This is the second in a series of posts from Vicki, who will be sharing information and experiences from her second home on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she and her husband have been part-time residents since 1987.  During that time they have built a house, rebuilt a house (thanks to Hurricane Hugo), owned a condo and are now happy to be renters with a lot less work involved.  She first began helping people plan their travel to the island in 1990 via online bulletin boards.  Over the years she has answered hundreds of questions about the area and looks forward to responding to yours.

Our latest venture took us north of Frederiksted on a quest for lunch.  A easy search given there are a number a spots from which to choose.  All of them  provide a friendly Crucian atmosphere where you feel right at home even if it is your first time there.  We made Rainbow Beach our choice, from the picture below you can see the beach is pristine.  After the all-American cheeseburger fare and a couple of adult libations, it was off for a touch of dessert at none other than Armstrong's Ice Cream Shop on Centerline, aka Queen Mary Highway.  Armstrong's has been a St. Croix institution since 1900 and features real honest-to-goodness homemade ice cream -- the kind with the chunks in it.  In a few weeks the annual Guavaberry ice cream day will be here.  Yes, only one day a year is that special treat available. 
 
The day ended by settling into comfy chairs on the patio to await another sunset in paradise.  The sun gave quite a show of exploding light before settling behind the clouds.    Our first travels to the east end of the island ended with a visit to Divi Carina Resort and Casino.  Of the three U.S. Virgin Island (St. Thomas and St. John being the other two) St. Croix is the only place where casino gambling is legal.  The casino features the usual table games and a wide variety of machine games, a snack bar, occasional entertainment and full cocktail service.  It is far more intimate than casinos found stateside.  It is right across the street from the resort which is situated on the beach on the on the south shore.
 
It was good to see the east end covered in green.  The east end known as the dry end for its often near-arrid conditions.  This contrasts with the far west end which is partially a mountainous rainforest.  More on that in a future update.
 
As we went cross-island there was a quick stop in Christiansted at the world-famous Sonya's goldsmith .  Sonya's is THE home of the St.Croix hook bracelet which is recognized the world over.  In fact, we have had strangers all over the US and southeast Asia recognize the bracelet and inquire of our Crucian connection.  
 
The last stop before the casino was Cheeseburgers in America's Paradise.  The One Diamond Cheeseburgers is located just west of Chenay Bay on the north shore a few miles outside of Christiansted.  It was crab race night and as we were leaving the wagering was going full out.  Oh yes, the cheeseburgers were great.  We have also enjoyed our favorite West Indian food and rum punches served up by Mr. and Mrs. Browne at Motown Restaurant in Frederiksted.  It is located on Strand Street next to the Frederiksted Hotel. 

Today we are meeting and greeting the passengers of the Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Line.  She pulled in this morning to the Frederiksted pier.  Passengers are finding plenty of activities, sailing to Sandy Point on the Jolly Roger catamaran. Sandy Point is a National Wildlife Refuge and is renowned for its turtle nesting areas for both Green and Hawksbills.  Access is limited during turtle nesting season.  The beach at Sandy Point was featured in the final scenes of the movie Shawshank Redemption. 

Others have chosen to go diving with St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (SCUBA), “the world's friendliest dive shop”). From our patio we also see folks zipping along in zodiac rides (rigid inflatable boats) just off shore..  Early this morning the local artists and craftspersons had their kiosks all set up in the park next to Fort Frederik. Fort Frederik was completed in 1760 and is located on the north side of Frederiksted town.  The Fort now contains a museum and art gallery and is open weekdays 

Speaking of art, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is currently featuring a special exhibition commemorating Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship.  The museum is housed in an18th century grand townhouse on the waterfront and recently held the grand opening of the 2nd floor galleries with their stunning views of the harbor. 

Tomorrow we will be attending Starving Artists Day at Whim Plantation .  The St. Croix Landmarks Society sponsors this day of music, food, arts, crafts, plants, and dancing each year about this time.  No doubt I’ll find more Holiday gifts for friends and family… and something for myself.  Until the next report.