POINTS OF INTEREST
One of the fun things to do if you decide to do some sight seeing is to start driving (remember… drive on the left) and just stop as the spirit moves you. If you feel a bit more structured or just want to make sure you visit some of the more well known spots then here is some information on places you may want to visit while on vacation:
St. Croix
- Point Udall is the farthest eastern point of the United States. The views from this monument are breathtaking.
- Norma’s Mt. Pellier Domino Club is in the rainforest. While a bit out of the way, it is home to the world famous Beer Drinking Pigs. Stop and have a cool one or for those looking for a sense of adventure… a shot of Norma’s homemade herbed rum called Mamajuana.
- Fort Christiansvaern Fort Complex is located in Christiansted overlooking the Bay. A unique tour of how both commerce was operated and what it was like to a soldier a couple of hundred years ago! And while you’re there take a walk down the Boardwalk and visit some of the shops and restaurants there.
- The Frederiksted Pier and Front Street is quite a wonderful experience as you walk along the oceanfront street and then down the pier which once served the numerous cruise ships that visited the island.
- Divi Carina Bay Casino is the place to visit if you’re feeling lucky as part of your island experience.
- The Cruzan Rum Factory has been producing its world famous product on St. Croix since 1760. A very interesting tour is followed up with samples as you leave.
St. Thomas
- Coral World Ocean Park is the perfect destination to enjoy the wonders of the sea! At this ocean park you can enjoy activities such as dolphin kayak experiences, shark encounters, sea lion swims and much more.
- Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a beautiful place that produces various tropical fruits and bountiful flowers. You can grab a book about tropical plants and an island cookbook.
- Bluebeard’s Castle is a historic building from the sixteenth century. The resort takes up an entire hilltop and offers breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie’s bay and town. The resort features a centuries-old fortress named “Bluebeard,” after the notorious pirate.
- Fort Christian is a 300 year old historical landmark in the Virgin Islands. Designed to keep dangerous marauders away from the harbor and Danish town, the formidable fort has walls that range in thickness from three to six feet. The building process lasted from 1672 to 1680. Christian V. was honored with the fort’s name.
- The Three Queens Statue is a life sized statue depicting three women who helped to free slaves during the rebellion in 1878. The women are Queen Mary, Queen Agnes, and Queen Matilda. They burned down 50 plantations on St. Croix. This became known as the Fireburn.
- Emancipation Garden honors the July 3, 1848, abolition of slavery in the West Indies. A future in which the goal of freedom and equality for all islanders is celebrated, together with the gloomy history of the slave trade on the island, is commemorated by statues in the park and yearly celebrations of the occasion.
St. John
- Annaberg Sugar Mill comprises the ruins of a windmill, a sugar plant, a rum still, a mill wheel, and slave quarters. Near the trail’s start, on an unremarkable slope covered in thick bushes, formerly stood a vast hamlet of sixty-five slave cottages, the most of which were wattle and daub dwellings lost to time. Annaberg’s slaves worked for a number of masters between 1721 and 1796, when Irishman James Murphy bought the property.
- Catherineberg Sugar Mill Ruins is a part of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. The ruins date back to the 18-century during the time of rum and sugar production.
- Cinnamon Bay Ruins was a place of refuge in the 1600’s for settlers. The ruins were once a place for sugarcane, crops and cotton production.
- Peace Hill is just about a 100 yards from a parking lot downhill. Once you reach the top of the hill you would be amazed by a sugar mill right on top of Peace Hill. A trail is marked for you so you can guide yourself up the hill.
- The Petroglyph Trail is about a 4.5 mile round trip from the road all the way to the end of the trail. Along walking the trail you will see ancient pieces of stone with petroglyph engravings on them, wild animals, and a waterfall.
- The Virgin Islands National Park is an American national park that preserves 60% of St. John’s land. The park is open every day and offers activities like snorkelling, hiking, boating, and much more.