Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GIFTS
Many Hands
The merchandise here includes pottery and handmade jewelry. The
collection of local paintings is also intriguing, as is the year-round Christmas tree.
110
Strand St.
&
340/773-1990.
Purple Papaya
This is the best place to go for inexpensive island gifts. It has the
biggest array of embroidered T-shirts and sweatshirts on the island. Although you're
in the Caribbean and not Hawaii, there is a large selection of Hawaiian shirts and
dresses, if you're into hibiscus flowers. There's also beachwear for the whole family,
plus island souvenirs.
39 Strand St., Pan Am Pavilion.
&
340/713-9412.
Royal Poinciana
This is the most interesting gift shop on St. Croix, looking
like an antique apothecary. You'll find such local items as hot sauces, seasoning blends
for gumbos, island herbal teas, Antillean coffees, and a scented array of soaps, toilet-
ries, lotions, and shampoos. There's also a selection of museum-reproduction greeting
cards and calendars. Also featured are educational but fun gifts for children.
1111 Strand
St.
&
340/773-9892.
JEWELRY
Crucian Gold
This small West Indian cottage holds the gold and silver
creations of island-born Brian Bishop. His most popular item is the Crucian bracelet,
which contains a “true lovers' knot” in its design. Unusual items are pendants framed
in gold or silver. These encase shards of china dating from the 1600s or 1700s and
found along the beaches of St. Croix. The shards were once collected by island kids
who called them “China money” or “chiny.” Bishop claims that each pendant is “a
little piece of the island's romantic history.” The chiny are also incorporated into
bracelets. The outlet also sells hand-tied knots (bound in gold wire), rings, pendants,
and earrings.
Strand St.
&
877/773-5241.
www.cruciangold.com.
Sonya Ltd.
Sonya Hough is the matriarch of a cult of local residents who wouldn't
leave home without wearing one of her bracelets. She's most famous for her sterling
silver or gold (from 14- to 24-karat) versions of her original design, the C-clasp brace-
let. Locals say that if the cup of the “C” is turned toward your heart, it means you're
emotionally committed; if the cup is turned outward, it means you're available. Prices
range from $30 to $2,000. She also sells rings, earrings, and necklaces.
1 Company St.
&
877/766-9284
or 340/773-8924. www.sonyaltd.com.
PERFUME
Violette Boutique
This is a small department store, with many boutique areas
carrying famous lines. Here you can get famous and exclusive fragrances and hard-to-
find toiletry items, as well as the latest in Cartier, Fendi, Pequignet, and Gucci. A
selection of children's gifts, Montblanc pens, and other famous brand names are sold
here and found nowhere else on St. Croix (but are certainly found elsewhere in the
Caribbean).
In the Caravelle Arcade, 38 Strand St.
&
800/544-5912
or 340/773-2148.
Around the Island
If you're touring western St. Croix in or around Frederiksted, you might want to stop
off at the following offbeat shops.
St. Croix LEAP
If you're on western St. Croix, near Frederiksted, visit St.
Croix LEAP for an offbeat adventure. In this open-air shop, you can see stacks of rare
and beautiful wood being fashioned into tasteful objects. This is a St. Croix Life and
5
184
