Car Ferry and Grocery Info

[Adele]

Hi, we're planning on renting a car in St. Thomas and taking the car ferry to St. John. Our flight doesn't get in till 3:00 and we were hoping to stop for some groceries on the way to Red Hook. Two questions:

1) What's the best place to stop for groceries in St. Thomas that's on the way to the car ferry?

2) I really can't find good directions on line to the car ferry terminal (I tried mapquest but that's not working). Any good directions out there that will get us there as quickly as possible without getting lost?

I'm hoping to make the 5:00 or 5:30 ferry, am I being to optimistic?

Thanks!

[gmerle]

Adele,

I won't be too much help in terms of things to stop at on the way, but I can guarantee that you will find a good grocery store in Red Hook very near the car ferry dock. There are plenty of shops in Red Hook (pharmacy, fishing gear, scuba shop, you name it...) and you will find what you need there. As for places on the way, I know you will see some big super markets, but I'm not sure where they are.

As for driving to Red Hook from the airport, you will find that it's very easy. It's not that big an Island, and even if you take a wrong turn, you'll most likely end up finding a sign that will point you in the right direction. Just remember to keep travaling east, and you'll end up finding Red Hook. I recall the trip taking roughly 40mins to an hour. I may be way off, because last time I went up to the north side of the island before going to red hook, so it probably took me longer.

Hope this helps,
g

ps. there is really only 1 street that runs through red hook, so the ferry dock is easy to find. the groceery store is across the street from the marina (not along the water...)

[ScubaGirl]

We've provisioned in just about every place on St. Thomas, and the FOOD CENTRE on Route 30, to Red Hook, is by far the best, however the Marina Market in
Red Hook is also very good.

Don't think you'll make the 5pm ferry.

[FlaGeorge]

I second the Food Center just outside of Red Hook. It’s very well stocked – plus they have live Bugs (Caribbean Lobsters) in a tank. We usually take 38 (Weymouth Rhymer Hwy) to Red Hook and stop at Cost U Less (Sam’s Club type of place) and stock up on booze and water. Then go through Red Hook to the Food Center for the other stuff.

[RickG]

FlaGeorge, thanks for this tips. I think Christine and I are going to give this a try in April. Being able to stock up a bit before we meet the villa folks would be nice.

Have you seen ice chests at Cost-U-Less in the past?

Cheers, RickG

[FlaGeorge]

FlaGeorge, thanks for this tips. I think Christine and I are going to give this a try in April. Being able to stock up a bit before we meet the villa folks would be nice.

Have you seen ice chests at Cost-U-Less in the past?

Cheers, RickG

Hi RickG - I never noticed an ice chests. But then - I enter the place an make a bee-line for the booze. I'm usually in & out in a flash.

There web site says they have coolers. Heres the link http://www.costuless.com/products.php?l ... ving&id=32

[RickG]

FlaG, thanks for the tip. This has good potential.

Cheers, RickG

[KPlumm]

Hi

FlaG, my husband and I are also adventurously renting a jeep in St Thomas this May, before heading for St John. I looked at the website for CostULess and it looks like they have just about everything there. Can you tell me why you only get booze and water there? Is everything better or cheaper at the Food Center? Where's the best place for meat?

Thanks,
Karen

[FlaGeorge]

Hi

FlaG, my husband and I are also adventurously renting a jeep in St Thomas this May, before heading for St John. I looked at the website for CostULess and it looks like they have just about everything there. Can you tell me why you only get booze and water there? Is everything better or cheaper at the Food Center? Where's the best place for meat?

Thanks,
Karen

Hi Karen

Cost U Less is like a Sam’s Club and they sell everything in large quantities. I usually bring my own meat, fish & shrimp – I’m pretty picky about the quality of these items and I have my favorite specialty shops back home. So, I go to the Food Center to get my produce, eggs, butter and that kind of stuff. I don’t need the 50 pound bag of potatoes that Cost U Less sells. By the way – when in May are you going.

[KPlumm]

Thanks FlaGeorge, now I understand. This will be our first time renting a car in St Thomas, so I am looking forward to the little bit of exploring and grocery shopping time that we will have there. We are staying at Secret Habour on May 7th and then heading to Villa Capiz on St John May 8th to 17th. I guess there will be alot of forumites on island then!

Karen

[Bob & Anita]

We have shopped at both Food Centre and Marina Market. We recommend Food Centre for all the basics and Marina Market for your meats and fish. Last year we hit the Food Centre the night we stayed at Secret Harbour and then Marina Market on the way to the Car Barge the next morning.

We have a Word Document with a list and directions and maps to the various groceries stores on STT. If anyone wants it then just email or PM us with your email address and we'll send it you.

[Adele]

Thanks everyone!! This has been a big help, more questions to come I'm sure since we're off to St. John March 3rd

[beachluvers]

Have a great time and be sure to share your story with us!