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Jazz or piano plays almost every night at Chloe & Bernard’s (seeChloe & Bernard’s) in this upscale resort (seeWestin Resort & Villas, St. John).

If you’re visiting in the spring, watch for whales cavorting offshore on your day sail or fishing trip.

The showpiece of the island’s plantation history, Whim Plantation Museum (seeWhim Plantation Museum) typifies plantations established by the Danish West Indian Company in the 1730s. Planters first grew cotton, but records show that by 1754 sugar was the main crop, a status it enjoyed until the 1920s. Refurbished by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the plantation has an oval great house full of antiques. The outbuildings spread over its 12 acres include a windmill, sugar factory, and kitchen. Sugarcane still grows in nearby fields.

Stay in a tent or rent a cabin at this modest spot. You can snorkel the clear White Bay waters, hike around the island, or hang out at the gorgeous beach or the bar. There might be music – peace is not guaranteed.

With an upstairs art gallery carrying the best from local and international artists, this store also has a downstairs gift shop. It’s the place to go for Christmas ornaments.

The Jost Van Dyke-born Thornton designed the US Capitol building in 1792–93.

This popular converted lumber schooner serves yummy fare.

This company handles a number of houses in the Coral Bay area. The Castle is particularly intriguing – built of stone, it features a tower for even better sea views than you get from the main house.

Constant trade winds make it a breeze to windsurf Christian-sted Harbor. St. Croix Water-sports, a short ferry hop away from the waterfront, rents surf boards.

Rent sailboards at breezy Cinnamon Bay Beach (seeCinnamon Bay Beach) for an exhilarating trip around the bay. The staff give lessons for novices or for those who want to improve their skills.