Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
styles, sizes, and colors, great for an evening out in Frenchtown. In addition to the
custom-made sandals, there is also a line of what islanders call “limin' shoes.” The
store carries canvas backpacks or canvas luggage, canvas “fish bags,” and even purses
and briefcases made of canvas.
34 Norre Gade.
&
340/774-2559.
www.zoraofstthomas.com.
ST. THOMAS AFTER DARK
St. Thomas has more nightlife than any other island in the U.S. or British Virgin
Islands, but it's not as extensive as you might think. Charlotte Amalie is no longer the
swinging town it used to be. Many of the streets are dangerous after dark, so visitors
have stopped visiting the area for nightlife, with the exception of a few places, such
as the Greenhouse. Much of the action has shifted to
Frenchtown
, which has
some great restaurants and bars. However, just as in Charlotte Amalie, some of these
little hot spots are along dark, badly lit roads. The primary problem here is mugging,
although some of the criminal activity appears to be drug-related. Sexual assault is
known to occur, but happens rather infrequently.
The big hotels, such as Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort,
Bolongo Bay, or the Ritz, have the most lively after-dark scenes. After a day of sight-
seeing and shopping in the hot West Indies sun, sometimes your best bet is just to
stay at your hotel in the evening, perhaps listening to a local fungi band playing tra-
ditional music on homemade instruments.
The Performing Arts
Pistarckle Theater
On the grounds of
Tillett Gardens Center for the Arts
(p. 102), this professional theater presents four full-length plays as part of its subscrip-
tion season. Occupying a vacant print shop, the 100-seat theater is air-conditioned.
There is also a summer drama camp for children.
Tillett Gardens, 4126 Anna's Retreat, Tutu.
&
340/775-7877.
www.pistarckletheater.vi. Tickets $19-$30.
Reichhold Center for the Arts
This artistic center, the premier performing
arts venue in the Caribbean, lies west of Charlotte Amalie. Past performances have
included the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the likes of Al Jarreau. Call the
theater or check with the tourist office to see what's on at the time of your visit. The
lobby displays a frequently changing free exhibit of paintings and sculptures by Carib-
bean artists. A Japanese-inspired amphitheater, permeated by the scent of gardenias,
is set into a natural valley, with seating space for 1,196. Performances usually begin
at 8pm.
University of the Virgin Islands, 2 John Brewers Bay.
&
340/693-1559.
www.reichholdcenter.
com. Tickets $18-$45.
Bars & Clubs
The Bar at Paradise Point
Any savvy insider will tell you to head to this bar to
watch the sunset. It's located 740 feet above sea level, across from the cruise-ship
dock, and provides excellent photo ops and panoramic sunset views. Cruise-ship pas-
sengers, usually a middle-aged crowd, flock to this bar. A tram takes you up the hill.
Get the bartender to serve you a Bushwacker (his specialty). You can also order inex-
pensive food here during the day, such as pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers, beginning
at $8. Happy hour, with discounted drinks, begins at 5pm. Don't take the tram up if
you plan on staying until closing. The last tram down is at 5pm. Otherwise, drive
yourself or call a cab. It's open 7 days a week from 9am to 8pm, with hours extended
to 9pm Wednesday.
Paradise Point.
&
340/777-4540.
www.paradisepointtramway.com.
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