USVI-On-Line

After months of exhaustive research (OK, lot's of surfin' the net!) my fiance' and I chose St. John for our vacation wedding. Second time 'round for both of us and to avoid some massive production at home, it will be just the two of us in a villa somewhere up Fish Bay Rd., getting hitched on the beach by Ann Marie on Wednesday morning.

We picked St. John for a few reasons, a couple of those being the ease of getting married in a US territory and good flight times from sunny (yeah, right) Cleveland. The two things that I think really sold us though, were the impression that St. John is not an overpopulated tourist trap combined with the passion so many people seem to have about the place. I don't think I saw another destination with the love I find in this (and other) forum and blogs. Everyone that has visited St. John seems to come away with a great opinion.

Collectively we have been to Germany (to visit friends we made in Mexico!) St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Punta Cana, Cancun (several times) and Playa Del Carmen. Most of our trips have been to all inclusive resorts, but we decided after a trip to Arizona last year (where we were engaged) that the freedom of no itinerary and not being strapped to one place was a lot of fun.

So that takes us to now. We have airfare, a Villa and Jeep rented, along with well read copy of Gaffin's "Feet, Fins & Four Wheel Drive" Other than a trip to St. Thomas on Tuesday to pick up the Marriage License we have no set plans. Make that one set plan - several trips to The Tap Room. We're both craft beer fanatics!

With that, I would love to hear from anybody on a multitude of topics! Favorite beach, bar, restaurant (fine dining and lunch or casual), hiking trail, snorkeling spot and especially opinions on what to do on the one day we're going over to St. Thomas. Is it worth making the day of it, or should we just pick up the license and ferry back? Neither of us are really big shoppers and if there are 30-some beaches on St. John, do we need to go to one on St. Thomas? Any "must-see's" there?

One last question; we are staying off of Fish Bay Rd. What is the best route to take to and from Cruz Bay? Centerline to Gift Hill to Fish Bay, or South Shore to Fish Bay? Is one better than the other at night? Thanks in advance to anybody that replies!

Dave

wow...congrats..and what a lucky couple! Our first encounter with st. john was when we were staying on St. Thomas and a friend told us to make sure we made our way to st. john.....and we've never looked back. 7 trips and 2 kids later, we are going back in June!

As for must do's...well, our best day yet....as a couple was renting a dinghy from Little Noah's arks...and grabbing beer, and some sandwiches and going from beach to beach for the day. We ended up skinny dipping at soloman's beach...(I know, I know)...and it was the best end to the most perfect day EVER)....to top it off, you drop off your boat in front of THE BEACH BAR...another must do......well worth the effort....great great day.

So, for us...
*rent a dinghy
*beach bar
*WOODY's...for happy hour, later in the night...whenever
*francis beach
*maho beach
*trunk (so you can say you've been there)
*honeymoon beach...because it's your honeymoon

I will let others chime in on restaurants.....as we have kids and now, we do most dinners at the villa or what have you....but we love skinny legs....for the atmosphere, etc.....

you will have an unbelievable time....and as for STT...I agree...get your marriage license....have lunch and a drink or two...and come back to theeeeee best place on earth.

*oh...our second best day, as a family was to charter a boat by capt. John to the bvi's for the day. You can't miss the soggy dollar bar! (there is no dock, you have to swim to shore!)
Holly

oh...Uncle Joe's bbq....right off the ferry dock...OMG.....to die for!

Take the South Shore Rd. out to Fish Bay. It's alittle shorter AND you will pass Starfish Market and Pine Peace MiniMarket- a little neighborhood grocery store to get some things a little cheaper.

Thanks! Checked out Noah's website - looks great- and- like something we really want to do! No prices on the site though - around how much was it?

As far as a BVI charter goes, we'll have to wait n see. I was reading another post about restrictions due to H1N1, and it was a little confusing but it sounds like all boats have to go through customs at 3 specific locations. I don't know what effect (if any) this will have on the charters. Hopefully this whole scare will die down in the next couple of weeks. If they are right, it seems to have peaked.

Also thanks for answering a question I forgot - Closest markets, places to shop for food.

Any validity to the suggestion to stay away from the "tennis courts" at night? Gaffin says that's a popular hang-out for the islands teens at night and there have been "incidents" with tourists in the past? I think our ride home from Cruz Bay will pass this area, so just wondering. Doesn't matter where you go in the world - there are always places to avoid.....I'm sure there are pickpockets in Vatican City!

Also, I may put this in another post - but we are looking for an amateur photographer (and I use the term very loosely) to take pics of our wedding for us using our digital camera. If anyone that is going to be on the island Wednesday the 27th, and will work for beer, rum or lunch - let me know!

Thanks again!
Dave n Julie

I always suggest to first-timers that you take the first day and drive the island so you can see how different it is from one end to the other. We do this every year on the first day and stop in Coral Bay (usually Island Blues - sit at a plastic table by the water) for lunch before heading back.

We like Pine Peace first and what we can't find there, we go to Starfish for markets. I can tell you that the sunblock at Dolphin market last summer was the same price it is here.

The other thing I suggest to you is to take your time with everything you do and enjoy EVERY minute with no rushing because before you know it, you will be on the ferry headed back and already planning your next trip.

Alot of people like Gladys' for food on STT; I have never eaten there but my family loved it. We have only eaten in Frenchtown. I like Hook Line and Sinker there. Wear sunblock if you sit on the top and take the downtown ferry from Cruz Bay to Charlotte Amalie. The couple getting married on our first trip there didn't when they went to get their marriage license, and they came back fried.

Have a great time and congratulations!

Drumbiker....first I would like to say Go Bucs as we're HUGE Buckeyes fans..Now.
Congratulations on your selection of STJ as your honeymoon destination. It is VERY different from any of the places you've been to. It sounds like you've done the "all-inclusive" thing so this will be a really cool change for you.
The fact you have "no itinerary" is really what STJ is all about. You wake up, get in the car and drive. If a beach looks too full, go somewhere else.
Maho, Francis and Little Lameshur are beautiful. Little Lameshur requires a drive down a bumpy road but the reward is the beach, and snorkeling is great there. The entry to the water is somewhat rocky so make sure you have watershoes.
You can't top Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay for food. The view and breezes are exceptional. Island Blues is great for drinks and the burgers were great.
La Plancha Del Mar in The Marketplace in Cruz Bay is new and has great food. The location isn't the most romantic but the great food makes up for it. ZoZo's has the most romantic setting. Make a reservation for bar seating close to sunset and you'll be amazed.
You must try a Painkiller, even though you're beer people. The Beach Bar makes a great one but so does every bar.
Pack a cooler with some cheese and crackers and wine or champagne and go to a beach before sunset. The views will amaze you. It doesn't get more romantic than that. And chances are, you two will have the entire beach to yourselves.
Congratulations to you and your soon-to-be bride. I wish you nothing but happiness. Have a wonderful honeymoon and we hope to hear from you and see some pictures when you return..Best wishes!
Bev
You can PM me if you have any specific questions but everyone on this forum will be happy to help.

Congratulations! You will love St. John
1) Take a day trip to Jost Van Dyke
2) Drive around the island
3) Happy hour at Woodys and the Beach Bar
4) Explore the beaches to find your favorite - our favorite is Maho but we love them all!

If you have the time, enjoy lunch at Gladys's Cafe in St. Thomas. Great atmosphere, food and drinks. Best conch fritters hands down. In case you are going over early, folks rave about their breakfast too.

Dave, as a homebrewer, (soon to be) brewpub owner, beer fanatic and St. John lover I have a couple of beer opinions for you!

First, seek the West Indian Viagra - Foreign Extra Stout. Guiness, Ceres, Mackeson, ABC, Tiger are just a few. These are the tropical 7.5% versions that are rich, bittersweet and, legend has it, (ahem) the ladies like them in you too. You can buy these at all of the grocery stores. Also, check out the selection at Starfish Gourment, across from Starfish Market.

Crown Bay Marina and Foodland have more interesting beers. Foodland has Schneider Weisse, Aventinus Weizenbock and Eisbock(!!), and more. Crown Bay has a revolving variety. Cost U Less has the cheapest and occasionally cases of Sierra Nevada that are less than 3 months old. Be aware that you are going to get more heat shocked beers here due to many of the beers being shipped in unrefrigerated containers.

Check, Kevin & Meghan at the Tap Room are great. If you can fit them, bring a couple of beers (Cleveland? Edmund Fitzgerald Porter!) in your luggage for them.

Don't forget the pleasure of a Presidente can on the beach. Cruzan is very good rum, Mount Gay is delightful and Goslings Black Seal Rum with Barritt's Ginger Beer (Dark & Stormy) is killer. Try the pour-your-own Dark & Stormy at Larry's Landing.

Good luck!

Cheers, RickG

Hello and welcome...you've picked the right place for great information regarding St John. My husband and I were married on Trunk Bay in June 2003 and will be returning for our third trip in about 46 days...yes, we are doing the serious vacation count down in our house. We were married by Anne Maria as well...and have NO regrets. She is a beautiful soul who has lived on the island for many years...you will love her...Like you, it was our first trip to the island and we've been stung. I think you'll find everyone has their favorite watering holes, restaurants and beaches. The island is fairly easy to get around...watch out for the one way streets in town...LOL...it can get tricky for first timers...if you love the beach you have picked the right place...with lots of amazing choices you will come back and surly have your "favorites"...can't wait to read your take of the island when you return...happy and save travels and congratulations...

Reguarding STT,
You can always get your license then take the tram up to paradise point and have lunch up there- Great views and good photo opt when cruise ships are in.
Congrats on your upcoming marriage.

Drumbiker wrote:Thanks! Checked out Noah's website - looks great- and- like something we really want to do! No prices on the site though - around how much was it?

Christine and I were there last month and the price for 1/2 day for the larger boat with the 25hp motor was $120. You should know that even though the website says:

Each dinghy is equipped with:
»
15 hp Yamaha Engine (30 hp on 14')
»
Life Jackets
»
Telescopic Oars
»
8# Anchor and 50' Anchor Line
»
Waterproof Chart
»
Fish and Coral Identification Charts
»
12-pack Igloo Cooler
»
Emergency Whistle



The only true part of that is the engines and the waterproof chart.... no cooler, no whistle, no oars, no fish and coral charts, and on the bigger boat, no lifejackets or anchor line. You should also be aware that there is no easy way to get back on these little boats once you drop over the side... this is the voice of expeience talking.
If you are in good shape, it probably isn't a problem. But if you are of an "experienced age and weight" as I am... hope a friendly nearby boat will pick you up from their swim ladder as I did and drop you off into your boat.

Also, they only want you to take the boats along the north shore, and Waterlemon key is as far as you should go, then work your way back. There are only 2 beaches you can beach the dingy on, Cinnamon and Trunk.

All this being said, this was my wife's favorite day, when we rented the boat. I enjoyed it too, but was ready to surgically remove my arm after wrestling the tiller on the motor all afternoon. If you can talk another couple into going with you to share the tiller duty and to help each other get back into the boat, I would highly reccomend it. The boats can carry 6 easily.

you will LOVE LOVE LOVE Anne Marie Porter--she is an amazing person.
have a great trip--check out all that you can.