Vacation Tips

St Croix’s New Season Brings New Changes

October 28, 2022 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

St Croix is seeing a renaissance after the past several years of recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, followed by the global pandemic. Quietly during this time, some businesses have closed, new ones have opened, and many have expanded. It’s certainly an exciting time to be here! Whether you are new to St Croix or have been traveling here for years, I’m sure you are going to be as excited as I am for some of the things you’ll find here. Below is a rundown of some things old, some things new, some things expanded, and a new hotel renovation in the ocean blue.

St Croix Restaurant Updates

Christiansted

El Leon Restaurant is now officially open! It is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located on the boardwalk at the King Christian Hotel. And as with all of the other projects taken on by Chris Pardo of “The Neighborhood Establishment” the décor is divine. Right now they are just taking walk-ins, but they will start taking online reservations via Open Table on November 2nd. Discover More

el leon interior — El Leon Mexican Restaurant

el leon food — El Leon Mexican Restaurant

Jump Up Deli & Dem Tings– Opening Nov 2022! An authentic deli and unique island gift boutique in the heart of Christiansted. I’m really excited about this new spot in the neighborhood. Sadly, the iconic Café Christine has closed for good, but my friends Ellen and Todd have been working hard to bring something new and fresh to town while honoring some of the Cafe Christine vibe (and recipes!). I’ve gotten a sneak peek and can’t wait for them to open. The gifts are, as Ellen says, “Tings you didn’t even know you needed!” and I’ve already put quite a few of them on my wish list! Discover More

Breakers Roar Tiki Bar Has reopened after some renovations and updates. They will announce a new menu in the next few weeks, so stay tuned! Discover More

Rum and Wine Bar – Word on the street is that the new chef at this downtown seafood restaurant below the Comanche Hotel is the bomb and a skilled sushi chef. As someone who has to live gluten-free, I was excited when another “gf” friend informed me that the chef uses tamari (gluten-free) in her kitchen in lieu of soy sauce to make her recipes more accessible. They had a nice selection of sushi rolls and other menu items and I’ve been told that the food is really excellent. I can’t wait to get in and sample some for myself.

Alfio’s Pizza – Speaking of gluten-free friendly restaurants, Alfio’s is a newer business in Christiansted that’s not to be missed. Located in the former Paradise Café (if you’re old school), BES Craft Cocktails (if you’re newer) on the corner of Company and Queen Cross streets, Alfio is well-known island-wide for his pizzas and sauces that can be purchased in local grocery stores. He started out with pop-up tents and now opened his own restaurant serving up pizza, pasta, and daily specials. As a chef who is also gluten-free himself, he offers special gf pizzas too! You just have to call in your special order before 3:30 pm as it takes extra preparation time. Discover more

Café Fresco is closing their location on King Street in the courtyard of the Penthany building and moving to Gallows Bay with an expanded location and menu. Look for them to reopen in December 2022 in their new spot. Stay tuned.

Nauti Bar & Grille has closed on Hospital Street (just past Fort Christianvaern heading East) but it’s being reopened as Jubilee BBQ & Seafood brought to you by the same group that now runs Rum and Wine Bar (see above), ParrotFish, The Galleon, Deep End Bar & Grille, and the Castle St Croix event venue.

Frederiksted

Six Nine Restaurant & Bar has reopened after some downtime this summer and renovations. They’ve renovated the bar and it looks fabulous! You’ll also find a new bar menu available nightly in addition to their lunch and dinner menus. Their sister businesses Tap Deck Bar & Billiards and Lyric Sails are also back in action. You’ll find their entertainment schedules up on STXCalendar.com so you won’t miss a thing!

Flyers Bar & Grill has sadly closed at the Salt River Marina location. However, they are reopening in December at their new location in Victoria House in downtown Frederiksted. They’ll be bringing their well-established menu and, of course, Scottie’s delicious homemade ice cream recipes along with them.

World Ocean School Update

First, the bad news. Schooner Roseway will not be here in Christiansted harbor this season. She is currently hauled out in dry dock for some necessary maintenance and repairs. Now, the good and exciting news, the World Ocean School is still coming to St Croix for the season with a different vessel. Along with Roseway, they have added another exciting vessel to their fleet, the Denis Sullivan. The Denis Sullivan is a three-masted, gaff-rigged schooner, a Great Lakes tall ship built by Milwaukee community volunteers 20 years ago. I was excited to have participated in a Zoom call where the captain, Christa Miller-Shelley, discussed the new ship, the challenges of getting the ship from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the plans for an inland transit down the Mississippi River.

You can keep track of the Denis Sullivan‘s trip down the Mississippi River, through locks and making its way to the open sea via the World Ocean School Ship’s Log – I can’t wait to see this amazing tall ship as it sails into Christiansted Harbor! The ship is expected to make it to St Croix in mid-December and sunset sails start up from Gallows Bay on December 22nd. I hope to see you aboard. Discover more about World Ocean School

2023 St Croix Calendars - Now on Sale! — 2023 St Croix Calendars – Now on Sale!

St Croix Places to Stay – Resorts & Hotels

Hotel on the Cay – I’m really excited about this project, I think the entire island is! Located in Christiansted Harbor on Protestant Cay, this property has been in need of some love for a long time, and now it’s going to get it! The Neighborhood Establishment was awarded the RFP back in 2020. Since then, they have been negotiating the lease with the USVI Government. They finally signed that last week. The next step is for the lease to be approved by the Legislature of the US Virgin Islands at which point they will have a fully executed lease. And then, the fun begins! The project is multi-phased due to the existing conditions, permitting challenges, etc. The first phase will focus on improving the public beach, amenities, and the existing hotel rooms and event spaces. This will include food and beverage outlets, water sports, the pool area, and other amenities. The second phase includes the building of the new rooms, a marina/dock expansion, and various infrastructure improvements.

Renderings of the proposed new resort renovation on Hotel on the Cay

Hibiscus Beach Hotel – Once a popular spot on St Croix along the Pelican Cove beach in Princess, the Hibiscus Beach Hotel fell into disrepair and foreclosure many years ago. Just yesterday, the new owners announced a plan to revamp the hotel, located next to the Palms Hotel, with 80 rooms, a swimming pool, convenient parking, a gift shop, a meeting center, a fitness center, a spa, a restaurant, and other recreational facilities. Owned by several local brothers, including those that own The Market (formerly known as Plaza West), the project is expected to be accomplished in three phases with a target start date of 2023.

Chenay Bay Beach Resort -Chenay Bay recently announced that they are under new ownership and are undergoing much-needed renovations to the ocean-front property on the East End. Plans are to re-open the existing restaurant in a few weeks. They announced that they will be completely rebranding the property, renovating all cottages, building two new pools and a new restaurant. They have begun the cottage renovations while awaiting approval and permits for the additional plans for the pools and new restaurant. Their goal is to break ground near April 2023 (permits pending) and be complete by November 2023. Stay tuned!

Travel in the Time of COVID-19

November 20, 2020 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 15 Comments

Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands

Updated: May 31, 2022

As one of the few locations that have remained open to travelers during the pandemic, there are some things that you should know about visiting St Croix and the Covid travel restrictions to the Virgin Islands in 2021. So, we’ve put together (and continued to update) St Croix COVID-19 travel restrictions and travel tips.

The Mask Mandate in the USVI has been lifted as of March 14, 2022.
Masks are no longer required to be worn inside all commercial and government indoor spaces. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports.
We recommend you carry one with you just in case.

Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands – DISCONTINUED!

The US Virgin Islands has transitioned to the “Open Doors” phase in responsed to COVID-19 and as of June 1, 2022 travelers arriving in the US Virgin Island from locations within the US no longer are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccine. The USVI Travel Portal and QR code system will shut down as of June 1st!

‼️ Travel From A Foreign Country ‼️

Federal guidelines and restrictions continue to apply for all international travel, including travel from the British Virgin Islands. The Federal government continues to require travelers coming from a foreign country (regardless of whether you are a US citizen or permanent resident alien) to present a negative test result within 1 day of commencement of travel to the Territory. (This means travel from any country that is NOT a US state, territory, or possession of the United States).

You do not need to be tested when you leave the US Virgin Islands and travel (back) to the mainland states. (The United States Virgin islands is NOT a foreign country.)

CDC International Travel COVID-testing Information

USVI SunScreen Law 🌞🏖️

Help us protect our fragile coral reef ecosystem. It’s the law. Avoid sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene – they are prohibited in the United States Virgin Islands. Learn more about Sunscreen and our Coral Reefs, as well as reef-safe sunscreen options.

If needed while you are on island, COVID-19 testing is readily available on a walk-in basis at places like Plessen Urgent Care in Sunny Isles.

Covid Travel Restrictions Virgin Islands - same day testing

Even better news is that all businesses in the US Virgin Islands continue to be open. You’ll find St Croix restaurants and bars open – including some new ones! – with live entertainment. Be sure to follow our St Croix Calendar to see what’s happening on the island while you’re here. Reservations are always recommended though most are now running at 100% capacity. With many of the island’s restaurants open-air establishments – dining out isn’t a lot different these days.

~~No Mask, No Service~~. As of March 14, 2022 masks are no longer required to be worn inside all public indoor spaces including stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies, taxis, government office etc. At this time, masks continue to be required to be worn in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, ports of entry, and airports. So, we recommend you carry one with you just in case.

Almost 2 dozen privately owned, professionally managed homes await you.
View the Vacation St Croix Collection of Villas from 2-6 bedrooms.

One of the perks of the islands is, of course, that we have summer year-round, and outdoor activities abound. There are plenty of places and spaces for you to practice social distancing while enjoying your vacation. Vacation villas, like the collection at Vacation St Croix, are also a great way to enjoy your vacation while maintaining some distance from others. You have your own private pool and fully equipped house to relax and enjoy for the duration of your stay.

Want to know what’s happening while you will be here? Be sure to follow the St Croix Calendar for live music, events, and more.

Do a little exploring and you can often find a beach all to yourself!

And of course, there are plenty of tours and things to do on St Croix that are operating with plenty of open air. Ride horses on the beach with Cruzan Cowgirls or head out to Buck Island for a snorkeling trip with Caribbean Sea Adventures or one of the many other boats headed that way. If staying underwater is more your style – there’s plenty to see! Check out our favorite Scuba operators and they’ll get you out to the best spots.

St Croix COVID-19 Travel Tips

Bring a Mask. Although it is no longer required by the airlines, you may find places that you wish to wear it or local businesses that may require it based on positivity rates. It never hurts to have one on-hand just in case.

Sanitize Sanitize Sanitize! When I travel, I carry a baggy full of Clorox Wipes handy so that I can wipe down the armrests and tray table as soon as I sit down. I also use them to open bathroom doors in airports when I have layovers. And, of course, I use PLENTY of hand sanitizer throughout my trip.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. Check with your credit card, often they offer automatic travel insurance but you need to be aware of the restrictions. Otherwise, check out travel insurance to see what may be available in the case of a delay or cancellation due to illness or even weather. Most accommodations here in the islands will happily credit you for a stay at a later date if you need to cancel for reasons due to COVID-19. But, it’s always wise to ask about cancellation policies at the time you are booking your stay.

Ready to pack your bags? Check out our packing recommendations for your Caribbean vacation and be sure to learn about Reef Safe sunscreen before you hit the beach.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to St Croix and the US Virgin Islands. Just please be respectful while you are here and help to protect our community from the virus in the same way you would protect your family.

50 things you can do on St Croix to celebrate Earth Day every day of the year!

April 22, 2020 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 1 Comment

50 Earth friendly things to do on St Croix

Snorkel the only fuel it requires is kicking your feet a little! And it’s a great way to explore and get excited about preserving our underwater world.
Grab a fish identification chart from one of the dive shops or snorkel tour operators and go on your own scavenger hunt around the island.
Use Reef Safe Sunscreen!
Learn to hunt lionfish! You can even earn a PADI certification at one of our local Dive Shops.
Go sailing aboard the Schooner Roseway with the World Ocean School when they are here with us for the winter season
Get certified to Scuba dive and witness coral spawning on a night dive!
Watch Chasing Coral. You can view the full feature Netflix Documentary for free. Click here.
Did you know that St Croix is surrounded by one of the longest contiguous barrier reefs in the Caribbean? Learn about the endangered corals that surround St Croix.
Take a trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument and learn about the ocean creatures in our backyard and ways you can help to protect them.
Go horseback riding on the beach! Our friends at Cruzan Cowgirls use rescued horses on their exciting trail rides. Proceeds help to pay for the rescued herd and provide education to local horse owners.
Go on a scavenger hunt for all the St Croix Sea Walls murals painted in 2019. These gorgeous murals represent ocean
BYOB bring your own bag bring for groceries and your own reusable box for leftovers. Grab one of our organic cotton bags here.
Just Say No to disposable plastic straws. There are so many other options nowadays and many of our restaurants and bars now offer metal, silicone, and even bamboo replacements.
Just Say No to plastic flatware – if you are getting takeout, tell the restaurant you have your own and ask them not to pack plastic.
Just Say No to Styrofoam and encourage restaurants to use reusable packaging instead.
Just say Yes! to sustainable/reusable utensils and straws that you can make your own. Check out Café Christine for some great options for purchase.
BYOC bring your own cup to the bar. You’ll find plenty for sale in our local shops.
Get out There! Hike up Goat hill on the East End. The view of the entire island makes it worth the sweat.
Fill ‘er Up! Opt out of one-time use water bottles and carry your own refillable bottle. Remember to stay hydrated while you’re in the islands.
Try fresh coconut water! You’ll find roadside stands selling freshly harvested coconuts that they will machete open for you. Coconut water is full of electrolytes and one of the best ways to stay hydrated while you are here.
Explore the St George Village Botanical Garden (SGVBG) and learn about the many tropical species growing there.
Learn about the SGVBG Reforestation program at the Garden!
Eat Responsible! at one of our Reef Responsible Restaurants who are committed to serving sustainably sourced, caught in-season fish from our waters.
Shop Local and Eat Local! year-round at one of our many St Croix farmers markets.
Try some locally grown tropical fruit – my favorite is Mango season in the summer time! Don’t miss the Botanical Garden’s annual Mango Melee festival each July.
Shop Organic! produce at Art Farm and Ridge2Reef Farm.
Drink Local! Visit the Sion Farm Distillery to learn more about breadfruit vodka and taste some too! Breadfruit is one of the most sustainable crops in the world and is on the rise on St Croix. Learn more here.
Drink Local! Leatherback Brewing Company is a microbrewery that brews and cans all of its beer right here on St Croix. It tastes sweeter at the source.
Drink Local! BrewSTX has been producing and serving their special small batch brews on tap for over 20 years. Sip a draft with a view of the Christiansted Harbor.
Turn out the lights! Living on an island like St Croix you learn quickly about the high cost of energy. Turn off lights that you don’t need.
Volunteer your time! There are so many local nonprofits that are always looking for helping hands. Reach out to one that is near and dear to your heart.
Recycle! While St Croix is still behind on recycling overall, there is a great group of volunteers who have been working with Plaza Extra West for the past year or two. They typically accept plastic for recycling on Saturdays (operations have been halted for the time being due to the COVID-19 crisis, but they will be back). For updates go to: Plastic Drop off and Recycling Project
Reuse! Bottles Reimagined takes discarded rum, wine and other glass bottles and turns them into glassware, candles and more! You can find them in many local shops like Mollys & at The Fred or shop Made on St Croix online.
Visit the Fred! The newest hotel on St Croix is located beachside in downtown Frederiksted. During the renovation and new construction they have incorporated many green practices and innovations. The hotel uses LED lights and turtle safe lighting on the exterior to prevent nesting mothers and hatchlings from being turned away from returning to the ocean. Eat at Fred, the new restaurant uses environmentally friendly to-go containers and if you simply must use a straw, they provide bioplastic drinking straws. In room, you will be given the option to opt out of daily laundering of sheets and towels to reduce energy. The sheets are made of a microfiber that eliminates the need for bleach and the towels are bamboo. And everything is washed with rainwater caught in large cisterns.
Go vegan! Even if you don’t plan to eat vegan every day, you can explore some fantastic vegan food options here on the island. Places like Tap Deck in Frederiksted, Ital in Paradise in Christiansted, and more offer delicious meals that won’t have you missing a thing.
Grab your camera and go on a photo safari. St Croix has so many beautiful vistas. Be sure to capture as many as you can to make your memories permanent.
Visit Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But it’s only open from Sept 1 through March 30 and only on weekends. Why? Because it is a critical nesting habitat for the Leatherback sea turtle and other endangered species that make St Croix their birthplace.
Hike the Nature Conservancy trail to Jack & Isaac’s Bay and snorkel at Isaac’s along the pristine coral reef.
Learn about sea turtles and ways you can help keep them safe.
Learn about humpback whale migration through St Croix’s waters.
Shop local! You’ll find artisans throughout Frederiksted and Christiansted who produce their own jewelry right here on the island.
Hike to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools.
Go paddle boarding!
Kayak Salt River or anywhere offshore.
Carry In, Carry Out. be sure that you carry out any and ALL trash and items that you bring to the beach. Don’t leave behind your cigarette butts, beer cans or plastic cups. They end up in our oceans or littering our beaches. Pick up your trash and any other that you find on the beach. PLEASE do your part to protect our oceans!
Spend a weekend or a week at Northside Valley eco-villas. This family-owned Caribbean estate is on the west end of St. Croix and hosts lush landscaping, ocean views, and eight eco-friendly vacation villas. Stargaze at night, pick organic fruit by day, and stroll to nearby beaches whenever the mood strikes you.
Explore the organic Ridge2Reef Farm out in the rainforest with a self-guided hike. You can even sign up for one their courses including the popular Bush Skills
Reserve your spot at a Ridge to Reef Slow Down Dinner! These magical evenings feature local chefs preparing multi-course extravaganzas utilizing locally sourced and grown produce, seafood and meats. There is nothing quite like a delicious night under the stars!
Sign up for one of the many Caribbean Earth Skills classes offered at Mount Victory Eco-camp. Mount Victory is a great place to stay too!
Take a hike out by Great Pond. You can find the trailheads by the East End Marine Park Headquarters on the South Shore. You can find out about their various projects Click Here
Bonus: Oh yes, we almost forgot – just kick back, relax and lime on any one of our incredible beaches!!

Sunscreen and Coral Reefs in the VI

May 23, 2019 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 1 Comment

Call me an optimist, but I’ve always believed that people are inherently good and want to do the right thing when they are informed and educated.

In today’s world we are bombarded with information, much of it conflicting and that can lead to confusion and complacency.

Having lived through the catastrophic Hurricane season of 2017 that brought the US and its Territories storms named Harvey, Irma and Maria, I have no doubt that our Earth is changing and that average temperatures are rising. And these subtle temperature changes are having a devastating effect on coral reefs across the globe.

But the other day, I read something that made me proud to be a Virgin Islander and gave me some hope. Our local Government has introduced legislation to ban the retail sale, distribution, and importation of topical sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate with Bill 33-0043.

If signed into law, this will go into effect as of January 2021. The bill follows the lead of the state of Hawaii who passed similar legislation in May 2018. To date, Hawaii is the first and only state to pass this kind of ban. If signed into law, The US Virgin Islands would be the second out of the 50 states and Insular Territories to ban sunscreens containing these harmful chemicals.

If the coral reef isn’t the primary focus, then human health absolutely should be. The FDA just recently announced that only titanium and zinc oxide are generally recognized as safe. These other ingredients [oxybenzone and octinoxate] are known endocrine disruptors, which means they affect our hormonal development. Unborn children are being affected by this.
Cosmetic Chemist, Autumn Blum during testimony to the 33rd Legislature
as reported by The St Croix Source

Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life Infographic

Coral Reefs and Climate Change

Why is this such a big deal? Because coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate and anything we can do to slow or reverse that decline is imperative.

Elkhorn coral, *Acropora palmata* , is one of the most abundant species of coral around St Croix and is the backbone of our local barrier reefs.

Coral reefs provide a source of food and income to over 500 million people worldwide.

Here in the Caribbean, reefs provide food for people and marine life, a source of income from tourism and barrier reefs protect our islands’ shores from larger waves and storm surge. If you think of the Earth like your body, our waterways (both fresh and salt) are like the blood circulating through your body. The oceans and tides pump water across the globe and into the atmosphere. Coral reefs are like the tiny capillaries that feed your muscles and tissues to sustain life. A critical piece of the circulatory system.

Facts About Coral Reef Bleaching

A rise of only 2°C or 3.6°F in ocean temperature can cause a catastrophic coral bleaching event in just a matter of weeks. When you get a fever, it causes a stress response in your body. You sweat, get the chills and can become delirious. If your fever is high enough, brain cells can start to die. For coral reefs, their stress response to a high fever is called “bleaching”.

The corals themselves are the backbone of the reef ecosystem. One coral organism is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny coral polyps. The coral polyps live in a symbiotic relationship with tiny plant cells (algae) called zooxanthellae. During the day, the zooxanthellae feed the coral through photosynthesis. These tiny algae are what gives the coral its color.

Corals provide food and shelter in the dynamic Reef Ecosystem.

At night, the coral polyps come out of their shell, reach out their tiny tentacles and catch microscopic animals in the water known as zooplankton.

When a coral is stressed by an increase in water temperature, they expel the tiny plant cells. When the zooxanthellae are gone, what we see is the calcium skeleton of the coral because the polyps are clear. The coral appears bright white. This is known as bleaching. It also means that the coral is slowly starving to death.

It is estimated that 80-90% of the coral reefs in Florida have died off. In the past 30 years alone the world has lost about 50% of its coral reefs through bleaching events.

Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and is visible from space. In 2016, 29% of the Great Barrier Reef died in a bleaching event. That is the equivalent of losing all the trees from Washington, DC to Maine.

Let that sink in for a moment.

… can you even visualize that? ?

Addressing things like Climate Change saves lives. It is within our power to make changes in our personal lives that incrementally make a difference. Make informed choices. Reduce waste. Buy locally sourced food and products when you can. Be an informed consumer and support products and businesses in your community and globally that are making a difference. Together we CAN change the world.

Coral Reef Safe Sunscreens

So what does this all have to do with sunscreen? Studies have shown that when corals absorb oxybenzone and octinoxate, they react in a similar way to a bleaching event. The chemicals cause added stress to the coral animal that makes them susceptible to disease and less likely to survive minimal rises in temperature. These same chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption, neurologic and behavioral changes, and embryonic deformities in fish. Yuck! Imagine what that does to you when you absorb these chemicals through your own skin.

Of course, protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun – particularly when you are in the Caribbean and out on the water – is important. No one wants to ruin their vacation with a painful sunburn.

No matter where you are, but especially when in the Virgin Islands or near coral reefs, be sure to use coral reef safe sunscreens. By choosing Reef Safe sunscreens, you can avoid adding additional stressors to the reef ecosystem and our oceans.

Look for sunscreens that DO NOT contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Choose mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients stay on top of your skin and block harmful UV rays. They are not associated with coral bleaching.
Make sure that the minerals are “non-nano” this means that the particles are larger than 100 nanometers and cannot be absorbed by corals. (or you!)
Scrutinize the labels. Many sunscreens will say “Reef Safe”, read the ingredients to be sure.
Wear UV filtering clothing and hats. Check out our 38-40 UPF Rashguards (UPF = Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

Here are some recommended Reef Safe Sunscreen brands:

See what’s in My Beach Bag!

Find more Reef Safe Sunscreen

I’ve tried to include links to Reef Safe Sunscreens that are less than 3oz and can fit in your TSA 311 approved carry-on liquids. Larger bottles can be packed in your checked luggage. You can also look for Reef Safe sunscreens at local scuba and snorkel charter shops on St Croix.

There is Hope for Coral Reefs Worldwide

It’s not all bad news! There are some great organizations here locally and across the globe, researching ways to grow and restore corals at a more rapid rate.

Right here on St Croix, The Nature Conservancy has been part of a revolutionary project that uses cutting edge technology and some fairly straight forward techniques to grow and restore corals. Cane Bay on our North Shore is home to a successful coral nursery growing coral embryos.

The 50 Reefs project was created during the filming of the Netflix documentary, Chasing Corals. The goal is to identify and protect 50 coral reefs globally that have the best chance of surviving the impacts of climate change. The Bloomberg Foundation has pledged 86 million dollars to the conservation project.

Chasing Coral on Netflix examines coral reefs dying on a massive scale across the globe.

Love the oceans and coral reefs?

Three-quarters of St Croix is surrounded by one of the longest contiguous island barrier reefs in the Caribbean, which means there’s lots of amazing snorkeling right offshore. Its the perfect way to appreciate and enjoy our coral reef ecosystem. Learn more about snorkeling on St Croix.

Be sure to include a snorkeling trip to Buck Island on your next St Croix adventure. Part of the National Park System, most of Buck Island Reef National Monument is underwater. The NPS requires new visitors to the underwater trail to explore the reef with a licensed guide.

Want to go deeper and see more reefs? Book a dive with one of our local PADI certified scuba tour operators or learn to scuba while you’re here.

Explore St Croix on a Budget

March 7, 2018 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 2 Comments

One of the things that I love most about St Croix is the wide open spaces and plenty of places to discover. I’ve lived here since 2001 and I’m still finding new adventures. You don’t have to spend much if any, money to explore St Croix’s beaches, green rolling hills, food, and culture. My Mom and youngest sister came down to visit for four days and we filled them with plenty of affordable activity. My sister is a teacher and was planning a wedding that year, so she’s mindful of what she spends. I thought I’d share with you some of my tips on exploring St Croix without breaking the bank.

Bonus: All are family-friendly activities that are great for active kids, teens, and folks of all ages.

Plan Ahead

Saving money starts before you leave home! You really don’t need a lot while you are here on the island, so I recommend packing lightly and bringing just a carry-on. Avoiding a checked bag will save most the $25 checked baggage fee when you arrive at the airport. That’s $25 more to spend while you’re here! Here are a few things that I recommend you pack for an action-packed itinerary:

Flip flops or sandals and a pair of sneakers or Tevas you can hike in. Wear your sneakers on the plane to save room in your carry-on.
Snorkel Gear if you have it. You can buy an inexpensive snorkel gear set online in advance of your trip. Pack your flippers in the bottom of your carry on to save room. If you don’t think you’ll use it much, rent gear when you get here from one of the friendly scuba shops in Christiansted or Frederiksted for about $25/day.
I love E-bags Packing Cubes for packing my carry-on. They are one of the best travel investments I’ve made and the same set has lasted me since 2006, has traveled around the globe, and still looks brand new!
Rashguard – A UV filtering shirt that you can wear in the water will save your back and shoulders from burning while snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. I never leave home without one!
Mind the 3-1-1 Rule. When packing only carry-on, you’ll need to be sparing with your liquids. You get One, 1-quart clear bag filled with liquids up to 3 ounces each. So, purchase sunscreen when you get here. The local scuba shops and snorkel charters all stock up on Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen so that you can help us to protect our delicate coral reef ecosystems.
Read more of my Packing Tips here: 10 Tips on Packing for the Caribbean

Shop What’s In My Beach Bag

Save on accommodations. If you are traveling with a group, consider a vacation villa or one of the local eco-camps. Once you break down the per room/per night rate, you can compare it to a hotel room rate (Take the cost of the weekly villa rental rate, divide by 7 and then divide by the number of bedrooms). You’ll find that many break down to be quite reasonable. Add to that a private pool and the ability to make breakfast and a couple of dinners at home and you’ll see great savings. Budget-minded couples should check out the local Airbnb listings for guest houses and smaller accommodations. Or consider staying at one of the hotels in downtown Christiansted rather than on the beach. You’ll be within walking distance of dining, shopping, and all the action. Plus, the boardwalk is where you meet many of the deep sea fishing and Buck Island charters.

Rent a car. Though we drive on the left in paradise, we use American-style cars. You’ll save a ton and have the flexibility and freedom to explore on your own if you have your own vehicle. Taxi drivers in the United States Virgin Islands charge on a per-person basis. A round-trip for a group of 3-4 can cost more than a day’s car rental! Many St Croix vacation home rentals will have a greeter meet you at the airport to lead you to your villa. You can grab your rental car right at the airport kiosk and go! Learn more about St Croix Car Rentals

Important Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to book your rental car, they often sell out. Larger companies like Hertz, Avis & Budget offer discounts and mileage perks to travelers, so be sure to add your airline frequent flier number to your reservation and check your airline and credit card company for deals.

St Croix is for Foodies

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll want to stop at one of the local markets or grocery stores to stock up on provisions for your stay. Grab staples for breakfast, some dinners, and snacks. Grab lunches while you’re out exploring – lunch tends to be a bit cheaper than dinner if you are really trying to save. For produce, be sure to check out the local roadside and farm stands. St Croix was once known as the “breadbasket” of the Caribbean and has recently enjoyed an agricultural renaissance with many organic farms. On Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market at the Ag Fair Grounds is a great place to pick up local fruits and vegetables, honey, sauces, eggs, meats, and more. Browse our list of St Croix Farm Stands for fresh fruit and produce all week long!

Support our St Croix farmers by shopping and eating locally – you won’t be disappointed!!

Hit up the food trucks and roadside BBQs. St Croix has grown a great reputation in the culinary world. I always say it’s hard to get a bad meal here. If you want to eat like a local, check out the food trucks and vendors you see dotting the island. They are often less pricey than a sit-down meal, but still delicious. Be adventurous and try some West Indian fare like Rotis and pates. Don’t be afraid to ask the attendant or folks in the line “what’s good?” … we love to share our personal recommendations and won’t steer you wrong.

Hint: If you see a crowd, there’s a safe bet it’s really good. With all the great dining options on the island, Crucians have discriminating palates!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I highly recommend our local restaurants, too!! Take a look through our online St Croix Restaurant Guide and choose a few to try while you are here. There is truly something for everyone on St Croix. When you travel on a budget, a few splurges taste even better.

Get out and Explore St Croix

Another thing I love about living in the US Virgin Islands is that all of our beaches are public. That means that you are welcome to enjoy the beaches island-wide on St Croix, even at local resorts and hotels. All resorts and hotels located beachfront are required by law to allow public access. This may mean that you park at the entrance and walk a bit but, most will welcome you with open arms and allow you to enjoy a bit of the experience. So don’t be shy! These beaches are often well maintained and have facilities like bathrooms and bars. Some will charge a small fee for the use of their beach chairs … or you can choose to bring a blanket or towel and sit on the sand. This is a great way to enjoy a little bit of resort life without the bill. Check out our list of Beach Bars for places to enjoy the beach and grab a cocktail with lunch at the same time.

If you’re on St Croix from September 1st through March 31st, don’t miss Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge beach in Frederiksted. This gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand is the stuff dreams are made of. And completely free of charge. Only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm and on cruise ship days, the beach is truly pristine. The beach and wildlife preserve includes a salt marsh that is the winter home for many local and migrating birds and a nursery for fish. But, the main attraction is the Leatherback Sea Turtles. The soft sandy beach is one small stretch of the island that doesn’t have a fringing coral reef and sits just off the deepwater Puerto Rican trench. Each summer, these beautiful giant mommas come back to the beach of their birth to nest and lay eggs at night. Sandy Point has the largest nesting population of Leatherbacks in all of the US and its territories. Scientists have been databasing and studying the population for over 30 years working to save the endangered species by protecting this critical nesting habitat. Endangered hawksbill sea turtles and threatened green sea turtles also nest along these shores in fewer numbers. (hawksbills are studied out at Buck Island National Reef by NPS and green sea turtles are studied out at Jack & Isaacs by the Nature Conservancy). When you visit, remember to carry out whatever you carried in. There are no facilities and there’s no shade on the beach. So don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and your rash guard. Beach umbrellas that dig into the sand are prohibited as they could harm a nest under the sand.

View our St Croix Beach Guide

Fun Fact: Sandy Point was the actual filming location of the final scene in the Shawshank Redemption … that’s Morgan Freeman on the beach at Sandy Point, not Mexico 😉 Several of the driving scenes with Tim Robbins were also filmed on St Croix.

Take a Hike

St Croix is an active, outdoor island and so there are several popular places to hike (though when I say popular, you still won’t see a lot of people). You can find information and directions to several hiking spots on the St Croix Hiking Association website. They have group hikes available to visitors most months at just $10 for non-members, check their calendar for dates.

If you prefer a guided hike to learn even more about the island, check out the options at Chant VI (Crucian Heritage and Nature Tours). You’ll also find information on their Christiansted and Frederiksted walking tours as well. Guided by knowledgeable St Croix residents, you’ll learn about the history and ecology of our beautiful island while experiencing a part of the island you may otherwise not see.

Everyone loves the Hike to Jack & Isaac’s Bay, especially my rescue dog Lola!

Paddle Power

Another great activity that won’t put too much of a hole in your wallet is kayaking at Salt River National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. Not only is this area of great historical significance but it is also a National Park and mangrove sanctuary. For experienced paddlers, you can rent kayaks for a reasonable fee and explore the inlets of the bay on your own. Birdwatchers will love exploring at a quiet pace and searching for shorebirds. If you look closely, you’ll also find iguanas sunning themselves in the branches of the mangroves. Be sure to watch the water for sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine life too. You can book a tour to explore with a guide as well. And be sure to ask about the evening bio-bay kayaking tours where you can experience the wonder of natural bioluminescence ( Read more about my Bio-rific adventure a few years ago )

Virgin Kayak rents Hobie single and tandem kayaks

Disclaimer: Yeah- unfortunately we have to say it. All activity content is for informational purposes only. My-StCroix.com assumes ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility, including but not limited to injury or loss of any kind/form due to the use of information, or participating in activities found on this site.

Sample Budget-Friendly St Croix Vacation Itinerary

With so much to do, you may be wondering – how do we pack it all in? Here’s a sample of the itinerary we followed exploring the island in 4 short, but action-packed days:

Tuesday Evening – Arrive on St Croix. Dinner on the Christiansted Boardwalk enjoying the view.

Day 1 (Wednesday) – Hiked down to Jack & Isaacs Bay for the afternoon. This well-maintained trail is about a 10-minute hike in and out over a couple of hills. You’ll find the trail head just below Point Udall with several parking spaces. Snorkel and Swim. Carry in/Carry out snorkel gear, water, drinks and snacks and lunch. Dinner: Fresh fish from the market on the grill and local veggies.
Day 2 (Thursday) – Rented Kayaks, explored Salt River and bird watching. Lunch at Flyers in the Marina. Afternoon Sunset Sail aboard the non-profit World Ocean School Schooner Roseway (on St Croix end of November to beginning of March). Splurge dinner at Savant (thanks Mom!)
Day 3 (Friday) – Went West to Frederiksted with a brief stop on the waterfront for coffee and a smoothie at Polly’s at the Pier and a little gift shopping. Headed out to Ham’s Bluff and hiked up to the Lighthouse. Lunch and a quick swim at Rainbow Beach. Dinner & Live music in Christiansted.
Day 4 (Saturday) – Drove out to Sandy Point for a few hours to soak in the beauty and relax before getting ready to say goodbye. Lunch with a view at Louie & Nachos next to The Fred. Showered, finished packing and headed to the airport for an early evening flight.

As you can see, we did a lot in four days, including a bit of a driving tour and a few naps along the way. We saved money by having coffee and eating breakfast at home each morning too. You can do that too when booking a vacation villa from Vacation St Croix.

Vacationing in the Caribbean is often thought of as pricey resorts lounging in the sun, sand, and rum (which are all great!) but there’s also plenty to learn and explore on our emerald jewel in the sea.

Bonus: St Croix also has many monthly and yearly Free Community Events plus nightly live music at local bars and restaurants. View our St Croix Calendar of Events and live music.

What are your favorite budget-minded things to do on St Croix? What did we miss?

Get in the St Croix Spirit: More Airline Options for Visitors to the Big Island

February 20, 2018 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

Beginning May 24, 2018, visitors to the big island of St Croix have even more travel options! Spirit Airlines will connect Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with nonstop service to St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). The service will run three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Caribbean island of St Croix will become Spirit’s 65th destination, following last week’s addition of Columbus, OH, and upcoming new service to Richmond, VA; Guayaquil, Ecuador; and Cap Haitien, Haiti.

“Spirit is proud of its strong connection to the Caribbean, and we’re thrilled to bring more ultra-low fares to the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning. “With this new service to St. Croix, and our continuing resumption of service to the other islands impacted by last year’s hurricanes, we are excited to expand on our 12 years of service to the region and continue to deliver ultra-low fares for tourists and locals alike.”

Spirit Airlines Route Map After May 24, 2018 with Service to St Croix (STX)

With the addition of airlift via Spirit Airlines, visitors to St Croix now have even more travel choices:

American Airlines twice daily via Miami (MIA)
Jet Blue via San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico most days
Delta Airlines non-stop from Atlanta (ATL) Wednesday and Saturday
Spirit Airlines via Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

Spirit Airlines’ customers start with an unbundled Bare Fare™ and get Frill Control™ which allows you to pay only for the options you choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments — which allows Spirit to offer lower ticket prices.

Flights start to arrive on St Croix on May 24, 2018 which is a great time to visit the islands. With year-round average temperatures of 85°F and the gentle trade winds blowing, the early summer months are still perfect. You’ll find lower off-season rates for accommodations island-wide from mid-April through mid-December.

Beautiful Isaac Bay on St Croix’s East End

For scuba divers, the summer months tend to bring calm seas, great visibility and coral spawning. The perfect time to try out your first night dive! Not ready for scuba? The snorkeling on St Croix is also pretty spectacular in the balmy summer months too.

There’s no better time to start planning your trip to St Croix! Find recommendations for places to stay and things to do and browse our St Croix Dining Guide here on My-StCroix.com

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.

St Croix’s New Kids on the Block

December 8, 2017 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

St Croix has been undergoing a culinary renaissance for the past decade with the opening of restaurants and food trucks of every variety to tempt your palate. This year’s memorable Hurricane Season hasn’t stopped new eateries from opening up. I recently stopped by two of the newest on the scene braving the aftermath and putting things into over drive to open for season.

Common Cents Pub

This location has a special place in my heart. In the early 2000s I bartended at what was then “Bongos Bar & Grille” and met my now bffs, one who was part owner at the time. We sure made a lot of memories in that place! It’s since gone through several owners as both Bongos and Tavern 1844. Now, two year island resident Jenn Seay is ready to put her stamp – or pennies – on it and I’m so excited!

I’ve only been here for two years and I’ve just been embraced by everyone: locals, transplants, everyone. My St Croix is strong community and sunny days.

The name Common Cents came from the concept for renovating the bar top. Via facebook, Jenn reached out to friends and family both here on St Croix, back home in Nashville and abroad. She asked for folks to send her pennies to cover the expansive bar top and she got lots, from all over. Her network came together to help her fulfill her vision and thus, Common Cents. Fun right?! (And the bar looks pretty amazing too)

Seay, her brother and her wife worked hard completely renovating the kitchen with all new equipment, adding in banquet seating, including a VIP booth in the pub area and will soon renovate the open-air beer garden. As someone who has a history with the place, I’m excited to see the upgrades while they still honored the character of the historic building. Future plans include a small arcade of classic video games on the lower landing.

The menu at Common Cents Pub is Pub-style, Americana comfort food with some Tennessee influences like Nashville Hot Chicken. Get adventurous and try the Peanut Butter Blue Cheese Burger or the Doughnut Bacon Cheddar Burger. Yep, it is on a doughnut! They’ve also got a terrific beer and spirits menu and you’re sure to find the evenings game on one of the flat screens. Common Cents Pup opened on November 14, 2017 and now is open Monday through Saturday with Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3-7pm. You’ll find Common Cents Pub on Company Street next to our friends at ib designs.

17/64 Kitchen + Bar

17/64 is now closed and has reopened as Parrot Fish

Andrew Hyatt came to St Croix four years ago by way of St John following the trade winds and his passion for kite boarding. According to Hyatt, St Croix has THE BEST kite boarding conditions in all of the Virgin Islands. So after a brief stint back home in Southeastern Virginia, he made the move to the big island.

Andrew Hyatt 17 64 Kitchen Bar — Andrew Hyatt, Proprietor 17/64 Kitchen Bar

My St Croix is multi-faceted. Truly a melting pot. That’s what America is. I also love that it is a multi-sport island as well. There’s so much to do … I’m never bored here. The restaurant keeps me busy enough, but even if I weren’t doing this: I can mountain bike here; I can paddleboard, scuba dive, surf, I can kite – obviously that’s why I’m here. Or, I can just sit on the beach and drink Cruzan Rum. That’s pretty awesome.

Hyatt has a 20-year history in the industry and designs restaurants for women. He really wanted women to feel comfortable yet maintain a bit of a masculine touch. He opted for a Coastal Living style beach house. The serene ocean color palette puts the focus on the food, wine, and cocktails. The goal is for people to come in and feel like they are hanging out in his home where they can sit outside on the patio or in the lounge area enjoying a cocktail or beer with friends without the pressure of having to order a full meal. However, should you opt for dining at 17/64, you’ll be delighted by Chef Kenny Biggs (formerly of Galangal and The Galleon) who is heading up the kitchen and designing a creative American menu with some Caribbean flair. The food is fully complemented by an eclectic beer and wine menu.

Renovations are well under way at 17/64 Kitchen + Bar

17/64 Kitchen + Bar’s custom designed logo is multi-faceted which speaks to one of his favorite things about St Croix. The diversity – in faces, accents, customs, and cuisine. The menu also celebrates the multi-cultural dynamic of St Croix through food.

Andrew said that even with the hiccups of Hurricane Maria, the process of doing business has been terrific after the storm. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and Fire have all been helpful and efficient furthering the sense of community coming together on the island.

~~The opening will happen soon (possibly this month)~~ ~~They are now open as of late January 2018 with the restaurant closed Sundays and Mondays for Kite Boarding, Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving!~~ You’ll find 17/64 Kitchen + Bar on Strand Street diagonally across from Crucian Gold.

Fun Fact – The name 17/64 is derived from the longitude and latitude of the island, but it also has another meaning. Not far from where Hyatt grew up in Virginia, there’s an intersection of Rte 17 and I-64. A fun coincidence!

Other Notable new places to grab a bite and a cocktail…

Uptown Eatery is now closed and has reopened as Gwann Manye but you can find the Kendrick family at Too Chez

Opened mid-year before Hurricane Maria paid us a visit, Uptown Eatery is one of downtown Christiansted’s favorite new lunch spots. Chef Dave Kendrick is back along with wife Jane and daughter Mia offering a mouth-watering menu that includes fresh pasta in their hip Queen Cross Street Bistro.

Out in Frederiksted in the blue building right across from the Pier, Tap Deck Bar & Billiards opened earlier this summer.

The second-floor bar is comfortable, full of custom touches like the hand-painted bar and boasts a terrific tapas style menu. OF COURSE there’s billiards.

Tap Deck is open daily from 3-11pm and features draft beer and a great craft cocktail menu with live music many evenings. If you’re looking to thank the linemen here helping us energize the island or the FEMA folks helping us get back on track, you’ll likely find a few hanging out here with the locals. You can even sign up for a sunset cruise aboard Lyric Sails while you’re at it.

Last Minute Tips for Watching the Solar Eclipse on St Croix

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

If you are lucky enough to be with us here on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2017, I’ve compiled some handy information for safely viewing the eclipse from the island. #1 Tip: Remember to NEVER look directly at the sun.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon’s orbit causes it to move directly between the Earth and the Sun casting a shadow onto Earth. Where the Total Eclipse is visible at the maximum coverage, only the Corona (sun’s atmosphere) will be visible as a ring around the dark circle. The Total Eclipse is only visible to a portion of the Earth in a path about 70 feet wide. Here on St Croix, we’ll witness a Partial Solar Eclipse covering about 75% of the sun.

What’s the Big Deal?

This is the first time since 1979 that the total eclipse will be visible in the United States. And that last time that it traversed across the entire United States was 99 years ago! Here on St Croix, we won’t see a Total Eclipse, but we are in the 75% zone, so will see a crescent of the sun remaining. Still pretty cool if you ask me!

Map of Total Solar Eclipse 2017 — Path of August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. St Croix is the little blue dot. See CNN’s interactive map here

When Will it Happen on St Croix

On Monday August 21, 2017 the Partial Eclipse will begin on St Croix at 2:15pm. The Maximum Eclipse will happen at 3:37pm and last about 2 minutes. The Eclipse will be fully completed at 4:48pm. For a cool video diagram of exactly what we can expect on St Croix go here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/us-virgin/christiansted

How to Safely View the Eclipse

Unless you really know what you are doing and have the proper solar filters, don’t risk your expensive cameras. Use your smart phone in Selfie mode to save your eyes and your equipment.

If you have an iPhone, Apple has confirmed that taking images with your phone will not hurt your phone’s camera sensor. However, they do not recommend continually focusing your camera at the sun for a long period of time.

“You could point your iPhone at the sun right now to take photos and the camera’s sensor and the lens would not be damaged. and the same is the case for the solar eclipse, according to Apple.” – USA Today

And make sure that you are shooting in “selfie mode” with your back to the sun. Here’s a test image I did this morning taking a photo of the sun (the sky was overcast but gave a pretty cool effect!)

Tips for getting a great shot with your iPhone

Use a Tripod or set your camera down to rest on something (safely of course).
Use “Selfie Mode” so that the camera is facing you with the sun to your back to protect your eyes.
Use the timer on Selfie Mode so that your finger doesn’t cause shake to occur even on your tripod.
You can place polarized sunglasses or a UV camera filter in front of your iphone lens for added effect, but it is not necessary.
Again, DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! EVER.

Want to Just Safely Observe the Eclipse? Here are some handy ideas for Pinholes and just using shadows from your hands or the trees from NASA: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/2d3d-printable-pinhole-projectors

St Croix Summer Lovin: Sea Turtle Nesting Season

June 14, 2017 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 1 Comment

sea turtle nesting season on st croix virgin islands

Summer on St Croix means that things slow down just a little, mangoes are dripping from the trees and sea turtles are getting frisky off shore. It’s sea turtle nesting season. Three out of 7 species of endangered sea turtles can be found nesting on our shores in the summer and early fall: Leatherback, Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbills. (We also infrequently have Loggerheads that make landfall!). Sea Turtles are some of my favorite St Croix locals.

If you are visiting St Croix’s beaches during this time of year, there are some important things to know about sea turtles and the things you can do to make nesting season safer for them.

Sea Turtle Facts

Sea turtles spend all their lives in the water and only come ashore to lay their eggs and rarely to sun themselves. That means that most male sea turtles never set foot on land after they hatch!

Cold-blooded reptiles, sea turtles sun themselves on the surface to increase their body temperature. When resting, they can hold their breath for up to 5 hours. When active, they surface every 5-10 minutes to take a breath. Boat strikes are a huge threat to sea turtles, so it’s important to always keep an eye out for them in our waters, particularly during the summer mating season.

Though they don’t read calendars or horoscopes, you will find sea turtles mating and nesting on St Croix mainly during the summer months. Nesting season and primary location vary by species:

Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
- Nesting: May – July
- Hatching: July – September
- Primary location: Sandy Point (West End)
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Nesting: July – November
- Hatching: September – January
- Primary location: Buck Island National Park &
  main island St Croix
Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
- Nesting: August – November
- Hatching: October – January
- Primary location: Jacks & Isaacs Bay (East End)

Depending upon the species, females reach sexual maturity between 15 and 30 years of age. They will return to the beach that they hatched on and lay anywhere from 60-160 eggs in a single clutch (the group of eggs in the nest). Sea turtles face an enormous amount of threats as they grow from predators, ocean pollution and trash, and long-line fishing. It is estimated that only 1 sea turtle out of 100 will live long enough to mate and nest!

How to Help Sea Turtles During Nesting Season

Because sea turtles spend the majority of their lives underwater, they are very sensitive to artificial light (light bulbs). It’s EXTREMELY important if you see a nesting sea turtle at night that you DO NOT use any type of flash photography. This can disorient or temporarily blind the nesting female making her vulnerable to predators waiting for her back in the water.

Lights can also disorient sea turtle hatchlings. They are attracted to artificial light sources (bulbs) like a magnet. So, if you notice a nest hatching happening be sure to turn off all the lights in the area for the evening. Baby sea turtles have a critical burst of energy when they hatch that allows them to get to the sea and swim out past awaiting predators on the beach and in the shallows. Lights onshore may cause them to turn around which can exhaust them and make them even more vulnerable.

If you are staying at a location that faces the water, try to keep shore facing lights off at night unless they are amber bug lights or infrared lights.
If you live on St Croix and have a coastal facing home – use “bug lights” or amber or infrared colored lights. Avoid blue-hued lights. As the ocean gets deeper, the red portion of the spectrum of light is removed. So sea turtles “see” blue but not red. Motion activated lights are a good choice for security as they do not remain on all the time.
Rule of thumb is that if you stand at the water’s edge on the beach and can see the light source (bulb) it is visible to a nesting female or hatchling.
Learn more about Safe Sea Turtle Lighting on Broward County, Florida’s website They have led the way for Community Sea Turtle Conservation and Education.
DarkSky.org provides great information on light fixture options that are also safe for sea turtles.

All sea turtles in our waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). This means that it is illegal to touch, harrass or harm a sea turtle. If you observe a female coming ashore to nest in the evening – stay at least 50 feet away and try to stay behind her line of site (behind her head). You should also remain very still. Sudden movement can spook a female causing her to abandon her attempt to lay her eggs.

Sea Turtle Hatchlings

Nests tend to hatch in the early evening just before sunset. If you see a nest hatching, stand back and enjoy this miracle of nature. Do not attempt to pick up or touch the hatchlings! Many scientists theorize that they pick up scent or magnetic cues from the sand which help them return to the beach they were born on when they reach sexual maturity. HOWEVER, if you notice hatchlings going in the wrong direction away from the water, you can pick them up and put them back down on the beach facing the ocean 3-6 feet from the water’s edge.

Keep our oceans clean

Carry in, Carry out when you go to the beach. Because sea turtles feed off of invertebrates like jellyfish and marine vegetation, they are vulnerable to accidentally feeding on plastic and other trash that ends up in the ocean. They can’t digest plastic. Eventually, it can block their digestive system leading to death.

Do your part to keep our oceans clean for all marine life. Avoid balloon releases that end up in the sea. Bring a bag with you to the beach for your own trash and any other you see and properly dispose of it.

hawskbill sea turtle — Look for Hawksbill Sea Turtles when snorkeling or diving the coral reefs

Together we can help to ensure that Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles continue their St Croix summer lovin’ for generations to come.

If you are interested in participating in a Sea Turtle Watch on St Croix, become a member of the St Croix Environmental Organization (SEA) and check their calendar of events for Turtle Watch programs during the summer at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.