USVI-On-Line

Okay, I've been lurking here for sometime, and I have to say that you people calm me. I have a tendency to obsess over travel planning MONTHS before we actually board a plane. Everytime I come here, I pick up an "island vibe" that helps me to realize that St John will be a laid back vacation and I need to start relaxing now!

My husband, 15 yr old daughter and I are heading to STJ the first week of July. I've booked Miles Away Villa, airfare (at $500 each from Cincinnati--YIKES!) and a rental car.

My questions. . .for today. . .are (1)what should we expect Carnival to be like on STJ? and (2)will we be the only people on island who DON'T drink alcohol?

Carnival is as crazy or as mellow as you want. Carnival village is a great place to eat local food and the parade is great, but long and slow and never on time
I think that there is usually a web site with all the Carnival events, maybe someone else will know it.

There are plenty of people that don't drink (just not on this forum )(Just kidding)

You will have a great time!

Shari,

While I'm not going to be much help with your question, I was pretty sure I knew you. I know a Shari (same spelling) in Cincy that has a 15 year old daughter and can plan the details out of anything. The non-drinker status does seemingly rule you out.

Welcome to the forum!! While I've been useless, there will, no doubt, be information you can use from others.

RD

Welcome Shari! I'm glad that you came out of lurking. I'm sure that you won't be the only non-drinker ... good advice from CG about the smoothie truck! You will love St. John!!!
We are going to have to have a forum get together in this area! There are more and more of us from Kentucky and Cincy all the time!
Welcome to the forum.

I just have to chime in and recommend you check out the smoothie stand! I've only had the virgin style smoothies and they are great. My favorite flavor is the mango coconut.

Don't worry about the no-alcohol thing. Lots of people don't drink. Noone is going to be looking at you funny or anything!

We did some of the carnival stuff a few years ago and thought it was fun. We especially enjoyed watching the steel pan bands. There's also a festival village that goes up for a week or so that can be fun to head over to in the evening. There's local food and live bands, etc. The times we stopped by it was on the early side--maybe 8 PM? I don't know if it gets crazy as the night goes on.

Another recommendation here for the smoothie hut/shack/truck

The smoothies can vary depending on who makes it, so if you happen to get one that isn’t the best smoothie you’ve ever had, try again. The mango smoothie is my absolute favorite, and I actually think it tastes a lot better without the shot of rum

Hi Shari, fellow over planner here! I think a lot of us enjoy the planning process, however, its nothing to stress over. Whatever you wind up doing on STJ, it will be a wonderful vacation. We are also going with a 15 year old this summer (June 20). Being a non drinker will have no ill effects on your trip. My son loves the virgin smoothies! We found most bars and restuarants are happy to make a virgin version for anyone who wants that. Have a great time!

Hi Shari and welcome .. don't know why but haven't read your thread before now.
Enjoy STJ any way works for your family. I hope you enjoy it!

Whoday my fellow Ohioian. You will have a great time without drinking. Can't say I've ever done it but you'll have a great time and that leaves more for the rest of us.

Hi,

I'm glad this group of over-planning maniacs have been able to calm you

Despite the planning, we've all learned how to relax once we hit St. John.

No worries on the no drinking, you won't be alone. And don't hesitate to visit the Beach Bar anyway; they pour a mean Diet Coke. The forumites usually meet up at the Beach Bar on Sunday afternoons.

Have a wonderful time!!

Welcome! And can I just say that I am practically salivating over the thought of the coconut smoothie waiting for me at the smoothie truck. Definitely try one!

Hi Shari!

I too have the over plan gene. When I am going someplace that I have never been it gives me piece of mind to research the place to death first. It's also a lot of fun, BUT, it is also a lot of work. One of the things we love so much about coming to St. John over and over is that now that we know the lay of the land there is very little planning necessary. The hardest part is finding a flight that won't bankrupt the kids' college funds. Beyond having a place to stay and a jeep which you have already set up the only thing you might think about booking ahead is possibly a day sail to the Indians, Jost, the Baths,etc.

You won't need heels, jewelry or dress clothes. I usually take one summer "lbd" (little black dress) or the equivalent and some cute sandals. For the boys at least one collared shirt and a nice pair of summer slacks or shorts for nicer dinners out....the rest play clothes and bathing suits. (If you like hikes bring shoes or sturdy hiking sandals for that). Most villas have washers and dryers (check yours to be sure)so don't over pack. We bring our own snorkel gear and sunscreens and camera stuff. I'm getting jazzed now...we leave in 10 days. I hope you come to love the island as much as we do. It fits us just right.

I had another thought. One thing we've never done but I think is a great idea if it's not too costly is to call one of the places that will provision your place with some food so there is something in the fridge when you arrive so that you don't have to run to the grocery store immediately. It would be nice to be able to relax with a snack and a beverage after a long travel day and maybe even have something there for breakfast the next morning.

There are links to some places that provide this service at the top of the page under St. John. Handy!