even restaurants. When ferry boats arrive, activity is usually at its most. Cruise ships arriving in Frederiksted really gets things rolling. Get used to it. Show interest and you will find some accommodation from locals – these are warm people. Spend some time exploring the island. The most unusual topography, a hilly rainforest, is in the northwest and is a full-on jungle complete with vines and some 4x4-only roads. Check the tidal pools at Annally Bay. North of the mountains from most of the island, the well-sheltered Cane Bay has world-class snorkeling, with abundant coral, fish, and even some sea turtles in the deeper water. The East End is remote, residential and mountainous. This end of the island gets less rain; the general lack of trees highlights the spectacular topography and provides an unobstructed ocean view. It's worth making a stop here, to feel the ocean wind (not "breeze") with such a spectacular view.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VISITUSVI.COM
There isn't much urban jungle to explore in either town. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in interesting. Streets are tight here, traditional windows are colorful shutters, and there is a strong local sense of arts and artisan crafts (particularly Christiansted). In markets and in shops, you will find some of the most lively products from some of the most friendly creative people you will find in the Caribbean. In these settings, the St. Croix culture works for you. Folks in St. Croix are just less jaded by giant waves of sometimes-ghastly mainland tourists. It's all just less... fussy; and more friendly. If you're smart and friendly, you will leave St. Croix with some mementos your family will treasure for decades. Check out Point Udall, the easternmost territory under the American flag and St. George Village Botanical Garden. The rest of your stay... is about the water. This isn't Kokomo. It isn't high energy disco on a platform on a beach with MTV cameras. They keep it real in St. Croix. Beaches abound; ask locals about local weather condition effects on any side of the island and remember many beaches here are turtle nesting areas. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing are spectacular. Check with your hotel for recommendations or rate specials – a very good idea on St. Croix.
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Even if your own fishing excursion doesn't work out, St. Croix dining has been steadily improving and includes plenty of fine dining and quality hotel restaurants. Although there is smaller, independent and local-oriented dining too. And a night of stewed goat, roti, and Cruzan in effectively someone's dining room is the starter to the stuff of the kind of memories a place as distinct at St. Croix often makes. Michael W. Sasser has been a travel writer for more than 20 years, for publishers ranging from Time Out and Frommer's to Miami Herald Custom Publishing and ABARTA Media. He is the author of thousands of travel stories and dozens of travel books. Reach him at mikewsasser@yahoo.com.