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. 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 … [Read more...] about Who wants to Sleep with Fred? I do! I do!
St Croix History
Bringing St Croix’s Danish Colonial Past into the Digital Age
In late January 2017, I had the opportunity to work with a film production company capturing background video (b-roll) for a series of interviews about the digitizing of historical records for the Danish Archives. The Danish National Archives in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States, has embarked on an incredible … [Read more...] about Bringing St Croix’s Danish Colonial Past into the Digital Age
1 little Island with 3 National Parks!
St Croix may be a little island only 26 miles long and at it's widest about 6 miles across, but we are blessed with THREE National Parks ensuring that we preserve and protect our beautiful environment while enjoying the great outdoors and learning about the island's history. Whether you've got a National Parks Pass or not - be sure to make each of these a stop on your next … [Read more...] about 1 little Island with 3 National Parks!
Luck of the Irie: St Croix’s Irish Connection
Each year on the Saturday closest to St Patrick's Day, Christiansted goes green as revelers flood the streets clad in t-shirts and costumes while cheering on the Annual St Patrick's Parade. With the Irish diaspora representing over 100 million people, the raucous holiday is celebrated more outside of Ireland than within. And here on St Croix, it's done with true Crucian gusto, … [Read more...] about Luck of the Irie: St Croix’s Irish Connection
Agrifest: A Caribbean Country Fair
Each year President's weekend brings a celebration of Caribbean agriculture to the Big Island. Agrifest is the largest country fair in the Caribbean showcasing local produce, livestock, food, music and more. Once known as the bread basket of the Caribbean, St Croix's rolling green hills and fertile lowlands have recently rebounded with an agricultural renaissance. … [Read more...] about Agrifest: A Caribbean Country Fair
Columbus Landing 1493 St Croix
In 1493 Christopher Columbus landed on what would later become St Croix, US Virgin Islands at Salt River Bay changing the course of the island's history and setting the stage for 7 European Flags to fly over the island. This is the only spot in the United States where Columbus actually landed and was the first violent altercation between the Old World and the New. Salt River … [Read more...] about Columbus Landing 1493 St Croix
Travel Channel’s Real St Croix
When producer and television host Shane Reynolds (aka Shane O of Color Earth Productions, Shane Untamed on NatGeo) contacted me about filming an episode of his new Travel Channel series Real on St Croix, I was so excited! I got to become friends with Shane and his wife, Romona, on their last trip to St Croix a few years ago. Shane has worked with my good friend Jerry of MJS … [Read more...] about Travel Channel’s Real St Croix
Emancipation Day: A Truly Crucian Story
While many across the United States and it's Territories are preparing for the 4th of July and American Independence celebrations, today July 3rd, marks a very important holiday here in the US Virgin Islands - Emancipation Day. One of my favorite books is Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende which tells the harrowing saga of Zarité from her slavery on a sugar plantation … [Read more...] about Emancipation Day: A Truly Crucian Story
Transfer Day in the Virgin Islands: Seven Flags Over St Croix
Living in the Virgin Islands it seems like every other week there is a holiday. Particularly because we celebrate all the traditional US Holidays, but there are also some important and historical USVI holidays in the mix. Each March 31st we celebrate Transfer Day in the US Virgin Islands. So what the heck is Transfer Day anyways? Since Columbus encountered and named the … [Read more...] about Transfer Day in the Virgin Islands: Seven Flags Over St Croix
Crucian Gone Gourmet
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Crucian Fusion: Traditional Gone Gourmet put on by CHANT. This delicious event featured local chefs putting their own gourmet twist on traditional island fare using ingredients that were locally grown and produced. Crucian and West Indian food is a flavorful melange that blends AmerIndian, African and European tastes … [Read more...] about Crucian Gone Gourmet
