usvi-on-line
Trip is coming up (11/29 - 12/5) - A few questions...
Trip is coming up (11/29 - 12/5) - A few questions...
Hello all,
My husband and I will be on St. John for our 7th trip and our will be taking "the parents" for the second time. Last time we took them was November 2003. They don't get to do things like this often, so we want them to absolutely have the best time ever. Last time Matt and I were there was December 2005, and I know a few things have changed since then. A few questions for my final planning:
1) We have never managed to be on St. John for the full moon party at Miss Lucy's. I see that the full moon is Dec. 5 (the day we leave), but one source I looked at showed Miss Lucy's party to be on Dec. 4. Does anyone know? I would love to take them to that if it is actually on the 4th.
2) Daysail: We want to take them on a daysail. We prefer Cpt. Clark of White Wing, but I haven't been able to reach him so far. If I can't, anyone have suggestions for other captains/boats you have really enjoyed? Any suggestions for a great day sail itinerary? We've done the Baths, Indians/Caves/Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Spit, and some areas around St. John.
3) I tried doing a search to check out some of the new restaurants, but apparently, I am not smart enough and just didn't have much luck (didn't work quite like the "old forum" search feature). Anyone have specifics on Ocean Grill, Lizard Landing, Happy Fish, or the one that has replaced Rumbalaya (High Tide?)?
4) This is the first time we have decided to pack no food. Am more concerned about having stuff I want than price. Where should I pick up my groceries? This will be for breakfast foods, baked goods, sandwich supplies, good snacks, soft drinks, rum, fruit, and juice. We usually go to Starfish, but it's always just been for essentials. I keep reading about Pine Peace Market, but have never been there. It also appears Simple Feast is closed?
4) Anything else that's changed since last Dec. that I may want to know about?
Thanks!
My husband and I will be on St. John for our 7th trip and our will be taking "the parents" for the second time. Last time we took them was November 2003. They don't get to do things like this often, so we want them to absolutely have the best time ever. Last time Matt and I were there was December 2005, and I know a few things have changed since then. A few questions for my final planning:
1) We have never managed to be on St. John for the full moon party at Miss Lucy's. I see that the full moon is Dec. 5 (the day we leave), but one source I looked at showed Miss Lucy's party to be on Dec. 4. Does anyone know? I would love to take them to that if it is actually on the 4th.
2) Daysail: We want to take them on a daysail. We prefer Cpt. Clark of White Wing, but I haven't been able to reach him so far. If I can't, anyone have suggestions for other captains/boats you have really enjoyed? Any suggestions for a great day sail itinerary? We've done the Baths, Indians/Caves/Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Spit, and some areas around St. John.
3) I tried doing a search to check out some of the new restaurants, but apparently, I am not smart enough and just didn't have much luck (didn't work quite like the "old forum" search feature). Anyone have specifics on Ocean Grill, Lizard Landing, Happy Fish, or the one that has replaced Rumbalaya (High Tide?)?
4) This is the first time we have decided to pack no food. Am more concerned about having stuff I want than price. Where should I pick up my groceries? This will be for breakfast foods, baked goods, sandwich supplies, good snacks, soft drinks, rum, fruit, and juice. We usually go to Starfish, but it's always just been for essentials. I keep reading about Pine Peace Market, but have never been there. It also appears Simple Feast is closed?
4) Anything else that's changed since last Dec. that I may want to know about?
Thanks!
-
sailorgirl
- Posts: 1644
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm
I can only offer helpon one front. Check out captgregfreitas@msn.com. He sails out of Caneel Bay. it's a 60 foot sailboat. We were given a sunset cruise for a wedding present. The boat is outstanding.
If you are looking for something more adventourous and a little off the beaten track, there is a guy who sails a trimaran (home built). When we sailed with him he had a mooring in the harbor off the Westin. Although he's not affiliated with the Westin. If you like to go fast. He's the one. It was the fastest sailboat Ive ever been on, very stable, never felt out of control. Not fancy , but fun. He does a day sail, and says he provides snacks, plenty to drink but the food portion was a little light. Id's pack my own lunch.
Have a great trip
If you are looking for something more adventourous and a little off the beaten track, there is a guy who sails a trimaran (home built). When we sailed with him he had a mooring in the harbor off the Westin. Although he's not affiliated with the Westin. If you like to go fast. He's the one. It was the fastest sailboat Ive ever been on, very stable, never felt out of control. Not fancy , but fun. He does a day sail, and says he provides snacks, plenty to drink but the food portion was a little light. Id's pack my own lunch.
Have a great trip
-
Bill in Va
- Posts: 442
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:56 pm
- Location: Lake Gaston, Va
Info
Hi Vicki. We will be on island with you. That would be 3 sets of grand parents and the mom and dad of THE grand son. Day sail questions first. Do you want to stop and snorkel? If you go to the BVI's you have to have passports. Some of the day sail folks on St John have chosen to stay out of the BVI's do to the extra time to clear customs on both ends. This time of year has day light in short supply.If you have boating expierence then you could do a power boat rental and see a lot more..or could hire a captain and let him or her do all the work for you.
On the eateries we are in your same deal. Gonna try the new Ocean Grill and take in the Caneel Monday night killer buffet. Our favorite is Pastory Gardens for the view/food/convience and being kid friendly. Hope to meet you guys. We usually hit the Beach Bar around happy hour. I'll be in a yellow St John Dive hat! I would like to be at Miss Lucy's for the full moon deal as well. We hit the beach on Nov 25th and do the walk of woe on Dec 9th. We are planning a tribute to Howie on Nov 28th at noon time at Skinny Legs if you would like to join us. Wishing you a safe journey. I AM SO READY TO GET BACK!!!..God bless...Bill
On the eateries we are in your same deal. Gonna try the new Ocean Grill and take in the Caneel Monday night killer buffet. Our favorite is Pastory Gardens for the view/food/convience and being kid friendly. Hope to meet you guys. We usually hit the Beach Bar around happy hour. I'll be in a yellow St John Dive hat! I would like to be at Miss Lucy's for the full moon deal as well. We hit the beach on Nov 25th and do the walk of woe on Dec 9th. We are planning a tribute to Howie on Nov 28th at noon time at Skinny Legs if you would like to join us. Wishing you a safe journey. I AM SO READY TO GET BACK!!!..God bless...Bill
I can answer a few of your restaurant questions.
Ocean Grill - I've been there for lunch twice now. Excellent food, excellent presentation, excellent service. Decent pricing, too. Love the location and atmosphere.
High Tide - Ate lunch there once. Not very memorable.
Happy Fish - I can talk all day about how much I love this place. I've eaten sushi at many different restaurants in the states, and Happy Fish has, by far, the BEST sushi I have ever had. Great prices and a large selection of rolls, appetizers, entrees. They even have entrees for non-sushi lovers. I really can't say enough good about this place.
Lizard's Landing - Ate lunch there a few times, also not very memorable. I know someone who got scromboid poisoning from eating tuna there. Of course, that doesn't mean that everyone who eats there will get it, but it did happen the one time that I know of. This restaurant is also in the police blotter almost weekly, but that is usually b/c of late night fights that happen there.
Hope this helps!
Ocean Grill - I've been there for lunch twice now. Excellent food, excellent presentation, excellent service. Decent pricing, too. Love the location and atmosphere.
High Tide - Ate lunch there once. Not very memorable.
Happy Fish - I can talk all day about how much I love this place. I've eaten sushi at many different restaurants in the states, and Happy Fish has, by far, the BEST sushi I have ever had. Great prices and a large selection of rolls, appetizers, entrees. They even have entrees for non-sushi lovers. I really can't say enough good about this place.
Lizard's Landing - Ate lunch there a few times, also not very memorable. I know someone who got scromboid poisoning from eating tuna there. Of course, that doesn't mean that everyone who eats there will get it, but it did happen the one time that I know of. This restaurant is also in the police blotter almost weekly, but that is usually b/c of late night fights that happen there.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so far!
Thanks to everyone so far. Also, I have to apologize for my numbered list. Apparently, I have either been hitting the rum too early or I can only count to 4.
Sailorgirl - I found a web site for Greg Freitas boat. It looks amazing. Thanks for the tip.
For Bill in VA, a snorkel stop or two is a must for the day sail (for me and my husband). We love going to the BVIs but were wondering what else we might want to see over there that we haven't already - any ideas? Good point about shorter days - might want to hang around closer. We definitely want to sail (not power boat), the sailing part is what our parents seem to enjoy most. Matt and I rented a powerboat on one trip and took ourselves to BVIs - the experience was great for us but I think it would be a "white knuckler" for the parents! Ha! I guess in summary, we want the daysail to be a nice, relaxing, day of sailing for our parents with some good snorkeling or other sightseeing spots thrown in for me and Matt. Have fun at the Caneel Buffet - we keep going back and forth on that one. Matt and I love it but we aren't sure the parents will. We haven't decided! We may see you at Pastory - it's become one of our favorites. And, if we get lucky enough that Miss Lucy's party is indeed on the 4th, maybe we'll see you there! I'll be looking for the yellow hat at the Beach Bar.
Sitter - I hate that you'll be coming as we are leaving, but maybe we'll pass on the ferry dock!
Andrea266 - thanks so much for the restaurant tips. Sounds like Happy Fish and Ocean Grill are worth a visit and the others....maybe not so much!
Sailorgirl - I found a web site for Greg Freitas boat. It looks amazing. Thanks for the tip.
For Bill in VA, a snorkel stop or two is a must for the day sail (for me and my husband). We love going to the BVIs but were wondering what else we might want to see over there that we haven't already - any ideas? Good point about shorter days - might want to hang around closer. We definitely want to sail (not power boat), the sailing part is what our parents seem to enjoy most. Matt and I rented a powerboat on one trip and took ourselves to BVIs - the experience was great for us but I think it would be a "white knuckler" for the parents! Ha! I guess in summary, we want the daysail to be a nice, relaxing, day of sailing for our parents with some good snorkeling or other sightseeing spots thrown in for me and Matt. Have fun at the Caneel Buffet - we keep going back and forth on that one. Matt and I love it but we aren't sure the parents will. We haven't decided! We may see you at Pastory - it's become one of our favorites. And, if we get lucky enough that Miss Lucy's party is indeed on the 4th, maybe we'll see you there! I'll be looking for the yellow hat at the Beach Bar.
Sitter - I hate that you'll be coming as we are leaving, but maybe we'll pass on the ferry dock!
Andrea266 - thanks so much for the restaurant tips. Sounds like Happy Fish and Ocean Grill are worth a visit and the others....maybe not so much!
The other sailboat that sailorgirl was talking about is a trimaran in great cruz bay. His name is Rusty. We had a great time with him. We have figured that you either have great sailing and less amenities or more amenities and less sailing. Rusty was great and we had two or three snorkel stops. We did an afternoon sail. He claims to have snacks and beverages - what we found was a cooler of beer, a bag of chips and a box of crackers. The food part cracked me up - but we had a great sail and truly enjoyed the afternoon and his tales.
-
Jan&MikeVa
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:32 pm
- Location: The Chesapeake Bay
Vicki,
Did you ever find a good charter for you and your folks? Have you ever tried Capt. Phil with The Wayward Sailor? We did that 2 years ago in December. Went snorkeling, to Foxy's, toured Jost, then a beautfiul sail back. Pick up at Unlce Joes and back to the villa just before dark. GREAT DAY!
Sorry I missed your post earlier, email me if you're interested and have any questions.
Jan (akaCharlie)
Toes in the Sand: 8 days
Did you ever find a good charter for you and your folks? Have you ever tried Capt. Phil with The Wayward Sailor? We did that 2 years ago in December. Went snorkeling, to Foxy's, toured Jost, then a beautfiul sail back. Pick up at Unlce Joes and back to the villa just before dark. GREAT DAY!
Sorry I missed your post earlier, email me if you're interested and have any questions.
Jan (akaCharlie)
Toes in the Sand: 8 days
Thanks Jan!
Thanks Jan - I have always read good things about Cpt. Phil and Wayward Sailor. However, I finally got a response from Cpt. Clark. Yay! He is currently sailing back from Trinidad (what a life!) and will be back on St. John next week. So, we'll probably stick with him. We had such a good day with him last time.
12 days to go....looks like we might be there at the same time! Are you as excited as I am?
12 days to go....looks like we might be there at the same time! Are you as excited as I am?
Hi,
If things don't work out with Capt. Clark, I would second the suggestion for Captain Phil - we went out with him for the second time last week (like you - we found someone we liked and stuck with him). On a full day, he does 2 snorkel stops (chosen that day depending on weather, wind and experience of passengers); lunch is included as well as soda, water, beer. A really great day.
We had dinner at Ocean Grill on Wednesday - excellent everything You'd hardly guess they had only been open a short time.
enjoy,
janet
If things don't work out with Capt. Clark, I would second the suggestion for Captain Phil - we went out with him for the second time last week (like you - we found someone we liked and stuck with him). On a full day, he does 2 snorkel stops (chosen that day depending on weather, wind and experience of passengers); lunch is included as well as soda, water, beer. A really great day.
We had dinner at Ocean Grill on Wednesday - excellent everything
You'd hardly guess they had only been open a short time.enjoy,
janet
janet