usvi-on-line
any "unsafe" areas that we should know about?
any "unsafe" areas that we should know about?
Good morning. I've been looking at many forums (besides this one, 
sorry folks, no disrespect to this wonderful site) that speak of unsafe areas, or areas to avoid after dark. Are there certain areas that we should be aware of? My concern is that after a long day at the beach, my husband and I will want to kick back, but the boys will probably want to go out. Is that a bad idea considering the fact that none of us know our way around? Please advise. Thanks.
citygirl
sorry folks, no disrespect to this wonderful site) that speak of unsafe areas, or areas to avoid after dark. Are there certain areas that we should be aware of? My concern is that after a long day at the beach, my husband and I will want to kick back, but the boys will probably want to go out. Is that a bad idea considering the fact that none of us know our way around? Please advise. Thanks.citygirl
I'm not the total expert on this and I'm sure others will chime in.
If I remember right, your boys are 20 and 17, is that correct?
I think it totally depends on the boys. My brother and I are in our late 20's now and did a ton of traveling with our parents in our late teens and early 20's. Our parents would have let us be out and about in Cruz Bay in the evening for awhile. The area most people said to avoid was "The Front Yard" after dark. If the boys wanted to hang at Woody's for awhile that would be perfectly ok if you trust your kids to be mature and responsible. For example, not getting drunk and picking a fight with a local or something. You know your sons better than anyone.
I never felt any danger or discomfort during our trip in May, but other's have had more experience.
Just my thoughts!
If I remember right, your boys are 20 and 17, is that correct?
I think it totally depends on the boys. My brother and I are in our late 20's now and did a ton of traveling with our parents in our late teens and early 20's. Our parents would have let us be out and about in Cruz Bay in the evening for awhile. The area most people said to avoid was "The Front Yard" after dark. If the boys wanted to hang at Woody's for awhile that would be perfectly ok if you trust your kids to be mature and responsible. For example, not getting drunk and picking a fight with a local or something. You know your sons better than anyone.
I never felt any danger or discomfort during our trip in May, but other's have had more experience.
Just my thoughts!
Yes, they are 17 and 21. I was thinking that they would probably walk to town but I don't think they'd be able to hike it back up the hill. From what I'm gathering, Serendip is way up there and, I don't know that I'd want them making that trek after dark anyway. Taxi it home would be my guess since our rental company requires all drivers to be 25 or older. So, are there taxis all over town, do they have to call for one, or how does that work? Remember, I'm from Chicago, and downtown there are taxis on every corner - You just get in and tell the driver where you want to go. Also, where is this "Front Yard" area, can you be more specific? Thanks again.
citygirl
citygirl
My kids often walked into town and back with absolutely no problems. I will advise you that your 17 will be able to get alcohol. My 14 year old was even served- and he looked 12! We just had the chat and it was not a problem. If that is a concern to you- then have a chat. I don't think there is any particularly dangerous spots but common sense is always a must in any situation. In tourist spots even more so.
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HawkeyeChick
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:59 am
This is the first thing to come to my mind too. It didn't strike me as a place for tourists but I didn't feel threatened at any time. In fact, I never felt unsafe on STJ.waterguy wrote:The front yard is a bar That has more of a local following Have walked past it a bunch and never felt unsafe but I could tell it wasn't a place that I would hang out that s just me though
We hit the Front Yard for bands and never feel unwelcome. As a matter of fact, the owners and staff make a point to say hello to the guy with the white beard (me) that is slam dancing with the teenagers. Remember, the police substation is right next door. But, the jagermeister dispenser is a little bit dangerous.waterguy wrote:The front yard is a bar That has more of a local following Have walked past it a bunch and never felt unsafe but I could tell it wasn't a place that I would hang out that s just me though
I think the concerns about the Front Yard come from their occasional appearance in the police log - they're the last place open at night in Cruz Bay, so the drunk gravity has a pull. 1AM is late in Cruz Bay, they are open until 3AM.
I don't know much about Larry's Landing, they are moving, right? They have some video games that might be a draw.
In general I think its a good idea for the teenager and 21 year old to get out and about on their own. You can explore your comfort level by finding a comfortable bar stool, send the kids off to explore town, and rendezvous. I think you'll get comfortable pretty quickly.
Cheers, Rick
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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StJohnRuth
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:42 pm
- Location: St. John, VI
It would be pretty easy for them to get a taxi back from downtown I would think. If the boys use the same knowledge and common sense they'd use at home then I'm sure they'll have a great time. We'll have a 17 y/o with us and I think he'll be hanging out with my husband and I more than his mom and dad. When we went to Daytona with them he was able to find other teens at the resort and we hardly saw him. Staying in a villa it won't be quite that easy to find other distractions!
If I was worried about my kids getting home I would just set a time and place to come back and pick them up. It only takes you a couple of minutes to drive down and get them.
I also feel that STJ is about as safe as anyplace, I think it's prudent to vacate some of the bars a bit before closing time.
Now, all that said,two years ago my 21 y.o. son and his girlfriend hitched back to Coral Bay from Cruz Bay and I had no problem with that. The Vitran bus never showed up, so they hitched a ride and got dropped off all the way out at Shipwreck Landing, where the missus and I were enjoying a tasty beverage.
I also feel that STJ is about as safe as anyplace, I think it's prudent to vacate some of the bars a bit before closing time.
Now, all that said,two years ago my 21 y.o. son and his girlfriend hitched back to Coral Bay from Cruz Bay and I had no problem with that. The Vitran bus never showed up, so they hitched a ride and got dropped off all the way out at Shipwreck Landing, where the missus and I were enjoying a tasty beverage.
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.