USVI-On-Line

I wanted to give some highlights of the shopping we did on STJ because I may not get to my trip report for a little while. I am not much of a shopper (I know - its odd for a female) and would prefer to be on the beach or snorkeling, but I really liked several places worth mentioning.

St John Spice - many people mention this store and Ruth is such a great part of the forum. It was so nice to meet Ruth and the pleasant lady who works there. In addition to the great spice mixtures, she has purses and tote bags that are incredibly cute at very reasonable prices. (I am a "bag lady"" at heart.) I *really* needed a straw purse with a palm tree on it and a beaded handle - she happened to have the perfect one. We used the recipe that came with the Cruz Bay rub mixture (has olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice) on pork and it was excellent. We also bought Jerome's hot sauce - hubby likes it, but its really hot. Last year we bought Ana's hot sauce there which is excellent. They have nice fragrances and some clothes too. This store is well worth a visit if you haven't been there.

Freebird - this store is in Wharfside Village. My husband bought me Laramar jewelery for my birthday (necklace last year and earrings this year). If you like laramar (mined in Dominican Republic and called the Caribbean gemstone), they have some beautiful pieces. Laramar looks like the Caribbean Sea in the sunlight - check it out - really unique looking. This store has some pieces set in gold which I was looking for. Husband bought some pieces of Laramar rock for his rock collection. Last year, the owner (Randy) showed us pictures of his visit to the laramar mine and pulled out a big box of the stones from the mine. Randy was very nice to deal with. I also bought a gold starfish to wear as a necklace to remind me of snorkeling.

Tutu Much - this is up on Bordeaux mountain, on the main road going to Coral Bay. A coworker of my husband is related to the owners of this store - Aunt Tutu and Uncle Kiko. They are such nice people. They have primarily silver jewelery and a lot of laramar. Very unique designs. Worth stopping on your way to/from Coral Bay.

Skinny's complex - bought a very nice sun dress (yes, with palm trees) at one of the shops. They have very cute clothes and pretty sarongs in the shops. Bought a little ST John T-shirt for my new niece/nephew who will be arriving in July - it says "Sticky but Sweet".

Unfortunately we did not make it to Mongoose Junction when it was open. Last year I really enjoyed some of the stores there and its so pretty just to walk around.

We love Freebird too. It has been my go to spot for years now. My daughters have a bunch of their delightful island them bracelets.

Cheers, RickG

KK and her friend went to Freebird every day! They kept going back for souvenirs since they had inexpensive bracelets and rings. I bought my hook ring there, too.

We wished that the shops in mongoose stayed open later. There were some that we missed.

My favorite stores are St john Spice, into the blue, and Freebirds. We also love R I Patton at Mongoose. They are really nice folks. We have to go by and visit them each time.

Thanks for posting on this topic---its one that tends to get overlooked. There are definitely some interesting and creative shops, galleries and artisans on St. John.

I also like Freebird and of course, STJOhn Spice!!! I really like Big Planet for T-Shirts.

Shopping, my favorite topic:

Cloths: I'm a big Roxy and Reef fan so Big Planet for that stuff.

Sunglasses: I LOVE Oakleys so I always check out the sunglasses at the Beach Shop (can't remember the name - first floor, corner, next to the embroidery place)

Jewels: I usually get the "good" jewels over in STT because of the price. I love Palm Jewelers for the custom made Hook Bracelets. Enven had one made this year for my 4 year old! Into the Blue has some great stuff as well.

XOXO
Bug

Palm. that's where I got my hook! Was trying to think of that the other day. thanks!

I like Dreams and Dragonflies in Cruz Bay for their funky jewelry, and Patton's in Mongoose Junction for the "upscale" jewelry. I've found some really nice opals there before. We did stop at St. John Spice this past time and I'm liking their Island Creole Seasoning-had some on shrimp just the other night. Mmmm Mmmm!

I love Schnell Studio........was in Mongoose and I think they moved up near Texaco......I also love Caravan Gallery.........
I do alot of shopping also at Everyting now at Gallows.......
Jolly Dog in Coral Bay and Christy Doves places at Cocolobo with the Big Fish.....and her others.....