DK Travel : 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.

Awl Made Here, St. John

Handcrafted leather goods are the highlights.
Bahn har

Born here. Virgin Islanders, particularly thosebahn har , put great stock in where they were born.
Bajo El Sol, St. John

Works by local artists like Aimee Trayser and Avelino Samuel are exhibited at this cozy gallery. Trayser’s paintings take on an impressionistic flair, while Samuel turns native woods into bowls and fanciful pieces. Shop also for ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry.
Bamboula

Trendy tropical clothes, housewares with style, and plenty of knick-knacks crowd the shelves of this spacious store.
Bamboushay, Tortola

Exquisite pottery inspired by the sea.
Bananaquits

So small they would fit in your hand, these tiny yellow birds dart in for a quick taste of sugar or flower nectar. They’re also known as sugar birds and yellow breasts. If you listen closely, you can hear them chirp.
Bar-Crawling in North Sound, Virgin Gorda

Late Afternoon

Since you’ll want your stomach well-lined before starting a busy night, head for the Bitter End Yacht Club’s Clubhouse Steak & Seafood Grille (seeClubhouse Steak & Seafood Grille, Virgin Gorda) for sundowners and then dinner. To get there, park your car at Gun Creek, located at the end of a steep downhill road in North Sound, and take the complimentary ferry.

Evening

Drop in for after-dinner drinks and dancing at Saba Rock Resort (seeSaba Rock Resort, Virgin Gorda), just a 200-yard (180-m) boat trip away from Bitter End Yacht Club. Call them at284-495-7711orVHF 16for a ride.

Get back to Bitter End Yacht Club, to wind down at The English Pub. This bar stays open till very late, but remember that the last ferry to Gun Creek departs at 10 pm.

Later

If you have any energy left, stop by The Restaurant at Leverick Bay (seeThe Restaurant at Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda), located a short drive shore-side in North Sound, for a nightcap or cup of coffee.

Make sure someone in your group abstains from drinking throughout. On your drive back to the hotel, the twisting roads can be treacherous with a few drinks down the hatch.

Saba Rock Resort often closes in September and other places may have shorter hours during the summer and fall. Always do a last-minute check of opening and closing hours.
Barracuda

Teeth bared, this long, slim fish looks like it’s waiting to attack, but it will ignore you if you don’t bother it.
Bay Rum Tree

Fragrant bay rum trees grow in woody areas. The leaves are often used to make aftershave.
Baywinds, St. Thomas

Live island-style music or karaoke in winter.