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Top Ten

Top 10 St Croix Summer Beach Reads

May 22, 2014 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 2 Comments

Top 10 St Croix Inspired Summer Beach Reads

Whether you’re on St Croix or not, summer is the time of year to grab your sunglasses, a cooler, your beach chair and a good book. Here is our Top 10 List of Summer Beach Reads that are about or inspired by St Croix and the Virgin Islands. Enjoy!

1 My St Croix Countdown
Afoot on St. Croix (Mystery in the Islands

From the New York Times Bestselling Author of Adrift on St. John and the Cats and Curios Mysteries comes a chilling new tale of mayhem in the Virgin Islands…

For tourists, the idyllic island of St. Croix is a perfect escape from the world. For Charlie Baker, it’s a trap. He hasn’t set foot on the island since his life fell apart there ten years ago. But now his ex-wife is luring him back with the promise of a family reunion—a promise she keeps breaking.

He always knew Mira was a little crazy, but returning one last time—determined to see his children no matter what—he’s about to discover just how crazy she is. And with a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows who could be the source of the terrifying Goat Foot Woman legend, he will also learn what dark fate the island has in store for him.


2 My-StCroix.com countdown
This is the first novel by St Croix resident Steve Myrvang

A Broad Reach: From the Pacific Northwest to the Caribbean Sea… (The Reach Series) (Volume 1)

The first novel in The Reach Series – A Broad Reach tells the story of Paul Armstrong. Staggered by the back-to-back fatalities of both his high-flying development company and his marriage, he picks up the pieces of his broken life and sets his course through the dusty mountain trails of Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness to a small island in the Caribbean. Can a corporate hotshot throw in the towel and be happy playing guitar at a beach bar? Knocked down once, will Paul be ready for love this time around? Flush with great characters, laugh-out-loud humor and unexpected twists and turns, Paul’s story reminds the reader that it’s never too late to shake things up and start over. Everything always works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out . . . then it’s not the end.


3 My St Croix Countdown
A Close Reach (The Reach Series) (Volume 2)
The second novel in The Reach Series – A Close Reach picks up during Paul Armstrong’s leisurely sail through the British Virgin Islands. The idyllic vacation is abruptly knocked off course by the appearance of a private investigator asking questions. Had Paul known what his answers would bring, he would have lied. Now, a vengeful killer has Paul and his loved ones in his sights. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, Paul reminds himself. But the killer’s arrival on St. Croix brings another old adage to mind – We all have to die sometime. Step into island-time and transport yourself to the sandy beaches and aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea for the continuation of this dramatic, heart-warming saga. Laced with plenty of off-beat humor and a colorful cast of characters, A Close Reach is a perfect, tropical get-a-way . . . and no plane ticket’s required.


4
A fun read by Pamela Fagan Hutchins who grew up on St Croix… the character of Annalise is inspired by a girlfriend of mine who also grew up on the island and truly embodies the nature of “free spirit“
Saving Grace (Katie and Annalise) (Volume 1)

Multi-awardwinning, Bestselling Romantic Mystery Series – Saving Grace kicks the Katie & Annalise series off with voodoo, laughs, and suspense.

Katie Connell is a high-strung attorney whose sloppy drinking habits and stunted love life collide hilariously during a doomed celebrity case in Dallas. She flees Texas for the Caribbean and escapes professional humiliation, a broken heart, and a wicked Bloody Mary habit, but ends up trading one set of problems for another when she begins to investigate the suspicious deaths of her parents on the island of St. Marcos. She’s bewitched by the voodoo spirit of an abandoned house in the rainforest and discovers that she’s as much a danger to herself as the island’s bad guys are.


5
You simply can’t read one without the other…
Leaving Annalise (Katie and Annalise) (Volume 2)

One unexpected and hotly fought-over little boy, two dead bodies, and a series of home vandalisms throw Texas attorney turned island chanteuse Katie Connell into a tizzy. Juggling all of this, Bloody Mary cravings, baggage, and the bad guys too, she waffles between the jumbie house that brought her back from the brink and the man she believes is the love of her life.

 

 


Another St Croix resident author, Tom Sedar takes you on an adventurous journey. I’m still looking for that gold!
The Gold of St. Croix
One tranquil Caribbean day, unremarkably like the next, all hell breaks loose after an ancient gold coin surfaces. Betsy needs to find her husband and the coin is her currency; Sam wants to buy the the piece-of-eight but a 384-year old mystery puts the kibosh on everyone’s plans. Sam and his wife suddenly end up dead, Betsy disappears, and it falls to Mad Dog Cotton to sort it all out. In what looks to be the toughest case of his career the mix of sun, pirate treasure, murder and Mad Dog himself spin a riveting tale of the Gold of St. Croix.

 



Written by former full-time and now part-time Virgin Islands resident and Howard University alum Aisha Banks
Under Caribbean Skies
“Under Caribbean Skies,” by Aisha Banks, is a rich story of intricate relationships that are neatly woven together with quick dialog and vivid images.

Faith and Lisa are childhood friends who have given up on the glamour and allure of Los Angeles and gone to the Virgin Islands in search of real men and true love. This time they plan to manage their relationships God’s way. It’s not long before they find themselves working, entrenched in the island lifestyle, and being pursued by charming young men. They think they’re living a fairy tale until a sad chain of events threatens to disrupt their hopes and dreams.
Will they find enchantment or disaster Under Caribbean Skies?



An inspiring work of historical fiction by one of my all-time favorite authors, this is the incredible journey of Zarité who goes from slavery in the islands to urban life in New Orleans.
Island Beneath the Sea: A Novel (P.S.)
“Allende is a master storyteller at the peak of her powers.”
— Los Angeles Times

From the sugar plantations of Saint-Domingue to the lavish parlors of New Orleans at the turn of the 19th century, the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende (Inés of My Soul, The House of the Spirits, Portrait in Sepia) tells the story of a mulatta woman, a slave and concubine, determined to take control of her own destiny.


9

Reading this Caribbean classic is almost a prerequisite for anyone considering life in the islands. You’ll find it on most bookshelves here on St Croix and throughout the USVI.
Don’t Stop the Carnival: A Novel

It’s every parrothead’s dream: to leave behind the rat race of the workaday world and start life all over again amidst the cool breezes, sun-drenched colors, and rum-laced drinks of a tropical paradise.

It’s the story of Norman Paperman, a New York City press agent who, facing the onset of middle age, runs away to a Caribbean island to reinvent himself as a hotel keeper. (Hilarity and disaster — of a sort peculiar to the tropics — ensue.)

It’s the novel in which the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of such acclaimed and bestselling novels as The Caine Mutiny and War and Remembrance draws on his own experience (Wouk and his family lived for seven years on an island in the sun) to tell a story at once brilliantly comic and deeply moving.



For the History buff, this is a great epic novel. One of my favorites.
Caribbean
In this acclaimed classic novel, James A. Michener sweeps readers off to the Caribbean, bringing to life the eternal allure and tumultuous history of this glittering string of islands. From the 1310 conquest of the Arawaks by cannibals to the decline of the Mayan empire, from Columbus’s arrival to buccaneer Henry Morgan’s notorious reign, from the bloody slave revolt on Haiti to the rise of Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Caribbean packs seven hundred dramatic years into a tale teeming with revolution and romance, authentic characters and thunderous destinies. Through absorbing, magnificent prose, Michener captures the essence of the islands in all of their awe-inspiring scope and wonder.

 

Tell us some of your favorite Caribbean beach reads – leave a comment below! ↓

Filed Under: Featured, Top Ten

12 Holiday Gift Ideas from Christmas Island

December 3, 2013 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 1 Comment

Once again this year, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things! Twelve to be exact. And each one has been created or at least imagined here on St Croix aka Christmas Island. We always recommend shopping local and shopping small on St Croix – but you can’t always be here. So, below are some of my favorite St Croix things and places to buy them online so that you too can share a piece of the islands mon.

1 My St Croix Countdown

My-StCroix.com Gift Shop
We’ve got lots of great gear and gifts for the St Croix enthusiast with new items always being added. Supporting the Gift Shop helps us to keep bringing you all the great info, events and “where to” guides found on our My-StCroix.com website and Facebook Page. Our Zazzle Store has also got daily sales thru Christmas and shipping is fast to get to you in time for the holidays. So, what are you waiting for?! Grab a t-shirt, mouse pad or coffee mug and show the world… I ♥ St Croix

zazzle-mystcroix


2 My-StCroix.com countdownSt. Croix Food & Wine Experience: A Culinary Guide to the Island Featuring More Than 100 Recipes from Island and Celebrity Chefs

 I just love this cookbook and have one in my kitchen. You’ll find recipes for everything from apps to main dishes to desserts and even cocktails (of course featuring Cruzan Rum™) from some of St Croix’s favorite restaurants and their popular chefs. This is the ultimate gift for the St Croix culinary groupie. Pair it with a bottle of Cruzan Rum and a bottle of Miss Anna’s hot sauce for the perfect gift (see below)!

 

 


 

3 My St Croix CountdownMiss Anna’s Hot Sauce

Maine-MissAnnaIf you’ve been out to eat just about anywhere on St Croix, you’ve likely come across Miss Anna’s Hot Sauce on the table. This unique blend of curry, garlic, habanero and spices was originally created by the famed Miss Anna’s grandfather on St. Lucia over 100 years ago as a condiment for his fish. Years later when Miss Anna moved to St Croix with the family-recipe, her hand-crafted hot sauce became an island staple. Today, you can find it in most grocery stores and restaurants in the USVI and I’ve even found it on shelves in Maine! (see picture). This is a great little gift to add to gift baskets for the holidays or as a stocking stuffer for any island enthusiast.

Order online: www.missannashotsauce.com


 

4St Croix Snorkeling Guide
This inexpensive little book is a fun beginner’s guide to snorkeling spots on St Croix. Makes an excellent stocking stuffer or gift for someone planning a trip under the waves of St Croix. Pair it with a gift certificate from St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures for snorkel gear or Dive lessons and you have the perfect water-lover’s gift!

 


 

5Christmas Island

Jimmy Buffet may have wrote this in the Florida Keys, but I’m sure he was thinking of the real Christmas Island… St Croix! Our little island in the sun is one of the most festive holiday places I’ve known with the yearly day-after Thanksgiving Jump Up, Christmas Boat Parade, Crucian Christmas Carnival and Three Kings Parade. Download this fun, island-y Christmas Album and you’re sure to get into the Crucian Christmas Spirit!

 


 

6Cruzan Rum!Cruzan Rum Lime Buck Island

 

With almost 20 different flavors and proofs to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a little taste of this island spirit (pun totally intended, I just couldn’t help myself).  Cruzan Rum has been distilled on St Croix by the Nelthropp Family since 1760 (and they are still running the Cruzan Rum Factory so be sure to take a Tour while on St Croix). Pick up a bottle of your favorite flavor or the Aged Single Barrel as a hostess gift when you’re heading out to the next holiday party.

Find out where to Buy Cruzan Rum in your Locale

 

 


 

 

7ib Design – Share the love!

ib Design is one of the most popular jewelry stores on St Croix and for good reason. They make handcrafted “feel good” jewelry. You’ll often find artisan Whealon Massicott working in their quaint shop in Christiansted and his wife Kris helping excited customers make the perfect choice.

Order online: www.ibdesignsvi.com

 

 


8Experience the islands with Itiba

itiba soaps

If you want to know what the island smells and feels like, shop Itiba. Simply the most decadent scents in soaps, body oils, body butters and more – all made with 100% natural goodness and made locally here on St Croix. Owner Yoki Hanley has recently opened her new shop in Frederiksted so be sure to stop by when you’re here. Your senses will thank you.  Tip: My favorite is the Carib Lime which is an invigorating unisex scent that not only gets me going in the morning but just leaving it in the shower makes my entire bathroom smell like a spa!

Order online: www.itibabeauty.com
[Read more…] about 12 Holiday Gift Ideas from Christmas Island

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, Rum, St Croix Food and Wine, Top Ten

10 Tips on Packing for your Caribbean Vacation

December 23, 2011 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 2 Comments

When the weather gets cold up North, folks start dreaming of warm-weather, tropical adventures in the Caribbean.  And we hope that many of you are headed our way to the US Virgin Islands and St Croix. With many airlines now charging baggage fees, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of what you are bringing with you on your vacation to St Croix and other Caribbean islands. So, I’ve compiled my Top 10 helpful tips on packing for your Caribbean vacation.

Packing for your St Croix Vacation
Shop @MyStCroix

1. Make a list and check it twice. You don’t need a lot when vacationing in the Caribbean or on St Croix. Most dress is casual, dressed up can be as easy-breezy as a button-down tropical shirt for gents and a sundress or capris and a nice top for ladies. Bring a couple of swimsuits, a few shorts that and a couple of pair of capris you can pair with several different tops and 3 or 4 sundresses, and maybe one really nice outfit. For footwear, you’ll find that you live in flip-flops which pack easily. Bring a few pairs in different colors to offer some variety. I like at least one pair with a little bling that easily goes from day to evening. I also recommend bringing a pair of water shoes or Tevas with ankle straps for hiking.

2. Pack must-have essentials in your carry-on. It stinks when it happens, but it does happen. Planes get delayed en route to your destination and you’re forced to overnight somewhere along the way without your suitcase. Or you arrive at your destination but your checked bag doesn’t right away.  Be sure you have everything you need for at least 1 night in your carryon and you’ll reduce your stress level immensely. In particular, pack any necessary medications (ensuring you have more than enough for your entire stay) or items you can’t live without.

On the occasions when I travel with checked baggage, I usually pack at least a lite pair of pajamas, a cotton sundress, extra undies and a pair of flip flops in addition to my toiletries in my 3-1-1 bag (see tip 3). I also like to throw in a few granola bars, a bag of nuts and another snack, just in case. That way, when I’ve been delayed in another city, I’m ready to make the best of it. If traveling for an island destination wedding, be sure everyone in the wedding party carries on their wedding day attire, jewelry, and essential items.

3. Heed the 3-1-1 Rule.   For carry-on, you can only bring on liquid toiletries that are under 3oz. Everything must fit in a 1-quart, clear, zip-top bag (1 per person). You can use a zip-lock disposable bag or I like my TSA approved clear toiletry bag.  I can stuff in more securely – and I mean stuff! I like to use a separate bag for my powdered makeup and eyeliners and only pack travel-sized liquids, medicines and lip glosses in the bag (yep, they count lip gloss as a liquid!) It’s a great way to use samples you’ve collected in freebie offers during the year. The flat shampoo and conditioner sample packets are the best at maximizing space and it’s a great opportunity to try out some fun new products. I restock my bag after each trip or when I get new samples, so it’s always ready to go. For more details visit the TSA’s 311 website. 

ebags blue packing cubes

4. Packing Cubes. Love them. I started using these in 2006 and now never travel without them.  I’ve even given them as gifts. eBags Packing Cubes make a great inexpensive set with mesh fronts that keep clothes fresh (in fact I still use my original set that have literally been around the world and they still look new). I use the small one for lingerie, the medium for tops and the larger size for a pair of jeans, a couple of capris, shorts, and a few sundresses. They stack nicely in my carryon and maximize space. I can really pack them tightly! They make unpacking at the hotel a breeze and then I repurpose them as laundry bags for soiled clothes. When packing efficiently, I can easily fit everything I need for a week’s vacation in my carryon rolling bag and tuck it safely in the overhead bin. I also like that when my bag is opened by TSA, everything stays neatly in place and there’s no chance of my “unmentionables” falling out!

5.   Pack the right fabrics. Remember that tropical locations are humid. Stay away from packing fabrics like rayon and other synthetics that don’t breathe. Cotton and linen are preferred fabrics in the Caribbean as they are lightweight, breathable, and wick moisture. You’ll be more comfortable and thankful you thought ahead. Side benefit, they tend to fold up small and take less space in your luggage.

6. Use TSA approved locks. These are a must especially if you are checking baggage. It’s unfortunate, but I have heard all too often of things going missing from people’s baggage, especially after off-island shopping trips. These are unfortunate crimes of opportunity. If your bag is easy to get into, the chances are much higher that it may fall victim. Simply adding a TSA-Accepted Lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers to reach in and thus they pass it by. Be sure to get the combination lock style so that you don’t have to worry about lost keys.

Shop My Packing Tips
canvas bags

7. Use your beach bag as your personal carryon. Or pack a foldable, reusable shopper to use as your beach bag. When I’m traveling, I use a smaller purse that can easily tuck inside my larger personal bag with a book, my iPad, 3-1-1 bag and other items. Using a beach bag that can serve double duty (and that will fit under the seat in front of you) is not only practical but will get you into an island state of mind from the minute you leave your house! Check out our roomy custom designed canvas bags.

sarongs for the beach

8. Leave your beach towels at home. Hotels and rental villas will have beach towels for your use, so there’s no need to take up valuable real estate in your suitcase with those. In fact, I usually travel with a couple of cotton sarongs that fold up small and dry quickly. I use them at the beach instead of a towel: The cotton wicks up water quickly; They open up nicely to lie on; When finished, shake out the sand and use it as a wrap!

alba botanical reef safe sunscreen spray

9. Think about the excursions and adventures you have planned. Don’t forget that the sun here is very strong! While you’re out enjoying yourself, you are going to want to wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses, as well as a strong SPF, waterproof and reef-safe sunscreen. If you will be participating in any water sports, I highly recommend wearing a UV-protection Rash Guard Shirt , particularly when snorkeling. Backs are notoriously burnt to a crisp on snorkel tours where you spend an hour face down in the water. If you don’t have one to pack, you can pick one up at most dive shops. They make a world of difference and you’ll see a lot of full-time residents wearing them too. If you plan to do some real hiking or go horse-back riding, pack sturdy shoes or sneakers.  Like the Boy Scouts say “Be prepared!”.

10. Go through security like a Pro. I often say there should be a separate line for frequent travelers who know how to get thru security efficiently (TSA are you listening?!).  Take your ID, passport and printed ticket and place them in the outside pocket of your purse or in a Passport Wallet so that you don’t have to dig. Keep these out and handy after you check-in for your flight and wait in the security line. (better yet, if you are traveling with carryon, check-in online and go straight to the security line!)

Dress and pack your carryon with security in mind. I wear my flip-flops or slip-on shoes to the airport whenever I can and change into sneakers or other shoes once I’m THROUGH security. Same goes for belts and large metallic earrings. Be sure to unhook your Crucian hook bracelets or the metal detector will go off.

If traveling with a laptop or other electronic device, remove them from sleeves or cases ahead of the security line. Once through security, grab your things, find a nearby seat, and then put on your shoes and belt, and repack your bag. The 500 people waiting behind you will appreciate you getting out of their way quickly!

Henry Rohlsen Airport St Croix STX

… What are your best packing tips? Share them with us in the comments below!

A little pre-planning and efficient packing can help you avoid stress, expense and help you to get into the island mindset quickly… a glass of Cruzan Rum Punch awaits you at the St Croix airport (STX)!

Filed Under: Featured, Top Ten, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips

10 Reasons I love St Croix

December 8, 2011 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 5 Comments

In December 2001, I got on a plane with my dog and two cats and took a giant leap of faith moving to the Caribbean.  It was something I’d dreamed of since I was a little girl wistfully watching “Gilligan’s Island”, “Pipi Longstocking” and “The Swiss Family Robinson”.  Yes, the thought of being stranded on a tropical island was enticing to me.  So when I had the opportunity to move down with a start up travel company, I jumped at the chance.  Unfortunately, the company that moved me to St Croix didn’t last, but I did and I haven’t regretted it for a single moment in these past ten years.  So, to celebrate my milestone I’ve compiled a Top Ten list of reasons I love St Croix and the Virgin Islands and island life.  Enjoy!10. The Weather

Originally from Canada and growing up in New England, you’d think that I would like snow, but the only powdery white stuff I like is the sand on our St Croix beaches!  The weather here averages a balmy 85°F year round. And right now the weather is simply glorious with the Christmas winds (Trade Winds) picking up and offering a gentle breeze. The nights are cooler too in the winter, low 70’s on the hill where I live, perfect sleeping weather. Truly paradise.

Find more about Weather in Christiansted, VI
Click for weather forecast

9. The Environment

Rolling green hills dot the island and the azure blue ocean is our backyard. I’m blessed to live on an island where most residents appreciate her beauty and there are many organizations that work to protect our environment. Recently, The Palms at Pelican Cove, along with three other beaches in the Virgin Islands, raised Blue Flags after the year long, intense application process.  This means that some of our beaches are now internationally recognized as being some of the  safest, cleanest and most beautiful in the world.

St Croix North Shore
A beautiful day on St Croix’s North Shore

8. Celebrations & Parades

No one could ever accuse St Croix of being a party pooper. When it comes to celebrating, Virgin Islanders have it down. We LOVE to come out and celebrate and will look for any excuse.  And of course every celebration includes live music, great food and lots of Cruzan Rum.  There is Jump Up four times a year which is a huge block party in downtown Christiansted where shops have sidewalk sales, restaurants serve streetside, the Mocko Jumbies parade in the streets and there is music on every corner, literally. This weekend we have the Christiansted Boat Parade which is the largest boat parade in the Caribbean. It’s a huge family-friendly celebration topped off with a spectacular fireworks display.  It really kicks off the Crucian Christmas Carnival (I can’t wait for the Three Kings Carnival Parade). In February, we have the Agricultural Fair to look forward to (I always eat my way through it – so many great local flavors). In March, St Patrick’s Day Parade is a non-stop day of fun and green where the whole island comes out to celebrate St Croix’s Irish Heritage throughout the streets of Christiansted… there are so many fundraisers and celebrations throughout the year.  To keep up, check out our St Croix Events Calendar.

Mocko Jumbie Jump Up Christiansted St Croix
You’ll find Mocko Jumbies at many Virgin Islands Celebrations

St Croix Christmas Boat Parade
St Croix Christmas Boat Parade is fun for the whole family

7. Quelbe – the Music of the Virgin Islands

A big part of celebrating in the Virgin Islands is listening to live music.  My personal favorite is the light and cheery folk music born of the Virgin Islands when it was a Danish colony – Quelbe. To me Quelbe embodies everything pure and good about the Virgin Islands. It’s the persevering human spirit that even amidst hardship finds joy and shares joy. When you listen, you can’t help but smile and dance. It reminds me of my grandparents for some reason and that always makes my smile even bigger.  Below is a short clip of the documentary “The Jamesie Project”  which offers an amazing glimpse into the world of Quelbe. Jamesie is a living legend in the Virgin Islands and has worked hard to pass on the tradition of Quelbe, the official music of the Virgin Islands. Another favorite is Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights whose Quelbe renditions of traditional Christmas songs really gets me in the holiday spirit!

6. Buck Island

Nothing says “St Croix Vacation” more than a trip out to Buck Island.  Whether its spending a Sunday on a friend’s boat limin’ in the water at Turtle Beach on the West End or jumping aboard one of the many National Park certified Tour Operators for a snorkel trip through the East End Reef, Buck Island Reef National Park is not to be missed.  The 176-acre island is less than a third of the protected marine park, most of it is underwater.  The East end reef and marked snorkel trail  is actually an underwater National Monument and home to a fantastical array of fishes and marine life. When I first moved to the island, I was lucky enough to spend weekends crewing with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours and developed a deep love for this incredible resource in my back yard. Hmm its been awhile, I think I need to take a trip out there soon!

Big Beard's Adventure Tours
Spend the day with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours at Buck Island. Photo by Jerry Merten of www.mjsvisionsvi.com

5. Scuba Diving

What can I NOT say about Scuba Diving on St Croix?! We have some of the best diving in the Caribbean and possibly the world.  With reefs, wrecks and walls just a short boat ride or an even shorter shore dive, its easy to get spoiled here. I’ve certainly become addicted to the peace and tranquility I feel when I’m underwater peeking into the marine world.  My favorite dive site is still the Frederiksted Pier where I can meander slowly among the pylons and observe the dynamic life that exists under the feet of cruise ship passengers. If you’re lucky and patient, you may even spy a seahorse or two. If you’re not a certified diver, you can try a “Discover Scuba Dive” at one of our many excellent PADI-certified dive centers like St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures better known as SCUBA, the Friendliest Dive Shop on Earth.  In just a couple of hours, they’ll get you diving in up to 40-feet of water.  Warning, once you try it, you’ll get addicted.  I did.

St Croix SCUBA
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures aka SCUBA

 4. The Food!

In the ten years that I’ve lived here, in culinary terms, St Croix has really made a name for itself. The St Croix Food & Wine Experience has put us on the culinary map with some of the top chefs in the food industry and they are taking notice! The festival itself was named one of the Top Ten Food & Wine festivals in the WORLD by Forbes Travel a few years back and it just keeps getting better year after year.  The reason, it highlights the culinary artists that work in our local restaurants year-round.  So, even though the event happens in April – you can sample their fare any time.  Our restaurants offer just about everything: local West Indian food like Roti, Doubles, Kallaloo and Goat Stew; Caribbean Fusion; Sushi (and we have the FRESHEST locally caught fish brought in almost daily); Mediterranean; American Bistro; French Continental; Thai; and much more.  Check out our St Croix Dining Guide organized by area and style which is constantly being updated.

Want to take home the taste of St Croix? You can purchase the cookbook produced by The St Croix Food & Wine Experience with over 100 recipes by both local and stateside renowned chefs. You’ll find celebrity chef contributors like Govind Armstrong, Michael Ferraro, Betty Fraser, Anita Lo, Tim Love, Kevin Rathbun, Gabriel Rucker, Liza Shaw, Ana Sortun, Roberto Trevino, and Just Desserts judge Dannielle Kyrillos. Island chef contributors include Elvet Carty, Jill Dedinsky, Patrick Gribbin, Leslie Gumbs, Patrick James, Jane Lansiquot, Camisha Lynch, Diane Mohammed, Angela Morales, Negust Kaza, Lance Lowman, Burton Peterson, Frank Pugliese, Joseph Stiles, Mat Vacharat, and many more. Makes a great holiday gift. Bon Appetit!

3. Community Organizations

When you live on an island that’s 26-miles long and 6-miles wide at its thickest point, life gets cozy with your neighbors.  I think that’s why we have so many Community Organizations and so many of us are active participants. Its not only easy, but chic to support these crucial groups who offer social services and the arts.  Almost every weekend there is a fundraiser of some sort adding to our festive culture. There are too many great organizations to list, but a few of my favorite community and non-profit organizations are: Sunshine Foundation,  Caribbean Community Theatre, The Boys and Girls Club of the Virgin Islands, CASA of the Virgin Islands, and VICARE.  Make it a point to choose something here or in your own community and lend a helping hand – volunteering is good for the soul!

2. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

When I was little and fantasized about my own personal deserted tropical island, I’m pretty sure it was a premonition of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge that I saw. This pristine wildlife refuge is only accessible from roughly October through April and only on the weekends until 4pm during those months. Why? It is listed as critical nesting habitat for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle.  Leatherbacks, hawksbill and green sea turtles nest there undisturbed and in abundance during the summer months.  Endangered Least Terns (shore birds) place their eggs in the sand. For this reason, it is closed to the public the majority of the time and carefully monitored.  And because of the light impact humans have, it remains one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. There are no facilities, but they have recently paved the once treacherous road out to the beach.  Pack a cooler and spend the day – you won’t be disappointed! But remember to carry out what you carry in – Leave only footprints behind. The turtles thank you.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Look for Sandy Point to welcome you as you fly into St Croix

1. Island Family & Friends

Now that I’ve been on St Croix for ten years, I feel I can say with a bit of an expert opinion that St Croix attracts some of the warmest, kindest and adventurous people I’ve ever met.  In fact, I’ve lived here now longer than any other place in my life and there’s a reason… my island family and friends.  Many of us have packed up and moved away from the safety net of our family. However, once on island you will find so many open hearts. We choose our family here and I’m blessed to have one of the best. I cherish watching my friends’ kids growing into kind-hearted, polite children who have been “raised by a village”.  They are respectful of others and aren’t materialistic. They say “please” and “thank you”. They aren’t afraid to fall down because they know they have twenty plus “aunties” and “uncles” right there to pick them up. And we are there to pick up each other when needed too.  So, the Number 1 Reason I love St Croix is you my island family and friends and I wouldn’t trade you for the world!  Here’s to the next 10 years of adventures together!!


… So these are just 10 reasons I love St Croix, there are so many more. Keep reading my blog to find out all about them.  And let us know below what YOUR favorite things about St Croix are!!

Filed Under: Buck Island Reef, Eco-friendly, Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, Scuba, St Croix Events, Top Ten

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