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Quality pottery with island motifs.

Used as transportation until cars became commonplace in the 1950s, the ubiquitous donkeys now roam island byways. The largest population lives in St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park and its environs. Their braying can keep you awake at night. Don’t get up close and personal with them; they can deliver a mean kick.

Rum cakes, jams, spices, and seasoning from this store make inexpensive gifts. You can also get canvas bags and more, with tropical motifs.

Legend has it that the 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept tabs on his troops from this spot (seeDrake’s Seat, St. Thomas). Today, it’s often busy with taxi drivers stopping to let passengers enjoy the stupendous view of Magens Bay, St. John, and the entire BVI chain to the east. A small parking lot sits on the north side of the narrow road, with the seat – not the original – just across the road. There can be a lot of traffic, so be careful crossing the street.

Stellar panoramic views of Magens Bay and the BVI highlight this overlook. According to legend, the 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch on his fleet from this spot. A seat on the inland side of the overlook commemorates this event (seeDrake’s Seat).

The island’s younger folks gather in droves at this popular nightspot, where the music is very loud, the drinks come with names such as Jaws, and the decor is straight out of the jungle. The late night Little Bites menu offers delicious munchies such as a lava bowl of guacamole.

Sitting in the parking lot of a shopping center, this hot spot shakes, rattles, and rolls till the wee hours. Drinks sport whimsical names such as Revenge of Godzilla. Like its sister spot in St. John, St. Thomas’ Duffy’s too has an interesting Little Bites menu.

Good prices, thanks to a duty-free deal from the US government, and the variety of merchandise make this a shopping mecca (seeDuty-Free Shopping in St. Thomas).

While the region witnesses frequent minor earthquakes, none were as disastrous as the one that hit in November 18, 1867. A huge tsunami emptied the harbor in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, leaving fish lying on the ocean floor. It then surged back, killing many people who had gone out to collect the fish.

Delicious fresh swordfish and spicy curries served on the waterfront.