The enchanting island of St. John is surrounded by the azure waters of the Caribbean and features some of the best beaches in this part of the world. In fact, Trunk Bay was recently voted among the Ten Best Beaches in The World by the renowned by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, while the beaches that can be found around Denis Bay are also celebrated for their stunning natural beauty.

But you don’t have to be a beach bunny to enjoy St. John. The large and lovely Virgin Islands National Park covers a large portion of the island and this is a great place to go hiking while soaking up the scenery. The waters that surround St. John are exceptionally clear, making them excellent places for snorkeling, while people who arrange a scuba diving trip will be able to admire the large colorful coral reefs that can be found here.

Taking a transatlantic cruise to showcase the Caribbean’s top destinations is an excellent way to view this stunning part of the world in comfort and style. Most companies that offer this type of experience feature St. John as one of their top destinations. Transatlantic cruises allow visitors plenty of time to soak up the sun on pristine sandy beaches as well as get a real feel for the island.

People who enjoy shopping will be able to take advantage of St. John’s duty free prices to save money on a whole host of souvenirs and presents to take back home. The island is a real Mecca for shoppers, with plenty of bargains to be found in the many malls and markets that can be found here, while locally created handicrafts offer a vibrant taste of the Caribbean.

Wandering through the streets of the large town of Cruz Bay offers visitors the chance to unwind for a while and experience the island’s pretty Caribbean architecture. Cruz Bay can be found on the western coast of St. John and also boasts plenty of great shopping opportunity as well as pavement cafes where visitors can great a bite to eat while watching the world go by.

The great thing about transatlantic cruises is that they offer visitors who have never traveled to this part of the world special activity packages to choose from including guided tours of St. John. However, people who prefer to explore alone will still have the freedom to do so, while there will also be plenty of opportunities to find someone to share the experience with while you set sail through the Caribbean.

Have you been thinking that an exceptionally preserved tropical island might be a little too much to ask for? What if you were to find out that you can get all of this, and in addition have an impressive tropical mountain thrown into the mix? The truth is that at St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will be hard pressed to ask for too much. That’s because this beautiful tropical paradise boasts some of the most pristine natural vegetation and wildlife along with some of the best views in the Caribbean.

Bordeaux Mountain, St. John USVI

The great quality of this island’s viewpoint capability is made possible in a large part due to the Bordeaux Mountain, which towers among the other Virgin Islands as one of the more incredible vista points around. At a 1,277 feet elevation, Bordeaux Mountain is one of the taller island summits. To get there, you and other happy vacationers can take a hiking trail known as the Bordeaux Mountain Trail that cuts off from Bordeaux Mountain Road situated just under two miles from Centerline Road. Although it is like most hikes in that it is not too taxing, vacationers should take note of the steep, slippery slope that this trail can present, especially when it is wet – and it rains a little bit all year round – and when the hiker is coming back down the mountain trail. On the way back down, adventurous vacationers do have the option of following the dirt trail to Lameshur Bay. Just adding to the difficulty of the trip is the potentially unfriendly trailside vegetation that includes the Casha plant, Agave and, of course, the spiny Cactus. Yet the relative complexity of the hiking experience doles out its due reward to hikers who are adventurous enough to be able to eventually take in the stunning views. Here, more than anywhere else on St. John, do vacationers really get a chance to feel that they are on an island. That’s because the deep blue of the Caribbean can be seen all around, and the warm breezes wafting in tell of the sea’s mysteries. On top of this, the endless blue is briefly interrupted by the sight of other islands in the near vicinity, just adding to the wonderful aesthetic of it all. Looking further inland to the island of St. John itself, the views from Bordeaux Mountain present a selection of trees that appear very beautiful from up here. Used in the rum making process, the leaves of these trees were vital to one of the island’s major economic strong points.

Bordeaux Mountain Villas

If you are lucky, you will be able to find a villa located at the vista points of Bordeaux Mountain. These luxurious lodging facilities offer all of the necessary amenities to make your accommodation comply with the heavenly aspect of everything you see about you. These St. John villas offer swimming pools, large bedrooms, and beautiful décor. Really, it all seems to be designed so that happy vacationers like you feel they are in a dream. Whether or not it is too much to ask for, the exceptional beauty of Bordeaux Mountain is unbelievable.

Watch Your Sun

As you may well know already, St. John Island is a tropical destination located in the heart of the Caribbean. Because it is tropical travelers should take the standard precautions as must vacationers to any tropical destination. The first and foremost concern is sunburn. Bring sunscreen and apply it regularly. Better yet, stay out of the sun entirely as much as possible. That’s because sunburn can cause serious skin damage in future years, and as such is not something that you want to remember your Caribbean vacation by. In addition to applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day and waiting a while before entering direct sunlight, wearing a cap with a brim is a great way to keep your face protected. Also, if the weather permits, cool and loose fitting long sleeve shirts and pants can be useful for those with skin that is extra sensitive.

Noseeums

While the sun can be one of your foremost concerns, it in turn gives way to bugs at the end of the day; that’s when tropical mosquitoes head in. They will make your life miserable if you are not prepared for them. Buying a good brand-name insect repellent usually helps do the trick for avoiding the worst of the bug problems. Also, there are various tricks that vacationers employ in order to make themselves less attractive to the insects. Loose, long sleeved clothing usually protects the area of skin that it covers, and certain vitamins and even alcohol have been said to be useful internal remedies to mosquito attacks. If you are camping, try to get your hands on a bug zapper so that you can sleep well at night.

The medical facilities at St. John are limited due to the small size of the island. For vacationers who are in need of medical attention there is a decent medical clinic as well a team of paramedics there to assist you in case of an emergency. Should you need to go to a hospital, the nearest one is a stone’s throw away on the island of St. Thomas, although this facility is somewhat limited itself. The nearest full hospital is located at San Juan in Puerto Rico, 60 or 70 miles away by helicopter.

It has had many inhabitants that have left their mark here as you can see through ruins, museums, architectural buildings, and in the personalities of the locals.

St. Thomas Beaches

St. Thomas has several beaches that you will enjoy while you are visiting this unique tropical setting. The temperatures are near perfect and stay between 75 and 85 degree Fahrenheit year round. So, enjoy a day checking out the various beaches and water sports all over St. Thomas will be a day worth remembering.

Lindberg Bay has calm waters and is excellent for swimming. There is a playground just past the beach for your children to enjoy while you enjoy sunbathing. Refreshments are located in the two motels nearby.

Coki Beach is a nice spot for snorkeling, swimming, diving and enjoy the day. The reef area is close to the shore so snorkelers can enjoy the beauty of the coral. The facilities include food and drink vendors and restrooms.

Sapphire Beach has calm to mild surf and is home to many water sports. On this beach you will enjoy swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. There is a water sports booth located directly on the beach where you can rent any accessories you may need.

Most people do not mind the small entry fee to Magens Beach which is St. Thomas’s most popular beach. The waters on this beach are very calm. Food and other refreshments, restrooms, chairs, floats, water craft rental and a gift shop are nearby.

St. Thomas has several other beaches which include Bluebeards Beach, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Hull Bay, Morningstar Beach, Limetree Beach, Cowpet Beach, Mandahl Bay, Brewers Bay, Vessup Bay, and Water Bay. Each beach has its own personality with either a sandy or rocky beach that can be enjoyed by either swimming, snorkeling or just sunbathing. You are sure to find the perfect beach for what ever you choose to do in St. Thomas.

Golf Anyone?

St. Thomas is also home to the famous Mahohany Run 18 hole Championship Golf Course. The golf course is located on the majestic north side of the island only 20 minutes from Charlotte Amalie. No wonder, it is called the Devils Triangle. Most golfers will attest that the 13th, 14th and 15th holes are simply wicked and awesome. These holes will challenge any golfer’s ability to shoot a round of scratch. Any golfer that can make it through these three holes with a penalty will be awarded a special “I Survived The Devil’s Triangle” certificate. For more information on this wonderful golf course you can contact them toll free at 1-800-253-7103 or visit their website at http://www.mahoganyrungolf.com/.

It is carnival time on the island of St. Thomas practically the entire month of April. Enjoying all the festive parties and entertainment will the best part of your vacation. You will not want to miss out on all types of music, arts, parades, entertainment and fun. For more information you can visit their website at http://www.vicarnival.com/.

Attractions & Watersports

There are so many unique activities to see and do all over St. Thomas from guided tours, to sightseeing, to several water sports. You will find that you can tour all of the beaches and the entire island with the different tours that are available.

There are so many fun and exciting water activities including sport fishing, scuba diving, snuba diving, snorkeling, para-sailing, windsurfing, day sails, power boat rentals, week long yacht charts, and day boat excursions available that you will never have a dull moment. Many hotels and other companies on St. Thomas have all the equipment for rent so you can enjoy all the exciting adventures on and under the sea.

One of the most exciting sightseeing adventures in St. Thomas is the skyride. The skyride is similar to a ski lift and will take you to the top of Paradise Point. This seven minute ride will be one with spectacular views of the harbor, cruise ships, and the panoramic view of the island. Once atop Paradise Point you can stay as long as you like and enjoy the shops, tropical bird show and dining.

The Reef Bay trail starts at Centerline Road about 5 miles east of Cruz Bay. The trail leads between Centerline Road the ruins of the Reef Bay sugar factory which is close to Genti Bay beach. This trail is very well kept and descends 937 feet from the road to the Reef Bay Valley. It will take approximately 2 hours of downhill trekking for you to enjoy the entire hike.

If you are not wishing to come back the way you ventured down. You can reserve transportation by boat at the end of the trail, with the National Park Service (in advance). You can also seek transportation to the trail if you wish. There is parking available at the beginning of the trail if you wish to hike back up the hill. You can also bring along a picnic lunch and you should bring plenty of water. The way back is not quite as easy as the hike down.

Along the trail you will see many beautiful and unique sights. At the start of your hike you will notice a stone stairway just on the southern side of the road. This is where your journey begins. As you begin, you will see an old stone wall. This is all that is left of the wall that once protected the horsemill that once stood on these grounds. You will venture off through the sub-tropical forest on a trail that follows the course of the Reef Bay Gut. You will enjoy seeing on the different tropical vegetation that is known in this beautiful upper valley. You will notice many signs along your way that will give you a wealth of information regarding the environment around this valley. Some of the trees that you will see as you begin your descent include locust, sandbox, kapok, mammee apple and mango. The next great attraction will be the Josie Gut Sugar Estate. All that remains is the ruins. You will see the horsemill and its unusual circular shape which is being supported by the stone wall.

As you leave Josie Gut and head back down to the sea you will relax just a bit as the incline is not as steep and the atmosphere changes into a dryer forest. The trees are not as large and the greenery is becoming denser. You will see the ruins of a small home that was in built in 1930. This area is known as Estate Par Force. Miss Anna Marsh was once the owner of this home and would give her permission for visitors to travel on down to the sea or to see the petroglyphs. In 1938, Miss Marsh was murdered and the house was left to decay.

Just a few feet from Miss Marsh’s home you can take a trail that will lead you down a narrow path to the ruins of the Par Force Estate and the Reef Bay Estate House. This small path has pretty much over grown and is near impassable, but well worth the adventure if you love seeing history.

Petroglyphs

The next intersection you will find on your hike down the Reef Bay trail is the Petroglyph Trail going west. You will love taking this path even if it is off your course. It might be a nice time to have your picnic before you travel on down the trail.

As you hike the rest of the way to the bay you will see citrus trees such as limes. You can pick some if you like and enjoy the sweet nectar. The closer you get to the sea the trail will go through some low marshy type areas. The holes that you can see in the ground are created by land crabs that make this area home.

Now, you are at the end of the trail and the Reef Bay sugar factory ruins are in sight. Behind the horsemill, you will be able to visit the grave of W.H. Marsh and his two daughters. Most of all the land that you travel from Centerline Road to where you are now standing was once owned by the Marsh family. The restroom facilities that you notice were constructed with monies that Ladybird Johnson donated after her hike down Reef Bay Trail to find their were no facilities available.

In keeping with the island’s overall atmosphere of relaxation and fun, the shops found in Cruz Bay will provide you with a nice bit of diversion that seems to pleasantly round off the vacation experience. While maintaining a high level of finesse, the many shops and boutiques at Cruz Bay will not only supply you and your fellow shoppers with much needed souvenirs, but they will offer you a chance to enjoy the quality that characterizes everything about the small town in Cruz Bay. The style of the town’s buildings ranges from tropical huts to the Old-World stone structures that hearken to the rich history of the island. Happy shoppers like you will take special pleasure in meandering through the town’s cool archways and under its palm-thatched roofs while warm Caribbean breezes waft in from sea and gently brush against your face and hair. In this environment, the focus is not on the sale, but rather on the moment, and how to make the most of it.

When checking out the local shops at Cruz Bay, you and other vacationers will find that a lot of care has been put into making the island mall both comfortable as well as accessible. The shops are all generally quite small, sharing building space with many others who wish to share their wares with you and other happy vacationers. This gives travelers like you the advantage of being able to browse through a selection of vendors who sell a wide variety of goods including everything from bags and purses to liquor, fine jewelry, gear for swimmers and even original local artwork. Some of the highest concentrations of shops can be found in the Wharfside Village and while walking down King Street. In addition, one of the more beautiful shopping places in the Virgin Islands is to be encountered at Mongoose Junction. Just as with the Wharfside Village and King Street, this shopping center is within close walking distance of the main ferry landing at Cruz Bay. One helpful tip for the shopper is to go straight to Mongoose Junction if he or she wishes to choose from a selection of hand made items including exquisite jewelry, authentic pottery, local paintings as well as clothing that is actually dyed and painted by hand. As have many others, you will find yourself coming back from St. John sporting fine souvenirs that you will cherish not only for their long-lasting quality, but for the great bargains that you were able to get them for. Buyer’s remorse is never an issue on this relaxed Caribbean island, where the spirit of giving is paramount, and the choice to buy is always made in relaxed, low-intensity scenarios.

Indeed, part of what makes shopping on St. John a particularly casual and agreeable experience is the way you and other shoppers will naturally flow through the shopping areas without feeling anything is being forced upon you; it’s just part of your fun-filled day. That’s because in addition to the shops themselves, Cruz Bay offers an excellent assortment of cafés and restaurants, adding to the all-around joy of the shopping experience. Shoppers like you will feel free to take a break at any time in order to sit down at nearby establishment and casually sip on a cool drink – or perhaps enjoy a hardy midday feast – while listening to the pleasant hum of other happy vacationers and the sound of waves crashing in the distance. Breaking up the day between playing at the beach, strolling through town and hanging out at a café or restaurant makes the typical vacationer’s lifestyle at Cruz Bay both relaxing and unforgettable. Where else, you will be asking yourself, can you take so much time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life? Really, it is hard to find anything that compares to the oasis of contentment that exists in the shopping centers of Cruz Bay, and this gives you all the more reason to buy a small memento to remember it by.

Known as the most picturesque and beautiful of the Virgin Islands, St. John is the ideal destination for a passionate escape. Explore a tropical paradise that caters to escapism and sensory delights. Turquoise waters caress silky, soft, white sand beaches and green forests create the tropical framework of this 20-square mile peninsula. St. John has something spectacular to suit a variety of travel budgets and interests. The three most popular romantic resorts on St. John are the Westin Resort and Villas, Caneel Bay Resort and Gallows Point Resort. You may also find a variety of retreat cottages, condominiums, private villas, luxury mansions and campgrounds across the island. So if the main objective for your rendezvous is luxury and indulgence, St. John is the place for you. Here are a few recommendations to start planning your trip!

Top Romantic Resorts on St. John

• The Westin St. John Resort and Villas is known as the “shimmering jewel of the Caribbean”. Located on Great Cruz Bay, this modernized, luxurious resort is surrounded by picturesque greenery, sandy beaches and the glistening Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re looking for total relaxation and indulgence or water sports and fun nightlife, this resort has something for everyone. And, the Westin St. John is located just minutes from the Virgin Islands National Park for those who wish to venture beyond the resort. With a variety of dining choices available, guests may dine at Chloe & Barnard’s Caribbean Restaurant for an intimate and relaxed setting, the Beach Café and Bar for casual dining overlooking Great Cruz Bay, Snorkel’s Bar with casual pool and beach dining and the Mango Deli for delightful fresh-made sandwiches, pastries and snacks. Choose from 282 oversize Guest Rooms with a host of the usual resort amenities including the Heavenly Bed®, individual climate controls, spacious marble bathrooms and in-room refreshment center. All rooms face the Great Cruz Bay for spectacular views. Guest Suites also feature oversize whirlpool tubs and more living space for families or couples. The Westin St. John also offers 67 Hillside and Garden Villas. These spacious, one, two and three-bedroom, fully equipped villas are ideal for couples or families with semi-private and private swimming pools, full kitchens, washer, dryer and separate living areas. Planning an island wedding? Contact the Westin St. John’s Director of Romance, otherwise known as a highly experienced Wedding Planner who will coordinate everything from the ceremony to world-class catering and special activities for you and your guests. And, you can save 10% – 20% on your vacation package when you book online through Westin Hot Rates.
• Caneel Bay Resort invites you to escape every day life and indulge in pristine natural surroundings and low-key luxury. Situated on a peninsula, and nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, Caneel Bay Rosewood Resort offers 170 acres of lush surroundings and seven breathtaking beaches. This romantic destination is the ideal setting for intimate getaways and the perfect backdrop for wedding photos! Couples travel from everywhere on the globe to exchange vows, celebrate anniversaries, renew wedding vows or simply indulge in quality time together at this romantic resort. Founded by Laurance Rockefeller, who had a reverence for natural environments, every detail of the resort exudes a natural, tropical paradise. And, in keeping with the theme of natural escapes, there are no telephones or televisions in the rooms. With design elements and accommodations that have been artfully built to blend into the landscape, the ambiance of this resort is purposefully absent of modern glitz, digital distractions and the hectic pace of everyday life back home. 166 quaint Guestrooms feature natural woods, native tone, hand-crafted furniture and inspiring views. Choose your view: Courtside, Garden View, Ocean View or Beach Front. Dining is equally delicious and indulgent at the Turtle Bay Estate House Restaurant and Verandah, The Wine Room at Turtle Bay, the Equator Restaurant, and the Caneel Beach Terrace and Bar and a selection of Meal Plans are available.
• Gallows Point Resort features luxurious living mixed in perfect harmony with the relaxed island spirit. Located just yards away from the bay, this resort offers plenty of romantic views and indulgent settings as well as activities for the adventurous at heart. Enjoy sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing, plenty of island-beat reggae music as well as gorgeous beaches secluded settings and romantic dining by candlelight. Catering to adult visitors in search of a romantic escape, Gallows Point Resort offers 50 spacious one-bedroom Guest Suites tastefully decorated in tropical island flair with oversized windows overlooking Cruz Bay Harbor. Sit by the windows in the evening and share a bottle of champagne as you watch the sun set over the water, casting a romantic glow into your room. Suites include all the expected luxurious amenities of a fine resort including central A/C, throw-open arched windows and balcony or porch. Spacious two-story loft suites with high ceilings and an extra half-bath or single-story garden suites with sunken living rooms are also available. Honeymoon packages are also available and if you wish to exchange vows on site, Gallows Point will help you select a wedding planner to coordinate all the details. A kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by lush landscaping and overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Just a short stroll away from the village of Cruz Bay, vacationers can stroll hand in hand while shopping at a variety of stores and taking part in the lively St. John nightlife brimming with reggae and calypso music.

If you’re seeking romance on St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park, renowned as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth, should not be missed. To truly indulge in the splendor of nature’s bounty, you should not miss this National Park that covers 3/5 of St. John. White sandy beaches are shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests. Over 800 species of plants reside in this exquisite habitat. The Park is teeming with rich cultural history of the Pre-Columbian Amerindian Civilization, Danish Colonial Sugar Plantations and African Slavery. The borders of the park protect the crystal blue-green bay waters and spectacular coral reef brimming with sea life. Visitors may enjoy picnic areas, beaches, hiking trails, a Visitor’s Center with a variety of activities for hours of exploration and enjoyment. There are even campsites for the adventurous romantic!

Start planning your romantic escape to St. John today! Your perfect island getaway awaits!

If you decide to find a professional in the Virgin Islands you will be very glad that you did. You can talk with the coordinator and let them do all the work for you. Choosing a wedding planner should not be that difficult. You probably have an idea of what you want your wedding to be, whether you want a formal or informal wedding, if you want a church wedding or one under the sea. Now, you will need to see what types of packages each coordinator has and what the cost will be. Some wedding coordinators have packages where you choose where you want the ceremony and many even include the reception. All of this can be discovered by either calling them or some have websites that will give you an idea of the offers they have available.

Wedding Coordinators & Planners

• Special Occasions In Paradise have some very nice packages and will take care of many of your worries. Simply Sweet is one of their basic packages and the price for this very nice wedding ceremony is only $450.00 and includes your choice of wedding location on any of the islands, minister, marriage license application processing, transportation to and from the court, wedding certificate and two witnesses if you need them. They have several other packages that are available that will make your wedding day one that you will remember always. For more information you can contact them tool free at 866-719-4166 or by calling 340-719-4166, 340-513-1971 and 340-778-1654. You can also visit their website at http://www.occasionsinparadise.com/.
• Weddings the Island Way is a wonderful and professional wedding coordinators that many people trust for their making all their arraignments. They can help you will every detail of your wedding from the licensing to the honeymoon. They have many packages including cruise ship weddings, beach ceremonies and even packages that will allow you to customize any package to fit your desires. For more information including a photo gallery you can visit their website at http://www.weddingstheislandway.com/index.cfm. You can also contact them toll free at 1-800-582-4784 or 1-800-755-5004.
• A Wedding For You has some very unique packages for a tropical wedding including their package named Rainforest Rendezvous. This ceremony may be considered simple but is as beautiful and romantic as you could ever desire. They have some other very unique and exquisite packages to choose from. You can learn more by checking out their website at http://www.seasidewed.com/. You can also contact them by telephone at 340-773-9607.
• The Island Bride has some very romantic setting for a special and intimate wedding. You will love having your ceremony on the beach or aboard a sailing vessel. You can choose it is your wedding day. The coordinators will be sure that everything is perfect down to the last tropical flower. You can learn more by visiting http://www.island-bride.com/ or by calling 340-773-3897.
• Big Beards. For the perfect tropical wedding plan your wedding to be officiated by a sea captain and have the ceremony on the open seas. You can even write your own vows and make this wedding one that all of your friends will envy. You can see these wonderful packages by visiting http://www.bigbeards.com/weddings.htm or by calling toll free at 866-773-4482.
• Ceremonies of St. John have it all planned out ahead of time so you can enjoy every second of your special day from the time you arrive until the day you depart. Your wedding, reception, and honeymoon can be arraigned so you have nothing at all to worry about except how to say “I do”. For more information about all of their exquisite packages and information on every thing you need to know you can visit http://www.usviwedding.com/.

Planning a wedding in the Virgin Islands is a wonderful and romantic beginning for a life of love and romance. Both of you will always have a memory of the beautiful ceremony that began your life together. And by hiring a wedding coordinator you will be able to enjoy your wedding day without all the worry.

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation was named after Christopher William Gottschalk’s daughter Anna. If you translate Annaberg from Danish it means Anna’s Hill. The plantation was first built in 1718. Most of the buildings that are left standing today are from the 19th century, but the wall of the horsemill and the slave house were built during the 28th century.

The slave’s homes are barely standing now. During the days that sugar was produced on this plantation and slaves worked the fields, the horsemill and ran practically everything there were a total of 16 buildings in this area. These houses that the slaves called home were made from daub and wattle. Daub comes from a mixture made of coral, lime and sand that they fired and then mixed with molasses and mud. The wattle was made of wood from the coffee bush. The roofs were made from either sugarcane leave or palm tree fronds.

The steep hills behind the factory were once plush with sugar care. The entire hill side was planted in sugarcane. Water was brought to each plant by hand and during harvesting time most slaves worked 18 to 20 hours a day. The sugar had to be cut and loaded into carts and then driven down to the sugar mill.

As you walk through the ruins you will notice the steep hills behind the factory. This entire hillside was planted in sugarcane. First the land was slashed and burned. It was then terraced using the native stone as retaining walls. The cane was brought to the prepared fields and planted. Water had to be hauled to the sugarcane plants by hand. When it was time to harvest the cane, the slaves worked 18-20 hours a day. They cut the cane and loaded it into carts, which were drawn by donkeys to the sugar mill. The long hours put in by the slaves can be attributed to the fact that the sugarcane had to be juiced within 24 hours of harvest or it would spoil.

The windmill and the horsemill both were used to juice the sugarcane. After juicing the sugarcane would then be produced into sugar and rum. The rum was produced in a rum still and if not timed perfectly would produce molasses.

You will notice the ruins of a cistern located in the mill and remains of others on the hill. This water was used in watering the sugarcane field through aqueducts.

All plantation owners throughout the Virgin Islands had slaves to work their fields which included sugarcane, cotton and various other products that could be grown in a tropical environment. The slave owners had to find a cheap way in which to feed their slaves as shipping food from other countries would be expensive and they did not want to give up their land that could be used to produce the tropical products, they had a big problem. Many of these slave owners gave the slaves what was called provision grounds. This area of land was not suitable for sugarcane or cotton. The slave could produce their own food on this land. But, this is the only food they had. In case of droughts or natural disasters the slaves had no food. This is why many slaves rebelled or tried to leave. Many slaves in the 1770′s died of starvation after the long drought. In the year 1867 a large hurricane hit this area and the Annaberg plantation was left abandoned by the owner. The slaves had to fend for themselves and were not allowed to stay and work at the plantation.

Carl Emanuel Francis in the early 20th century built a cookhouse on the land and built his own home were the horsemill once stood. In 1924, another major hurricane hit Annaberg, the family survived by taking shelter in the windmill. Francis and his family raised cattle here until 1935. In 1935, the plantation was sold to Herman Creque. In 1955 Rockefeller bought the plantation and donated it to the National Park. The house was torn down, but the cookhouse does remain.

What began as a simple lemonade stand more than three decades ago has become years of revelry along the shores of Jost Van Dyke in the Great Harbour, led by sixth-generation native Philicianno Callwood, a.k.a. Foxy. The island has been nicknamed the “barefoot island” for its casual feel. As a harbor joint, Foxy’s became a popular draw for sailors, but the open-air restaurant and bar’s entertaining scene soon became a must-see for every traveler passing through the Virgin Islands.

Foxy’s allure comes from Foxy himself, a barefoot singer and entertainer who will often perform impromptu calypso tunes and personally greet guests – many times poking good-natured fun at unsuspecting tourists. When Foxy can’t be there – a rare occurrence – he doesn’t want to disappoint, so a life-sized mannequin nicknamed “Epoxy Foxy” stands in his place. Don’t let Foxy’s fun-loving ways fool you, this big softy is also the founder of the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society and gives back to his community in more ways than one.

Parties Galore

The party scene is in full gear Thursday through Saturdays as live bands, including performances by Foxy, fill the beach with reggae, rock-n-roll and other island sounds, beginning in the afternoons and carrying on into the wee hours of the night. The 40-foot Outback outdoor stage has been home to local and International acts, including the Beach Boys! But Foxy’s renowned party scene goes beyond a typical weekend gathering, and people worldwide make trips to the British Virgin Islands for Foxy’s special occasion celebrations, including Old Years and the Wooden Boat Regatta.

Perhaps the most popular of parties is Old Years Celebration, which is what we American’s call New Year’s Eve. Foxy’s party begins on December 30 and doesn’t end until the New Year arrives. Reservations are most definitely required – and they should be made well in advance – as this is THE party on the islands, complete with Caribbean barbeque on the beach or more “upscale” dinner fare at the Upper Crust dining room; a flow of drinks, including Foxy’s distinct microbrewery beers; and an array of Calypso bands. As a sailor’s delight, the Great Harbour fills with yachts and sailboats during the Old Years’ gala, oftentimes making it feel the harbor is home to one giant raft in which people party from boat to boat.

As a sailor himself, Foxy honors his nautical past and guests with an annual regatta. Instead of fancy sailboats, however, Foxy created a race for the more rare wooden boats to compete, as a true sailor should honor these handcrafted and endangered modes of transport. For more than 30 years, the Wooden Boat Regatta has brought wooden boats from around the globe to compete at the West End Yacht Club, and Foxy starts the show with pre-race and après-race parties, complete with more barbeque, music and drink.

Halloween is also a good time to visit with Foxy’s annual Halloween costume party – island style – and the Halloween Cat Fight, another sailing competition for catamarans.

Food and Spirits

While the party may be the reason to visit Foxy’s, it is a full restaurant and bar, opening at 9:30 a.m. and serving food beginning at 11:30. For casual dining with bare feet in the sand, Foxy’s serves up some of the best Caribbean barbeque in the tropics, including chicken, ribs and even fish – don’t miss the Flying Fish Sandwich just for its name alone. A la carte dinners are prepared Mondays through Thursdays, while the “Grillzebo” is ignited for delicious barbeque on weekend nights (no lunch is available on weekends). When looking to dine “in style,” Foxy’s Upper Crust Dining Room, which seats 100 guests, provides a more refined dinner experience, with fresh lobster and other fish from the Caribbean Sea.

Foxy’s Microbrewery, the only one in the Virgin Islands, creates four different draft beers, as well as Foxy’s own rum, so diners and party revelers alike will always have plenty to drink. Be sure to try the infamous “Painkiller,” a concoction of rum, pineapple juice, nutmeg and coconut milk.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the Fox Hole, which sells clothing and souvenirs. Just as a Black Dog t-shirt from Martha’s Vineyard or a Salty Dog t-shirt from Hilton Head connects you to the many travelers who have passed through these popular bar and eatery doors, prove you’ve been to Foxy’s with a t-shirt as well, then connect with strangers back home that recognize the island hotspot.