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Join St. Croix Landmarks Society members on their monthly rambles through the many ruins that dot the island. The easy 1- to 2-hour guided walks run November through May. Members finish the day with a wine and cheese party. You need to book in advance.

In March, August, and November, the St. Croix Landmarks Society sponsors an arts and crafts fair at Whim Plantation Museum (seeWhim Plantation Museum). Music, food, and camaraderie round off the day. This event affords an opportunity to explore the St. Croix art scene as well as sample local culture.

Several hundred people make the 8.375-mile (13-km) trip up hill and down dale from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay on a Saturday in late February. This race attracts top-notch runners, walkers, and even a couple of people pushing baby carriages. The course record stands at 53:15.

A half-mile (1-km) swim, 14-mile (22-km) bike ride up and downhill from Maho Bay to Cruz Bay and on to Annaberg plus a 4-mile (6-km) run mark this annual early September event, held at Maho Bay and in Coral Bay. A good spectator event.

The who’s who of St. Thomas society gathers every March 31 to remember the 1917 event that transferred ownership of the islands from Denmark to the US. The venue is the Legislature Building on the waterfront, the same site as that of the original transfer ceremony.

Lifelong friendships between islanders and visitors can begin when they share a patch of sidewalk at the annual April Carnival parade. It’s easy to strike up a conversation by asking polite questions. The day-long parade features colorful floats, troupes, and floupes, which are floats with troupes parading behind.

Like their counterparts across the British Commonwealth, BVIers celebrate the Queen’s birthday every June. Filled with pageantry, the event brings out the cream of BVI society as well as school groups and bands. The governor reads a message from the Queen and hands out awards.

Most bars hold happy hours in the late afternoon, with the free munchies attracting locals, particularly on Fridays. If you want to learn more about local life from the horse’s mouth, here’s your chance.

Meet the islands’ art communities at monthly gallery receptions. A great opportunity to enjoy the latest from the local artists as well as sip a glass of free wine and sample the cheese tray. The daily newspapers list the latest art happenings.

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.