Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ST. CROIX
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, but its
easygoing vibe seems unchanged from when the Dan-
ish settled here in the late 18th century. Its history is
enshrined in the colorful buildings of picturesque Christiansted,
while smaller and earthier Frederiksted, on the island's rocky east
end, comes alive when cruise ships dock and keep the local Cruzan Rum
Factory busy. Inland, the island is a lush feast of mango and mahogany
trees, tree ferns, and dangling lianas, ringed by beautiful beaches and roll-
ing hills.
Things to Do
Discover St. Croix's Danish colonial history on a walking
tour amid brightly painted Georgian buildings in
Christiansted,
then
climb to the top of
Fort Christiansvaern
for a view of the harbor. In
Frederiksted,
sample the delights of the
Cruzan Rum Factory,
or take
a
boat trip
to
Buck Island,
in the middle of a marine sanctuary. Sun-
bathe on the white sands under swaying palms at
Davis Bay,
follow the
footpaths through the private
“Rain Forest,”
or see fine black coral while
snorkeling in
Salt River Bay.
Shopping
Christiansted
is the shopping hub of St. Croix, where
hole-in-the-wall and chic boutiques sell an array of handmade goods,
beachwear, and decorative carvings. Along the boardwalk try the
King's
Alley Complex,
a pink-sided compound filled with the densest concen-
tration of shops, for china and leather goods. In
Frederiksted,
look for
framed engravings and West Indies antiques in the urban mall at
Frederiksted Pier.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The waterfront bars and clubs at
Chris-
tiansted
hum to a lighter groove than they do on St. Thomas, but you can
still have a nice night out listening to live reggae and soca, linger over a
beer at a hip dive, or listen to DJs spin island sound. Try to catch an excit-
ing performance of the flamboyant
Quadrille Dancers—
watch and
learn their steps, and then join them on the dance floor.
Restaurants & Dining
Christiansted
is filled with a variety of res-
taurants, so it's not hard to settle into a bistro serving spicy Creole sea-
food, steaks, or homemade soups.
Frederiksted
features simpler, more
laid-back dining rooms where you can sample the local
fungi
(fish with
cornmeal and gravy),
daube
(meat roasted in a pot with spicy seasoning),
or
souse
(a lime-flavored stock of pig's feet, head, and tail).
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