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

August 7, 2019 Filed Under: Featured, Journal, Rum, St Croix Events, St Croix Restaurants, Taste of St Croix, Things to Do on St Croix

Breadfruit: The New Spirit of St Croix

MUTINY Island Vodka™, is the world’s first and only vodka distilled from breadfruit and is the brainchild of award-winning Chef Todd Manley. The vodka is the inaugural spirit distilled and bottled at the newly-opened Sion Farm Distillery on St. Croix.

The name of the vodka was inspired by the famous tale of the mutiny on the Royal Navy vessel HMS Bounty in 1789. You’ve likely heard of Captain Bligh and “The Mutiny on the Bounty”, but did you know that the HMS Bounty was actually on a mission to sail to Tahiti and bring back breadfruit to the West Indies?! (specifically, Jamaica)

Breadfruit a Tropical Superfood

Breadfruit is considered by many to be an untapped superfood and is a versatile tropical fruit. Widely eaten throughout the Pacific Islands where it is known as ulu, more breadfruit is produced per hectare than rice, wheat, and corn. Enjoyed locally on St Croix in West Indian and Latin cuisine, breadfruit is cultivated in 90 countries, throughout South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central America, and Africa.

Tropical breadfruit is an energy-rich food and an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also naturally GMO and gluten-free. With nearly 1 billion hungry people worldwide, 80% of whom live in the tropics, the expansion of breadfruit as a viable crop is exciting. In line with their mission, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of MUTINY Island Vodka™ will be donated to the Trees That Feed Foundation to support their efforts to alleviate hunger in tropical countries.

Currently, the breadfruit that is turned into vodka is sourced from Polynesia. Breadfruit trees can be found across the Virgin Islands growing in backyards, but it hasn’t yet taken off as a commercial crop.

Sion Farm Distillery, St Croix

Sion Farm Distillery is committed to changing that and is working in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and other non-profit organizations to provide local farmers with seedling trees and the ability to grow the crop commercially.

With a commitment to the environment, the Sion Farm Distillery is also a zero-waste facility. After distillation, 12% of the volume becomes vodka, which results in 88% waste. By incorporating only natural ingredients, 100% of the waste is reusable as “nutrient water”.

By recycling waste for agricultural use, the Distillery can then conserve water for other useful purposes. The “waste” will be used to water their own planted breadfruit trees and will be given to farmers for the cultivation of their crops. It is also a nutritious feed product for goats.

Born on St. Croix and perfected during the 2017 Hurricane season that brought us Irma and Maria, Mutiny Island Vodka™ started commercial production in a Virginia distillery in April the following year. The stateside distiller produced the original vodka until June 2019 when the new Sion Farm Distillery took over.

Now, the brand is 100% VI production, being distilled AND bottled right here on St Croix. MUTINY Island Vodka™ is the inaugural spirit of the newly-opened Sion Farm Distillery and is available in 750ml and 50ml sizes.

Originally from Virginia where he was chef/owner of multiple restaurants, Chef Todd Manley has called St Croix home since 2010. A serial entrepreneur, he owns four popular restaurants on St. Croix in downtown Christiansted: 40 Strand Eatery, Rum and Wine Bar (RAW), The Mill Boardwalk Bar and Brick Over Pizza, and Toast Diner.

St. Croix is a magical place where history, culture, and incredible people come together to create a rich experience. Mutiny Island Vodka™ started as a way for us to give back to this amazing island and its people.
~ Chef Todd Manley

Grand Opening Celebration

Grand Opening Sion Farm Distillery

Attending the Grand Opening of the distillery on August 10, 2019, will be celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality, Sam Choy, who was raised with breadfruit as a staple ingredient in many Hawaiian dishes and is an enthusiastic supporter of MUTINY Island Vodka™.

Chef Choy has visited the island numerous times in the past bringing Aloha to the annual Taste of St Croix and participating in many of the Food & Wine Experience activities that give back to the community. In addition to Choy, Samoan celebrity and Polynesian culture-bearer, Kap Te’o-Tafiti, will also be on hand. Together, they will perform a traditional Samoan Kava Welcome Ceremony with dignitaries and invited guests enhancing the cultural exchange of breadfruit with St Croix.

MUTINY Island Vodka™ currently retails in the Virgin Islands for a recommended retail price of $25 per 750ml bottle. And just like with other locally produced spirits like Cruzan Rum & Captain Morgan Rum – you can bring up to 6 bottles per adult back with you to the United States as checked baggage at no cost to you (the USVI covers the cost!). Distribution is right around the corner for Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands with the United States soon to follow. (likely starting with Texas, Florida, and Virginia). The Sion Farm Distillery has also started production on a unique, hand-crafted rum. Additionally, they plan to expand the Island Vodka™ line with infused vodka flavors from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Visit the Sion Farm Distillery on your next trip to St Croix. Take a tour of the facility, learn more about breadfruit, and enjoy lunch while sampling some of their signature vodka drinks or sample a MUTINY Island Vodka™ flight. Pro-tip: Try the breadfruit salad as your side when available. It’s like potato salad 2.0, super yummy!

Sion Farm Distillery tour on St Croix — Tour the Sion Farm Distillery on St Croix

Mutiny Island breadfruit vodka distillery

breadfruit salad with grilled cheese — Gourmet Grilled Cheese on gluten-free bread with plantain chips & breadfruit salad – delish!

March 21, 2017 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, St Croix Events, 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 project to not only digitize and archive all of their historical records from the colonial period (1672-1917), but also to make them accessible to the public. The project was started in 2013 and they began digitizing and uploading them last year (2016). In total there are now approximately 5 million documents and images including deeds, purchase records, family records (birth, marriage and death certificates) and more. Currently, the ongoing project is working on making the images and records searchable in addition to translating them into English via volunteers. The public can access records and historical information at Virgin-Islands-History.dk

The project coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Transfer Day on March 31, 2017. At exactly 11am on Saturday March 31, 1917 a check in the amount of $25 million was handed to the Danish Ambassador to the US for the purchase of the (now) United States Virgin Islands.

By making the archives digital and open to the public Denmark hopes to inspire Historians, Geneologists, Artists and anyone with an interest in the colonial Danish history of the US Virgin Islands. Of course, within that context I found myself to do a quick search to see if I could find some Pirate lore… here’s what I found with just a quick search:

In continuation of my most humble report dated the 20th of last month, I now have the honor to report that the frigate Minerva has again, by me, been sent to the Spanish coast by the attached order.

The reasons which have compelled me to do so are as follows: By the commencement of unrest in Venezuela and Puerto Rico, St. Thomas commerce has been significantly lowered for Americans and others, and it is therefore necessary for the inhabitants as well as for Your Majesty’s Revenues, if possible, to find new approaches.- The Kingdom of Grenada, which is in a somewhat calm condition and sources a quite considerable quantity of goods from St. Thomas, does not, on account of the pirates, send silver to St. Thomas which is the market that especially convene the inhabitants of said kingdom, who are [now] sending [ships] to Jamaica where they purchase more expensive and inferior goods because English men of war regularly protect their vessels or take their silver onboard… – Danish National Archives

Behind the Scenes footage tracing Denmarks history on St Croix with Annika, Aske (Chimney Group, Denmark) & Christian (Radius Communications, Denmark)

von scholten school mount victory st croix

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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Crucian by Choice Women’s short sleeve t-shirt

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February 15, 2016 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, Island Life, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine, St Croix History

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. Nowadays, farm stands can be visited 365 days of the year offering locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. Many also offer fresh, free-range eggs and meat. Growers like Sejah Farm and Ridge to Reef Farm have led the charge to meet the demands of local restaurants and consumers. In the main building you’ll find farmers from across the island and throughout the Caribbean selling plants, fresh produce, jams and jellies, hot sauces and seasoning, fresh local honey and more.

Vendors also offer handmade items made locally in the Virgin Islands and across the Caribbean.

Like any country fair, it’s a chance for 4-H, farms and others to showcase their livestock.

But my favorite part is, of course, the local food!

Agrifest happens each year over President’s weekend from Friday through Monday. It’s a terrific event to plan your trip around!

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

July 3, 2015 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, St Croix Events, St Croix History Tagged With: crucian heritage, crucian traditions, St Croix, St Croix Events, Virgin Islands, What to do on 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 in Saint-Domingue through her escape and participation in the uprising and successful slave revolt in Haiti to her eventual arrival in New Orleans. It is historical fiction, but offers insight into a dark time and the struggles and strength associated with survival amidst such brutality. Here on St Croix, there’s a very similar and equally heroic story.

70 years after the revolutionists in the thirteen colonies rose up from tyranny in 1776 and 14 years before slaves were emancipated in the United States, the enslaved on St Croix banded together and coordinated an uprising. They were the second island in the Caribbean after Haiti to demand their freedom and set the precedent for emancipation throughout the Caribbean. Often it is said that Danish Governor Peter von Scholten abolished slavery. And while it is technically true, it was actually a slave uprising on July 3, 1848, that prompted him to do it much earlier than he had planned.

Appointed Governor-General in 1827 by King Frederick of Denmark, von Scholten was an advocate of the gradual emancipation of the slaves. Undoubtedly, his mistress and confidante, “free-coloured” Anna Heegaard, had an influence on his philosophies. The trans-Atlantic slave trade had ceased in 1803, but the brutality of forced slave labor on the sugar plantations continued on St Croix and throughout the Caribbean. In 1839, von Scholten began building schools to educate enslaved children. And it was in 1847 that Governor von Scholten put forward his 12-year plan to emancipate the enslaved. A plan that was quite unpopular with local plantation owners.

John Gottlieb (General Buddhoe) a skilled, freed slave was not about to wait 12 years. Buddhoe along with his Admiral Martin King organized the plantation slaves on the West End of St Croix and coordinated a gathering in Frederiksted at the blowing of the conch shell on the morning of July 3, 1848. A large group of slaves and free-coloureds stormed and took Fort Frederik and demanded that by noon the slaves be declared free or they would burn down the town. They sent the ultimatum to Governor von Scholten in Christiansted. Some hypothesize that von Scholten and Buddhoe may have had a previous clandestine agreement. Other stories have it that von Scholten was en route to the slave school at Mount Victory just outside of Frederiksted to oversee an exam when he received the word and was diverted. Either way, the deadline was extended slightly and by 3 pm von Scholten declared the slaves free avoiding what – knowing the history of the Haitian rebellion – undoubtedly could have been a very bloody battle with many casualties.

Ruins of the von Scholten School at Mount Victory Camp

Freedom for the slaves didn’t mean true emancipation and many of them still toiled in unfair conditions earning meager wages that kept them impoverished. In October 1878, labor organizers rebelled again … led by three rebel Queens for the “fyah burn” but that’s another story for another time.

St Croix and many other influential Crucians have had a significant impact on the United States and it’s history. West Indian-born Alexander Hamilton spent his formative years working for an accountant on St Croix and it was his Crucian benefactors that paid for his education in New York. He later became Chief Staff Aide to General George Washington, the 1st US Secretary of the Treasury and holds an esteemed place on the US $10 bill.

“The history of labor organizers and the long term impact of our history and how it ties into US history is significant. Many of the labor organizers in the early 1900s’ in New York were Crucians. Hubert Harrison is referred to as “the foremost Afro-American intellect of his time” and the “father of Harlem Radicalism.” – Frandelle Gerard, Director Crucian History and Nature Tourism (CHANT)

To learn more about the incredible history of St Croix and the US Virgin Islands while on St Croix, book a walking tour or a hike with one of the many knowledgeable guides at CHANT. You can also visit Estate Whim Museum, a part of the St Croix Landmarks Society to learn more about life on a working sugar plantation.

February 11, 2015 Filed Under: Featured, Live Music, Reggae, St Croix Events, St Croix Night Life Tagged With: Agfest, Jump Up, Live Music, reggae, St Croix, st croix agriculture fair, What to do on St Croix

High Hopes sharing the St Croix Love

Hailing from the frozen tundra that is currently the South Shore of Boston, High Hopes Band has traded in snow blowers for sand and sea this February. The band combines influences of roots reggae, dub and R&B into their own sound and has been together for roughly seven years. Considered one New England’s premier reggae bands, they have provided tour support and shared the stage with Ziggy Marley, Maxi Priest, Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGregor and St. Croix’s own Midnite. 2015 marks their third tour on St Croix and this year, they’re adding stops in St Thomas and St John. High Hopes has been nominated for a New England Music Award for Best in State of Massachusetts (across all genres). Last year they were nominated for an Independent Music Award. Having the opportunity to share their music with new fans from across the globe is one of the driving forces behind their tour. Of course, hitting the beach mid-February while their Northern fans shovel driveways doesn’t hurt either! I had the chance to ask lead singer, Jason Dick, a few questions about his take on St Croix:

What made you decide on the islands?

One of our singers and guitarists Sebastian Franks spent his high school years on St. Croix. He’s been the catalyst for getting High Hopes down on the islands. Plus it’s a desirable destination, and you end up meeting all sorts of people from all over the world. So essentially it gives us exposure to people from all over the globe. And all the while we get to sweat and go swimming in the middle of February.

What is your favorite thing about STX?

I feel STX is kind of like a best kept secret. I like that. There’s a respect for the environment that you tend not to see on other islands. The Agrifest is awesome! Also ginseng up ginger brew and the food. They can make a mean salt fish pate.

What are you hoping to do/see besides playing?

This year we won’t have a lot of down time. But on the few days we have off we’re looking forward to packing a lunch and refreshments in a cooler and sitting at the beach, getting some nice vitamin D exposure! Slow down the clock a little.

What are your reggae influences?

Bob Marley & the Wailers, Aswad, King Tubby, Prince Jammy, Dennis Brown, Horace Andy, Pablo Moses, Culture, Burning Spear, Yabby You…there’s many more, but that’s a good representation. How would you describe your style? We would describe our style as modern roots reggae. The foundation is built on a 70’s reggae sound, but we have also been strongly influenced by soul and r&b.. People have also mentioned that they hear a little country “twang” in there as well.

If you haven’t yet had the chance to see the band, there’s still time on St Croix!

Fri 2/13-Dashi: Jump-Up, Christiansted, St. Croix (9-12pm)
Sat 2/14- Freedom City’s Bar and Grill: Cruise Ship, Frederiksted Beach, St. Croix early show (12-3pm) and Late Show (5-8pm)
Sun 2/15- Eat @ Cane Bay: Reggae Brunch, North Shore, St. Croix (3-6)
Mon 2/16-TBA
Tue 2/17- Iggies Beach Bar: Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas (7-10pm)
Wed 2/18- Tickle’s Dockside, St. Thomas 7-10pm
Thur 2/19- The Beach Bar: Cruz Bay, St. John (8-11pm)
Fri 2/20- The Beach Bar: Cruz Bay, St. John (8-11pm)
Sat 2/21- The Beach Bar: Cruz Bay, St. John (8-11pm)
Sun 2/22- Hull Bay Hideaway: Hull Bay, St. Thomas (5-8pm)

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 ↓

December 21, 2013 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, Rum, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine Tagged With: christmas island, coquito, crucian christmas tradition, cruzan rum, holiday

A Taste of Christmas Island: Coquito

There’s nothing like Christmas Island, St Croix, for the holidays – but even that doesn’t replace time with the family so I’ve headed home to New England for a pre-Christmas visit. I’m not a fan of the cold – AT ALL, that’s why I live in the tropics – but I do love the picturesque, snowy scenery out the window of my childhood home. Especially when cozied up by the fire.

However, even with all of the hometown comforts, the islands are never far from my heart. So, I decided to share a bit of Christmas Island with family and friends at my Mother’s annual Holiday Open House… Coquito!

Coquito is the Puerto Rican version of eggnog and a staple of St Croix Christmas celebrations thanks to the large Puerto Rican population on the island. Coquito (“little coconut” en Espangnol) is actually fairly easy to make and you’ll find many variants on the basic recipe. Of course, being a Caribbean beverage, one of the main ingredients is rum! It’s typically served chilled, straight up in a glass or over ice, but you can also use it to flavor your coffee, in custards and to top ice cream.

I’m a pinch of this, dash of that gal who goes loosely by recipes and more by taste – so no two batches of mine are exactly alike. Feel free to take this basic recipe and tweak it to your taste.

Christmas Island Coquito:

– 1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
– 1 Can of Evaporated Milk
– 1 to 1 1/2 cans of Coconut Milk (I prefer Goya)
– 1 tsp. Cinnamon
– 1 tsp. Nutmeg
– Cruzan Rum: Here’s where I really do a dash of this or that. Today’s batch – super yummy – was a 6-count of Cruzan 9 spiced Rum, a splash of Cruzan Vanilla Rum (I needed to empty the bottle to use it) and then I filled the empty can of Condensed Milk with Cruzan Coconut Rum to measure it out.
– Pour all ingredients into a blender, cover and blend until frothy. A minute or so.
– Pour the mixture into an empty rum bottle and chill for at least an hour. You will likely have a little more than a bottle of rum… So if you have an empty jar or pint bottle use that to store it… Or just drink it right away 🙂

I hope you enjoy this little taste of Christmas Island as much as I do! And if you’re on St Croix during the holidays, don’t forget to head out to the LaReine Chicken Shack for their annual Coquito Festival where you’ll get to sample lots of variations and enjoy their world famous rotisserie chicken too.

Happy Holidays!

December 13, 2013 Filed Under: Featured, Holidays on St Croix, Island Life, St Croix Events, Vacation Tips Tagged With: boat parade, crucian christmas, crucian traditions, Family Friendly Events, St Croix, St Croix Events, st croix holidays

St Croix Christmas Boat Parade

I still remember my first St Croix Christmas Boat Parade in 2001. I had just moved down to the island the week before and was feeling a bit sad about missing Christmas in New England. That all changed the day I experienced the Boat Parade and realized that St Croix truly is Christmas Island! I remember standing at the Deck Bar on the board walk with a few friends and thinking – Yep, this is where I am meant to be. It was magical.

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Started in 1999 as a volunteer effort and celebration of the boating culture here in the VI, the St Croix Christmas Boat Parade has become the largest boat parade in all of the Caribbean and it just keeps growing! Volunteers work tirelessly for months putting things together, acquiring sponsorship for the fireworks display and host numerous meetings to ensure that the boat captains know all of the rules and put safety first. Then the boats pull their crews and friends together to go overboard decorating! There are boats with DJs and bands and they really go all out.

Nowadays, its a day-long celebration in the historic town of Christiansted. There are festivities for the kids and and fairs where you can find local made crafts and other goodies for gift-giving. Shops are open in town and there are festivities on the boardwalk throughout the day.

The real show kicks off at dusk when the parade begins with boats decked out in a spectacular display of lights and holiday cheer.