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Travel in the Time of COVID-19

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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.)

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.

Taking a Ride on the Wild Side with Gecko’s Island Adventures

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Taking a Ride on the Wild Side Geckos Island Adventures

I’ve been lucky enough to have driven wave runners and snowmobiles in the past, but I had never driven an ATV. That all changed recently when I got the opportunity this past November to head out to the west side of St Croix to take a ride on the wild side with Gecko’s Island Adventures!

I have to admit, I had some anxiety going into it. Though I do like a bit of adventure, I would never call myself an adrenaline junky. I tend to take things a bit more cautiously with a side of anxiety lol. But, I also like to challenge myself and conquer my fears when I can. So, when I was invited to check it out, I gathered my courage and headed out.

I arrived in Frederiksted on a beautiful morning after we had some significant rains, so I was expecting a muddy ride and dressed appropriately (in the end I got far less dirty than I imagined). I checked into the shop on Queen Street just before the tour and was greeted by one of the owners, Cynthia, who gave me the rundown of the tour ahead and the safety details. They have a cute little shop with fun gifts, water, drinks, etc. They even had an extra helmet harness for my GoPro! But most importantly, they have helmets for safety. I got properly fitted and headed out to my ATV.

Outside our guide, Porkchop (Shawn, Cynthia’s husband, and co-owner), had our ATVs lined up and ready to go. He went over a safety briefing and let us know the guidelines for our tour. I was really nervous but after the briefing and a little movement in the yard, I felt more confident. And we were off!

safety briefing at Geckos Island Adventures
Our guides Porkchop and Adam
Geckos Island Adventure ATV Tour with my GoPro

We headed out along the coastal road towards Creque Dam Rd with Porkchop at the front and our other guide at the back for safety. This was a nice way of easing into feeling the brakes, gas, and maneuverability. We road along the way, single file, and then headed up Creque Dam Road into the rainforest. The rains had left some epic puddles on the road and that was our first big test. We splashed through those puddles with a sense of exhilaration! The waterfall was running and Creque dam was full. The ride up the road couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Geckos Island Adventure ATV Tour
Some serious concentration and a little fear lol
Geckos Island Adventure ATV Tour
Getting the hang of this, all smiles! Grab my fanny pack here
Geckos Island Adventure ATV Tour
The puddles were my absolute favorite part!
Geckos Island Adventure ATV Tour
I did it!! Fear conquered!
Off-roading in 4-wheel drive. Those ruts are deeper than they look!
DO NOT drive your rental jeeps off-roading. You will get stuck and have to pay thousands to get towed and for damages! Take a Jeep or ATV tour, it costs less.

Once we reached the top, we stopped again to take a break and for another safety and trail briefing as we made our way to go off-roading. I can honestly say, I HAD A BLAST!!! There were a few spots that made me nervous with huge ruts that we had to ride along almost sideways, but every step of the way things were explained expertly and safely and I knew we were in great hands.

The view from the top of the hill
Views for daaayyyys

All-in-all it was an incredible day! After my tour, I headed over to Polly’s at the Pier for a little lunch – I am a huge fan of their decadent grilled cheese sandwiches (on gluten-free bread for me!) and then I headed back up Creque Dam to enjoy the waterfall and the serenity of the full dam.

Frederiksted waterfront
Creque Dam waterfall was running along the road
I couldn’t resist an afternoon walk along the dam

Whether you are visiting for a week or on a cruise ship – don’t miss an ATV Tour with Gecko’s Islands Adventures! (and keep an eye out for them in Alaska next summer)

The ATV Tour Details

  • The tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours and covers 14 miles of tropical terrain
  • Drivers must be at least 18 and have a driver’s license.
  • Passengers must be 5 years old or up
  • ATV tour takes off from their shop in Frederiksted, up the coast, and then up through the rainforest for adventure! You’ll do some riding on the country road to get used to the vehicle and then off-roading on the dirt roads atop the hills.
  • Tour pricing starts at $175/ATV (up to two riders)

Check out St Croix Island Tours

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Geckos Island Adventures
5.0

ATV tours along St Croix's west end and up through the rainforest. Enjoy spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea from high above Frederiksted. Enjoy the Ride of Your Life! Gecko's Island Adventures provides every rider the opportunity to see St. Croix like no other tour. Experience 13 miles of Tropical Rain Forest, Panoramic Views of the Coast, and Ancient Ruins. Private tours available. Book online today - they sell out fast! Taking a Ride on the Wild Side with Gecko’s Island Adventures
Address:
69 Queen Street, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840
Phone: (340) 713-8820
Website:
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⭐

Tan Tan Jeep Tours
5.0

Tan Tan goes where the Tan Tan grows is their motto! This high octane adventure will having you holding onto the edge of your seat as you go 4-wheeling down to the famed Analy Bay Tide Pools. Along the way from their base in downtown Christiansted, you'll enjoy stops for refreshments, incredible views of the island. The guides are FUN and knowledgeable about the island the history. You'll hit stops at Blue Mountain, Cane Bay, the Domino Club (beer drinking pigs!), and LaReine Chicken Shack (perfect for the appetite you'll build up adventuring). This tour is a bucket-list "must do" [...]
Address:
Queen Cross Street, Christiansted, St Croix 00820
Phone: 340-473-6446
Website:
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St Croix’s New Season Brings New Changes

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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 food

el leon tiradito

el leon tacos

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

jump up deli and dem tings soon come

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.

Denis Sullivan

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!

My Serendipitous St Croix-Ireland Connections

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Charlene & I at the Van Morrison concert in the heart of Belfast

In August 2022, I took an epic trip to Ireland full of adventure. The global pandemic had put a pause on my European adventure that I had planned for 2020, and so when I was ready to travel abroad again - I thought of my friend who had extended the invitation to visit Ireland.

The Emerald Isle has always been on my "to do" travel list. And it just so happens that a dear friend of mine who previously lived on St Croix had moved to Belfast as a teacher over a decade ago. Charlene and I met while performing many moons ago in various Caribbean Community Theatre productions and became fast friends sharing not only a love for musical theatre but our Irish Catholic heritage and Boston area roots.

If you ask anyone who really knows me, St Patrick's Day has always been my favorite holiday (next to Christmas, of course) and my favorite band of all time is hands-down, U2. And, like millions of others across the globe, my family is part of the vast Irish diaspora. So, after a chat with my friend via Facebook Messenger it was settled. I was heading to Ireland!

How are the St Croix Seaplane and Ireland connected?

Over the years, many have asked me why St Croix has such a big St Patrick's Day parade celebration and I've written about the complicated historical past here - St Croix's Irish Connection. But, St Croix also has another more modern connection to Ireland - one of Éire's favorite daughters, the famed fiery red-head and Hollywood starlet, Maureen O'Hara (1920-2015).

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen lived here on St Croix for many years with her third husband, United States Air Force Brigadier General Charles F. (Charlie) Blair, Jr. Charlie was an aviation pioneer and the founder of "Antilles Air Boats", the predecessor of today's seaplane operation in Christiansted & Charlotte Amalie Harbors. With $10,000 he bought a Gruman Goose (an amphibious plane), hired five employees and started what would become the largest seaplane airline in the world with a fleet of 27 planes. And he did it all right here on St Croix!

Charles Blair with his Goose - from AntillesAirboats.com

Maureen owned and edited the Virgin Islander travel magazine from 1976 to 1980 when she sold it to USA Today. Maureen and Charlie would often fly from St Croix to Ireland with multiple stop overs for fuel, including in Nova Scotia where they are remembered fondly. Though a highly honored and experienced pilot, Blair was killed when the  Goose he was piloting crashed en route to St Thomas on September 2, 1978, killing him and three others aboard. You can still see Maureen and Charlie Blair's home sitting high atop the hill above Christiansted. Over the years its fallen into some disrepair, but local rumor has it that it's being renovated right now and will become a rental villa in the future.

St Croix was a Celebrity Hotspot

One of Maureen's frequent leading men and one of her best friends was John Wayne. He visited her and Charlie on St Croix several times over the years. She entertained other Hollywood celebrities like Ginger Rogers, Jason Robards, Victor Borge, and Lauren Bacall. Maureen was well known for her hospitality and deep love of St Croix, referring to it often as her favorite island.

Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne in The Quiet Man (1952)

My personal favorite Maureen O'Hara story comes from my time as a wedding planner. About a decade or so ago, I planned the wedding of a truly lovely couple. The bride, Jenny, had been born on St Croix when her father worked for the Hess Oil Refinery. She only lived on the island for the first few years of her life, but it was still very special to her. During the wedding reception, her father got up and shared a touching story. When Jenny was a toddler, the family attended the annual St Patrick's Day Parade and Maureen O'Hara was on one of the floats (this may have been the year that she was the Grand Marshall). Maureen saw little Jenny and handed her a lucky Irish penny. Over the years and several moves, unfortunately, the penny was misplaced by her parents. So, before the wedding, Jenny's father wrote a letter to Maureen O'Hara sharing the story of the lost penny. Well, don't you know that Maureen not only sent back a lovely letter, but a shiny new lucky Irish penny to gift Jenny at her wedding. (yep, there wasn't a dry eye in the house and I'm a little teary now retelling it, lol)

My St Croix-Ireland Connections Begin

So that's the back story. Fast forward to my 2022 Irish Adventure. I spent the first four days of my trip with my friend, Charlene, in Belfast (which I absolutely LOVED). My very first night included an outdoor Van Morrison concert in Belfast Square. Epic! For the first part of my trip, we visited many of the filming locations from Game of Thrones up along the breathtaking NorthEast coast of Ireland, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour on the outskirts of Belfast, and St Patricks Cathedrals in Armagh (more on all of at my new Travel website Exploranista.com )

Belfast

Following my stay in Belfast, I rented a car and took off on my own adventure. I had plotted on my Google map the places in Ireland that my family emigrated from about 200 years ago. So, leaving Belfast, I headed out on my heritage trail. One of those was Sligo on the North West Coast of the Republic of Ireland. There, I spent some time exploring the Neolithic burial ground at Carrowmore and then drove down through the breathtaking Connemara mountains with a plan to head to Galway.

The megalithic tombs at Carrowmore are older than the Egyptian Pyramids!

I have an Addiction to Photography

Driving through the beautiful Connemara Mountains

Well, my incessant need to stop every mile to take pictures of the insanely gorgeous landscape across Ireland got the best of me and I was just exhausted. But, I was still a couple hours out of Galway where I'd booked a hostel for the night. It was only $25/night so it wasn't a big deal to be charged but not make it. I checked out a few hotels and bed and breakfasts along my way but everything was booked solid. I really wanted my own room that night so that I could get a good night's sleep, but things weren't looking promising.

So, I cranked up my U2 playlist, left the windows open to the cool air and sang my heart out as I drove through the valley and the misting rain. And then I saw the most vibrant rainbow that I'd EVER seen in my life! I thought it must be a sign. It was the golden hour and I also saw a couple more photo opportunities that I just couldn't pass up. Because, when would I be right there again, ya know?!

I got back on the road and saw, I kid you not, three more incredibly vibrant rainbows. The last rainbow was in a town called Oughterard (pronounced OOK-ter-ard in Gaelic) and right there was the sign for a Bed & Breakfast. It was now around 8:30pm and I thought they would probably just laugh me out the door at that hour. But, instead they were the most warm and welcoming folks of my entire trip (besides my friends in Belfast, of course!).

A Warm Irish Welcome

They had just gotten a cancelation which worked out for us both. I had a wonderful, relaxing night of sleep after a hot bath and some tea and an incredible home-cooked breakfast the next morning. Over breakfast, I plotted my navigation plan for the day.

If you're traveling through Ireland, I highly recommend a stay at the Carrowntober House B&B!

You see, I had plans later that afternoon to meet up with the sister of my St. Croix friend, Christine, who lived just North of Galway. Christine had suggested that if I was headed out her sister's way , I should stop by so she could show me around some of the countryside that many visitors to Ireland miss. Prior to my trip, Cait and I connected on Facebook and made a plan to meet up. Ironically, it turned out that she was right across the lake from the Carrowntober House B&B where I was. I decided at breakfast to take a look at my Google Map to see if there was anything of interest nearby the area for me to explore quickly before I hit the open road. And I found a place right around the corner that I'd seen several signs for the day prior - "The Quiet Man Bridge" - so I figured I may as well check it out. And bonus, it was on my way!

The Quiet Man

That, my friends, is where the magical St Croix connection day started to occur. I'm sure that Irish fairies from behind the rainbows I saw were involved. Because, unbeknownst to me, "The Quiet Man" (1952) was an Academy Award winning film starring - wait for it - Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne! And it was just the beginning of the adventurous day ahead.

I drove over to the Bridge and pulled out my trusty Canon EOS 6D Mark II to capture this beautiful and iconic spot in the middle of the idyllic Irish countryside. There's a wonderful sign on the bridge marking the point in the film where John Wayne sits on it and looks across the land during one of the opening scenes. (I watched the film after I returned and recognized the bridge, but the growth around the stream has changed quite a bit!)

Looking back at the Connemara Moutains from the Bridge
The Quiet Man Bridge

After exploring the bridge, I headed on my merry way to drive down the Wild Atlantic Way and over to Headford to meet Cait. The plan was to meet her after lunchtime and I thought "what a fun coincidence to find that little bit of a St Croix connection along my way". It really made me smile!

My trusty travel companion - driving on the left-side of the care wasn't bad at all!

Of course, the trip took me a bit longer than planned due to the multiple photo stops I made along the way. Thankfully, Cait, was very understanding of my snails pace! Eventually, I made the decision to skip a brief stop in Galway (next trip for sure!) and headed directly to Headford. I had to drive South and then back North to get around Lough Corrib (one of the largest lakes in Ireland).

Kismet in the Irish Countryside

I finally made it around 3pm with a bit of that infamous Irish drizzle following me. Cait was delightful and showed me around her family's country home complete with dwarf goats, chickens, and a couple of adorable pups (I felt right at home!).

Then we headed out to explore the historic and entirely cool ruins of the medieval Franciscan Ross Errilly Friary that was founded in 1351. I was thrilled to experience the drizzling rain of Ireland and was thankful I'd bought the perfect rain slicker in Belfast that kept me warm and dry.

Ross Errilly Friary ruins

Finishing up the tour of the Friary, Cait suggested we head up to the village of Cong, where she works. We had a little more time and there were a few of the sights and a pretty village square. We made our way, parked, and walked through the ruins of the medieval 12th-Century Cúnga Fheichín (Cong Abbey) that anchors the little hamlet.

If you've never had it, Irish chocolate is insanely good!!

Then, we popped over to the shop she works in as it was closing and headed back to the car park. (that's a parking lot for you yanks) Right before it, we had to stop to snap a picture of the "famous statue"… of Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne! Don't you just love coincidences like this?! This unplanned excursion was pure kismet. It was those fairies again, I tell ya!

Sculpture of John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara from The Quiet Man

It turns out that Cong was one of the main towns for filming where many building exteriors and pubs were featured. There's even the local Quiet Man Museum with tours and a replica of the cottage from the film. I was so excited that this was the end of a day of exploration that started serendipitously with the Quiet Man Bridge! And Cait was thrilled to hear about the connection with St Croix where her sister now lives. The day was perfectly capped off with a scrumptious, locally caught salmon dinner at one of the nearby inns. (It was so delicious and I was so hungry that I actually forgot to take a picture!)

Everything about Ireland captured my heart. From the North Eastern shore near Murlough Bay that reminds me so much of St Croix's South Shore to all of the St Croix connections along the way. It's just another of the many things that I love about island life. No matter where you go in the world, you're certain to find St Croix connections along the way, whether history or friends you've met on the island. Travel is a truly gift!

If you're interested in following more of my travels abroad, pop over to Exploranista.com 

Epilogue

Upon my return to St Croix, I decided I had to watch "The Quiet Man" so I did a quick search on my Amazon Prime. Wouldn't you know it, the movie was showing the very next morning on one of my Sling TV channels. I recorded it and watched it the next night. I love classic old films and was surprised I'd never seen it before.

It was really fun to watch, but I will remind - especially the young ladies who may be reading this - it was released in 1952 and depicts the 20's era in the Irish countryside. The Irish were (and to an extent still are) very conservative Catholics. So, there's no need to find a marriage broker and ask your parents or your older brother where your dowry is. We've come a long way from those days baby!

2023 Limited Edition St Croix Wall Calendar

Top 10 Ultimately Romantic Things to Do on St Croix

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10 Ultimately Romantic Things to Do on St Croix

Whether it's Valentine's Day, your anniversary, honeymoon or you just want to surprise your sweetie with something oozing with romance, St Croix will not disappoint you. There are many options, but I've narrowed it down with 10 ultimately romantic things to do on St Croix that are guaranteed to impress your other half.

Book a Romantic Villa with your own private pool - Choose from over twenty privately owned and expertly managed vacation villa homes when you book your next St Croix adventure with Vacation St Croix. Each unique home is well equipped with everything you'll need for a perfectly romantic getaway, including your own pool. There's no better way to spark a little romance than your own private getaway. And with Vacation St Croix, there's never any hidden fees. Just your rental fee, USVI hotel tax, and a refundable damage deposit. That's it.

Hire a Private Chef for a Romantic Night In - Let your partner know that you've thought of everything by surprising them with a romantic dinner for two prepared by a private chef. St Croix is known as one of the top culinary destinations in the Caribbean and we have the chefs to prove it. After you've booked your romantic vacation villa, schedule a private chef like Crucian born, former USVI Culinary Ambassador, Chef Ralf Motta to whip up something spectacularly romantic for you!

Plan a Picnic on the Beach - Rent a Jeep from Centerline Car Rentals, grab your partner and head out to explore one of our many beautiful beaches. You can shop ahead for all your supplies at one of the many local markets, or grab local fruits and veggies from one of our year round local farm stands. Or, get your private chef to leave you a basket full of goodies for a wonderfully relaxing beach day. (Don't forget your Reef Safe sunscreen!)

Experience a Breathtaking Adventure Together- there's nothing like the thrill of adrenaline pulsing through your veins as you scream down three ziplines through the lush Carambola valley. Carambola Zipline offers an unforgettable experience as you soar down a 205 foot vertical drop. An adventure that is sure to bring you closer together.

On a clear day, you can even see St Thomas, St John and the BVI from above the canopy!

carambola zip line

Soar Above the Sea Together -  Caribbean Sea Adventures offers an incredible parasailing adventure where you can float above the sea with your favorite person. Or  opt for a luxury boating experience that is both sexy and relatively affordable with a splurge on a private boat charter to Buck Island for two (or with your favorite couples) aboard their twin 300hp Smooth Recovery.

Take the plunge - Ready to take your underwater adventure to the next level? Get certified to Scuba dive while you are here on St Croix. You can test the waters with a "Discover Scuba" dive that will get you up to 40 feet deep and count towards your first open water dive should you choose to go all the way. Choose from one of the many PADI-certified scuba operators on St Croix.

A Romantic Dinner for Just You Two - book a private dining experience in the 17th century Sugar Mill at the historic Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort. The expansive Buccaneer property has been owned and managed by the same family since its inception as a hotel in the 1940's, but its history traces back to a Knight of Malta in 1653. The resort has been host to celebrities and public figures throughout its decades and offers three beaches, an 18-hole golf course, 8 tennis courts, four restaurants and much more.

buccaneer private dining

Horseback Riding on the Beach - Book a romantic beach ride for two or join a group ride with Cruzan Cowgirls along the West End shore for the perfect sunset. You'll be riding rescued and rehabilitated local horses who can't wait to take you for a swim. Ride along "Cowboy Beach" and up through the rainforest as you learn more about the island. ON your way back, take a swim on your trusty steed. Truly a bucket list adventure!

Jeep Tour for Two - Book a private jeep tour to the famed Anally Bay Tide Pools with Tan Tan Jeep Tours. You'll be holding on to each other tight as this high octane adventure takes you four-wheeling through the rainforest down to the incredibly romantic tide pools. 

Take A Hike down to Jack & Isaac Bay - A moderate hike down from the Easternmost point of St Croix, you'll find your way along the well maintained Nature Conservancy trail to one of the most pristine beaches on the island at Isaac Bay. There are no facilities or amenities when you get there, just pure nature, so be sure to pack some snacks and water and carry back when you carried in. Snorkeling gear is a plus to explore the fringing reef. Or, just find a spot along the shore to relax and enjoy each other's company. The beach is expansive and never crowded so there's plenty of room to stake out your own space.

isaac bay beach

No matter what romantic adventure you choose, there is so much to do on St Croix that you'll want to come back again and again. Be sure to check out our Things to Do on St Croix Guide when planning your next getaway.

The St Croix Fireburn of 1878

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St Croix Fireburn 1878

October first marks a dark, yet triumphant day in Virgin Islands History - the infamous St Croix Fireburn or Fyah Burn of 1878. If you are familiar with the US Virgin Islands, you may have heard of the heroines of this day, locally known as "The Three Queens" (actually there are four).

Often they are mistakenly associated with Emancipation Day on July 3rd, but October first is their day. And their story deserves to be told.

While the enslaved people of St Croix gained their freedom without violence on July 3, 1848 - 15 years before the enslaved in the United States were emancipated - they weren't really free. Instead, they became serfs of the oppressive plantation system. There were no unions to bargain for better wages and working conditions and the power remained in the hands of the plantation owners.

Emancipation Day July 3

After Emancipation They Weren't Really Free

St Croix was a Danish colony in 1848 and just a year later, the Danish Government passed the Labor Act [Arbejdsregulativet] of 1849 that regulated that "freedom". It established a pitiful day wage that was meager at best and stated that jobs (plantation contracts) could only be changed on one day of the year, October 1st.

With little to pay for things, living conditions were not good. The meager wages were not nearly enough to take care of families, let alone medical care. While under slavery, plantation owners had a legal duty to provide care and housing for the old and disabled. After emancipation, those duties were gone. Many of the formerly enslaved, though technically free, were in some ways worse off.

The laborers of St Croix endured oppressive working conditions for thirty years following emancipation until they absolutely had enough.

On "Contract Day" October 1, 1878, many were gathered in the streets of Frederiksted. It was a festive day being the only day of the year that they were allowed to move to a different plantation or get a new job. There were rowdy celebrations and drinking. West Indians have a long tradition of fetes, so you know the scene. Parties and drunken revelry in the streets. Eventually, the police tried to brutally shut it down and in the midst of it all, a farm laborer named Henry Trotman was injured and taken to the hospital. Rumors started flying that he had been killed. Enough was enough. The people started to riot. They were rightfully enraged and the fire was set. They began burning the town and driving the police and soldiers to barricade themselves in Fort Frederik.

St Croix Fireburn The Documentary

Over three-quarters of the plantations on St Croix were burned to the ground. Fields, factories, and homes. The town of Frederiksted lay in ashes. This is why, today, you'll see that Christiansted has classic Danish colonial architecture while Frederiksted has a Victorian-Era style. It was rebuilt after the 1848 St Croix Fireburn.

The Three Queens (ok Four)

During the rebellion, the Three (actually four) Queens - Mary Thomas, Mathilda McBean, Axeline Elizabeth Salomon known as Agnes, and Susanna Abramson rallied the workers across the island to rise up. They performed rituals during the rebellion to empower their people. They were revered women leaders in their communities who refused to back down though they knew very well what the consequences of their actions could be.

clock tower frederiksted

Queen Mary Thomas is the most known through history. She was originally from Antigua and lived at Sprat Hall in Frederiksted. She was unmarried with three children and had been arrested several times for theft, arson, and hurting her children. As was often the case with the treatment of powerful women during the Colonial era, this was more likely an attempt to harass her and discredit her with her people.

Today on St Croix, you'll find many depictions and references to the Three Queens. You'll also see the family names of the Queens' descendants across the island. The iconic Eliza James-McBean clock tower stands at the entrance to the Ann E. Abramson Pier next to Fort Frederiksted.

In the end, almost 100 of the rebels lost their lives with only 3 Europeans dead. Many were arrested. Twelve men were shot to death near the Frederiksted fort, and fourteen women were burned alive in Grove Place for the parts they played in the revolt. The four Queens, Mary, Mathilda, Agnes, and Susannah were arrested and tried in Denmark where they were imprisoned in the Christianhavn women’s prison in Copenhagen. They served part of their sentence in Denmark before being sent back to St Croix to serve the remainder imprisoned in Christiansted.

While conditions improved slightly after the uprising, they weren't a lot better. Power remained in the hands of the plantation owners and the Danish Government. But, the resilient people of St Croix continued their fight for equality.

The St Croix Fireburn and The Three Queens Today

queen mary statue denmark

In 2018, local St Croix artist La Vaughn Belle along with fellow Danish artist, Jeanette Ehlers, exhibited an art installation in Copenhagen, Denmark that culminated with the dedication of the "I Am Queen Mary” statue. It was the first monument to a black woman in Denmark where it presided in front of the West Indian warehouse in Copenhagen as a testimony to the colonial impact the country had on the Caribbean and its people. In 2020, it was heavily damaged in a winter storm. The artists are now working to secure funding to install a more permanent monument in its place. You can learn more about the project at IAmQueenMary.com

Team ISV Schedule at the Tokyo Summer Olympics

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us virgin islands olympic team logo

Because the Olympics Committee uses the classic Latin version of a countries name to create its 3-letter designation – The Virgin Islands Olympic Team is designated as ISV or Isla Virgenes.

The 2021 Summer Games are underway in Tokyo and despite the challenges afforded these top athletes due to a global pandemic, the USVI (ISV) has 4 resilient athletes representing our little island territory.

TEam ISV flag bearers Tokyo Olympics
Team ISV flag bearers, swimmers Adriel Sanes & Natalia Kuipers, proudly sporting the newly official madras by Debbie Sun.

Though we have a smaller pool of athletes vying for positions on our National Team (ISV), they still have to qualify in their sport to compete – so these are some talented and dedicated athletes who are clearly at the top of their game.

US Virgin Islands Team ISV Tokyo Summer Olympics Athletes

Team ISV Schedule in Local Time

?? https://stxcalendar.com/events-calendar/category/olympics/

Watch Live Coverage online on NBC

Fun Facts About Team ISV Athletes

  • Nati Kuipers is the current US National Record holder in the 400m freestyle - so keep an eye on her, she's swimming that event in the Olympic Games.
  • Adriel Sanes earned the Olympic B Cup timing in breaststroke earlier this year.
  • Eddie Lovett also represented the Virgin Islands at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
  • Archer Nicholas D'Amour is currently ranked 4th in the world for the men's Olympic recurve.
  • Archery just became a recognized Olympic Sport in the Virgin Islands in 2014.

You can find team information on the official Team ISV Tokyo Olympics page

St Croix on Pause: More COVID-19 Updates

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st croix on pause covid 19 updates

Well, it's officially been announced yesterday that St Croix and the rest of the USVI are going on a bit of a pause. As of Monday, August 17th all non-essential businesses will be closed down for at least 2 weeks. If you have reservations on the island in after Wednesday August 19th for the next 30 days, you will need to contact your accommodations for more information about cancellations or rebooking as you will not be able to check-in. It is anticipated that businesses may reopen for local business after August 31st, I'll let you know as things unfold and we are able to resume entertainment on the island.

What does this mean for travelers ✈️ ?

? All non-essential businesses ordered closed as of Monday, August 17th for at least 2 weeks.

? Hotels, Villas, Air BnBs, etc are prohibited immediately from taking any new reservations. You will not be able to check-in after Wednesday, August 19th regardless of a current reservation and for the next 30 days. You will need to cancel or rebook your reservation as all guest accommodations are prohibited from checking in new guests.

✈️ All airports remain open (only the FAA - Federal Aviation Administration - can close airports within the United States and its Territories)

⛱️ All beaches are ordered closed on the weekends and holidays at 12 noon.

?️ All restaurants are restricted to takeout, delivery or drive-thru food service only until at least August 31st.

? All businesses are required to follow mass gathering restrictions of no more than 10 people inside the business at any time (exception: big box stores), enforce the wearing of masks (facial coverings) and maintain 6-foot social distancing. (folks not wearing masks in public will be fined $50 for their first offense; $100 for subsequent violations)

Locals are encouraged to restrict travel to urgent and essential business travel only.

The Territory is not expected to move back to Phase Blue: Open Doors for at least a month but will be reevaluated on August 31st (in two weeks) when we will hopefully transition to Phase Yellow: Safer at Home which means that locally more things will open, but leisure travel will remain restricted for 30 days at a minimum.

USVI Tourism Update

If you are traveling to the USVI

As of July 15, 2020, there were 11 states and territories under travel restrictions into the Virgin Islands:  Arizona; Florida; Georgia; Idaho; Kansas; Mississippi; Nevada; Puerto Rico; South Carolina; Texas and Utah. Travelers from those states and territories and any other that shows a percent positive rate over 10% must present test results showing they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 5 days of their arrival into the Territory.

These requirements affect travelers as follows:

  • Residents of a state with a positivity rating of greater than 10%
  • Travelers who have spent more than 7 days in and are traveling from a state with a positivity rating of greater than 10%
  • Travelers who are age 15 and older
  • Travelers unable to produce the required test results will be subject to quarantine for 14 days or until they are able to receive the required test results. 

Resources for USVI Travel updates:

Phase Orange: Stay-at-Home Orders

There is a State of Emergency in effect. The Territory is currently in Phase Orange: Stay-at-Home as of Monday August 17, 2020 and is closed to leisure travelers for at least the next 30 days.

  • Effective Monday August 17 at 6am, the Territory reverts to Stay at Home Orders.
  • All non-essential businesses ordered closed.
  • Non-essential public workers are to remain at home.
  • The prohibition of new leisure travel reservations is effective immediately, and on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, those businesses are prohibited from admitting any new check-ins or registering any new guests for 30 days unless the order is lifted sooner. The new restriction does not apply to business travelers, , emergency personnel, flight crews or government guests with written authorization from the government agency they are visiting. As of Wednesday, August 19, 2020, All hotels, guest-houses, villas, bed and breakfasts, shared economy hospitality bookings, AirBnBs, any temporary vacation housing, charter vessels, or any similar business known by any other terminology, shall not accept, receive, check-in, or register any guest for a period of thirty (30) days unless earlier lifted, extended, or amended by order of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, except for emergency personnel, flight crews, business travelers and government guests with written authorization from the Government Agency for whom rendering services.
  • Locals are encouraged to restrict travel to urgent and essential business travel only.
  • All public, private, and parochial school campuses in the Territory are ordered closed. Virtual learning is still permissible.
  • Churches are to remain closed during the Stay-At-Home Order.
  • All beaches are ordered closed on the weekends and holidays at 12 noon.
  • Also beginning Monday, August 17 and lasting until August 31 unless earlier lifted, restaurants are restricted to takeout, delivery or drive-thru food service only.
  • All bars, nightclubs and cabarets are to remain closed so long as the Territory remains in a State of Emergency.
  • All taxis and safaris are limited to half capacity as long as the Territory remains in a State of Emergency.
  • The prohibition against mass gatherings remains in effect; however, under the “Stay at Home” status, mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together more than 10 persons in a single room. A mass gathering does not include operations for standard essential services and infrastructure, such as grocery stores and bi-box stores, airports and seaports or medical facilities.

The Governor stated that the administration has worked to balance public health, economic well-being and personal freedom throughout the pandemic. But, at this moment the Public Health crisis is most pressing. The goal of this order is to stop all movement and all gatherings until the spread of COVID-19 is back to a manageable state.

Masks/Facial Coverings

  • Any individuals gathering for any purpose, including but not limited to visitors, patrons, employees, or owners of businesses, public or private, are required to wear a face mask or facial covering when entering in any business, office, or in any public areas not their private home when:
    • 2 or more individuals of different households meet or interact in any manner; and
    • not able to utilize social distancing techniques
  • Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Masks do not have to be worn during active exercise, indoor or outdoor.
  • Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others.
  • Violations of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50) for a first offense and one hundred dollars ($100) for each additional offense.

Executive Orders related to COVID-19

Executive Orders provide more detail on the current status and allowed business operations

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses on St Croix

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I have lived on St Croix for over 20 years now. I'm proud to live on such a racially diverse island that weaves a tapestry of various people and cultures into our foods, celebrations, and daily way of life. I am also blessed to have a wonderful community of friends, many of whom are business owners and entrepreneurs adding to the richness of our island experience.

I'd like to introduce you to some of those friends who are Black business owners. Why is it so important to support Black businesses you may ask? It's a great question! Awhile back I watched Season 1, Episode 1 of "Trigger Warning with Killer Mike" on Netflix. It's a really entertaining, but thought-provoking and relevant series that explores a lot of really important issues within the Black community. In this episode, Killer Mike, a Grammy-winning rapper/activist/business owner, and a jovial, big guy tries to see if he can live exclusively using black-owned businesses for 3-days in Athens, Georgia. For example, one aspect is that he can't eat anything that wasn't grown, produced, or created by a Black-owned business. Spoiler alert, he gets REALLY hungry, sleeps on a bench, and rides a bicycle. I highly recommend this episode and series, it's full of laughs but some really deep insight as well. It opened my mind to the need to actively support Black-owned businesses - especially those owned by my friends here on St Croix.

And that being said - let me introduce you to some of them ...

q studio logo

Quiana Adams, Q Studio/ The Qui Ingredient - Originally a work colleague back in my wedding planning days who expertly photographed many lucky couples, Quiana became a dear friend. Her wedding photography is exquisite and her commercial work perfectly promotes any brand she works with. Nowadays, this busy Mommy of two has transitioned to food photography with her Qui Ingredient brand. Her Instagram feed will make you drool and her recipes will make you the star of your own kitchen.

Tanisha Bailey-Roka, The Crucian Contessa - While technically not a "business" my friend Tanisha pens the Crucian Contessa blog and is the Queen of Cocoa Tea! She shares not only her incredible recipes and beautiful food photography but shares so much more about the history and culture that is Crucian food. I have been blessed to enjoy meals from her kitchen on a couple of occasions and can tell you firsthand that she is masterful. If you want to hone your Crucian cooking skills or learn more about island life and Crucian culture, spend some time perusing the recipes that are filled with love or follow her on Facebook for more recent musings.

nicole canegata self portrait

Nicole Canegata, Nicole Canegata Photography - born and raised on St Croix, Nicole comes from a prominent island family that has been here for many, many generations. Her father, Lt. Colonel, David C. Canegata III, was tragically killed in combat in 2007 while serving his country in Iraq. His untimely death inspired her to live her life to the fullest and pursue a career that inspired her. I've worked with Nicole on several projects from weddings to architecture to fashion shoots. Her quiet, soulful, and reflective demeanor is beautifully translated into her gorgeous work. Her commercial work and travel photography have been printed in numerous publications. Her recent fine art series "Daughters of Ay-Ay" is divinely inspired. I'm truly blessed to call her a friend.

Virgin Islands Food Tours

Anquanette Gaspard, Virgin Islands Food Tours - Anquanette has a mission to turn "Tourists into Locals" through food. She has taken Anthony Bourdain's concept of learning about culture through breaking bread with locals and created a business around that. Anquanette aka "Q" is a Crucian-born entrepreneur, content writer & foodie whose European adventures led her back to her island roots. She guides visitors through some of her favorite local eateries while explaining the cultural history and significance of the different foods along the way. This is a "must-do" tour for your next visit to the island!

itiba beauty

Yoki Hanley, itiba Beauty - I've been using Yoki's all-natural, vegetable and fruit-based products since I moved to the island in 2001. I first met her at a Starving Artists Fair at the Whim Plantation when she sold her brand as "Selah's" after her daughter who had severe skin allergies. Since then, she rebranded her line to itiba Beauty and has had her products in the swag bags at the Academy Awards among other prestigious places. In the native Caribbean Taino religion, itiba is Mother Earth and all life sprang forth from her. I used to feature her soaps in my wedding gift bags. The aromatherapy alone made me smile, but the quality of her products keeps me coming back. After a hiatus following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, I'm thrilled that she's back in business sharing itiba beauty in full force. My top picks: Carib Lime Body Spray - smells amazing and naturally keeps the mozzies away and the Mango body soap - luxurious and will make your entire bathroom smell amazing.

Willard John, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies - If you've visited St Croix, attended a local celebration or Jump Up, you've likely encountered Willard's troupe of Moko Jumbies. Willard is a public school professional who has dedicated his life's work to promoting and preserving the culture of the Virgin Islands. The Moko Jumbie tradition stems from West African roots. These talented stilt dancers with their masked faces guard the village and its people by scaring away evil spirits. If you are able, be sure to attend one of their performances where Willard explains the history and significance of these iconic figures. His program teaches local St Croix youth not only the skill but the culture while promoting education and a strong work ethic. Willard can often be found emceeing local cultural and performing arts celebrations. He's a true gift to our island!

ib designs logo

Whealan Massicott, ib designs - Whealan is the heart and founder of the little jewelry shop that's big on love. Originally from the island of Dominica, he has made St Croix his home for decades along with his family. If you know me, you know that my wrist is permanently graced with hand-crafted Crucian bracelets including three very special to my heart - the Karma, the Wave, and the Infinity Knot. I've been a huge fan of his and his team's work for two decades and own or have gifted countless pieces. I'm not the only celebrity (ha ha, jokes!) who wears one, Kenny Chesney can often be found sporting a silver "SJ" hook bracelet hand-crafted by Whealon. Fun fact: ib stands for "island boy".

Ralph Motta, Motta Cuisine - Another born and raised, generational Crucian, Ralph headed off to the big city - NYC - where he honed his skills as a top-notch chef. St Croix is blessed to have him back on island sharing his catering craft since 2017 with his boutique catering business that he describes as "Modern Crucian". His mouth-watering food celebrates local flavors of the many cultures that have resulted in the many flavors of our island. Ralph is as enthusiastic and fun as he is talented. He sources many of his ingredients from local farmers celebrating the farm-to-table style. If you're looking for a caterer on St Croix, Ralph is the bomb. He is also the current Culinary Ambassador for the Virgin Islands and a friend who is quick to make everyone around him smile!

Burton Peterson, Cast Iron Pot - Some of my favorite local meals have been had at Chef Burton's Cast Iron Pot restaurant. He serves classic Crucian dishes that fill you up and taste amazing. Burton and his wife, Deborah, treat everyone who walks through the door like family! Prior to opening his bright yellow restaurant in the Princesse area, Chef Burton worked in the kitchens of the top resorts on the island, as well as catering Government and private events. If you're lucky enough to be visiting the island around the Christmas season, you have to stop by to taste some of his guavaberry liqueur!

Wave Philip, Tan Tan Tours - another long-time friend on the island is my buddy Wave whose Tan Tan tours are one of the most thrilling adventures you'll find in the Caribbean! Their motto is "We go where the Tan Tan grows" and that means off-roading in top-down Jeep Wranglers through some crazy terrain to reach places like remote Sugar Mills, the Annaly Bay Tidepools, and the top of Goat Hill. Often seen riding across the island in a caravan of jeeps, it's a high-octane adventure and one of the best ways to see St Croix. The jeep guides are FUN and really informed about the history, culture, and ecology of the island. Wave also makes some of the best bush tea and ginger beer that I've tasted in the islands. Grab some before your excursion from the juice bar at their Christiansted headquarters.

bes craft cocktail lounge

Frank Robinson, BES Craft Cocktail Lounge - I've known and worked with Frank for many years here on St Croix. Back when I planned weddings, he was my go-to bartender for our events. I've loved watching him grow and not only develop his skills and open his business, but share his thoughts on politics and community here in the USVI. Frank always has a smile and a positive attitude. His funky, cool neighborhood bar is full of warm, welcoming vibes and fabulous house-made elixirs and, of course, craft cocktails. He's also a fantastic chef who promotes and supports our local farmers by producing a menu that features farm-to-table style. [ Feb 2021 update: Bes is now closed, but Frank is working on something new and exciting ... and I'll be sure to update those details when he's ready to announce.]

Lornette Rogers, Envii Boutique - Lornette is one of those girls that always makes the "best dressed" list no matter where she goes or what she is doing. She's a fashionista and a fabulous girlfriend who knows how to throw a party! Whenever I have an event that I need something special for, Envii Boutique is my first stop! She's great at finding something that will make you look and feel like a million bucks. Lornette's shop specializes in chic, fashion-forward, and on-trend clothing, bags, shoes, and more. She's also a dedicated dog-momma like me and always supportive of a good cause.

my girlfriends closet

Khnuma Simmonds, My Girlfriends Closet - I first met Khnuma aka "Kimmie" back in 2002 (I think?!) when she was in High School and we performed together in a Caribbean Community Theatre production of The Pajama Game. This always-on-the-go, dynamic woman is an entrepreneur, Women's advocate, activist, dance and exercise guru, mother of two adorable young boys, and now she has added Doctor to her titles. Phew! With her shop she promotes the concept of #girlfriendism by "Empowering Women through Fashion, Faith, and Friendship". Some of my go-to pieces in my closet come from her store. Visit her while you are here or shop online. You can even take one of her trademarked Sokh dance/exercise classes that feature great music and Caribbean dance moves by purchasing a virtual class on the website. Khnuma's positive attitude towards life and community is absolutely infectious and shines through in her work and workouts!

This is by no means a comprehensive list of black-owned businesses here on St Croix, these are just some of my friends whose businesses I frequent on the island.

Do you have a St Croix black-owned business that you love? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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

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50 Earth friendly things to do on St Croix
  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen!
  4. Learn to hunt lionfish! You can even earn a PADI certification at one of our local Dive Shops.
  5. Go sailing aboard the Schooner Roseway with the World Ocean School when they are here with us for the winter season
  6. Get certified to Scuba dive and witness coral spawning on a night dive!
  7. Watch Chasing Coral. You can view the full feature Netflix Documentary for free. Click here.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Go on a scavenger hunt for all the St Croix Sea Walls murals painted in 2019. These gorgeous murals represent ocean
  12. BYOB bring your own bag bring for groceries and your own reusable box for leftovers. Grab one of our organic cotton bags here.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Just Say No to Styrofoam and encourage restaurants to use reusable packaging instead.
  16. 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.
  17. BYOC bring your own cup to the bar. You'll find plenty for sale in our local shops.
  18. Get out There! Hike up Goat hill on the East End. The view of the entire island makes it worth the sweat.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. Explore the St George Village Botanical Garden (SGVBG) and learn about the many tropical species growing there.
  22. Learn about the SGVBG Reforestation program at the Garden!
  23. Eat Responsible! at one of our Reef Responsible Restaurants who are committed to serving sustainably sourced, caught in-season fish from our waters.
  24. Shop Local and Eat Local! year-round at one of our many St Croix farmers markets.
  25. 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.
  26. Shop Organic! produce at Art Farm and Ridge2Reef Farm.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. Hike the Nature Conservancy trail to Jack & Isaac's Bay and snorkel at Isaac's along the pristine coral reef.
  39. Learn about sea turtles and ways you can help keep them safe.
  40. Learn about humpback whale migration through St Croix's waters.
  41. Shop local! You'll find artisans throughout Frederiksted and Christiansted who produce their own jewelry right here on the island.
  42. Hike to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools.
  43. Go paddle boarding!
  44. Kayak Salt River or anywhere offshore.
  45. 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!
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. 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!
  49. 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!
  50. 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
  51. Bonus: Oh yes, we almost forgot - just kick back, relax and lime on any one of our incredible beaches!!
isaac bay beach