USVI-On-Line

Hi - I posted on the other board too just because I am so excited. Booked our airfare last night so now it seems "real". The villa is already booked for our first trip in July. A few more questions and probably many more to come.

1)Our 13 year old will be turning 14 on STJ any ideas for good dinner or something special to do (besides being on STJ - even though that is enough). He loves to eat and has been doing a lot of that lately - luckily he is very active with sports. We are staying on Bordeaux Mountain area.

2)What are your do not miss beaches for first timers. We definitely want to go to Trunk, Cinnamon, Maho and Francis and would like to get to Vie's too. We will be on STJ for 10 days.

3)I am hoping to do carry on but just not sure once we get snorkel equipment if it will fit. I had thought about renting but with a family of four it would probably come out to be about the same price. Is is really a pain to do one suitcase? Are you waiting a long time? I think as long as we have the rum stand nearby we will be fine. Our flight arrives at 1:00.

4)Where is the best place to shop once we get to STJ. I was thinking of having a provisioning company stock up for us so we do not have to waste time at the grocery store on vacation.


Ok - Enough for now but will have more questions later.

Thanks

2)What are your do not miss beaches for first timers.

Trunk because it is beautiful, Leinster for the great snorkeling, and Maho because it is beautiful and has great snorkeling.

4)Where is the best place to shop once we get to STJ. I was thinking of having a provisioning company stock up for us so we do not have to waste time at the
grocery store on vacation.

To me provisioning companies are not worth the cash. There are many places to go shopping. Starfish in Cruz Bay can be a bit pricey. You're probably best off going to Dolphin Market (Cruz Bay), St. John Market (near the Westin), or Lily's Market (Coral Bay).

3.) How fast your bags will come out depends, at least in part, to how many flights are arriving around the same time.

I can't ever remember the wait time stretching to a point where it was was outrageous. There is a bar right at the baggage belts.

4.) I was thinking of having a provisioning company stock up for us so we do not have to waste time at the grocery store on vacation.

I completely understand this.

We get starter supplies from Katilady each trip. I have yet to find a true custom ordering service on STJ. All the ones I looked at give you a list of what they will supply and I find these lists to be lacking. Further, the fees really add up if you go above the bare basics.

I order snacks and breakfast food for the next day as well as some booze for arrival night and do the shopping the following morning.

Congrats Hawaii on your first trip! I love your name, too. We're big Hawaii fans, but bigger STJ fans. My husband says we "cheat" on STJ with Maui....

For beach I say Trunk (when there are no cruise ships), Cinnamon, Salt Pond, Hawksnest, and Solomon. Solomon is fantastic because of the little bit of downhill hike you get to do to get there (of course it's uphill coming back, but easy) and the palm trees. It is just perfect. Bring your cooler. After Salt Pond is the "must do" stop at Tourist Trap.

I agree with PA Girl to only get a little bit from a provisioning company- it is great to have some supplies there the first night and for the first morning. We love to shop the local grocery stores for the rest. All the ones BRY recommended plus Pine Peace at h bast of Jacob's Ladder heading out to the South Shore.

For a 14 year old boy birthday... hmmm....really anywhere. Skinny's is fun, Beach Bar is fun, Woody's he will love because of the cute college girls that wait tables there Lime Inn is great. So many fun casual places as far as eating. For something special I say snorkeling at Leinster or Salt Pond (we hung out with a barracuda there last summer- that was unforgettable) or a boat trip for the day- out with Captain Brandi of Palm Tree Charters. That would be a perfect day!

Don't worry about baggage claim- my husband is the most impatient man on the planet and we have never waited long enough for him to get worked up- especially with the bar nearby.

Have a fantastic trip- will be the first of many I am sure!

Thanks everyone!

SOonthebeach - It is funny you mentioned my Hawaii name. It really has nothing to do with anything. When I started researching for a place to stay my son was looking and said how about Hawaii - I told him no because the plane ride was to long - I do not like to fly - and that is how we came up with Hawaii.

Yes - I am sure he would love Woody's that will have to be an option. He is very into that phase now too! Thanks again for the information.