Back to STJ after 5 years

lovestj · Post by **lovestj** » Fri Mar 08, 2013 11:46 pm

We will be back on island after a five year hiatus in June. What all has changed? Any new places we should add to our list of must see and must eat Can't wait to get there.

Laura T · Post by **Laura T** » Sat Mar 09, 2013 8:26 am

With our last trip to St. John in 2007 and a trip planned for May, we are in the same boat...I will be anxiously awaiting replies to your post!

Capn Dan and Ruby · Post by **Capn Dan and Ruby** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 8:39 pm

The Pink Corner in Coral Bay(trying it for the first time this summer ourselves), the lifeguard stands on Trunk, I think Sam & Jacks above the Starfish Market (great place to get sandwiches and stuff for the beach!)New parking at Maho, No Maho Bay Camps

Low Key has moved... I know there is more, but that is all I can think of now.

maggs3705 · Post by **maggs3705** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 2:44 pm

Hey There

Check out my topic posted on Wednesday, March 6th- Re Visiting St John. I, too am returning to St John with my husband to celebrate our 5th Anniversary- we were married on Francis Bay Beach. Anyhoo, I got some good feedback so check it out!

And Cheers!! I know I am starting to count the days!!

maggs3705

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Mon Mar 11, 2013 7:09 pm

I think Grande Bay will be new to you. Low Key Watersports is in their vicinity. Sam and Jacks deli behind the Starfish market on the third floor makes INCREDIBLE sandwiches and great food to take home and heat up. I also recommend Pink Corner right at the corner with all the signs (which are gone and new ones are up) for local fare, home made icecream, smoothies and juices.
The traffic circle will be new to you, and the park has been re-done.
Enjoy your planning and your visit!

TrvlJohn · Post by **TrvlJohn** » Tue Mar 12, 2013 10:12 pm

No gas on the Coral Bay side anymore. Plan ahead.

Bigcheeze · Post by **Bigcheeze** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:00 pm

They are now driving on the right side of the road...

lovestj · Post by **lovestj** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:56 pm

Thanks everyone for the helpful information...So excited to have a ticker again. Now I just have to remember how to make one.

We are planning a "boat day" for my parents - they have never been to STJ. If we choose to take them to the Baths, should we do the bigger boat tour or hire our own captain. Any suggestions?

News of St. John · Post by **News of St. John** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:04 pm

I think your only option would be the ferry or a larger boat tour. I do not believe that the day charter captains go all the way to the Baths.

Bigcheeze · Post by **Bigcheeze** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:48 pm

We rented a 28ft powerboat from Ocean 3 years ago and they had a Captain for the day for us...Captain Ben to be exact. We did the Baths, lunch at Marina Cay, cruise along the north shore of Tortola and to Jost for a $400 Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar...Great Day!

hoosierdaddy · Post by **hoosierdaddy** » Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:12 pm

lovestj wrote:Thanks everyone for the helpful information...So excited to have a ticker again. Now I just have to remember how to make one.

We are planning a "boat day" for my parents - they have never been to STJ. If we choose to take them to the Baths, should we do the bigger boat tour or hire our own captain. Any suggestions?

We went to the baths with Lion in Da Sun and Capt Josh 4 years ago. It was the best day of vacation ever. Josh is not the owner any more but I would give Lion in DaSun a call.

trip report here
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/v ... =6&t=19558

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:35 am

For other new food, there is the Fatty Crab. John and I really like it, some people don't. It's quasi-Malaysian, and they also have barbeque.

Caneel Beach Bar has a new sushi menu and it is fabulous.

Honeymoon Beach now has a concession operated by VI Eco Tours. You can rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, beach chairs etc. There are lockers and (I think?) restrooms. They sell cold drinks and can have food delivered to you from the Caneel Beach Bar.

Stand up paddleboarding has become a popular activity. You can take a lesson and rent a board from Low Key.

I am pretty sure both of these developments are less than five years old: there is a new large (for St. John) market across the street from the Westin operated by the Dolphin Market people. It has a good selection of fruits and vegetables, and also sells beer and wine.

Starfish opened up a Starfish Gourmet market in the Marketplace, same level as the grocery, that sells beer, wine, liquor, cheeses, snacks, and some gourmet items. I find this very convenient as I can go grocery shopping while John goes wine shopping across the hall, it saves time and eliminates extra stops.

usvi-on-line