Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Jewelry:
Watches and gold jewelry are often heavily discounted in St. Thomas and
St. Croix, especially during the off season (mid-Apr to mid-Oct), when there isn't
a traffic jam of cruise ships in the harbors. The sheer volume of jewelry offered in
St. Thomas is stunning—diamonds, emeralds, rubies, opals, gold, and platinum.
Options include works by world-famous designers as well as one-of-a-kind pieces
created by local artists. The best outlet for jewelry is in St. Thomas at
Cardow
Jewelers
(p. 104).
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Liquor:
A recent spot survey showed that prices for liquor in St. Thomas and St.
Croix were 50% to 60% less than in New York City. You're allowed to bring 5 liters
of liquor back to the United States, or 6 liters if the sixth is locally produced. Local
liquor nearly always means rum in the Virgin Islands, but it could also include
Southern Comfort, which is bottled on the island (check the label). Because of the
generous U.S. Customs allowances in the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas or St. Croix
might be the best places to purchase expensive French brandy, champagne, or
liqueurs. The widest selection of discount liquor for sale is found on the island of
St. Thomas, at
Al Cohen's Discount Liquors
and
A. H. Riise Gift & Liquor
Stores
(p. 104 and 103). You can also buy Cruzan Rum straight from the source,
at the
Cruzan Rum Factory
on St. Croix (p. 179).
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Perfumes and Cosmetics:
Be on the lookout for bargains on imported perfumes
and beauty products such as bath gels and makeup. How much you save depends
on the product.
Tropicana Perfume Shoppe,
in St. Thomas, has the largest
selection of fragrances (for both women and men) in the U.S. Virgin Islands
(p. 103).
THE
best
NIGHTLIFE
If you're a serious party animal, you'll want to avoid St. John and most places in the
British Virgin Islands, and concentrate on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Below are the
latest hot spots:
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Reichhold Center for the Arts
(St. Thomas;
&
340/693-1559;
www.reichhold
center.com): This artistic center is the premier performing arts venue in the Carib-
bean. Some of the world's greatest companies, such as the Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater, perform here. Check locally to see what's happening. See p. 106.
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Turtle Rock Bar
(St. Thomas;
&
340/777-7100
): This place, near Red Hook, is
known for its burgers and bar scene. There's always something going on, whether
it's karaoke or live shows by steel bands or other local talent. Happy hour, from 4
to 6pm, means half-price cocktails. See p. 108.
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Morgan's Mango
(St. John;
&
340/693-8141
), across from the national park
dock, is the hottest watering hole at Cruz Bay, or for the entire island. Look for
special nights such as Margarita Night or Lobster Night. See p. 138.
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The Buccaneer
(St. Croix;
&
800/255-3881
or 340/773-2100): This deluxe
hotel has the best nightlife on the island. Call to see what's going on during your
visit; it could be anything from a limbo show to live reggae. See p. 146.
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Blue Moon
(St. Croix;
&
340/772-2222
): On Thursday and Friday nights, this
little dive/bistro is the hottest spot in Christiansted. The crowd here is predomi-
nantly local, with a few savvy visitors thrown into the mix. See p. 185.
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