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St.
Croix
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| Map
of the Island of St. Croix |
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Beautiful
beach in St. Croix |
This
is the largest of the United States Virgin Islands, 82 square
miles in area. There are two distinct towns to visit: Christiansted
and Frederiksted. The architectural quality and historic interest
of the one-time Danish West Indies capital has made part of
Christiansted (founded in 1734) a National Historic Site.
In Christiansted, you can shop the day away through quaint shops
filled with French perfumes, china, crystal, batik clothing
and jewelry. You can visit Buck Island, one of the world's finest
dive spots.
Moving west along the North Shore, visit the west side of Salt
River where Columbus' crew landed in November of 1493.
Frederiksted has its share of shops and shopping. It also has
a tropical Rain Forest and Whim Greathouse, a plantation restored
to the way it was in the 1700s.
The towns of Christiansted and Fredriksted each has its own
distinctive style; together that are the Twin Cities, a must-see.
St. Croix has fine hotels, excellent dining, sights to see,
a selection of other things to do and all kinds of beaches.
Touring the island is quite an adventure, since it's 82 square
miles.
Rental cars are available. You can also rent a taxi/tour car
and have the guide show you the island. The cost varies; it
depends on the number of hours. Your guide will know where to
take you, what to see, and where to have lunch (which is extra)
outside of town.
Through your hotel you can arrange for a twilight sail or a
cocktail cruise or a Buck Island cookout and much more. Sightseeing
tours can also be arranged through your hotel. Ask for literature
to find the range of programs offered.
Sites to Look For:
Estate St. George Botanical Garden
Consisting of lush woods and rich land, the Garden covers 16
acres and contains ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane village
and rum factory including workers' homes, manager's house, a
bake oven, stone dam, a blacksmith's shop and foundations of
a watermill. A small admission fee is charged.
Buck Island Reef
Here is the only United States National Monument (we call it
a "National Park") that is underwater. The Park itself
covers over 850 acres including the island proper, with a sandy
beach, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The reef has two major
underwater trails -- Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail. Numerous
boats operate off the dock in Christiansted; your hotel has
specifics.
Cramer Park
A very nice place to relax the day away during the weekdays.
The Park has a beautiful beach and picnic area. On weekends
the park is transformed into a outdoor bar atmosphere with DJ's
and music.
Cruzan Rum Distillery
Out on West Airport Road you can visit the distillery and see
them making Virgin Islands rum. The tour includes a walk through
the plant by long, flat sections of kegs, up ramps past the
distilling, through fumes as intoxicating as the rum itself,
to bottling and labeling. Check at your hotel for visiting hours.
Eastern End of the Island
You've gone as far as you can go in the United States on the
easternmost point of St. Croix, Point Udall. The spot is barren,
but beautiful. Bring your camera.
"Eye to the Sky"
Less than a mile from Point Udall, the National Science Foundation
has funded the installation of a giant $5-million-dollar antenna
-- 82 feet in diameter. This 260-ton dish will be used to explore
the unknown universe. Visit the site, where guides will explain
that the antenna is identical to nine others around the U.S.
Together, the ten make up a single radio telescope, sharing
their data over the Internet.
Rain Forest
As you head towards Frederiksted, you'll come upon Creque Dam
Road and the 15 acres of the Rain Forest. The dam itself is
150 feet high. You will also go along Mahogany Road, which is
lined with beautiful mahogany trees, yellow cedar, and Tibet
trees (also called "mother's tongue" because of the
pods that rustle in the wind). The air is filled with the scent
of many of our island fruits, and also the call of mountain
doves. The Forest is private property; the owners have graciously
consented to let visitors tour.
St. Croix Leap
Also in the Rain Forest, you will find a group of talented woodcarvers.
You can order wood sculptures and chairs and tables all made
from local mahogany and have them shipped to your home.
Salt River
Here's where Columbus first arrived in the Virgin Islands in
November 1493 on his second voyage to the New World, with 17
ships and 1500 men. He called this island Santa Cruz.
Whim Greathouse
A restoration of one of the finest greathouses from the late
1700s. There's the main house, windmill, watch house and bathhouse,
cookhouse and apothecary; also a museum and gift shop. This
is one of St. Croix's showplaces. Small admission fee. |
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