Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ST. THOMAS
Called the most “unvirgin” of the Virgin Islands, St.
Thomas is for those who want action. It is the shop-
ping mart of the Caribbean, centered on the bustling
capital of Charlotte Amalie. The port is also the busiest
cruise-ship harbor in the West Indies. To escape the crowds, retreat to the
island's famous beaches, including Magens Bay, hailed as one of the most
beautiful beaches in the world. The surrounding turquoise sea attracts
yachties and fishermen with such trophy-worthy catches as the blue Marlin.
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Things to Do
Pretty 18th-century buildings surround the harbor of the
active port of
Charlotte Amalie,
where warehouses once filled with
pirate booty still stand. See the colorful Caribbean water world from an
Atlantis
submarine dive. Explore island history in the redbrick
Fort
Christian.
Laze in the white sands at
Magens Bay,
or seek shade under
the coconut palms of
Secret Harbour
on the East End. For a little seclu-
sion, try
Limetree Beach
or
Vessup Bay.
Shopping
Spend freely at the designer boutiques and jewelry stores of
Charlotte Amalie.
Sift through pottery, silk-screened fabrics, candles,
and watercolors at
Tillett Gardens,
or duck into the warehouses on
Main Street
for island trinkets and clothing. When you tire of French
perfumes and Swiss watches, head for
Market Square
for ackee, cas-
sava, and breadfruit, or buy local crafts and souvenirs from nearby
Havensight Mall.
Duty-free shopping
bargains include china, crystal,
perfumes, jewelry (especially emeralds), Haitian art, clothing, watches,
and items made of wood.
Nightlife & Entertainment
St. Thomas sizzles with the most exten-
sive nightlife in the U.S. or British Virgin Islands.
Charlotte Amalie
still
swings with Waterfront pubs and bars, but much of the action has shifted
to the bars and restaurants of
Frenchtown.
The big hotels have the most
lively options, and after a day in the hot sun, you can wind down with a
cocktail and local fungi band playing traditional music on homemade
instruments.
Restaurants & Dining
St. Thomas adds an eclectic mix of cuisines—
including American, Italian, Mexican, and Asian—to its spicy Caribbean
palate.
Charlotte Amalie
is dense with restaurants, but the
East End
has a variety of spots as well. Seafood specialties abound, such as “ole
wife” and yellowtail at Waterfront dining rooms, or splurge on Coral Bay
crab cakes served with island rémoulade on an elegant terrace. Most local
restaurants serve
johnnycake,
a popular fried, unleavened bread.
