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Light and Dark are staple Cruzan rums but this St. Croix-based company (seeCruzan Rum Distillery) also makes higher quality rums.

A stop at the Cruzan Rum Distillery gives you a glimpse into the island’s rum-based history as well as the present. The distillery, now owned by a liquor conglomerate and using modern methods, still has enough old buildings to make it a worthwhile visit. Your tour through the rum-making process ends with a free rum tasting; you can also shop for rum (seeCruzan), rum cakes, and t-shirts at its store.

Once the home of a well-known St. Thomas family, this hotel situated on Charlotte Amalie’s Crystal Gade is filled with family heirlooms. Rooms are different sizes; only a few have private baths. A stay here puts you close to shopping, restaurants, and historic district sights.

Danica David showcases her own acrylic and mixed media contemporary folk paintings alongside other Caribbean art. Also for sale are silk-screened sarongs by local artist Yemaya and carvings and pottery by Anguillan sculptor Courtney Devonish.

Sitting in the hills above Charlotte Amalie, the Danish Chalet has modest accommodations in a friendly atmosphere. Guests tend to be convivial, gathering on the veranda for breakfast. You can use the pool at the hotel across the street.

A day sail is the perfect way to introduce children to sailing. Kids get to hoist sails and assist the captain at the wheel. Once at Buck Island, the crew will help them explore the reef with a snorkel, mask, and fins (seeDay Sails to Buck Island Reef National Monument).

Crewed boats leave from Road Town, Nanny Cay, and Soper’s Hole for an offshore cay, Jost Van Dyke, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, or Anegada.

Go sailing for a day of sun and snorkeling aboard one of the many charter boats that head to St. John or an offshore cay.

Book a day sail to an offshore cay at your hotel or through Connections or Adventures in Paradise in Cruz Bay.

Charter boats leave from Green Cay Marina and the Christiansted waterfront for day trips to this marine park. Includes snorkeling and a few hours anchored off a fine white sand beach.