Top Ten Reasons We Are Glad It Is November
Can you feel the buzz in the air? Are you feeling antsy and already dreading the below freezing temperatures where you live? Are you already day-dreaming about your St. Croix vacation and secretely planning it at work...while you should be working?? Well, GOOD! November is here and here are Ten Reasons We Are Glad It Is November...and you should be, too!
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One of uur favorite things about November is that the threat of hurricanes diminishes GREATLY! Read below for more reasons why WE LOVE NOVEMBER!
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 10. The return of a Jazz Fest.
I have only lived on St. Croix for five years now, but have heard folk-lore of some incredible jazz fests from the past. Late night jam sessions with big names, running into the artists on the beach or at the bar and of course, the main event lasts all day and night. This year, the Blue Bay Jazz Fest will take place in Frederiksted and is bringing some big names. No doubt, history will repeat itself.
 9. The hills are alive with yellow and even Crucian "snowflakes" began to fall.
If you didn't know, November is the month when the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands are in full bloom. The beautiful, yellow fragrant flower known as Ginger Thomas are in full bloom and blanket the hillsides. As you drive along the coastline (on the left), you will be amazed at the vibrant yellow as it contrasts against the green hillsides and bright blue sky background. Take a closer look and you will notice hundreds of little white butterflies fluttering so busy-like it will make you dizzy. They appear in mass and really do resemble a small snowstorm, but rest assured, you won't need your coat, hat or mittens. Just enjoy our little Crucian "snowflakes.
 8. Return of the Snowbirds.
Nobody actually knows where THEY come from, but like a great migration they all fly down on sliver wings and set up camp in their beach-side condos. Two by two they remove hurricane shutters, pull of the furniture covers, go to the grocery store to stock the pantry and refrigerator and make arrangements for cocktail hour. It is also unknown actually how much the island's population increases, but the influx of people who are here to stay for a few months is a welcome site. You can spot them anywhere- pasty white, bizarre fashion trends and they tend to wear closed toe shoes for a couple of weeks until they realize there is no threat of shoveling snow.
 7. Holiday Jump Up.
A Jump Up is a large block party that takes place in the streets of Christiansted four times a year. Traditionally, the Holiday Jump Up, which always takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, is the largest of the large. Because there are so many vacationers on St. Croix, it seems everyone is out on the town. Everyone seems to be in the holiday spirit, no matter what holiday you might be celebrating; the air is crisp; the smell of pate and Johnny Cakes is in the air...an event not to be missed. View our Jump Up photo album, here.
 6. Its a good time to thank Christopher Columbus.
Yes, Thanksgiving is an American holiday and most of us will celebrate with with an enormous dinner of turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole and who knows what else. Why not add lobster in St. Croix to your menu this year? Then, you can sit on the couch with no intention of watching anything because the Tryptophans from the turkey are about to kick in and you will fall fast asleep. But before you close those sunburned eyelids, say a quick thanks to Christopher Columbus who landed on St. Croix in 1493 ;discovered this beautiful lush green jewel ringed by sandy shores sitting in crystal clear water and said "This is America's Paradise, American Citizens do not need a passport to travel to St. Croix." Wait...he didn't say that?
 5. It is getting cold in the states.
That means people are DREADING snow storms, ice storms, power outages, shoveling snow, not leaving the house for days, slushy cold feet; taking the dog out in zero temperature to do its business, bundling the kids to run simple errands (and then un-bundling them quickly because they have to go to the bathroom RIGHT NOW!) Colder temperatures in the states means people are planning their St. Croix vacation where it is warm, where the only shovel you will lift is the one you'll use to build a sandcastle on the beach; you'll only bundle yourself in a towel after a cool dip in your pool or ocean; kids? What kids? Call grandma, she could use some quality time with the grandkids.
 4. The air temperature starts to cool off to a chilling 80-85 degrees.
Gone are the hot and humid days during the summer when it is 90-95 degrees. We also get the beginning of the "Christmas Winds", which are the trade-winds that typically blow from November until January or February. In the days of Buccaneers and pirates, the Christmas Winds also brought pillaging, drunk pirates and beached ships. Today, just be on the lookout for drunk pirates.
 3. The water temperature starts to cool down to 75 to 80 degrees.
This is a nice relief to the warm bath water over the summer months (see #4). Taking a dip in the ocean actually becomes refreshing!
 2. Hurricane Season is officially over.
THANK GOODNESS! Nothing more needs to be said.
 1. The Official Start Of Season.
November, and more specifically, the week of Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of tourism season on St. Croix. The island is a buzz with newness, a fresh start; everyone is excited and geared up. Beginning of season marks the beginning of events that ONLY take place during season such as Art Thursday, Mardi Croix, Ag Fair and many more. Store owners have all new merchandise and ideas; locals are happy to give directions to sun-burned zombies walking aimlessly with map in hand. Residents are all back from summer vacation and ready to show our island guests just how friendly we are and what a wonderful island we live on. We want to share St. Croix with you and show you what we have to offer. Get started by looking at our event calendar.
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