In today’s Google-dominated world of rules, rankings, SEO and prescribed internet/blog content, it’s easy to post only items that support your business and attract visitors to your site.
Well, d**n the google engine (hope that one doesn’t hurt me)! Here are my thoughts on a great adventure we had recently in St. Croix, USVI.
Wow. What a great island, in many ways:
1) Cheapest airfare to any destination I found in the caribbean. Travel is also easier since it is a US Territory and it only took one connection from Raleigh. It was very painless to get there.
2) A diverse mix of super-friendly people. We stayed on the uncrowded, but really beautiful and rugged North Shore. Whether we were at an upscale restaurant like Eat or very casual beach bar like Off The Wall or Sprat Net (yes, we spent a lot of time around Cane Bay – also loved Above The Cliff, Rowdy Joe’s and The Waves), we were welcomed by all with a friendly smile, cold drinks and good food.
3) Beautiful beaches. Although much of the shoreline is rocky, there were some great beaches to explore. My favorite was Davis Bay Beach, where we stayed at the Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort. Phenomenally beautiful resort, with a small foot print and and one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. Another favorite we found was on the East end at Point Udall. We had to park and walk about 15 minutes down to Jacks and Isaacs Bay. Spectacular and well worth the walk! Very secluded and private when we went. The clearest, cleanest water on any beach I’ve seen in a while. Although a little harder to get to, you should also make time to get over to Buck Island. It’s worth the trip to see the beach, but there is also really good snorkeling.
4) No crowds. I’m sure the locals would like to see more people, since the economy took a hit after a couple of large companies closed down, but the lack of crowds is what will paradoxically lead to bigger crowds. The island won’t remain a secret for long. The streets in Christiansted were surprisingly empty when we went on a Saturday, but if you are like me, that’s okay. The crowds there seem to depend on the cruise ship traffic.
5) A big island, with lots to explore. From the beer drinking pigs in the rain forest (don’t worry, they are in a pen – at a bar), to the hike from Carambola to the Tidal Pools, to the marinas and golf on the east end, to the crazy four-wheeling on Scenic Drive, there is a lot to do. And, of course, a trip to St. Croix would not be complete without a visit to the Cruzan Rum Factory. So many flavors – so little time!
6) A great driving experience, sort of. I felt like a 16 year old, with a new driver’s license – not necessarily in a good way…is it bad that I almost ran off a cliff, almost had a head-on collision, ran a stop sign and almost got arrested? Okay, so I’m not used to driving on the left and it was a humbling experience for someone who considers himself a pretty good driver. Well, the cliff experience had nothing to do with driving lanes – there was only one lane and I’m pretty sure the off-shoots from Scenic Road were not meant to be driven in reverse. The cop that pulled me for running the stop sign was very friendly. He even asked incredulously, but as nicely as he could “Don’t you have a map!!???” Not sure he appreciates all the tourists experimenting with new driving techniques on his island. But it was pouring rain, the map was terrible and my wife was absolutely the worst navigator in history (yes, I blamed it on her). Good thing my daughter took over navigational duties!
7) Low real estate and vacation rental prices. As one who always enjoys dreaming about owning a place in the tropics, St. Croix would be a great candidate! The prices are very reasonable. Maybe this adventure will lead to future visits – to our own place there.
We’ve now been to nearly all of the USVI’s and BVI’s. If you are looking for a great place to chill, we would highly recommend St. Croix! I can’t wait to go back.
