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Questions from a first timer!
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Island Dreaming
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:34 pm
- Location: Baltimore
Questions from a first timer!
Hello all!
My husband and I will be heading to St. John in a week and a half for our first stay there. We did a day trip from a cruise stop in St. Thomas to Cinnamon Bay last year and loved it. I have been gathering lots of information from this forum and really appreciate everyone's willingness to share their expertise and experiences.
We will be staying at Coconut Hill in Coral Bay, renting from Courtesy and looking forward to snorkeling all of the fabulous beaches. Which leads to a question. We have a couple of the recommended books (forget the names at the moment) but have not had time to study them yet.
I'm looking for suggestions for daily itineraries in order to hit 2 or 3 beaches a day - what makes sense based on which ones are close to each other and have the best snorkeling? We'll either take a picnic lunch, or if you've got a good recommendation for a restaurant stop along the way for lunch, that's good too! We'll have six days but there are so many beaches I'm sure we still won't have time to see them all..
One other question. We're arriving on a Sunday, hopefully on the 5:00 ferry if all goes well with the flights. Based on reviews here, it seems like it would be worth grabbing some barbeque from Joe's and then driving over to Coral Bay. Are they open on Sundays? We'll be anxious to get to the villa but will not be motivated to cook on the first night so take out sounds like a good plan. Open to other suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Pat
My husband and I will be heading to St. John in a week and a half for our first stay there. We did a day trip from a cruise stop in St. Thomas to Cinnamon Bay last year and loved it. I have been gathering lots of information from this forum and really appreciate everyone's willingness to share their expertise and experiences.
We will be staying at Coconut Hill in Coral Bay, renting from Courtesy and looking forward to snorkeling all of the fabulous beaches. Which leads to a question. We have a couple of the recommended books (forget the names at the moment) but have not had time to study them yet.
I'm looking for suggestions for daily itineraries in order to hit 2 or 3 beaches a day - what makes sense based on which ones are close to each other and have the best snorkeling? We'll either take a picnic lunch, or if you've got a good recommendation for a restaurant stop along the way for lunch, that's good too! We'll have six days but there are so many beaches I'm sure we still won't have time to see them all..
One other question. We're arriving on a Sunday, hopefully on the 5:00 ferry if all goes well with the flights. Based on reviews here, it seems like it would be worth grabbing some barbeque from Joe's and then driving over to Coral Bay. Are they open on Sundays? We'll be anxious to get to the villa but will not be motivated to cook on the first night so take out sounds like a good plan. Open to other suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Pat
My first suggestion is that you get on "Island Time" as soon as you can. Perhaps you should start at the gate at BWI. Once you are on Island Time you will feel all the stress fading away. After that happens, you will not feel the need to get to as many beaches as you can. You will want to spread out a blanket and enjoy just one of those sandy gems all day long. There are so many beaches that we have never seen. We are using those new beaches as an incentive to return for the next trip.
We had very good luck with picking up sandwiches at Deli Grotto and bringing them with us. There are several other alternatives as well. There are lots of others here who will tell you about them.
As far as Sunday evening arrivals go, consider stopping off at the Beach Bar. It is within steps of the ferry and the Forum gathering is always fun. You can eat and drink there before you head out. We arrived and picked up our car first. Then we stored our bags in the car and went to the Beach Bar.
Relax and soak it all in. It's going to be fun.
JIM
We had very good luck with picking up sandwiches at Deli Grotto and bringing them with us. There are several other alternatives as well. There are lots of others here who will tell you about them.
As far as Sunday evening arrivals go, consider stopping off at the Beach Bar. It is within steps of the ferry and the Forum gathering is always fun. You can eat and drink there before you head out. We arrived and picked up our car first. Then we stored our bags in the car and went to the Beach Bar.
Relax and soak it all in. It's going to be fun.
JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
The best itinerary - no itinerary! I'm with all the others, relax and let it all happen. I think planning spoils the moment, get on island time as soon as your feet hit the ground! FYI, it will come easily! We have our frig stocked with the So You've Decided to Stay package from Katilady, grab some rum along the way, pick up the jeep, head to the villa and let gravity take hold. Lunch in Coral Bay would be Skinny's or Aqua Bistro or Shipwreck or Island Blues....breakfast at Donkey Diner (did that sell yet?) ENJOY! We are on trip #8 or 9 this December and still have a few beaches unexplored!!
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Bob & Anita
- Posts: 611
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:20 pm
- Location: Charlotte, NC
Agree with the others about not having much of an itinerary. You really have to go with the flow. Since you’ll be there 10 days there will be plenty of time to hit most of them. Suggest you note in your books the beaches you like to hit. Then just have the books handy (car or with you at the beach). If the mood strikes to move on then just open the book and pick the next one. This was exactly what we did our first visit. You’ll end up finding you want to stay longer at some beaches and others you’ll want to move on.
Bob & Anita
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California Girl
Ditto. When we went to STJ last year I had this 1/2" notebook with all my forum notes and lists of beaches, restaurants, cruise ship schedule, etc. Know what? I never looked at it once! I had most of the names of places in my head from being on the forum and we really did just get on island time and decided what to do on a day by day basis. As everyone says, the best plan is no plan. 
As everyone else has said...r..e..l..a..x! You won't be on the "prison ship" this time, you'll be on your own time. If you can get to island time, all the better. There is no dinner seating time; no time to get off the boat; no time to get back on the boat. Don't worry, the island won't sail without you.
Break out - if you're an early riser, sleep in; if you go to bed early, stay up late! Break all the rules you make for yourself. The best laid plans of mice and men...suck! Once you get to the island the ONLY thing you HAVE to do is make your plane out...OR NOT!
Break out - if you're an early riser, sleep in; if you go to bed early, stay up late! Break all the rules you make for yourself. The best laid plans of mice and men...suck! Once you get to the island the ONLY thing you HAVE to do is make your plane out...OR NOT!
Good advice from everyone. It's nice to talk over tentative plans during coffee each morning, but don't bother sticking to them if you get a notion to change your mind! I found that after the first day, you really get your bearings as to where everything is (especially since you'll be going in and out of Coral Bay).
Don't rush yourself if you're having fun (and I bet you have fun!). Just enjoy where you're at...and that's where you'll be!
Don't rush yourself if you're having fun (and I bet you have fun!). Just enjoy where you're at...and that's where you'll be!
"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." -Isak Dinesen
There are tons of plans to be made!!!
But,- no matter where I've found myself on STJ, it's all simply delicious.
It's like that old joke;
"I missed my afternoon nap! Damn! I slept right through it!"
Perhaps that's why I return so often.After 9 trips to STJ, I still haven't explored all I'd like to know more about.- Plus it gives me something else to look forward to next time!
I love limin'...-Hard to do that in Jersey.
Overplanning is like overpacking- you just don't need much there.
Maybe it's just me...
It's all gorgeous!!!
Smiles-
MJ
But,- no matter where I've found myself on STJ, it's all simply delicious.
It's like that old joke;
"I missed my afternoon nap! Damn! I slept right through it!"
Perhaps that's why I return so often.After 9 trips to STJ, I still haven't explored all I'd like to know more about.- Plus it gives me something else to look forward to next time!
I love limin'...-Hard to do that in Jersey.
Overplanning is like overpacking- you just don't need much there.
Maybe it's just me...
It's all gorgeous!!!
Smiles-
MJ
This will be our 3rd time going to St. John. Every year i plan on what beaches were going to and what trails we are going to hike. most the time were able to do what we plan. however, if i did'nt have the in-laws and kids i would be like everyone else....laid back. I think it's time to go on our own; leave the family behind. at this moment i cant wait to get there...12 more days!
Plans seem to melt the second you get on the ferry dock. I told one of my traveling companions the other day. I have a house, a plane ticket and a Jeep rental. All I have to do now is show up in Atlanta on Saturday and the rest will fall into place.
Last year we had two goals: a different beach everyday and lobster night at Morgan's Mango. All of the other stuff fell into place and things we thought we HAD to do are still on the list for next time. As soon as you get into "island time," which is much more apparent in Coral Bay than Cruz Bay, you won't worry about all the plans.
Pretty much we get up, have coffee and breakfast. Then we got in the Jeep and ended up wherever we ended up. Sometimes we packed a lunch, sometimes we picked it up or sometimes we stopped at Woody's for a sandwich. It just depends on how the day goes.
As for that first night, I'd suggest provisioning, but it is super-expensive for the delivery fee out to Coral Bay. I learned that lesson when I thought we were staying out that way. I'd say to get barbecue or stop somewhere and eat. There are plenty of restaurants in either Cruz Bay or Coral Bay where you can grab an easy bite!
Last year we had two goals: a different beach everyday and lobster night at Morgan's Mango. All of the other stuff fell into place and things we thought we HAD to do are still on the list for next time. As soon as you get into "island time," which is much more apparent in Coral Bay than Cruz Bay, you won't worry about all the plans.
Pretty much we get up, have coffee and breakfast. Then we got in the Jeep and ended up wherever we ended up. Sometimes we packed a lunch, sometimes we picked it up or sometimes we stopped at Woody's for a sandwich. It just depends on how the day goes.
As for that first night, I'd suggest provisioning, but it is super-expensive for the delivery fee out to Coral Bay. I learned that lesson when I thought we were staying out that way. I'd say to get barbecue or stop somewhere and eat. There are plenty of restaurants in either Cruz Bay or Coral Bay where you can grab an easy bite!
Coconut Hill is a very convenient location with great views. I think the thing that you'll be surprised at is how easy it is to reach the beaches from Coral Bay. It's not like you're driving the Baltimore Beltway and need to time your travel.
If you're headed to East End locations such as Haulover or Pelican Rock, Vie's is an excellent choice for lunch. Provided that she's open for the season. Also don't forget Donkey Diner for breakfast.
Agree with the others, having no plan is the plan. Having said that, there's some gems near Coral Bay. Maho should be less crowded this time of year. If you make it to Salt Pond, hike over to Blue Cobblestone beach. Try to make it to Little Lameshur. While in that area, snorkel the cove on the Yawzi Point trail.
Check with the owners about your arrival. After doing the paperwork at Courtesy, you may want to stop at Starfish Market before heading to Coral Bay. If you can hold off, you could than eat in Coral Bay.
A cruise stop at Cinnamon Bay was just a taste of St. John. You're headed for six great days.
If you're headed to East End locations such as Haulover or Pelican Rock, Vie's is an excellent choice for lunch. Provided that she's open for the season. Also don't forget Donkey Diner for breakfast.
Agree with the others, having no plan is the plan. Having said that, there's some gems near Coral Bay. Maho should be less crowded this time of year. If you make it to Salt Pond, hike over to Blue Cobblestone beach. Try to make it to Little Lameshur. While in that area, snorkel the cove on the Yawzi Point trail.
Check with the owners about your arrival. After doing the paperwork at Courtesy, you may want to stop at Starfish Market before heading to Coral Bay. If you can hold off, you could than eat in Coral Bay.
A cruise stop at Cinnamon Bay was just a taste of St. John. You're headed for six great days.
Hello Neighbor!!
Here's my suggestion for Sunday night. Get your vehicle and follow your villa greeter to the villa. Drop your stuff and then just head down to Skinny Legs (open til 8pm) for a burger or if you're too late to Island Blues just down the road for dinner. These are super casual places and no need to get dressed up (of course that's the case with everywhere on island).
I LOVE Uncle Joes, but your order can take some time to prepare and your vila greeter will not want to sit around and wait for that to happen. Save UJ for another night after you've been shopping in town and want to head back to the villa from Cruz bay.
As for Beaches... my general advice is to pick one beach a day based upon what you want to do (snorkel, swim, relax).
While you can argue that these labels apply to all the beaches I suggest certain beaches for activities over others.
Snorkel: hawksnest, lameshur, salt pond, trunk.
Relax: Maho, jumbie, gibney
Swim: Francis, cinnnamon
I wouldn't recommend more than one beach a day-- at most 2-- (Am and Pm).
We usually hit a beach in the AM stay until we get too hot-- head to Skinny legs for a burger or Miss Vies for garlic chicken and conch fritters at lunch and hit the villa pool in the afternoon before getting showered for dinner.
Big Belly deli will be a great place to pick up sandwiches for the beach. But keep an eye on the mongoosedem as they will avail themselves of your food if someone isn't watching.
Just my .02
Here's my suggestion for Sunday night. Get your vehicle and follow your villa greeter to the villa. Drop your stuff and then just head down to Skinny Legs (open til 8pm) for a burger or if you're too late to Island Blues just down the road for dinner. These are super casual places and no need to get dressed up (of course that's the case with everywhere on island).
I LOVE Uncle Joes, but your order can take some time to prepare and your vila greeter will not want to sit around and wait for that to happen. Save UJ for another night after you've been shopping in town and want to head back to the villa from Cruz bay.
As for Beaches... my general advice is to pick one beach a day based upon what you want to do (snorkel, swim, relax).
While you can argue that these labels apply to all the beaches I suggest certain beaches for activities over others.
Snorkel: hawksnest, lameshur, salt pond, trunk.
Relax: Maho, jumbie, gibney
Swim: Francis, cinnnamon
I wouldn't recommend more than one beach a day-- at most 2-- (Am and Pm).
We usually hit a beach in the AM stay until we get too hot-- head to Skinny legs for a burger or Miss Vies for garlic chicken and conch fritters at lunch and hit the villa pool in the afternoon before getting showered for dinner.
Big Belly deli will be a great place to pick up sandwiches for the beach. But keep an eye on the mongoosedem as they will avail themselves of your food if someone isn't watching.
Just my .02
Last edited by Gromit on Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
