Festivities In Frederiksted
Although St. Croix is only 27 miles long - it can sometimes take an hour to get from one end to the other. To the east lies Christiansted, and to the west lies Frederiksted. There will always be a rivalry between to two as to which side is better but because they are so unique, each provides a wonderful haven for your vacation or your new home.
As you drive west, you notice the terrain gets greener and the water gets calmer. The west side gets more rain and even a small rainforest exists with tall tropical palms, enormous kapok trees, elephant ear plants, bromeliads high in the trees, a few waterfalls and some freshwater streams. The calm water and long, white sandy beaches are what you dream the Caribbean looks like. And it does. Relax in a hammock at a beach side bar and let the gentle sound of rolling waves put you at ease. It is truly beautiful!
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St. Croix's annual Crucian Christmas Festival takes place in the streets of downtown Frederiksted.
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Whether you are in Frederiksted for the day on a cruise ship or here on St. Croix for a longer stay, we recommend you enjoy the even slower pace that the west end offers. We have compiled a list of places to stay, eat and hang out, and things to do and see while in Frederiksted. Remember- this is just a brief overview- contact any of the businesses listed for more information. Click on the options below to find out more.
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Where to Stay | Where to Play | What to See | What to Do | Where to Eat | More
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What to See
Before you make it into town, you will pass Cruzan Rum Distillery. Using only the purest natural ingredients and processes, Cruzan Rum has for over 300 years made this best-selling rum at its distillery on St. Croix. For a small fee, guests can have a guided tour of the distillery and see first-hand how rum is made. Tours conclude with complimentary rum drinks at the Pavilion Gift Shop. Tours are available Monday through Friday 9-11:30am and 1-4:15pm. Click here to read about our rum tour!
Laweatz Family Museum is nestled in a valley northeast of Frederiksted. The museum's 18th-century estate house, with its accompanying ruins and rambling garden, has a charming old-island quality. Converted from a sugar plantation into a dairy ranch in the late 1890's by a Danish farmer and occupied by his descendants for the last 100 years, it houses characteristic and unusual antique furnishings and heirlooms, providing a unique view of Danish West Indian life in the early 1900's. Read about our day at Laweatz Family Museum.
What better place to see lush tropical plants than at our own St. Georges Village Botanical Gardens? St. George Village Botanical Garden is dedicated to conservation and preservation of both the historical and living collections on its grounds. The Garden's mission is to conserve the native plant species of St. Croix, as well as threatened species of other Caribbean islands suited to local environmental conditions. In addition, the Garden preserves the ethno-botanical history of St. Croix through living, graphic and structural displays. Through its gardens and collections, it is a center of education for better understanding, not only of the island's botanical heritage, but also the horticultural potential for contemporary gardening in the Virgin Islands. Click here to see more of what the gardens have to offer.
Whim Plantation Museum, an authentic Danish sugar estate dating from the 1700's offers and unforgettable glimpse into the days when sugar was King and rum flowed freely on St. Croix. Tour the great house, explore sugar factory ruins, and roam the grounds. There is also a museum store with a large selection of West Indian crafts, furniture, prints and souvenirs.
Fort Frederik was the first foreign fort to fire its cannons in celebration of the newly independent United States in 1776. They received word the U. S. had defeated Great Britain and fired the cannons to salute them. There is a museum on fort grounds, which change its exhibits regularly. Buddhoe park, located outside the fort, is the location where slaves were emancipated in 1848.
View artwork by St. Croix residents and other Caribbean artists at The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. Exhibits change on a regular basis, but they are always sure to please the eye. Chances are you can even meet an artist or two. Daytime and evening hours. Art work available for purchase. |
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Where to Play
Ahhh- at the beach! The waters out west are calm, clear and very inviting. The beaches are a beautiful white sand and you'll even find some treasure sea shells and glistening sea glass. Frederiksted and the West End have at least 9 terrific beaches that we have described in detail for you. The beaches out west will provide you with some of the COOLEST snorkeling around (checkout my starfish!), so don't forget to bring you gear to the beach. Just click here to read more about the beaches in Frederiksted. |
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What To Do
Paul and Jill's Equestrian Stables offer horseback riding nature tours to spectacular hilltop views. See wood roses, Tarzan vines, wild bromeliads, and fascinating termite nests. Ride past Egrets among famous Senepol beef cows. Sample fruits from the exotic fruit orchard. Stroll to the sugar mill for a spectacular harbor view before your ride. Horseback riding is perfect for kids or experts. No experience necessary. Reservations suggested at least a day in advance. Click here to read about our horseback riding adventure!
DIVE! DIVE! DIVE! The west is best! Dive ship wrecks, the Frederiksted Pier and even try a night dive! Let the Frederiksted dive shops help you get to the best dive spots. N2 The Blue is located in the heart of downtown Frederiksted, only two blocks from the pier. Because of their location, N2 The Blueis the closest dive shop to some of St. Croix's most interesting dives. Off the shores of the west end are many shipwrecks and reefs, as well as the Frederiksted pier, one of St. Croix's best night dives, and home of such elusive sea creatures as seahorses and frog fish. Click here for dive package information, as well as adventure diver vacation ideas.
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Frederiksted Events
Sunset Jazz takes place one Friday each month. Currently, it is being held on Fort Frederik Beach, right across from the ballpark. Frederiksted Economic Development Association makes this event possible. Sit outside, enjoy the sunset and breeze coming off the water, and relax to some great music. The event is free to everyone, but you will need to bring lawn chairs or a beach blanket. Music begins at 6:00pm. Click here to view our calendar of events to see when the next Sunset Jazz will be. Click here to find out more about Sunset Jazz.
If you are looking for a week-long jazz festival, consider one of the largest musical festival in the Caribbean, The Blue Bay Jazz Fest. The 2007 series was one of the largest events hosting St. Croix jazz artists as well as artists from all over the Caribbean. Join a couple of thousand of fellow jazz lovers for some soothing soul-ful sounds, authentic Crucian cusine and the hospitality St. Croix is known for. FEDA (Frederiksted Economic Development Association) is the organization that makes it all happen, check their site for the most current dates and up to date information.
If you have ever been a part of a traditional Crucian Christmas, you already know how much fun it is! The festival is actually about a month long series of events consisting of pagents, dance competions, and boat races with the culmination being the extravagant Adult Parade that takes place at the end of the festival in the streets of downtown Frederiksted - one crazy, beautiful parade! There is also a an early morning juve (or tramp) and a delightful Children's Parade the day before. Check out more info here for current dates. Make reservations well in advance!
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Where to Eat
At Coconuts you can enjoy great food and cold drinks right on the beach. Coconuts has the largest ice-cold beer selection on St.Croix. Open daily from 12pm to 9pm, serving you lunch and dinner. Monday through Friday, is Happy Hour where you can sit back and relax in one of the beach chairs to enjoy the best view of the sunset on the island. You can catch live music every Saturday and Sunday evening. Coconuts is the closest beach bar to the Frederiksted pier, only a 5minute walk north of town.
If you are looking for an upscale, unique water side dining experience, then make a reservation at Aqua West. Their menu is a bit Mediterranean, a bit Asian, all with a Crucian influence. They prepare fish caught right out of the waters you will be overlooking from your table. Arrive for the happiest hour at 4pm and then stay for a fabulous dinner; Sunday brunch is served from 10am until 3:30. Aqua West is conveniently located with in walking distance from the cruise ship pier. Just about two blocks east on Strand Street. A perfect end to a perfect day on St. Croix.
At Beachside Café, brunch, lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week during winter season. An outdoor dining terrace overlooks a magnificent stretch of white, sandy beach, which is an ideal serene setting to enjoy a St. Croix sunset. The Beach Side Café features a wide and varied menu of fresh seafood, duck, chicken, pork, quality cuts of beef, imaginative pasta, vegetarian and ethnic dishes plus specialty desserts. A full service bar is also available and includes a diverse wine selection to match your palate and budget. The Beachside Cafe is also home to our Beach Cam- where your friends and family can see you live! right on the beach in St. Croix. Reservations are recommended! Click here to see more. |
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Where to Stay
Sandcastle on the Beach is the ultimate one-stop beach resort in Frederiksted. There is a beautiful beach for sunbathing and snorkeling. There are two pools on the property, spa services, as well as the popular Beachside Café, where live jazz and wine dinners are served under the stars. Click here to find out more about Sandcastle on the Beach.
Cottages by the Sea is a hotel consisting of individual cottages on lush tropical grounds next to a beautiful white sand beach. It is the perfect, private paradise you have been looking. Here, among the tall and breezy coconut trees, you will find a relaxed atmosphere and beauty that is equal to no other in the Caribbean. Yet, with a location just a half mile from the quaint downtown of Frederiksted, you are only minutes away from a variety of restaurants, shops and local night spots. Click here to find out more about Cottages by the Sea.
Frederiksted Hotel is situated on the waterfront in the middle of the historic district of Frederiksted. It is a small, European style inn with an inviting pool in the courtyard. The restaurant specializes in West Indian style menu favorites. Walk down the street for café, scuba diving shops and historic buildings. The hotel provides picturesque views from any of their 40 rooms, some with spectacular sunsets! Click here to see more of The Frederiksted Hotel.
Camping in the Caribbean? You bet! Mt. Victory is camping Caribbean style. Owner Bruce Wilson built the campgrounds using all local woods and materials. Each bungalow is built around massive mahogany trees amongst historical sugar plantation ruins. All of the bungalows are well appointed with everything you need to be comfortable and relax. Make sure you join the authentic West Indie style pig roast every Sunday afternoon- and enjoy all the fixings! Click here to find out about Mt. Victory Camp.
If a private B&B is your style, then Sprat Hall is the place to be. Sprat Hall Plantation is the oldest plantation on St. Croix and proprietor Joyce Hurd was born and raised there, and now her daughters help out, too. Sprat Hall is across the street from one of Frederiksted's most pristine beaches and popular restaurants. There are sugar plantation ruins on the property with a perfectly intact sugar mill (a perfect backdrop for small wedding!) Click here to read more about Sprat Hall.
Sugar Hill By The Sea is an adorable suite style B&B with breath-taking views of the west end coast line. Privacy, lush garden setting and a gracious host is what you'll encounter when staying at Sugar Hill. This is the perfect location for those seeking a secluded get away, but still with in touch of all the comforts of home. See more of Sugar Hill By The Sea.
A new eco-friendly accommodation now exists on the west end that takes advantage of the views and lush setting. The five private villas at Northside Valley are nestled in the hill-side. Walk to the beach, or enjoy the quiet peacefulness that will surround you. |
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Sit a while to enjoy the famous west end sunset. There are not many places where you can see the sun disappear into the water, but Frederiksted is one of them. If you are lucky, you might even catch the "green flash". The green flash is the spark of light you can sometimes catch when the sun descends and hits the water.
Why not rent a car to take you from one beautiful place to another. A drive through the rainforest is unforgettable in an open-air jeep listening to all the sounds!
The most unusual thing to see is hidden in the rainforest...Beer Drinking Pigs. Just stop in the Domino Club, grab a couple of cold ones (non-alcoholic, of course) from Norma, the owner, and watch the pigs work their magic as they take the can out of your hand, crush it and throw their heads back to get every last drop of beer.
Frederiksted has so much to offer in terms of history, beauty and things to do and see. This is just the tip of the surface. Once you get into town, one thing will lead to another and another and another. Plan to stay a night or two, or even you're your entire trip. One thing that is constant between the two cities is that things are very relaxed, the people are friendly and in an island state of mind!
Have you already experienced Frederiksted? Tell us about your stay. Click here.
Photos and text by Anna Holley © gotostcroix.com |
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