?
I should clarify - I personally as a STJ resident do not see STT as a "waste of time" nor would it be a "waste of a vacation day" I only used that phrase as the OP had asked how they could "kill time" which implied to me that they were not looking to sight see etc. Thanks to the OP for clarifying 🙂
Pia
