STJ - Here We Come!!

[TLizaJ]

Well hello forum members!!

In preparation for our first trip to the island, Ive been doing a ton STJ research through your forum. Must say, Ive thoroughly enjoyed! So much useful info and great pix!!!!

3 days until our trip begins, so it was due time to join. We are scheduled to arrive on STJ Thurs afternoon - staying 9 days at the Westin! VERY EXCITED!! but somewhat nervous as we're not entirely sure what to expect.

We are definitely ready to join 'island time', do some major relaxing, and eat some good fresh seafood!!! We are anticipating mosquitos/noseeums and probably some weather...BUT.....I thought Id better throw out a couple general questions:

1.) Is there anything we need to prepare for that we may not be aware of?

2.) Beyond relaxing/beach time, what 1 thing is a 'must do' in your opin?

We GREATLY appreciate your input!!

REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR FIRST VISIT!!! and if any of you will be there, let us know - we're all for meeting up for a cold one.

[PA Girl]

I try not to throw out "must dos" because everyone has a different idea of what makes a good vacation but I suggest spending time in Cruz Bay on foot. Walk around, pop in and out of the shops and bars/restaurants and soak up the feel of the town.

[waterguy]

I always have to drive north shore and then go all the way to the east end.

[mahojim]

I think you have the proper general itinerary down, go with it!
So thrilled for your visit!
Must do's-
-eat a bunch of great food,constantly
-drink a lot of delicious tasty beverages,constantly
-hit as many local eateries,not just the popular big name joints
-say mekka-lekka to Ron & Ruth at STJ Spice
-forget about the trials & tribulations back home
-Woody's for a great painkiller
-Uncle Joe's for jammin' bbq
-JJ's for delicious bloody mary's
-Mongoose Junction & Gecko Gazebo for afternoon limin' & shopping
-Go to Skinny's,Aqua Bistro, and Shipwreck in Coral Bay for severely delicious food,libations,and way mellow atmosphere
-hit those beaches with wild reckless relaxed abandon for us chumps back home!!!
-relax,relax,relax
In general, SO much to do,if you feel like getting around to it. If not, you're gonna' have a great time anyway!
Smiles-
MJ

[stjchica]

I love at least one day out on the water.
A lot of people recommend Palm Tree Charters with Captain John Brandi. There are other options as well..but I just love being out on the water!

[SOonthebeach]

Welcome to the forum! I agree with what everyone said above- make sure to wander Cruz Bay, drive out to Coral Bay and the East End (plan to spend a day to visit the beaches and great places). Also try a hike- start with a short one- maybe around some ruins- Caneel ruins, Annaberg. Most of all, just go with it every day, relax, and enjoy! You will definitely not get it all done in one trip- you will have to plan another one

The Westin is a great place to base it all out of- have a great time!

[TLizaJ]

Awesome stuff guys!!! and thank you for the welcome.

We are pumped.

MJ - sounds like the perfect agenda to me! cant go wrong eatin and drinkin on vaca. thanks for the resuarant/pub suggestion!!! My favorite tip is 'hittin those beaches with wild reckless relaxed abandon'. I cannot wait.

Thanks agian for all the input! only 2 days till go time! keep the suggestions coming!

ps. GO AWAY TS Katia!!!!! We're in desperate need of some sunny skies and good solid beach time!

[burgec]

We typically just have an idea of things we would like to do knowing it's subject to change and we probably won't get to them all. Also need to keep weather in mind. So if you want to rent a kayak, try for a calm day. Snorkeling maho or haulover south works good on days it's windy, etc. We snorkeled maho 3 times on our last trip and it wasn't on our list to do at all.

So I would say the only thing you have to do is hit the beach and relax.