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Virgin Islands : Overview & Top 10

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Virgin Islands

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.

  • With mangroves and salt ponds along the way, the half-mile (1-km) long Francis Bay Trail is a bird-watcher’s favorite.

  • St. Croix’s second town, Frederiksted (seeHistoric Frederiksted) is more like a sleepy village that seems to come alive only when a rare cruise ship pulls up to the pier. That makes its waterfront Strand Street and the few other streets ideal for strolling. The huge Fort Frederik is a good place to start. It has a few exhibits and the usual guns, but it is also home to the quirky Virgin Islands Police Museum. The park out front is a good spot for a break.

  • Fred’s brings out black and white residents, and visitors of all ethnic origins, no matter what their age, to dance away the night to reggae and other sounds. The place doesn’t look like much, but it can get hopping on Wednesday and Friday nights.

  • Fronting the water at Frenchman’s Cay and within walking distance of Soper’s Hole Marina and West End, this hotel has nine condominiums, mostly in neutral tones. Spend your days at the small pool, the man-made beach, or snorkeling and kayaking the waters of Drake’s Passage.

  • Located on the peninsula to the west of Charlotte Amalie, Frenchtown was settled several centuries ago by a tiny community of people from the French island of St. Barthélemy. Most Frenchtown residents earn their living from the sea. They sell their fish along the harbor front or to any of the many eateries that make Frenchtown so popular. Some of the island’s best restaurants are found in this small, relatively quiet neighborhood, so it’s worth your while to stroll the narrow lanes looking for an appealing dinner or lunch spot. If you’re in Frenchtown around July 14, attend the Bastille Day celebrations – these are held every year at the ballfield.

  • Beach wear, evening wear and children’s clothes, all in bright tropical colors, fill the racks at this store.

  • An island tradition at local restaurants and bars, full moon parties run the gamut from full-scale blowouts with earsplitting music and huge crowds to more sedate affairs with jazz and special menus.

  • This gallery displays works by many island artists, including Lucinda Schutt’s island scenes and Avelino Samuel’s turned wood pieces. Most works focus on the Caribbean, but some surprises await those who visit this spacious gallery housed in a historic building.

  • Overlooking Cruz Bay harbor, this 60-unit complex is a few minutes walk from Cruz Bay’s conveniences. The one-bedroom suites have a fresh tropical flair and magnificent sea views. Its Zozo’s Ristorante (seeZozo’s Ristorante) draws crowds.

  • This cozy B&B provides casual accommodation located an easy walk from Cruz Bay’s shops. A pocket beach at nearby Frank Bay beckons. The small rooms come with nice touches such as mosquito nets.

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