Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
morning glories in addition to the tropical frangipani and
bougainvillea. The eastern tip, which is the easternmost
point of the US, is a virtual desert, with several types of cac-
tus. In the northwest section you'll drive through a rain-
forest, where the road is shaded by towering mahogany
trees and vines. You can feel the temperature drop.
Christiansted, which was laid out in 1734, retains its Dan-
ish character and architecture, although part of the town
was destroyed by fire in 1866. Small hotels and restaurants
are abundant in the town and others are scattered through-
out the island. They too reflect the unhurried pace and re-
laxed style of the Crucians (
Croo-shuns
). The island has a
few gourmet restaurants and boasts an unusual number of
interesting eateries run by an eccentric and fascinating lot.
Al fresco dining and eclectic menus are the norm.
Beaches are only a short drive from either Frederiksted or
Christiansted, while many of the resort hotels front their
own beach strips. All the beaches are on the Caribbean Sea,
perfect for sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling. No visit to
St. Croix would be complete without a trip to nearby
Buck
Island
, with its fabulous marked underwater trails for
snorklers and reefs for divers. Reached by sloops, schooners,
catamarans and even by glass-bottom boats, the island is
only 5½ miles off the northeast shore.
Carambola Golf Course
, set mid-island in a palm-lined
valley with lakes and ravines, is tough. For a change of pace,
play the course at the
Buccaneer Hotel
.
The topography of the island makes it ideal for horseback
riding and for hiking. We recommend some excellent stables
and hiking trails in the pages that follow.
Each town has a picturesque colonial area to explore and
their waterfronts, which are beehives of activity, are inte-
gral parts of the town. A sightseeing highlight,
Whim Great
