Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6
In His Footsteps: William Thornton (1759-1828)
This multitalented architect and inven-
tor was also a painter, an author of
medical books (especially on methods
to teach the deaf to read), and a fer-
vent abolitionist. But he is remembered
best as the designer of the U.S. Capitol
Building in Washington, D.C.
W
Birthplace:
Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I.
W
Residences:
Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I.; Lon-
don, England; and Washington, D.C.
W
Resting Place:
Congressional Ceme-
tery, Washington, D.C.
GETTING AROUND
To get around the island, call
Bun Taxi
at
&
284/495-
9281.
Only two places on Jost Van Dyke rent jeeps—
Abe's by the Sea
(
&
284/
495-9329
) at $65 to $80 per day and
Paradise Jeep Rentals
(
&
284/495-9477
)
at $55 to $70 per day.
FAST FACTS
In a medical emergency, call
VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and
Rescue)
at
&
284/494-4357;
you can be flown to Tortola. There are no banks,
ATMs, or drugstores on the island. Stock up before you arrive here.
Where to Stay
Ivan's Stress Free Bar & White Bay Campground
A seventh-generation
native of Jost Van Dyke, Ivan Chinnery runs this campground, featuring a choice of
campsites, equipped tent sites wired for electricity, and one-room “cabins” made of
plywood and furnished with screens, ceiling fans, refrigerators, large beds, and access
to showers and flush toilets. Amenities include food service, a communal kitchen,
drinking water, picnic tables, and a public phone. Located on the east end of White
Bay Beach, this place is simplicity itself, but it's also the most happening place on the
island. Locals and yachties gather in Ivan's Stress Free Bar at happy hour, enjoying
sundowners as the wafting aroma of dinner emerges from the communal kitchen.
Evening sing-alongs are a tradition. The big jam night is Saturday; Thursday is the
well-attended barbecue night. Ivan, who plays guitar in the Ever Changing All Star
International Band (the house band), is the island's top guitar player. Visiting musi-
cians often drop in—yes, even Keith Richards or Jimmy Buffet.
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. www.ivanscampground.com.
&
284/495-9358.
8 cabins, 15
campsites, 5 tents. Year-round $65-$75 cabin, $40 tent, $20 bare site, $150-$260 studio. MC, V.
Ame-
nities:
Food service.
In room:
TV (in some), TV/DVD (in some), fridge (in some), no phone, Wi-Fi ($10).
Sandcastle Hotel
A retreat for escapists who want few neighbors and absolutely
nothing to do, these six cottages are surrounded by flowering shrubbery and bougain-
villea, and have panoramic views of a white-sand beach. Bedrooms are spacious, light,
and airy, furnished in local art, rattan furnishings, daybeds, and king-size beds. Two
units are air-conditioned, while the others have ceiling fans. You mix your own drinks
at the beachside bar, the Soggy Dollar, and keep your own tab. Visiting boaters often
drop in to enjoy the beachside informality and order a drink called the Painkiller. The
restaurant (see below) is an old standard on the island and presents a candlelit beach-
side dinner on Saturdays. A line in the guest book proclaims, “I thought places like
this only existed in the movies.”
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. www.soggydollar.com/sandcastlehotel.
&
284/495-9888.
Fax
284/495-9999. 6 units. Winter $265-$295 double; off season $190-$230 double. Extra person $35-$45.
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