Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
often take you past ruins of former plantations. See “More Outdoor Adventure,”
above, for information on trails and organized park activities.
Other major sights on the island
include Trunk Bay (see “Beaches,”
earlier in this chapter), one of the
world's most beautiful beaches, and
Fort Berg (also called Fortsberg), at
Coral Bay, which served as the base for
the soldiers who brutally crushed the
1733 slave revolt. Finally, try to make
time for the Annaberg Sugar Plan-
tation Ruins on Leinster Bay Road,
where the Danes maintained a thriving plantation and sugar mill after 1718. It's
located off Northshore Road, east of Trunk Bay. Admission is free. On certain days of
the week (dates vary), guided walks of the area are given by park rangers. For informa-
tion on the Annaberg Historic Trail, see “More Outdoor Adventure,” above.
St. John's Mascot
The mongoose (plural mongooses ) was
brought to St. John to kill rats. It has
practically been adopted as the island
mascot—watch for mongooses darting
across roads.
4
DRIVING TOUR: ST. JOHN
START & FINISH: Ferry docks in Cruz Bay.
TIME:
3 to 7 hours, depending on beach time, bar stops, and pedestrian
detours.
BEST TIME:
Any warm, sunny day.
WORST TIME:
Any rainy day, when you are likely to get stuck in the mud on
bad roads.
Important note: Before you begin this tour, make sure you have at least three-
quarters of a tank of gas, because there are only two gas stations on St. John, one of
which is often closed. The more reliable of the two stations is in the upper regions of
Cruz Bay, beside Route 104. Ask for directions when you pick up your rented vehicle.
And remember to drive on the left.
Head out of Cruz Bay, going east on Route 20. Within about a minute, you'll pass the
catwalks and verandas of:
1 Mongoose Junction
This shopping emporium, a major island attraction, contains some unusual art
galleries and jewelry shops. (See “Shopping,” below.)
Continuing east on Route 20, you'll pass:
2 Caneel Bay
Past the security guard, near the resort's parking lots, are a gift shop and a hand-
ful of bars and restaurants. Continuing on, you'll see within a mile the first of
many stunning vistas. Note the complete absence of billboards and electrical
cables, a prohibition rigidly enforced by the National Park Service.
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