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What's new on STJ?
What's new on STJ?
OK, it's official-- we're under 100 days! It's been quite an interesting experience getting all of the details worked out w/ 2 islands over the busy holiday weeks... but we did it!
It's been 4 years since our last trip to STJ, and from what I've been reading, there's quite a few new things. So, for you veterans, can you give me the scoop on what's new in the last 4 years? We're staying in Coral Bay again. Aqua Bistro had just recently opened the last time we were there, and Island Blues was there, but I'm not familiar w/ Lilly's. There was a big new (blue?) building under construction at that time in Coral Bay, but nothing in it. What's in it now? Other new restaurants or markets on island? Places under new management that we shouldn't miss? I'll appreciate your learned advice!
It's been 4 years since our last trip to STJ, and from what I've been reading, there's quite a few new things. So, for you veterans, can you give me the scoop on what's new in the last 4 years? We're staying in Coral Bay again. Aqua Bistro had just recently opened the last time we were there, and Island Blues was there, but I'm not familiar w/ Lilly's. There was a big new (blue?) building under construction at that time in Coral Bay, but nothing in it. What's in it now? Other new restaurants or markets on island? Places under new management that we shouldn't miss? I'll appreciate your learned advice!
Lilly's is a grocery/convenience store and I was amazed (sort of like Pine Peace) at how much stuff they had cramed in there. SO much so that we only hit Starfish once, and even then it was not out of necessity.
Big Belly Deli is "new" (same complex as Aqua bistro)in the last 4 years.
Sweet Plantains is just down the road about 100 feet. Also "new" I think.
Deli Grotto's been around about 3 years or so.
Ocean Grill is new - in Mongoose Junction.
Tage has come and gone and now is Hurds (or Hurts or Hudsons or something like that)
Waterfront Bistro in Wharfside is new.
Starfish Gourmet is definitely new.
What else people ... help a girl out!
Big Belly Deli is "new" (same complex as Aqua bistro)in the last 4 years.
Sweet Plantains is just down the road about 100 feet. Also "new" I think.
Deli Grotto's been around about 3 years or so.
Ocean Grill is new - in Mongoose Junction.
Tage has come and gone and now is Hurds (or Hurts or Hudsons or something like that)
Waterfront Bistro in Wharfside is new.
Starfish Gourmet is definitely new.
What else people ... help a girl out!
Everyting has moved from across from the Beach Bar to up at Gallows Point
Pastory Gardens restaurant is now Compass Rose (rumor I heard is it's a old cook or crew from Skinny's)
Jakes is a new restaurant where Chilly Billy's was
Skinny's has menus and a cash register station (sad that it's progressed - I like it the old way)
Senorita Pizza is a new restaurant - name unknown but same location
Larry's Landing moved across the street and is no longer in Wharfside Village
Cafe Roma was recently sold and is under new management
Stone Terrace has closed
Pastory Gardens restaurant is now Compass Rose (rumor I heard is it's a old cook or crew from Skinny's)
Jakes is a new restaurant where Chilly Billy's was
Skinny's has menus and a cash register station (sad that it's progressed - I like it the old way)
Senorita Pizza is a new restaurant - name unknown but same location
Larry's Landing moved across the street and is no longer in Wharfside Village
Cafe Roma was recently sold and is under new management
Stone Terrace has closed
NancyB
The Tap Room is also new since you were there last, in Mongoose Junction. Run by the guys who brought you Virgin Islands Pale Ale (now called Tropical Mango Pale Ale).
I think St. John Spice is in a different location than it was 4 years ago, but it's still a great store! And now St. John Kids is next door.
And it looks like as of a couple of days ago, there are new "coming in" and "going out" lines at the ferry dock:
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2008/09/12/fence-making-sense/
I think St. John Spice is in a different location than it was 4 years ago, but it's still a great store! And now St. John Kids is next door.
And it looks like as of a couple of days ago, there are new "coming in" and "going out" lines at the ferry dock:
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2008/09/12/fence-making-sense/
Is there still mini-golf??Nancy_B wrote:Pastory Gardens restaurant is now Compass Rose (rumor I heard is it's a old cook or crew from Skinny's)
When we first visited St John two summers ago we took our teenage daughter there one night to play mini-golf and I was hoping we would be able to do that again during our December vist this year.
Flip Flop reported that the mini-golf course was not looking good. When it first opened it was gorgeous and a lot of fun. But I think at this point it has seen better days.
As for the original question.. what's new on STJ...
The most noticable and shocking change is all of the new construction that dots STJ's hillsides around Cruz Bay and the amount of new homes in Coral Bay. THe Cruz bay construction really has changed the landscape but alas that's what happens.
The gates at the ferry dock are also new-- Thanks to Homeland Security for these lovely additions!
Of course there's a new roundabout under construction where the Texaco used to be.
Duffy's Love Shack is gone on STJ and Skinny Legs has a relatively real roof and even menus (I personally am not happy about these changes) The tarp and the surfboard menu worked fine for me thankyouverymuch.
There are more restaurant choices on the Coral Bay side and I think that parking and driving in and around Cruz bay is as bad as it has ever been so gird your loins and rent form an on island rental co that allows you to park in their lot or just pop over to Slimmans and pay to park.
All that being said, the best stuff about STJ hasn't changed at all: the people and the natural beauty of the beaches, the donkeys, the goats, the underwater flora and fauna are all still wonderful.
Enjoy your trip!
As for the original question.. what's new on STJ...
The most noticable and shocking change is all of the new construction that dots STJ's hillsides around Cruz Bay and the amount of new homes in Coral Bay. THe Cruz bay construction really has changed the landscape but alas that's what happens.
The gates at the ferry dock are also new-- Thanks to Homeland Security for these lovely additions!
Of course there's a new roundabout under construction where the Texaco used to be.
Duffy's Love Shack is gone on STJ and Skinny Legs has a relatively real roof and even menus (I personally am not happy about these changes) The tarp and the surfboard menu worked fine for me thankyouverymuch.
There are more restaurant choices on the Coral Bay side and I think that parking and driving in and around Cruz bay is as bad as it has ever been so gird your loins and rent form an on island rental co that allows you to park in their lot or just pop over to Slimmans and pay to park.
All that being said, the best stuff about STJ hasn't changed at all: the people and the natural beauty of the beaches, the donkeys, the goats, the underwater flora and fauna are all still wonderful.
Enjoy your trip!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Thanks to all of you for the "what's new" news. I know that nothing stays the same, but I'm glad to hear that the "spirit" of STJ is still intact. With 93 days to go, I find myself already a bit distracted, day-dreamy, and checking this forum several times a day. I've got it bad. OMG... 93 days!....can I lose a pound a day?
