Mere specks in the Caribbean, the US and British Virgin Islands sit within eyesight of each other. The Stars and Stripes flutters over St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas and the Union Jack over Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and the outer islands, but all offer tropical sun, soft sand beaches, and turquoise sea. In both territories motorists drive on the left, a decidedly British practice, while the US dollar serves as legal tender. However, each island has its own ambience, from the bustle in St. Thomas to downright sleepiness in the outer BVIs.
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Several hundred people make the 8.375-mile (13-km) trip up hill and down dale from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay on a Saturday in late February. This race attracts top-notch runners, walkers, and even a couple of people pushing baby carriages. The course record stands at 53:15.
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Mid-Morning
Located at the eastern end, Red Hook makes the perfect starting point for your island tour. Pick your stops so you’ll have time and energy to enjoy the island’s main attraction – the beach. Follow Red Hook Road, perhaps pausing for a stroll around Compass Point, before heading to the busy Tillett Gardens/Tutu area. To watch artisans at work, pull into Tillett Gardens. Or stop at Tutu Park Mall for anything you need.
Shop for take-home gifts at the malls at Haven-sight, or wait until you reach Charlotte Amalie.
Once there, spend a little time poking around the shops housed in old warehouses and the historic sites before breaking for Caribbean-inspired French fare at Hervé Restaurant (seeHervé Restaurant), located a flight of stairs uphill on Government Hill.
Afternoon
Keep along Veterans Drive, making side trips at Frenchtown for the sea-faring ambience and at Crown Bay for the megayachts. Veterans Drive turns into Brewers Bay Road and takes you past the University of the Virgin Islands campus. Continue along the island’s spine till you see the splendid views at Drake’s Seat.
Late Afternoon
End your day with a swim at Magens Bay Beach. The crowds are gone, the beach is quiet unless it’s the weekend, and the residents come out to enjoy the serenity.
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Mid-Morning
Center your stroll on Road Town, leaving busy places such as Wickhams Cay I to the office workers and frenetic shoppers. Start at the Post Office, where philatelists can buy the island’s spectacular stamps. Meander up narrow Main Street, poking in and out of small shops selling essentials as well as knick-knacks. Main Street just about ends at Sunny Caribbee (seeSunny Caribbee Gallery, Tortola), where you can browse for Caribbean spices and jams and enjoy the colorful artwork at its sister gallery.
Cross the Waterfront Highway for a stroll through Crafts Alive, one of the best spots to shop for locally made crafts (seeCrafts Alive Market, Tortola). The artisans are often on hand to discuss their wares.
Stop by the waterfront ferry terminal to watch islanders coming and going. Boats leave for the USVI and outer BVIs throughout the day, so you’ll get an eye-opening view into island life as you watch folks lug groceries, huge boxes, and all manner of things onto the ferries. The air-conditioned waiting room provides a chilly respite if the warm weather has you dripping. Pick up a copy of the tourist publication,The BVI Welcome (seeThe BVI Welcome), for a good read while you rest.
Having no doubt worked up an appetite, amble along Waterfront Drive for cold drinks and delicious Italian fare at Capriccio di Mare (seeCapriccio di Mare), a hot spot for locals on their lunch break.
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Housed in an historic sugar warehouse, this large department store (seeA.H. Riise Department Store) sells jewelry, crystal, and gift items.
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A very casual spot, Abe’s is famous for its Wednesday night pig roast, held only during the winter season. At other times, you’ll have to settle for fresh lobster, conch, fish, chicken, or the tasty barbecue.
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While seafood stars here, the menu sports choices such as tenderloin steak for carnivores (seeAgave Terrace, St. Thomas).
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Seafood done a dozen ways and a lovely ambience are the highlights here (seeAgave Terrace).
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While the locals shop for plants, herbs, and fresh veggies at this November fair, savvy visitors look for well-made crafts seldom seen in shops. Handcrafted dolls and small brooms made of palm fronds make unusual take-home gifts.
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This week-long event in February or early March features a produce and livestock exhibition by farmers at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Additional exhibitions are held across the territory. The finale is a food fair where you can savor island fare.
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This mega event, held every February at the Agriculture Department Grounds, puts a new spin on the country fair. Look for agricultural exhibits as well as games, food, old-time music, and cooking demonstrations. St. Croix’s youthful members of the international group 4-H also put on displays at the Agrifest.
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Restaurant price categories
Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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Holiday Jump Up!The Jump Up! street celebrations in Christiansted take place four times a year in February, April, July and November. Read more
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St Croix Crucian Christmas FestivalThe St Croix Crucian Christmas Festival really makes the most of that special time of year by going on for the whole of December. It culminates with the Three Kings Day Parade in the town of... Read more
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St. John Blues FestivalThe St John Blues Festival takes place every spring at venues throughout the town, including Island Blues and Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay and Mongoose Junction Courtyard and Wharfside Village in... Read more
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International Rolex RegattaEvery spring, St Thomas is the proud host of one of the world's greatest yacht races - the International Rolex Regatta. The rich and famous converge on St Thomas Yacht Club in their state-of-the-art... Read more
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