Crucian Heritage

My Serendipitous St Croix-Ireland Connections

September 16, 2022 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

Charlene & I at the Van Morrison concert in the heart of Belfast

In August 2022, I took an epic trip to Ireland full of adventure. The global pandemic had put a pause on my European adventure that I had planned for 2020, and so when I was ready to travel abroad again – I thought of my friend who had extended the invitation to visit Ireland.

The Emerald Isle has always been on my “to do” travel list. And it just so happens that a dear friend of mine who previously lived on St Croix had moved to Belfast as a teacher over a decade ago. Charlene and I met while performing many moons ago in various Caribbean Community Theatre productions and became fast friends sharing not only a love for musical theatre but our Irish Catholic heritage and Boston area roots.

If you ask anyone who really knows me, St Patrick’s Day has always been my favorite holiday (next to Christmas, of course) and my favorite band of all time is hands-down, U2. And, like millions of others across the globe, my family is part of the vast Irish diaspora. So, after a chat with my friend via Facebook Messenger it was settled. I was heading to Ireland!

How are the St Croix Seaplane and Ireland connected?

Over the years, many have asked me why St Croix has such a big St Patrick’s Day parade celebration and I’ve written about the complicated historical past here – St Croix’s Irish Connection. But, St Croix also has another more modern connection to Ireland – one of Éire’s favorite daughters, the famed fiery red-head and Hollywood starlet, Maureen O’Hara (1920-2015).

Maureen lived here on St Croix for many years with her third husband, United States Air Force Brigadier General Charles F. (Charlie) Blair, Jr. Charlie was an aviation pioneer and the founder of “Antilles Air Boats”, the predecessor of today’s seaplane operation in Christiansted & Charlotte Amalie Harbors. With $10,000 he bought a Gruman Goose (an amphibious plane), hired five employees and started what would become the largest seaplane airline in the world with a fleet of 27 planes. And he did it all right here on St Croix!

Charles Blair with his Goose – from AntillesAirboats.com

Maureen owned and edited the Virgin Islander travel magazine from 1976 to 1980 when she sold it to USA Today. Maureen and Charlie would often fly from St Croix to Ireland with multiple stop overs for fuel, including in Nova Scotia where they are remembered fondly. Though a highly honored and experienced pilot, Blair was killed when the Goose he was piloting crashed en route to St Thomas on September 2, 1978, killing him and three others aboard. You can still see Maureen and Charlie Blair’s home sitting high atop the hill above Christiansted. Over the years its fallen into some disrepair, but local rumor has it that it’s being renovated right now and will become a rental villa in the future.

St Croix was a Celebrity Hotspot

One of Maureen’s frequent leading men and one of her best friends was John Wayne. He visited her and Charlie on St Croix several times over the years. She entertained other Hollywood celebrities like Ginger Rogers, Jason Robards, Victor Borge, and Lauren Bacall. Maureen was well known for her hospitality and deep love of St Croix, referring to it often as her favorite island.

Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne in *The Quiet Man* (1952)

My personal favorite Maureen O’Hara story comes from my time as a wedding planner. About a decade or so ago, I planned the wedding of a truly lovely couple. The bride, Jenny, had been born on St Croix when her father worked for the Hess Oil Refinery. She only lived on the island for the first few years of her life, but it was still very special to her. During the wedding reception, her father got up and shared a touching story. When Jenny was a toddler, the family attended the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade and Maureen O’Hara was on one of the floats (this may have been the year that she was the Grand Marshall). Maureen saw little Jenny and handed her a lucky Irish penny. Over the years and several moves, unfortunately, the penny was misplaced by her parents. So, before the wedding, Jenny’s father wrote a letter to Maureen O’Hara sharing the story of the lost penny. Well, don’t you know that Maureen not only sent back a lovely letter, but a shiny new lucky Irish penny to gift Jenny at her wedding. (yep, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house and I’m a little teary now retelling it, lol)

My St Croix-Ireland Connections Begin

So that’s the back story. Fast forward to my 2022 Irish Adventure. I spent the first four days of my trip with my friend, Charlene, in Belfast (which I absolutely LOVED). My very first night included an outdoor Van Morrison concert in Belfast Square. Epic! For the first part of my trip, we visited many of the filming locations from Game of Thrones up along the breathtaking NorthEast coast of Ireland, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour on the outskirts of Belfast, and St Patricks Cathedrals in Armagh (more on all of at my new Travel website Exploranista.com )

Following my stay in Belfast, I rented a car and took off on my own adventure. I had plotted on my Google map the places in Ireland that my family emigrated from about 200 years ago. So, leaving Belfast, I headed out on my heritage trail. One of those was Sligo on the North West Coast of the Republic of Ireland. There, I spent some time exploring the Neolithic burial ground at Carrowmore and then drove down through the breathtaking Connemara mountains with a plan to head to Galway.

The megalithic tombs at Carrowmore are older than the Egyptian Pyramids!

I have an Addiction to Photography

Driving through the beautiful Connemara Mountains

Well, my incessant need to stop every mile to take pictures of the insanely gorgeous landscape across Ireland got the best of me and I was just exhausted. But, I was still a couple hours out of Galway where I’d booked a hostel for the night. It was only $25/night so it wasn’t a big deal to be charged but not make it. I checked out a few hotels and bed and breakfasts along my way but everything was booked solid. I really wanted my own room that night so that I could get a good night’s sleep, but things weren’t looking promising.

So, I cranked up my U2 playlist, left the windows open to the cool air and sang my heart out as I drove through the valley and the misting rain. And then I saw the most vibrant rainbow that I’d EVER seen in my life! I thought it must be a sign. It was the golden hour and I also saw a couple more photo opportunities that I just couldn’t pass up. Because, when would I be right there again, ya know?!

I got back on the road and saw, I kid you not, three more incredibly vibrant rainbows. The last rainbow was in a town called Oughterard (pronounced OOK-ter-ard in Gaelic) and right there was the sign for a Bed & Breakfast. It was now around 8:30pm and I thought they would probably just laugh me out the door at that hour. But, instead they were the most warm and welcoming folks of my entire trip (besides my friends in Belfast, of course!).

A Warm Irish Welcome

They had just gotten a cancelation which worked out for us both. I had a wonderful, relaxing night of sleep after a hot bath and some tea and an incredible home-cooked breakfast the next morning. Over breakfast, I plotted my navigation plan for the day.

If you’re traveling through Ireland, I highly recommend a stay at the Carrowntober House B&B!

You see, I had plans later that afternoon to meet up with the sister of my St. Croix friend, Christine, who lived just North of Galway. Christine had suggested that if I was headed out her sister’s way , I should stop by so she could show me around some of the countryside that many visitors to Ireland miss. Prior to my trip, Cait and I connected on Facebook and made a plan to meet up. Ironically, it turned out that she was right across the lake from the Carrowntober House B&B where I was. I decided at breakfast to take a look at my Google Map to see if there was anything of interest nearby the area for me to explore quickly before I hit the open road. And I found a place right around the corner that I’d seen several signs for the day prior – “The Quiet Man Bridge” – so I figured I may as well check it out. And bonus, it was on my way!

The Quiet Man

That, my friends, is where the magical St Croix connection day started to occur. I’m sure that Irish fairies from behind the rainbows I saw were involved. Because, unbeknownst to me, “The Quiet Man” (1952) was an Academy Award winning film starring – wait for it – Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne! And it was just the beginning of the adventurous day ahead.

I drove over to the Bridge and pulled out my trusty Canon EOS 6D Mark II to capture this beautiful and iconic spot in the middle of the idyllic Irish countryside. There’s a wonderful sign on the bridge marking the point in the film where John Wayne sits on it and looks across the land during one of the opening scenes. (I watched the film after I returned and recognized the bridge, but the growth around the stream has changed quite a bit!)

Looking back at the Connemara Moutains from the Bridge

After exploring the bridge, I headed on my merry way to drive down the Wild Atlantic Way and over to Headford to meet Cait. The plan was to meet her after lunchtime and I thought “what a fun coincidence to find that little bit of a St Croix connection along my way”. It really made me smile!

My trusty travel companion – driving on the left-side of the care wasn’t bad at all!

Of course, the trip took me a bit longer than planned due to the multiple photo stops I made along the way. Thankfully, Cait, was very understanding of my snails pace! Eventually, I made the decision to skip a brief stop in Galway (next trip for sure!) and headed directly to Headford. I had to drive South and then back North to get around Lough Corrib (one of the largest lakes in Ireland).

Kismet in the Irish Countryside

I finally made it around 3pm with a bit of that infamous Irish drizzle following me. Cait was delightful and showed me around her family’s country home complete with dwarf goats, chickens, and a couple of adorable pups (I felt right at home!).

Then we headed out to explore the historic and entirely cool ruins of the medieval Franciscan Ross Errilly Friary that was founded in 1351. I was thrilled to experience the drizzling rain of Ireland and was thankful I’d bought the perfect rain slicker in Belfast that kept me warm and dry.

Finishing up the tour of the Friary, Cait suggested we head up to the village of Cong, where she works. We had a little more time and there were a few of the sights and a pretty village square. We made our way, parked, and walked through the ruins of the medieval 12th-Century Cúnga Fheichín (Cong Abbey) that anchors the little hamlet.

If you’ve never had it, Irish chocolate is insanely good!!

Then, we popped over to the shop she works in as it was closing and headed back to the car park. (that’s a parking lot for you yanks) Right before it, we had to stop to snap a picture of the “famous statue”… of Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne! Don’t you just love coincidences like this?! This unplanned excursion was pure kismet. It was those fairies again, I tell ya!

Sculpture of John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara from *The Quiet Man*

It turns out that Cong was one of the main towns for filming where many building exteriors and pubs were featured. There’s even the local Quiet Man Museum with tours and a replica of the cottage from the film. I was so excited that this was the end of a day of exploration that started serendipitously with the Quiet Man Bridge! And Cait was thrilled to hear about the connection with St Croix where her sister now lives. The day was perfectly capped off with a scrumptious, locally caught salmon dinner at one of the nearby inns. (It was so delicious and I was so hungry that I actually forgot to take a picture!)

Everything about Ireland captured my heart. From the North Eastern shore near Murlough Bay that reminds me so much of St Croix’s South Shore to all of the St Croix connections along the way. It’s just another of the many things that I love about island life. No matter where you go in the world, you’re certain to find St Croix connections along the way, whether history or friends you’ve met on the island. Travel is a truly gift!

If you’re interested in following more of my travels abroad, pop over to Exploranista.com

Epilogue

Upon my return to St Croix, I decided I had to watch “The Quiet Man” so I did a quick search on my Amazon Prime. Wouldn’t you know it, the movie was showing the very next morning on one of my Sling TV channels. I recorded it and watched it the next night. I love classic old films and was surprised I’d never seen it before.

It was really fun to watch, but I will remind – especially the young ladies who may be reading this – it was released in 1952 and depicts the 20’s era in the Irish countryside. The Irish were (and to an extent still are) very conservative Catholics. So, there’s no need to find a marriage broker and ask your parents or your older brother where your dowry is. We’ve come a long way from those days baby!

2023 Limited Edition St Croix Wall Calendar

The St Croix Fireburn of 1878

October 1, 2021 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 2 Comments

October first marks a dark, yet triumphant day in Virgin Islands History – the infamous St Croix Fireburn or Fyah Burn of 1878. If you are familiar with the US Virgin Islands, you may have heard of the heroines of this day, locally known as “The Three Queens” (actually there are four).

Often they are mistakenly associated with Emancipation Day on July 3rd, but October first is their day. And their story deserves to be told.

While the enslaved people of St Croix gained their freedom without violence on July 3, 1848 – 15 years before the enslaved in the United States were emancipated – they weren’t really free. Instead, they became serfs of the oppressive plantation system. There were no unions to bargain for better wages and working conditions and the power remained in the hands of the plantation owners.

After Emancipation They Weren’t Really Free

St Croix was a Danish colony in 1848 and just a year later, the Danish Government passed the Labor Act [Arbejdsregulativet] of 1849 that regulated that “freedom”. It established a pitiful day wage that was meager at best and stated that jobs (plantation contracts) could only be changed on one day of the year, October 1st.

With little to pay for things, living conditions were not good. The meager wages were not nearly enough to take care of families, let alone medical care. While under slavery, plantation owners had a legal duty to provide care and housing for the old and disabled. After emancipation, those duties were gone. Many of the formerly enslaved, though technically free, were in some ways worse off.

The laborers of St Croix endured oppressive working conditions for thirty years following emancipation until they absolutely had enough.

On “Contract Day” October 1, 1878, many were gathered in the streets of Frederiksted. It was a festive day being the only day of the year that they were allowed to move to a different plantation or get a new job. There were rowdy celebrations and drinking. West Indians have a long tradition of fetes, so you know the scene. Parties and drunken revelry in the streets. Eventually, the police tried to brutally shut it down and in the midst of it all, a farm laborer named Henry Trotman was injured and taken to the hospital. Rumors started flying that he had been killed. Enough was enough. The people started to riot. They were rightfully enraged and the fire was set. They began burning the town and driving the police and soldiers to barricade themselves in Fort Frederik.

St Croix Fireburn The Documentary

Over three-quarters of the plantations on St Croix were burned to the ground. Fields, factories, and homes. The town of Frederiksted lay in ashes. This is why, today, you’ll see that Christiansted has classic Danish colonial architecture while Frederiksted has a Victorian-Era style. It was rebuilt after the 1848 St Croix Fireburn.

The Three Queens (ok Four)

During the rebellion, the Three (actually four) Queens – Mary Thomas, Mathilda McBean, Axeline Elizabeth Salomon known as Agnes, and Susanna Abramson rallied the workers across the island to rise up. They performed rituals during the rebellion to empower their people. They were revered women leaders in their communities who refused to back down though they knew very well what the consequences of their actions could be.

Queen Mary Thomas is the most known through history. She was originally from Antigua and lived at Sprat Hall in Frederiksted. She was unmarried with three children and had been arrested several times for theft, arson, and hurting her children. As was often the case with the treatment of powerful women during the Colonial era, this was more likely an attempt to harass her and discredit her with her people.

Today on St Croix, you’ll find many depictions and references to the Three Queens. You’ll also see the family names of the Queens’ descendants across the island. The iconic Eliza James-McBean clock tower stands at the entrance to the Ann E. Abramson Pier next to Fort Frederiksted.

In the end, almost 100 of the rebels lost their lives with only 3 Europeans dead. Many were arrested. Twelve men were shot to death near the Frederiksted fort, and fourteen women were burned alive in Grove Place for the parts they played in the revolt. The four Queens, Mary, Mathilda, Agnes, and Susannah were arrested and tried in Denmark where they were imprisoned in the Christianhavn women’s prison in Copenhagen. They served part of their sentence in Denmark before being sent back to St Croix to serve the remainder imprisoned in Christiansted.

While conditions improved slightly after the uprising, they weren’t a lot better. Power remained in the hands of the plantation owners and the Danish Government. But, the resilient people of St Croix continued their fight for equality.

The St Croix Fireburn and The Three Queens Today

In 2018, local St Croix artist La Vaughn Belle along with fellow Danish artist, Jeanette Ehlers, exhibited an art installation in Copenhagen, Denmark that culminated with the dedication of the “I Am Queen Mary” statue. It was the first monument to a black woman in Denmark where it presided in front of the West Indian warehouse in Copenhagen as a testimony to the colonial impact the country had on the Caribbean and its people. In 2020, it was heavily damaged in a winter storm. The artists are now working to secure funding to install a more permanent monument in its place. You can learn more about the project at IAmQueenMary.com

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses on St Croix

June 19, 2020 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 6 Comments

I have lived on St Croix for over 20 years now. I’m proud to live on such a racially diverse island that weaves a tapestry of various people and cultures into our foods, celebrations, and daily way of life. I am also blessed to have a wonderful community of friends, many of whom are business owners and entrepreneurs adding to the richness of our island experience.

I’d like to introduce you to some of those friends who are Black business owners. Why is it so important to support Black businesses you may ask? It’s a great question! Awhile back I watched Season 1, Episode 1 of “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike” on Netflix. It’s a really entertaining, but thought-provoking and relevant series that explores a lot of really important issues within the Black community. In this episode, Killer Mike, a Grammy-winning rapper/activist/business owner, and a jovial, big guy tries to see if he can live exclusively using black-owned businesses for 3-days in Athens, Georgia. For example, one aspect is that he can’t eat anything that wasn’t grown, produced, or created by a Black-owned business. Spoiler alert, he gets REALLY hungry, sleeps on a bench, and rides a bicycle. I highly recommend this episode and series, it’s full of laughs but some really deep insight as well. It opened my mind to the need to actively support Black-owned businesses – especially those owned by my friends here on St Croix.

And that being said – let me introduce you to some of them …

Quiana Adams, Q Studio/ The Qui Ingredient – Originally a work colleague back in my wedding planning days who expertly photographed many lucky couples, Quiana became a dear friend. Her wedding photography is exquisite and her commercial work perfectly promotes any brand she works with. Nowadays, this busy Mommy of two has transitioned to food photography with her Qui Ingredient brand. Her Instagram feed will make you drool and her recipes will make you the star of your own kitchen.

Tanisha Bailey-Roka, The Crucian Contessa – While technically not a “business” my friend Tanisha pens the Crucian Contessa blog and is the Queen of Cocoa Tea! She shares not only her incredible recipes and beautiful food photography but shares so much more about the history and culture that is Crucian food. I have been blessed to enjoy meals from her kitchen on a couple of occasions and can tell you firsthand that she is masterful. If you want to hone your Crucian cooking skills or learn more about island life and Crucian culture, spend some time perusing the recipes that are filled with love or follow her on Facebook for more recent musings.

Nicole Canegata, Nicole Canegata Photography – born and raised on St Croix, Nicole comes from a prominent island family that has been here for many, many generations. Her father, Lt. Colonel, David C. Canegata III, was tragically killed in combat in 2007 while serving his country in Iraq. His untimely death inspired her to live her life to the fullest and pursue a career that inspired her. I’ve worked with Nicole on several projects from weddings to architecture to fashion shoots. Her quiet, soulful, and reflective demeanor is beautifully translated into her gorgeous work. Her commercial work and travel photography have been printed in numerous publications. Her recent fine art series “Daughters of Ay-Ay” is divinely inspired. I’m truly blessed to call her a friend.

Anquanette Gaspard, Virgin Islands Food Tours – Anquanette has a mission to turn “Tourists into Locals” through food. She has taken Anthony Bourdain’s concept of learning about culture through breaking bread with locals and created a business around that. Anquanette aka “Q” is a Crucian-born entrepreneur, content writer & foodie whose European adventures led her back to her island roots. She guides visitors through some of her favorite local eateries while explaining the cultural history and significance of the different foods along the way. This is a “must-do” tour for your next visit to the island!

Yoki Hanley, itiba Beauty – I’ve been using Yoki’s all-natural, vegetable and fruit-based products since I moved to the island in 2001. I first met her at a Starving Artists Fair at the Whim Plantation when she sold her brand as “Selah’s” after her daughter who had severe skin allergies. Since then, she rebranded her line to itiba Beauty and has had her products in the swag bags at the Academy Awards among other prestigious places. In the native Caribbean Taino religion, itiba is Mother Earth and all life sprang forth from her. I used to feature her soaps in my wedding gift bags. The aromatherapy alone made me smile, but the quality of her products keeps me coming back. After a hiatus following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, I’m thrilled that she’s back in business sharing itiba beauty in full force. My top picks: Carib Lime Body Spray – smells amazing and naturally keeps the mozzies away and the Mango body soap – luxurious and will make your entire bathroom smell amazing.

Willard John, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies – If you’ve visited St Croix, attended a local celebration or Jump Up, you’ve likely encountered Willard’s troupe of Moko Jumbies. Willard is a public school professional who has dedicated his life’s work to promoting and preserving the culture of the Virgin Islands. The Moko Jumbie tradition stems from West African roots. These talented stilt dancers with their masked faces guard the village and its people by scaring away evil spirits. If you are able, be sure to attend one of their performances where Willard explains the history and significance of these iconic figures. His program teaches local St Croix youth not only the skill but the culture while promoting education and a strong work ethic. Willard can often be found emceeing local cultural and performing arts celebrations. He’s a true gift to our island!

Whealan Massicott, ib designs – Whealan is the heart and founder of the little jewelry shop that’s big on love. Originally from the island of Dominica, he has made St Croix his home for decades along with his family. If you know me, you know that my wrist is permanently graced with hand-crafted Crucian bracelets including three very special to my heart – the Karma, the Wave, and the Infinity Knot. I’ve been a huge fan of his and his team’s work for two decades and own or have gifted countless pieces. I’m not the only celebrity (ha ha, jokes!) who wears one, Kenny Chesney can often be found sporting a silver “SJ” hook bracelet hand-crafted by Whealon. Fun fact: ib stands for “island boy”.

Ralph Motta, Motta Cuisine – Another born and raised, generational Crucian, Ralph headed off to the big city – NYC – where he honed his skills as a top-notch chef. St Croix is blessed to have him back on island sharing his catering craft since 2017 with his boutique catering business that he describes as “Modern Crucian”. His mouth-watering food celebrates local flavors of the many cultures that have resulted in the many flavors of our island. Ralph is as enthusiastic and fun as he is talented. He sources many of his ingredients from local farmers celebrating the farm-to-table style. If you’re looking for a caterer on St Croix, Ralph is the bomb. He is also the current Culinary Ambassador for the Virgin Islands and a friend who is quick to make everyone around him smile!

Burton Peterson, Cast Iron Pot – Some of my favorite local meals have been had at Chef Burton’s Cast Iron Pot restaurant. He serves classic Crucian dishes that fill you up and taste amazing. Burton and his wife, Deborah, treat everyone who walks through the door like family! Prior to opening his bright yellow restaurant in the Princesse area, Chef Burton worked in the kitchens of the top resorts on the island, as well as catering Government and private events. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the island around the Christmas season, you have to stop by to taste some of his guavaberry liqueur!

Wave Philip, Tan Tan Tours – another long-time friend on the island is my buddy Wave whose Tan Tan tours are one of the most thrilling adventures you’ll find in the Caribbean! Their motto is “We go where the Tan Tan grows” and that means off-roading in top-down Jeep Wranglers through some crazy terrain to reach places like remote Sugar Mills, the Annaly Bay Tidepools, and the top of Goat Hill. Often seen riding across the island in a caravan of jeeps, it’s a high-octane adventure and one of the best ways to see St Croix. The jeep guides are FUN and really informed about the history, culture, and ecology of the island. Wave also makes some of the best bush tea and ginger beer that I’ve tasted in the islands. Grab some before your excursion from the juice bar at their Christiansted headquarters.

Frank Robinson, BES Craft Cocktail Lounge – I’ve known and worked with Frank for many years here on St Croix. Back when I planned weddings, he was my go-to bartender for our events. I’ve loved watching him grow and not only develop his skills and open his business, but share his thoughts on politics and community here in the USVI. Frank always has a smile and a positive attitude. His funky, cool neighborhood bar is full of warm, welcoming vibes and fabulous house-made elixirs and, of course, craft cocktails. He’s also a fantastic chef who promotes and supports our local farmers by producing a menu that features farm-to-table style. [ Feb 2021 update: Bes is now closed, but Frank is working on something new and exciting … and I’ll be sure to update those details when he’s ready to announce.]

Lornette Rogers, Envii Boutique – Lornette is one of those girls that always makes the “best dressed” list no matter where she goes or what she is doing. She’s a fashionista and a fabulous girlfriend who knows how to throw a party! Whenever I have an event that I need something special for, Envii Boutique is my first stop! She’s great at finding something that will make you look and feel like a million bucks. Lornette’s shop specializes in chic, fashion-forward, and on-trend clothing, bags, shoes, and more. She’s also a dedicated dog-momma like me and always supportive of a good cause.

Khnuma Simmonds, My Girlfriends Closet – I first met Khnuma aka “Kimmie” back in 2002 (I think?!) when she was in High School and we performed together in a Caribbean Community Theatre production of The Pajama Game. This always-on-the-go, dynamic woman is an entrepreneur, Women’s advocate, activist, dance and exercise guru, mother of two adorable young boys, and now she has added Doctor to her titles. Phew! With her shop she promotes the concept of #girlfriendism by “Empowering Women through Fashion, Faith, and Friendship”. Some of my go-to pieces in my closet come from her store. Visit her while you are here or shop online. You can even take one of her trademarked Sokh dance/exercise classes that feature great music and Caribbean dance moves by purchasing a virtual class on the website. Khnuma’s positive attitude towards life and community is absolutely infectious and shines through in her work and workouts!

This is by no means a comprehensive list of black-owned businesses here on St Croix, these are just some of my friends whose businesses I frequent on the island.

Do you have a St Croix black-owned business that you love? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Who wants to Sleep with Fred? I do! I do!

January 31, 2018 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 4 Comments

Hip. Modern. Historic.

That may sound like an oxymoron, but “The Fred” St Croix’s first new hotel to open in 30 years is all that and more.

The Lobby at The Fred St Croix Hotel — The absolutely fabulous Totten House Lobby at The Fred

Patience and perseverance have absolutely paid off with the opening of The Fred. Working with Historic Preservation and Coastal Zone management to open the beachfront boutique hotel complex wasn’t always easy, but Topher and Jeff persisted and used their expertise in property development and management to create an incredible oasis that honors both local history and incorporates modern conveniences appreciated by today’s traveler. All while maintaining a focus on the environment.

Their story starts a few years ago when Jeff decided he was tired of the cold, the traffic and the hustle of life in the DC Metro area. He announced he wanted to move to an island. Topher’s response was “I’ve always wanted to live on an island! Manhattan!” But Jeff had warmer, more tropical ambitions and so they started on a 14 island quest to find the perfect place to call home. Eventually, they made it to St Croix and fell in love. It had just the right amount of space, tranquility and up-and-comingness to meet their requirements.

I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the hotel property which recently had its soft opening and got the inside scoop on all the truly exciting things planned for the final phases.

Named for King Frederik of Denmark (the namesake of Frederiksted) The Fred had its soft opening this past winter 2017 and currently has 12 of the planned 22 guest rooms open for reservations with deep discounts offered as they continue to finish the final phases of construction. The plans shared with me by proprietor, Topher Swanson, during our tour had me giddy with excitement!

Topher and his partner Jeff have a deep background in property management, including hosting very successful AirBnB accommodations stateside. They’ve taken their expertise and divine sense of detail to create the best of the best in hotel experiences on St Croix. The Fred aims to envelope you in Crucian history, while offering luxury and hi-tech amenities. Borrowing from their own traveling experiences abroad, they have also structured the boutique hotel complex to encourage guests to mingle with each other in the guest house sitting areas, at “family breakfasts” and in the common areas. By fostering a sense of community at The Fred, they hope to inspire guests to make lifelong connections that bring them back year after year.

Topher Swanson at The Fred — Hotel owner Topher Swanson relaxes on the back porch of Totten House

What made you choose St Croix?

“The US. Because we could own land here. English was the spoken language. US Dollar was the currency. All the federal rules apply and as a gay man that was important to me in the Caribbean. Because not all the islands are gay-friendly. We went to St Thomas and St John. St Thomas was kind of urban again and didn’t feel like an island sometimes. Puerto Rico didn’t feel like an island and traffic was horrible, worse than DC. St John felt like Georgetown… too many rules, too much ‘country club’ for my taste. … And then we literally got here and said ‘this feels like DC 20 years ago’, its great! At the Destination Symposium they referred to St Croix as the most historic island in the Caribbean which is neat. They also called it the ‘chill’ island.” ~ Topher Swanson

For the History Buff

The Fred is a conglomeration of historic structures. Two of them, Totten House and Murray House were historic homes that had families attached to them. Rooms throughout The Fred are named for members of the prominent families who once called them home.

Labor leader Ashley Totten, left, with Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. & physician James L. Wilson. American Virgin Islands Civic Association, 1950s

Totten House was the home of Ashley Totten, a celebrated civil rights leader and the co-founder of the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters Union which was the first African-American led labor resistance and part of the Haarlem Renaissance.

Ashley’s father was a grave-digger and from historical research it seemed that he was religious and believed strongly in family. Census records show that his father, Arlington, lived with him for an extended period of time through Ashley’s adulthood. Todd was married twice, first to Camilla who passed away, then to Violet.

Thus, rooms in Totten House bear the names of Totten family members: “Ashley & Camilla”, “Violet”, “Arlington”, “Walter” (his son), “Bertrand” and “Millie”.

The Rachel at The Fred — The Rachel located in the “Love Shack”

The Rachel patio at The Fred — The Rachel’s private beachfront sitting area

The Fred beachfront views — Just a short walk to the Frederiksted Pier – perfect for snorkeling and rated one of the Top 10 pier scuba dives in the world!

Another of the homes at The Fred is Douglas House, once owned by textile and style maven Murray Douglas who was the Vice Chair and Heiress of Brunschwig & Fils. Brunschwig & Fils textiles have, for decades, adorned high profile homes and iconic places like the Oval Office and the Palace at Versaille. Legend has it that Murray was sitting at a local restaurant (possibly in Totten House) and saw through the window that the home was for sale. She bought it sight-unseen. Yep, the draw to Frederiksted is that strong. Trust me, you’ll feel it when you’re here. As you enter the building, you’ll come up stairs made of historic Danish yellow brick and be charmed by the original Victorian-era gingerbread trim. You’ll feel like Crucian royalty when you stay here as the famed fabrics adorn the rooms in Douglas House, a nod to Murray. In Douglas House you’ll find “Murray”, “Albert” (her husband), “Frances” (her son) and “Aunt B” (Murray’s Aunt Zelina Brunschwig, founder of the famed textile house).

The Frances at The Fred — The Frances opens right out to a beachfront view.

The Frances Shower at The Fred — Modern touches abound throughout the boutique hotel like The Frances’ walk-in tiled shower. Note the crown detail on the TP which is made of recycled paper!

The Fred Murray House porch — Classic gingerbread trim on Murray House is an iconic feature of downtown Frederiksted

For the Environmentalist

The pride of the property are the Capstone Microturbine generators. The turbine is run by frictionless magnets keeping it quieter and it’s fueled by propane. The exhaust is recycled 9 times before being discharged. Eventually, in regards to electricity, The Fred will be completely self-sustaining and off the grid making the property entirely green. The entire property, at full occupancy, with every hair dryer running produces less carbon footprint than one automobile.
The common bathroom/changing rooms by the pool are unisex and designed with a comfortable grated floor (I tested it with bare feet!) so that sand and water runs right through. Because, there’s an overhead shower inside for rinsing off too! The “sweet water” will be used to irrigate the landscaping.
The large saltwater pool has an infinity “knife edge”. When water is displaced from folks stepping in, the overflow goes into a dedicated cistern and is recycled and pumped back in when everyone gets out.
Environmentally-friendly practices and products are used throughout the boutique hotel.

The Details

No details have been left to chance at The Fred. This is where High-Tech meets History!

Each house has its own unique style. The colors on the walls are recommended by sleep psychologists to invoke a deeper REM sleep.
All mattresses are Tempurpedic brand for comfort.
Pillows on the bed are down firm and poly firm. Eventually, the plan is to have a “pillow menu” where you can choose your pillows prior to check-in.
Chandelier in Totten House is also a ceiling fan!!
Flat Screen TVs are state-of-the-art and allow you to enter your own accounts on Netflix, Hulu, etc. And you’ll be able to check your bill in real-time.
Each room has a coordinated balcony sitting area. The spaces are shared with your neighbor encouraging guests to mingle and share information.
For those addicted to their devices, like me, there’s an outlet at every bar seat to plug in!

Desk at The Fred — The Fred’s crown is a playful motif you’ll see throughout the property. Who wouldn’t want to jot down a note at this desk?!

Chandelier fan at The Fred — This uber cool chandelier is also a ceiling fan with clear acrylic blades that span out at the click of a button! Tres chic!! (you can juuust see the blur of the fan blades in this image)

The Fred Mini Bar — Each room is well stocked with an array of goodies in the Mini Bar

The Fred Mini Bar Snacks — Including local favorites like “Rasta popcorn”

The Timeline

Updated as of May 2019

Currently, there are 12 guest rooms available in Totten House, Murray House, and The Love Schack.
An additional 10 rooms are slated to open soon in the newly built Prinz/Swanson House which will still have a historic flair.
The restaurant should be open and you’ll be able to Eat at The Fred sometime after July 2019.
The beachside, modern Sky Deck with satellite bar and wading pool is expected to be open then too.
The expansive knife edge pool will be finished by end of summer 2019.
A 17 foot wide boardwalk has been installed along the entire stretch of the beach, eventually, this will include dinner seating.
The Fred will also feature a 400 sq foot mostly floating dock. With moveable sections, it can extend 80 feet for boats to dock. During weddings and events, it can be shifted in a more wide orientation for effect.

Sky deck at The Fred — Along the property will be a boardwalk above the rocky area to the left abutting the structures. Top left is the Skydeck where guests can sit in the wading pool on lounge chairs, cocktail in-hand and this view!!

The Fred Pool St Croix — Central to The Fred hotel complex is the enormous knife edge pool (in progress) Note the crown! The pink building to the back will be replaced with the new 10-room Printz/Swanson guest house.

The Fred Hotel — The main beachfront bar can be seen to the right which will be accessible to the boardwalk. Above the bar is the Sky Deck that features a satellite bar and seating with killer views.

The Fred Restaurant under construction — The main dining area at the Fred. The 200 year old seawall provides a stunning historic backdrop to the uber modern structure. Main bar is to the left, Sky Deck above.

Relax with Fred

You’ll find full service at the top notch spa where you can Relax with Fred. Sit back in the fab-u-lous pedicure chair to get your tootsies beach ready. Indulge in a massage to relax into island mode. Treat your skin to a professional facial or get ready to step out on the town with a cut, color and blow out!

Relax with Fred pedicures — Check out the sweet mercury glass foot bath. Sans jets it keeps things perfectly sanitized.

Shop with Fred

No boutique hotel is complete without swag. You can find Fred branded items as well as other traveler treats and St Croix souvenirs in their gift shop located off the lobby.

Keeping it in the Family

While we wait patiently to “Eat and Drink with Fred” you can take a short stroll right next door to the newest beach bar in Frederiksted, Louie and Nachos! Not only does it have fantastic ocean views, but it also has a great story and fun connection to The Fred. Close friends of Topher and Jeff in DC were also ready for a change, so they headed down for a vacation and to check the island out. They fell in love with St Croix and stayed with the guys while they searched for the perfect beach bar location. Originally, they had been contracted for another spot, but that fell through at the last minute. As fate would have it, at the same time, the space next door to The Fred, above Turtles Deli, became available. The bar has counter seating all along the open-air perimeter – so everyone has a view of the Caribbean sunset. Now serving lunch and dinner, the kitchen is open until 10pm – the perfect spot to grab a bite after a night dive at the Frederiksted Pier.

Fun Fact: The options on the drink menu are named after the doggie family members of the crew including the owners of The Fred! At lunch, I ordered Cassie’s Rum Punch and it turned out it was named after Topher’s pup Cassie who I had just met. And of course Louie and Nacho, are the bar owners’ dogs.

If you’re ready to sleep with Fred too click here for more details and to make a reservation.

Bringing St Croix’s Danish Colonial Past into the Digital Age

March 21, 2017 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

In late January 2017, I had the opportunity to work with a film production company capturing background video (b-roll) for a series of interviews about the digitizing of historical records for the Danish Archives.

The Danish National Archives in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States, has embarked on an incredible project to not only digitize and archive all of their historical records from the colonial period (1672-1917), but also to make them accessible to the public. The project was started in 2013 and they began digitizing and uploading them last year (2016). In total there are now approximately 5 million documents and images including deeds, purchase records, family records (birth, marriage and death certificates) and more. Currently, the ongoing project is working on making the images and records searchable in addition to translating them into English via volunteers. The public can access records and historical information at Virgin-Islands-History.dk

The project coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Transfer Day on March 31, 2017. At exactly 11am on Saturday March 31, 1917 a check in the amount of $25 million was handed to the Danish Ambassador to the US for the purchase of the (now) United States Virgin Islands.

By making the archives digital and open to the public Denmark hopes to inspire Historians, Geneologists, Artists and anyone with an interest in the colonial Danish history of the US Virgin Islands. Of course, within that context I found myself to do a quick search to see if I could find some Pirate lore… here’s what I found with just a quick search:

In continuation of my most humble report dated the 20th of last month, I now have the honor to report that the frigate Minerva has again, by me, been sent to the Spanish coast by the attached order.

The reasons which have compelled me to do so are as follows: By the commencement of unrest in Venezuela and Puerto Rico, St. Thomas commerce has been significantly lowered for Americans and others, and it is therefore necessary for the inhabitants as well as for Your Majesty’s Revenues, if possible, to find new approaches.- The Kingdom of Grenada, which is in a somewhat calm condition and sources a quite considerable quantity of goods from St. Thomas, does not, on account of the pirates, send silver to St. Thomas which is the market that especially convene the inhabitants of said kingdom, who are [now] sending [ships] to Jamaica where they purchase more expensive and inferior goods because English men of war regularly protect their vessels or take their silver onboard… – Danish National Archives

Behind the Scenes footage tracing Denmarks history on St Croix with Annika, Aske (Chimney Group, Denmark) & Christian (Radius Communications, Denmark)

von scholten school mount victory st croix

1 little Island with 3 National Parks!

August 25, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

St Croix may be a little island only 26 miles long and at its widest about 6 miles across, but we are blessed with THREE National Parks ensuring that we preserve and protect our beautiful environment while enjoying the great outdoors and learning about the island’s history.

Whether you’ve got a National Parks Pass or not – be sure to make each of these a stop on your next visit to St Croix!

Buck Island Reef National Monument

View of Buck Island from the East End of St Croix — View of Buck Island National Park from the East End Marine Park on St Croix

Located just about 2 miles off of St Croix’s North East Shore lies the uninhabited marine playground known as Buck Island Reef National Monument. The protected marine park lies mainly underwater with less than a third of it being the land known as Buck Island. The West end Reef contains a guided trail through one of the most beautiful coral gardens home to a wide variety of colorful marine life. The West end beach known as “Turtle Beach” is nesting ground to hawks-bill turtles and a popular spot for local boaters on the weekend. To get here you’ll have to hitch a ride with one of the NPSs approved Buck Island Tour Operators who will provide you with the boat ride, snorkel gear, expert guides and guaranteed entertainment!

Christiansted National Historic Site

Not only is the entire downtown area of Christiansted listed as a National Historic Site, but it includes the National Park System’s 7-Acre Christiansted National Historic Site. This beautiful urban park is the anchor of the downtown area and is comprised of a large historic complex that includes the iconic yellow Danish built Fort Christianvaern, a gorgeous waterfront sweeping lawn that hosts community, family-friendly events like the monthly Movies at the Fort, the historic Danish Count House and the oldest Church on the island now known as the Steeple Building. Explore the park and learn about the history of the island through displays in Fort Christianvaern from pre-history through the Danish colonies to today. You’ll find books and other gifts at the Count house and monthly talks in the park by NPS educators and other scholars on topics like history, ecology, historic preservation and more!

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Salt River Bay is a unique and amazing living history museum! Learn about pre-Columbian indigenous peoples who inhabited the island prior to Columbus’ Second Voyage to the “New World”in 1493. He stopped right here at Salt River and the first fight of sadly too many broke out between Columbus’ men and the local inhabitants of the Americas. Nowadays in season you can pop into the Visitor’s Center on the hill above the bay to enjoy rotating exhibits and learn more about the area. Year-round I highly recommend going out onto Salt River Bay on a kayak tour – and for those who want something really spectacular head out during the darker nights of the month to experience the BioBay! At the back of the bay is a tiny inlet that is filled with millions of little creatures who glow- or bioluminesce – in the water when you move your hand or your kayak. It’s an incredible natural phenomena that you won’t want to miss. Or if you just want to relax and take a swim, head over to Columbus Cove Beach.

One little island – three spectacular National Parks. Have you been to St Croix’s National Parks? Let us know in the comments below!

Luck of the Irie: St Croix’s Irish Connection

March 17, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 3 Comments

Each year on the Saturday closest to St Patrick’s Day, Christiansted goes green as revelers flood the streets clad in t-shirts and costumes while cheering on the Annual St Croix St Patrick’s Parade. With the Irish diaspora representing over 100 million people, the raucous holiday is celebrated more outside of Ireland than within. And here on St Croix, it’s done with true Crucian gusto, though many don’t realize the strong Irish heritage that St Croix has.

Planning to attend? Visit the St Croix Calendar for parade dates.

The St Croix St Patrick’s Day Parade got it’s official start in 1969 when a group of local businessmen got together on March 17th and started to talk about local celebrations. They wondered why an island that celebrates with any excuse, didn’t have an official St Paddy’s celebration. So, they took matters into their own hands, got a flatbed and a piano, and drove through the streets of Christiansted singing Irish and local songs. Today, that tradition has grown into the annual parade and after-party featuring bands on floating stages and throughout the town. During the parade, local majorette troupes, high school bands and carnival troupes tramp through the streets celebrating their Irish Caribbean Heritage on an island full of Armstrongs, O’Bryans, O’Neales, O’Reillys, and more.

St Croix is proud of its diverse heritage that comes as a result of having flown the 7 flags of 6 different nations and the Knights of Malta since Columbus first landed in 1493. Though the Irish flag was not one of those, the island’s strong Irish connection is clear. It began alongside the Caribbean’s dark past and history with the rise of the sugar trade in the 1700s. Along with other European nations in the eighteenth century, Ireland’s wealthy merchants got even wealthier with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. While not as successful in colonizing as the English, French, Spanish, and Dutch, they were the vast majority on the island of Montserrat with a strong presence on neighboring Antigua and Nevis that began in the 1600s. There, merchants established plantations worked by both African slave labor and indentured farmers from Ireland.

In 1733, the Danish West India Company purchased the island of St Croix and began to develop their colony. The Danes had the money and mercantile expertise but lacked the experience and manpower needed to develop sugar plantations on the fertile island. So, they recruited Irish Montserratians and laborers directly from Ireland to move to the new Danish colony on St Croix. One of those Irish Montserratians was Nicholas Tuite who eventually owned 7 Crucian plantations and was part owner of 7 more. At the height of the sugar craze in the West Indies, St Croix was dotted with over 150 Sugar Plantations and was booming. “In 1760 [Tuite] journeyed to Copenhagen, where Fredrick V appointed him chamberlain and paid tribute to his role as founder of Denmark’s Caribbean empire. … slave-trading and plantation-owning had made him the friend of kings.” – History Ireland: The Irish and the Atlantic slave trade.

While there were a few wealthy Irish plantation owners like Tuite, most of the Irish who initially populated the Danish colony on St Croix were laborers. And while many of the West Indians today bear the Irish surnames of the former slave owners, many also have shared heritage from the Irish laborers who became a part of the eclectic cultural fabric of the island and intermarried with those of African descent. And that brings us to the beautiful diversity of the St Patrick’s Day parade on St Croix.

If you haven’t yet been, be sure to make plans for next year. Slainte!

Irie St Croix Ball Cap

$26.50

Select options
Irie St Croix Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

$28.00 – $34.50

Select options
Crucian Bahn Yah Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

$25.00 – $34.00

Select options

Agrifest: A Caribbean Country Fair

February 15, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

Each year President’s weekend brings a celebration of Caribbean agriculture to the Big Island. Agrifest is the largest country fair in the Caribbean showcasing local produce, livestock, food, music and more.

Once known as the bread basket of the Caribbean, St Croix’s rolling green hills and fertile lowlands have recently rebounded with an agricultural renaissance. Nowadays, farm stands can be visited 365 days of the year offering locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. Many also offer fresh, free-range eggs and meat. Growers like Sejah Farm and Ridge to Reef Farm have led the charge to meet the demands of local restaurants and consumers. In the main building you’ll find farmers from across the island and throughout the Caribbean selling plants, fresh produce, jams and jellies, hot sauces and seasoning, fresh local honey and more.

Vendors also offer handmade items made locally in the Virgin Islands and across the Caribbean.

Like any country fair, it’s a chance for 4-H, farms and others to showcase their livestock.

But my favorite part is, of course, the local food!

Agrifest happens each year over President’s weekend from Friday through Monday. It’s a terrific event to plan your trip around!

Columbus Landing 1493 St Croix

October 12, 2015 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 4 Comments

Updated October 11, 2021

In 1493 Christopher Columbus landed on what would later become St Croix, US Virgin Islands at Salt River Bay changing the course of the island’s history and setting the stage for 7 European Flags to fly over the island. This is the only spot in the United States where Columbus actually landed and was the first violent altercation between the Old World and the New. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve marks an area of incredible history not only for the island but for the world in general.

The prehistoric site at Salt River is one of the most significant in the whole of the Virgin Islands and tells an important story of the past.

For thousands of years, Arawak (Igneri and Taino) and Carib Indians inhabited the area now known as Salt River Bay/Columbus Landing. Archaeological research starting from 1880 shows that the land here was a major religious and cultural area and had long-term permanent settlements. Archeological evidence found dates back at least 4,500 years.

Arawak is a broad term that refers to the indigenous peoples of South America and the Caribbean who spoke a common language and had a shared culture. Taino is more commonly used for the “Island Arawaks” who stretched from the Greater Antilles up through the Lesser Antilles (where St Croix can be found) as opposed to the mainland Arawaks. These first inhabitants of the Caribbean Islands had a rich culture and history and previous excavations at Salt River revealed the only ceremonial Ball Court found in the Caribbean here on St Croix, lending to its historical significance. The area was thriving with indigenous peoples cultivating manioc, soursop, papaya, guava, sapote, yellow sapote, guava, sapodilla, and avocado and fishing in the locally rich waters. They were skilled artisans with a pottery-making culture that was used for practical purposes and to represent their views of the three realms of the cosmos: the celestial, Earth, and subterranean land and water. Today, we continue to use their words in our everyday lives. These include hammock, hurricane, tobacco, barbecue, and canoe.

In 1992, Congress declared the area Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve as part of the National Park System. The designation works to protect the rich cultural story and the delicate mangrove ecosystem and its threatened and endangered species.

Read more detail about the indigenous peoples of Salt River: Archeological Investigations at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Learn more about Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve and view the NPS map.

Columbus Landing St Croix My-StCroix — Enjoy this incredible view from Clairmont Overlook and several other villas by www.vacationstcroix.com

On November 14, 1493, Columbus with his fleet of 17 ships landed on St Croix in search of freshwater and local guides to “help” them along the rest of their journey. A small party ventured onto the island and found a sparsely inhabited village. According to historic records, they found Taino Indians who said they’d been captured by Caribs taking over the island. (note: there is still debate as to who these peoples actually were – Taino vs. Carib) Columbus and his crew were en route taking the villagers back to their ship when they encountered a canoe with several Carib men and women. A skirmish ensued with Columbus’ men firing on the Indians and the Indians retaliating with arrows. The area where it took place, just outside the bay to the Eastern Point is known as “Cape of the Arrows” to this day. Each side lost a man to the fight. At the time of this encounter, it is estimated that there were 20 Indian villages on St Croix with a total population of approximately 1,200. Columbus “claimed” the island for Spain calling it Santa Cruz.

For the next 100 years, the Spanish battled the local Taino and Carib Indians close to annihilation. By the early 1600s, the island of Santa Cruz was deserted.

Nowadays, the Virgin Islands celebrate Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day in lieu of Columbus Day owing to the historic connections between the peoples of St Croix and Puerto Rico that date back to long before European contact.

Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve is now a part of the US National Park system and is a wonderfully serene spot to explore the natural wonders of our island.

kayak salt river bay — Kayaking across Salt River Bay

History and nature buffs can book a kayak tour with Virgin Kayak Company to explore the mangrove coves and learn about the history of Columbus Cove. You can also visit Virgin Kayak original founder Bryan Updyke’s Facebook page: Caribbean Indigenous Arts & Crafts Museum that features his Taino-inspired artwork along with other resources. Bryan passed away in 2020 but his legacy of honoring the pre-Columbian peoples of St Croix lives on through his inspirational work.

SCUBA divers can explore the underwater canyons in Salt River Bay teeming with life. In recent years, tech divers have explored the canyons to depths of 300 feet+.

Take an evening kayak tour of Salt River and experience the wonders of the Bio Bay – a smaller inlet of Salt River Bay that teems with bioluminescent dinoflagellates that light up the water like Avatar!

The beach at Columbus Landing is quiet and rarely busy. It offers great swimming and has a reef just offshore for snorkeling. There’s little to no shade and no facilities, so be sure to bring a cooler and some shade, and most importantly, practice “Carry in, Carry out”.

Salt River and Columbus Landing are just one more reason to get out and explore our beautiful island while you are here!

Travel Channel’s Real St Croix

September 22, 2015 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

When producer and television host Shane Reynolds (aka Shane O of Color Earth Productions, Shane Untamed on NatGeo) contacted me about filming an episode of his new Travel Channel series Real on St Croix, I was so excited! I got to become friends with Shane and his wife, Romona, on their last trip to St Croix a few years ago. Shane has worked with my good friend Jerry of MJS Visions on several cool projects, so I was thrilled when he asked me to help him find the perfect locations and “characters” for this look at the island through a different lens. He sifted through long lists of local movers and shakers and business owners that I provided and we talked at length about the current challenges facing the island. And about the things that make us all fall deeply in love with the island. From there, he crafted a pretty terrific story line.

Meeting actress, journalist, activist and Travel Channel host Kinga Philipps was like meeting a long lost bff. We chatted nonstop and had so many of the same ideals and a need to share them with the world in our own ways. I really appreciate her perspective on our oceans and the duality of tourism and island life. Both the good and the not-so-good. Because though we certainly live in paradise – paradise isn’t perfect. Anywhere. The series Real (other episodes include Malibu, CA; Aspen, CO, Savannah, GA, and Nantucket, MA – Watch the series here) focuses on not just the negatives of a tourist destination, but it celebrates those who are working to make a difference in their own little piece of paradise. This story makes St Croix REAL and I desperately love her, imperfections and all. After all, it’s life’s bumps and challenges that make it interesting!

So, if you’re looking for a vacation destination where you can interact with people making a difference in the world; chat at the beach bar with locals from all walks of life; experience history and culture every day; enjoy world-class SCUBA diving and snorkeling; and eat some of the best food in the world … St Croix is for you! Surf through our pages to discover things to do and places to stay and create your own real St Croix Adventure!

Many thanks to Vacation St Croix Villas for hosting the crew at Amonoka!