Photography Archives | My St Croix Travel Guide Virgin Islands Vacation Blog

August 21, 2017 Filed Under: Family Fun, Featured, Island Life, Photography, Vacation Tips

Last Minute Tips for Watching the Solar Eclipse on St Croix

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

March 17, 2016 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, Live Music, Photography, St Croix Events, St Croix History, Travel Tips

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, though many don’t realize the strong Irish heritage that St Croix has.

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

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

www.my-stcroix.com — St Croix’s importance to the sugar trade can be seen by the many Sugar Mills that dot her landscape to this day. Find more St Croix Images.

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

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

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

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January 21, 2016 Filed Under: Family Fun, Featured, Island Life, Live Music, Photography, St Croix Events, St Croix Night Life

Singin’ Da Blues in Frederiksted

Last night the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, aboard the sold out Holland America MS Nieuw Amsterdam, hit St Croix’s shores and turned the town of Frederiksted Blue. Not only a thrill for passengers aboard the rockin’ ship, but residents and visitors to the island were treated to a day filled with fun, food and great music with the community event on the Frederiksted waterfront. From 10am to 9pm the street was lined with vendors selling locally made crafts and delicious homemade West Indian treats. And of course, there was plenty of Cruzan rum flowing.

The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise is no stranger to St Croix and has made many stops here over the years, becoming an anticipated event. Cruise passengers enjoy stellar lineups – this cruise included Taj Mahal, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Latimore, Colin James and more (check out the lineup here) – and a weeklong music fest that takes place both onboard the ship and in each port. Musicians hold jam sessions on board often into the morning. It’s one big ole party ship!

Welcome to Freedom City | Frederiksted, St Croix

The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise aboard the Holland America MS MS Nieuw Amsterdam

When cruise ships are in port, the main waterfront road is closed and local food and craft vendors line the way.

You just never know who you are going to bump into here!

There’s no better way to enjoy the Blues than with the Caribbean Sea and a beautiful sunset as the backdrop!

St Croix’s own Eddie Russell Band opened the festivities and Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Nights closed out the show.
The Blues Cruise lineup featured Ruthie Foster Band, North Mississippi Allstars, and Latimore.

Some of the sights and sounds! Check out more on our Periscope Katch.Me Channel

The crowd on the waterfront cheered as the sun dipped below the horizon.

There was no shortage of good eats to be had with the terrific array of local vendors!

The Blue Moon Cafe, long known for their New Orleans influence and love of the blues, was hopping all night long.

Thanks for a great time Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Hope to see you back in 2017!

You can enjoy a smaller version of this event on the last Friday of each month with Frederiksted Sunset Jazz. Just bring a chair or a blanket and relax as you watch the spectacular West End Caribbean Sunset while listening to local and visiting jazz bands.

Did you attend the show? Let us know in the comments below! Click here to browse more St Croix inspired photography

June 15, 2014 Filed Under: Beaches, Buck Island, Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Featured, Hiking, Horseback Riding, lionfish, Photography, Rum, Shop St Croix, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine, St Croix Watersports, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips, Watersports Tagged With: itinerary, St Croix, vacation

The Ultimate 5 Day St Croix Experience

So, I have friends from High School coming to the island for the first time later next week. Of course, I want to show them the very best that St Croix has to offer, so I’ve put together the ultimate St Croix Itinerary to make sure they see the island, experience the culture and go back home raving and telling all their friends about what a magical place St Croix is. I’ve got five days to convince them that our little sunny island is the bomb-diggitty so here are my suggestions for the ultimate St Croix experience.

Arrival Day – relax, check in and make your way into Christiansted to the Boardwalk for harborside sunset cocktails. Then head over to one of my favorite St Croix restaurants, Savant, for a delicious dinner on the über sexy back patio under the stars.

Day 1

Rum Tours! If you’ve heard of St Croix, you’ve likely heard of Cruzan Rum – but did you know that Captain Morgan Rum is also made here on St Croix? And both plants offer cool tours and, of course, tastings! I recommend heading first to the Captain Morgan Experience Center. The tour there is about an hour and you get two drink tokens to sample the goods in the Captain’s Lounge. The Captain Morgan plant is state-of-the-art and mostly automated. The Experience Center offers a museum like walk through the history of rum, piracy and the Caribbean.

After the tour, head West on the Melvin Evan’s Highway and take a right at the second set of lights – follow that Road down to the Cruzan Rum Factory. Here, the Nelthropp Family has been (and still is) making rum since 1760! You’ll take a tour through their facility and see how their hand-crafted rums are made and learn all about the rum making process. As you wind your way through the warehouses of vats and rum aging in oaken barrels, you’ll end up at the appropriately named “Don’t Hurry” lounge. This is the perfect spot to sample the MANY flavors of Cruzan Rum and the bartenders will share with you their favorite recipes. And don’t forget to grab rum to take home! Travelers over 21 years of age can bring home 6 bottles of alcohol as long as one was made in the Virgin Islands. Price-wise, this is actually one of the best places to make your purchase and they’ll even box it up ready to check-in at the airport. Of course, you’ll want a few bottles to enjoy while you’re here too!

After learning everything there is to know about rum, take a ride up into the “rainforest” to the world-famous Domino Club to visit the “beer-drinking pigs” and the much loved owner, Norma. It’s the worth the trip just to sample some of her mamawana which is a secret recipe of rum and spices that’s carefully aged. Sip it, shoot it or have it in a mixed drink … I love the “Mama Rosa” which is mamawana and ruby red grapefruit juice. Refreshing!

Following the Domino Club, come down the hill and head west to one of the Frederiksted Beach Bars which is the perfect spot to lime for the rest of the day and watch the sunset into the Caribbean sea. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the fabled “green flash”.

Day 2

Sleep in. Now that you’ve been properly indoctrinated into the rum culture here on St Croix, it’s time to hit the beach. Grab some snorkel gear and head out to the North Shore of St Croix and hit Cane Bay Beach. This popular beach is not only an awesome place to get in some excellent offshore snorkeling but it’s also the place to see the world famous Cane Bay Wall.

If you’re a certified diver, you can grab tanks and head out on a spectacular and easy shore dive that will have you peering over the underwater cliff into the abyss. Over the side of the wall you’ll often encounter sea turtles, schools and schools of bright tropical fish and the occasional reef shark looking to see if anyone has a lionfish treat for them. If you’d prefer to stay on top of the water, you can walk across the street and rent a kayak from our friends at Virgin Kayak. While you’re there, check out Jill & Bryan’s pre-Columbian art gallery and their eco-camp! And don’t forget to sign up for one of their Salt River Kayak Tours.

After a late morning/early afternoon of beach time, walk across the street and grab lunch from eat@canebay. This funky little beach bar has some of the best food on the North Shore and a fantastic array of fruity, frosty cocktails – not to mention a killer wine list.

If you’re up for some more activity following lunch, take a hike down to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools – there’s a trail from the Carambola Beach Resort public parking lot. The hike takes roughly an hour in and an hour out. You’ll go up and down a hill each way. It’s not a killer hike, but is a moderate one. So be sure to bring a backpack with water and wear sneakers or tevas. Once you are down to the beach landing, you’ll climb over some rocks to get into the pools – so flip flops aren’t recommended. Be sure to make your way back at least an hour and a half before sunset to ensure you have plenty of light on your way back.

Head back to your accommodations later in the afternoon to wash off the salt and sand and then treat yourself to a relaxing evening at one of Christiansted’s finer restaurants. St Croix has become a beacon on the culinary map developing some super start chefs. Each April the island boasts a week of food-centric events, seminars and competitions with the St Croix Food & Wine Experience. It also attracts some renowned chefs from across the country who share their talents and passion for the art of eating.

Day 3

Head out to the Eastern most point in the United States. If you’re an early riser, you can even try to catch the sunrise and be the first peeps in the US to feel the warmth of the sun on your face. From there you’ll see a little parking area and the entrance to the hiking trail down to Jacks & Isaacs Beach. This pristine white sand beach is surrounded by reef and coral heads and so has some of the best snorkeling on the island. There are no facilities so you’ll want to bring down a backpack with water, snacks, etc. to make a day of it. And don’t forget sunscreen!! I recommend bringing and wearing a rash guard to protect your back while snorkeling too. You can read about our fun family day a few years back at Jacks & Isaacs.

Beautiful Jack's & Isaac's Bay — Beautiful Jack’s & Isaac’s Bay

Following the day exploring the beach – stop by Ziggy’s Libation station on your way back. This fun little gas station/bar/deli is a popular happy hour spot for locals. Take a break and play corn-hole or if you’re there at the right time, sign up for one of their famous “Dinners on the Deck” by the uber talented Chef Aaron.

The Libation Station at Ziggy's — The Libation Station at Ziggy’s

Day 4

You’ve explored both ends of St Croix and honed your snorkeling skills, so now it’s time to head out to Buck Island Reef National Monument! Book a full day or a half-day trip out to this little gem that sits 2 miles off of St Croix’s North/East coast. In the 60’s this was a favorite spot of the Kennedy’s and so President John F. Kennedy designated it a National Monument to preserve it. Nowadays it’s managed by the National Parks and this uninhabited island is actually less than 1/3 of the park – the rest is below sea level. To get there you must book your trip with one of the official concessioners licensed to take guests out to Buck Island. Tour operators will supply you with snorkel gear (unless you have your own to bring along) and instruction for newbies. You’ll spend about an hour or so exploring the underwater trail and reef on the east side of the island. This spot has some of the most diverse schools of fish and marine life in the Caribbean and is featured in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die – so don’t miss it! Full day trips on Big Beard’s Adventure Tours include a beach barbeque on a secluded beach back on St Croix just across from Buck Island.

Big Beard Adventure Tours Buck Island MJS Visions — Big Beard’s Adventure at Buck Island. Photo by www.mjsvisions.com

Day 5

Spend the morning in historic downtown Christiansted to get in a little shopping and explore St Croix’s history. This 18th Century Danish colonial town was once the capital of the Danish West Indies and is a beautiful example of neoclassic Danish architecture. The town itself is on the National Register of Historic places. Take a self-guided walking tour through the Christiansted historic district starting at Fort Christianvaern. Here you’ll find the National Park Service office and can pick up a map that will lead you to historic points of interest following your exploration of the fort. Throughout the district you’ll find shops that house local artisans and jewelers – you simply MUST bring home a St Croix bracelet, all the cool kids where them. For true. You’ll find plenty of treasures to bring home to friends and family and to remind you of your St Croix experience.

In the afternoon, wrap up your St Croix adventure with a magical riding tour with Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Riding Tours. Most rides head out from Rainbow Beach in Frederiksted. You’ll explore the beach and the rainforest while riding horses who have been lovingly rescued and rehabilitated by Jennifer and her family. Read more here! After your ride you can catch one more West End sunset with a cocktail and reminisce about your week.

There are SO MANY things to do that I didn’t get to in this itinerary, but it’s a great first introduction to the island – so you’ll just have to plan another St Croix vacation to get to everything! Ready to explore? Plan your trip here.

And be sure to check out our St Croix Events Calendar to plan your time around some of our exciting island events.

Do you have a favorite St Croix excursion or tour? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below ↓

May 8, 2012 Filed Under: Featured, Island Life, Photography, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine, St Croix Night Life, St Croix Restaurants, Taste of St Croix, Travel Tips Tagged With: crucian heritage, crucian traditions, Island Life, St Croix, st croix calendar, St Croix Events, st croix food, st croix food and wine experience, St Croix Night Life, St Croix Vacations, travel tips, Travel to St Croix, What to do on St Croix

St Croix One Taste at a Time

A Taste of St Croix isn’t just a gastronomic competition featuring A-list celebrity chef judges each April, it’s a journey through the many flavors that make up the cultural, agricultural and culinary map that is St Croix. It’s a time to celebrate the dining establishments that not only bring in locals and tourists, but bring them back time and time again. And it’s a time to explore new wines, dance and party along a stunning palm-tree lined Caribbean beach.

This year’s “Taste” at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort was, in my opinion, one of the best I’ve seen yet! There were so many enthusiastic participants, the decor was fun and fab and the list of celebrity judges was nothing short of impressive. I’d had the chance the day before to briefly meet Chef Govind Armstrong at his book signing at Undercover Books and was excited to catch him before the festivities for a brief interview. When asked what things about St Croix that he liked most so far, he mentioned how wonderful our local growers were at establishing a network with the local restaurants. Earlier in the week, celebrity and participating chefs had a chance to browse a special St Croix Food & Wine Week Farmer’s Market to purchase local produce for their menus. Chef Armstrong was particularly impressed at the abundance, diversity and quality of our fresh local produce and especially in that many growers had asked the restaurants and chefs, prior to the planting season, what they would like to see harvested. By working together the chefs and farmers are creating a new market on St Croix that not only benefits the restaurants, but also visitors and locals (like me!) who frequent our wonderful farm stands.

Chef Armstrong, who grew up in Costa Rica and has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, also mentioned that he really loved the landscape and the warm people of our island. He’s looking forward to a return trip with his family where he can take more time to explore St Croix and especially visit and hike through some of our lush green spaces like those at the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm out West in the rainforest or simply lime on one of our beautiful beaches.

But this night, it was all about the FOOD on St Croix and there’s plenty of it! So enjoy my delicious journey through the event and then go visit some of these great chefs in their natural habitat – find them by exploring our

St Croix Dining Guide

St Croix Lime Editor, Trevor Clendenin, enjoys a taste at the wine bar following the press conference.

The lobby at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort was transformed into a chic lounge
by Michele Marquis of Dream Island Events

The event spans the entire beach at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort.

A real Caribbean celebration featuring palm trees, turquoise waters and blue skies.

One of my favorite restaurants on the island, Salud! is known for their savory, Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes. If you are visiting St Croix – don’t miss this great dining experience.

Another one of my personal favorites, Dashi offers creative Asian/Caribbean fusion specials on a nightly basis, and of course, the freshest sushi often featuring local caught, fresh off the boat fish.

Everybody loves the Brew Pub! The only micro-brewery in the Caribbean featuring
some of the best live entertainment and a great pub-style menu!

Prestige Wine Group, one of the event sponsors, offered up a wonderful selection of wines for tasting.

The judges begin the arduous task of tasting the night’s competition.

Celebrity Chef judges like Govind Armstrong and Ana Sortun feasted on
competition categories of appetizers, soups, entrees, desserts and cocktails.

Every girls needs a “Little Black Dress”

… and Palm trees.

The Bistro, my daily haunt, was just getting set up as I went by (judging started before the event opened to the public), but I knew I’d be back later in the evening for a hot cuppa joe!

I was so excited to see an abundance of local produce featured throughout the event!

Nate Olive of Ridge to Reef Farm at the VI Sustainable Farm Institute describes the food that Chef Tahira is dishing up. They ended up with First Place in the “Local Fare” category!

Local bok choy (one of my favorite veggies) was used in dishes served up by caterer Shanti Shawa

Schooner Bay Market entered twice as “Schooner Bay Every Day” representing their great Christiansted market and as “Schooner Bay Catering”. I met up with them as they sent food to the judges tent. Looked yummy!

It was now time to hit the beachside Captain Morgan lounge and begin my quest to find the swashbuckling hottie who I’d spent so much time with in college. That guy got me in a lot of trouble back then!

I didn’t find the Captain yet, but I did find some really tasting Captain Morgan spiced rum punch!

Local restaurants and caterers continued lining up to present to the judges

Local celebrity Chef Joseph Stiles, an ambassador for the event, chats with
visiting celeb Chefs Eric Greenspan and Chef Roberto Trevino

Guests were starting to head in and the People’s Choice ballot box was open… so it was time to start tasting some food!

The Galleon Restaurant ended up taking First Place for their entree!

West Indies Corp was pouring luscious wines from
2011 Winery of the Year recipient Williamette Valley Vineyards

Bluewater Terrace, famous for Lori’s downhome country fried chicken was serving that and
a really decadent neapolitan of lobster, ham and other yummy goodness.

Bumping into good friends at fun events is Reason #127 why I love St Croix

The events of the St Croix Food & Wine Experience offer a great opportunity for the youth in local high school culinary programs to spread their wings. The kids from St Croix Complex High School’s “Good to Chew’ catering class made a really great showing with their prawn and scallop dish. The St. Croix Central High School Culinary Arts Class took Second Place in the Dessert category and The Afterschool Cooking Class took First place in the Vegetarian dish category. I’m happy to say there’s no shortage of great up and coming chefs in our island’s future!

Local radio personality and restaurateur, Kim Jones, was keeping her tawdry crew in line as they served up some might tasty margaritas and AMAZING hand-made pork and local pumpkin tamales. In fact, Pirate’s Tavern won Second Place Best Appetizer and First Place in the dessert category. (I missed that – dang!)

Eat@Cane Bay‘s owner and chef Frank Pugliese served up some delicious sliders

And really decadent dessert!

Cruzan Rum was well represented with their “Love Potion #9” featuring Cruzan 9 spiced rum.

The wine kept flowing as the sun went down!

Stafish Patisserie didn’t disappoint, offering up cake bites with flavors like mango, guava and keylime.

Juggling all of this food and wine can be tough work, but event admission includes these handy plates with a spot for your glass.

Art Farm was serving up an INCREDIBLE dairy free icecream that was like a cross between sorbet and gelato with a coconut milk base. They sell it at their weekly farm stand. I can’t wait to bring some home!

Another of my favorite restaurants, Savant, known for their Asian/Mexican/Caribbean fusion and super fresh fish was offering a Thai style soup …

… And rockstar chef “Dreads” dished up scallops with fried wontons and a to-die-for wasabi cream sauce.
(Tip: try their casava crusted fish of the day at Savant, it never disappoints!)

Then it was time to head over to the (soon-to-open in the old STIXX location)
John Eddie’s Low Life Bar & Refuge to find out what bartender Jesse Card was concocting.

His hand smoked “Bonfire Old Fashioned” ended up taking First Place in the Beverage Category!

Joe & Vic of Tavern 1844 were defending their “Best Burger”‘s 2011 First place win in the Entree category. They didn’t take first this year, but they place 2nd with their now named “Second Best” Burger: a delicious combination of fried goat cheese, whiskey-glazed apples, caramelized onions & truffle honey on a hand-crafted Tavern burger. Decadent!! Oh, and they serve it with a side of duck-fat fries.

I had a few more bites left in me, so I headed over to yet another favorite joint on the island….

I knew Rowdy Joe’s would be serving up some of their “Good Mood Food”.
The lamb empanada was scrumptious. Rowdy’s took second place in the Vegetarian category.

Boardwalk favorite RumRunner’s once again claimed the “People’s Choice” award, BUT this year,
they shared it in a tie with The Carambola Golf Club!

I finally caught up with Captain Morgan and his Morganettes. He’s always leading the party!

The party in the Captain’s lounge was in full swing and I got a chance to catch up with Gov. DeJongh for an interview. He – along with Captain Morgan – was excited for the grand opening the following Monday, of the Captain Morgan Experience Center on St Croix.

Somehow I made room for one more delicious bite – my friends at Ziggy’s Market
were serving up the perfect late-night snack – Cubanos!

After the long, grueling day of tasting and reporting, I needed a shot of caffeine and knew
I’d find it at The Bistro’s table. Proprietor Clint Simon was still serving it piping hot with a smile!

On our way back to the lobby to cover the award announcements, I stopped by Tutto Bene’s table and I was so glad I did! They had an adorable ducky pond incorporated with their famous antipasto. They ended up taking first place for “Best Presentation”.

Bellies were full and the crowd was anxiously awaiting the award results. It was an amazing evening that wasn’t over – following the Awards Ceremony guests and participants danced it all off in Divi’s Starlight lounge at the Moet After-Party.

For a full list of 2012 results visit A Taste of St Croix’s website.

If I’ve convinced you that you can’t possibly miss the 2013 Taste of St Croix – visit the St Croix Food & Wine Experience website for updates on 2013 events and travel packages!

Tell us about your favorite St Croix dining Experience!

Leave a comment below by Wednesday May 30th and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of St. Croix Food & Wine Experience: A Culinary Guide to the Island Featuring More Than 100 Recipes from Island and Celebrity Chefs. Pages have been autographed by event founders Katherine Pugliese & Kelly Odom, and local and celebrity chefs like Govind Armstrong, Ana Sortun, Roberto Trevino, and more!

Winner will be selected by random drawing on May 30th and announced on our Facebook Page. When posting a comment, your email will be submitted to us and we’ll contact the winner for shipping details! All comments are moderated and approved by the editor before being posted online.