St. Croix’s history spans the rule of seven nations, each influencing the customs, character, language and architecture of the of the island. Even today, with modern conveniences, St. Croix retains the old world charm that has vanished on many other islands. The pace is slower, and everyone takes time to stop and smell the frangipani!
The island is 1700 miles south of New York, 1100 miles south east of Miami, near the eastern tip of the Caribbean island chain. On the same latitude as Acapulco and Hawaii, just below the Tropic of Cancer, it is eternal summer caressed by cooling tradewinds. The average temperature is in the mid-80s, and there’s just enough rain to keep the ixora, hibiscus and bougainvillea in bloom. The island is 22.7 miles long, and at its widest only 8 miles, but in this stretch there are great varying landscapes. The eastern end is dry, with giant cactus and yucca clusters. The middle is flat fertile land, once the site of massive sugar cane plantations. The western end rises to a height of 1,096 feet on Blue Mountain, culminating in a rain forest of giant mahogany, saman and tibet trees.
St. Croix History & Culture
DID YOU KNOW… History abounds in St. Croix. The St. Croix Heritage Trail has been named one of the 50 National Millennium Legacy Trails in America. The St. Croix Heritage Trail is a 72-mile-long driving tour of historic sites on the island. Stops include architectural ruins, preservations and restorations of the 18th and 19th centuries including Fort Frederik, Fort Christianvaern, The Christiansted National Historic Site, Government House, and the Apothecary Museum, remnants of the once-bustling sugar industry including the Whim Plantation Museum, Lawaetz Family Museum, Estate La Grange, and the Cruzan Rum Factory.
The Trail also includes Point Udall, the easternmost point under the American flag and Columbus Landing where Columbus’ fleet landed on his second voyage to the new world in 1493.
St. Croix’s Restaurants and Food
St Croix’s Restaurants and Food… Succulent clawless Caribbean lobster, with a tail rich in pure white meat. Fresh caught mahi mahi (which is a fish locally called Dolphin, but is not the porpoise!), served island style with pungent local spices. Today’s catch of yellowfin tuna, broiled, baked, or perhaps with the chef’s special Caribbean herb and spice mixture. Conch chowder for starters, key lime pie and Cruzan coffee for closers. And of course, aged Black Angus steaks for those who can travel but cannot go without! Dining on St. Croix is a magical whirl of gourmet chefs, local delicacies, open air seaside restaurants, moonlit nights, and no jackets required.
St. Croix Virgin Islands, Vacation Guide for Travel
More great restaurants than you can possible sample in one stay: The “Breezez”, just 5 minutes from the home, on the beach with great food and great prices. A little funky, but fun!
On the north shore, “The Waves”, right on the ocean! The waves literally come right up to the restaurant side. Great seafood, good menu.
“Eats” at Cane Bay, run by Cathy and Frank ________. An island favorite.
In town; “The Bombay Club”, located in an old stone arched building, excellent food. Try Friday or Saturday for the Seafood Gumbo!
“Kendrick’s” owned and operated by Dave and Jane Kendricks. An island tradition. Wonderful food, wonderful atmosphere, and a great wine list.
“Savant” just on the edge of town on the left as you head east. Superb food. You won’t be disappointed.
“Blue Water Terrace”…as they say, “the only thing we overlook is the blue water”. One of our newer restaurants, but one of our finest. Big menu, great food, and unbelievable homemade deserts! A real must!
“The Galleon” at Green Cay Marina. Overlooks all the boats in the marina, and have excellent food. Outstanding Caesars salad, made right at your table!
Way out east, another island tradition, “Duggan’s”. Frank Duggan returned from the Vietnam war to create one of the islands great restaurants. Open air dining, where, as Frank say, “fresh fish or no fish”. And we have some of the finest fish in the Caribbean. There are many more, so explore and ENJOY!
We’d like to help you decide. Watch our video, entitled “Welcome To St. Croix” and allow us to highlight some of St. Croix’s special attributes.