Rugged natural beauty, diverse culture, and distinctive cuisine draw sun-loving sophisticates to St. Croix.
The two main cities in St. Croix are Christiansted, which is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year, and Frederiksted, a historic port town that serves as port of call for cruise ship traffic. St. Croix is increasingly making strides with active locals and visitors. There was the groundbreaking this fall of Cruzan Bikeways, a 14-mile multiuse trail on the island’s east end, while last spring marked the 10th annual Half Ironman Triathalon.
If you prefer to be a little less active, donÂ’t worry; with more than 30 different beaches to choose from, youÂ’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax here, too.
The Essentials: St. Croix
Where to Stay
The Buccaneer, a highly rated family-owned resort, is the oldest on the island. Its spa is newly renovated. 340-712-2100, thebuccaneer.com. Carambola Beach Resort and Spa, a Laurance Rockefeller-designed resort, comprises 26 distinctive red-roofed buildings. 340-778-3800, carambolabeach.com.
Where to Eat
Italian café Sale e Miele (Salt & Honey) opened last spring in Christiansted. The limited but fresh menu is scrawled on a blackboard daily. 340-719-0510; 57c Company Street. Eat@CaneBay is a casual beachfront venue with great burgers, a reggae brunch, and “food shots.” 340-718-0360; 110c Cane Bay, eatatcanebay.com.
What To Do
In April 2011, check out the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience. stcroixfoodandwine.com.
The Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute offers tours of Creque Dam Farm, where you’ll taste native fruits and veggies. visfi.org. Only one percent of the Buck Island National Monument is on land; the rest is a protected coral reef. Hire a charter for the trip. 340-773-1460, nps.gov/buis.—Lisa Rogak
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