Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
St. Peter Great House & Gardens
Roads signs on Route 40 will lead you to St. Peter Great
House and Gardens, which is on a small road called St. Peter
Mountain Road. The house was built with volcanic rock in
the 1800s. It was leveled by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, then
was rebuilt using the same “Blue Bitch” volcanic rock. It is
stunning. Set on 11 acres of landscaped gardens, 1,000 feet
above Hull Bay, the Great House was part of a 150-acre
plantation. The French owners claimed that pirates used
the land to bury treasure, but none was ever found. Later
owners were the French Consul and the Governor of the
USVI. The wrap-around verandah looks down over lush fo-
liage and at least 20 islands, most of them British. The
smaller plantation houses have been renovated and are
filled by art galleries and craft workshops. There are
self-guided nature trails that lead through the gardens,
where more than 200 varieties of trees and plants are identi-
fied. Don't miss the orchid jungle and the unusual umbrella
plant from Madagascar. There is an $8 admission fee.
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 am-4:30 pm,
(340) 774-4999.
St. Peter Great House has become a
popular venue for weddings. They
have in-house wedding planners.
Fairchild Park
Much closer to town, Route 40 appears to enter a lush tropi-
cal rain forest with hibiscus, frangipani and orchids. Tiny
(56 acres) Fairchild Park is set in this area. This park was
willed to St. Thomas by a long-time resident in 1951. It has
stone paths and two small benches for a peaceful and aro-
matic respite in the midst of bustling St. Thomas. It offers
an almost 360-degree view of the island with the harbor on
one side and Magens Bay on the other. It's a lovely spot for a
picnic lunch.
