UPCOMING EVENTS

Manager's Cocktail Party
Join us each Tuesday evening for our Manager's cocktail party.

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French Heritage Week
Il est temps de celebrer! (It’s time to celebrate!)
By Carol Bareuther, RD and Patricia Harkins-Pierre

From Frenchtown, just west of Charlotte Amalie’s waterfront, to the French enclave on Saint Thomas’ North Side, the French community – locally known as ‘Frenchies’ – have played an important role in the settlement and development of our islands. So vive la France!

With dinners, dancing, a fishing tournament and family fun, French Heritage Week (July 7-15) celebrates the importance of our French culture and customs.

France once claimed many Caribbean islands, including Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Haiti. French settlers first came to the Virgin Islands in the 1600s. The French flag flew over St. Croix for many years before the Danish united the Virgin Islands in 1733.

Immigration from the nearby island of St. Barthelemy – commonly called St. Barths – brought an influx of settlers whose descendants remain in the USVI today. Frenchies were mainly cotton farmers, but a failing market forced them to find other means to survive.

On Saint Thomas, Frenchies split into two groups. One group went into the North Side hills to be farmers. Because of the steep and rocky terrain, farmland was terraced to keep crops from washing away. These terraces are still in use today.

The second group settled just to the west of Charlotte Amalie in Carenage (now Frenchtown), established in 1835. Land was not suitable for planting, so the men took to the sea in handmade boats to fish, while the women tended chickens and created woven straw hats and brooms for sale. In Frenchtown, the time-honored tradition of open fish markets still thrives. Fishermen set out as early as 4 am with hand-woven nets and fish pots (traps), then sell their catch while it is still morning.

Today, in addition to the original Frenchie community, immigrants from France, Haiti, and other French islands call the Virgin Islands home. It is common to hear French patios (French Creole), a combination of French and English, spoken here.

The French Heritage Museum in Frenchtown, dedicated on July 9, 2004, has given St. Thomas a permanent place to showcase its rich French history. The small stone building, painted a sunny yellow, sits next to the Joseph Aubain Ballpark. The Museum displays over 400 keepsakes and heirlooms donated by the local community, including a magnificent four-poster bed, fishing nets and tools – and even meat hooks once used by the neighborhood butcher. The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is free.

Raise the French flag and Celebrate: VI French Heritage Week 2008
July 14, the actual date of Bastille Day, commemorates a day in 1789, the importance of which former Governor Charles Turnbull explained last year: “It is fitting and proper that we pay tribute to those who placed themselves in harm’s way to overcome tyranny, culminating in the storming and destruction of the Bastille, the state prison inParis. This significant episode in history led to the establishment of the French Republic. Their heroic efforts are etched forever in the annals of freedom- loving people everywhere.”

Frenchtown Civic Organization leader, Henry Richardson, adds, “We raise the French flag and really encourage residents to show their flags and celebrate.”

Here are activities planned to celebrate this year’s French Heritage Week:
Friday July 13, Captain’s Meeting and Registration at Hull Bay Hideaway, 7:30 pm, for the Annual Bastille Kingfish Tournament, hosted by the Northside Sportfishing Association. Entry fees are $35 for adults and $20 for juniors ages 8 to 16. The event benefits the Joseph Sibilly School, Saint Thomas Rescue, The American Red Cross, Kidscope, and the Family Resource Center.

Saturday July 14th, Bastille Day, will see two events: the Legislative/Executive Joint Observation of French Heritage Week-Recognition Ceremonies and Reception at Catherineberg, the Governor’s Residence and the dedication of an additional building, a circa- 1900 restored home, to the French Heritage Museum complex.

Sunday July 15th, the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament will take place out of Hull Bay Hideaway. Hailed as one of the island’s top inshore sports fishing tournaments, anglers will cast their lines in the water starting at 5:30 am and try their luck at a catch that will win them one of 15 different prize categories. Weigh-in is at noon, when the public is invited to a big beach party with favorite Cool Session Band playing live. The Bastille Day Kingfish Awards Ceremony at Hull Bay Hideaway starts at 8 pm and features cash and luxury prizes. Admission is free to the general public; food and drinks will be on sale.

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OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

Saint Thomas - Saint John Passenger Ferry
Passenger ferries operate between Saint Thomas (Red Hook & Charlotte Amalie) and Saint John (Cruz Bay). Transportation Services (340) 776-6282 and Varlack Ventures (340) 776-6412

From Red Hook:
Rates: One-way, $5/Adults and $1.00/Children ages 2-11.
Seniors are $1.25 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes.
Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Leaving Red Hook, Saint Thomas
6:30 am, 7:30 am then hourly from 8:00 am to Midnight

Leaving Cruz Bay, Saint John
Hourly from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

From Charlotte Amalie:
Rates: One-way, $10/Adults and $3.00/Children ages 2-11. Seniors are $5 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes.
Time: 40 to 45 minutes

Leaving Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas
9:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
5:30 pm

Leaving Cruz Bay, Saint John
7:15 am
9:15 am
11:15 am
1:15 pm
2:15 pm
3:45 pm

Nightlife
Saint Thomas has the liveliest nightlife in the Virgin Islands. It certainly is not Las Vegas, South Beach or New York City but it can be great fun! How about dancing, bar hopping or karaoke? Many bars/clubs play a mixture of American hits and popular Caribbean music. Happy hour at bars and restaurants is popular and is a good way to start a fun evening. Happy hour often includes discounts on food and drinks.

In Havensight you will find several bars and restaurants, often with rock and roll music playing, live bands, TV's for watching sports, pool tables and good times.The restaurants and bars are in walking distance from each other. It is not a good idea to walk in downtown Charlotte Amalie at night outside of the popular restaurant/bar area.

Frenchtown, just outside of Charlotte Amalie, is another good place to go out at night. There are several great restaurants and a few small bars in that area.

If you are looking for a semi-block party island style, try heading to Red Hook. Start off with some dinner and drinks at one spot and then head over to another bar or restaurant to listen to music or maybe a live band. Red Hook has several fun spots that are all in walking distance which makes bar hopping easy.

For a night on the town combine an early dinner with a live performance. Plays, orchestras, ballets and concerts are performed throughout the year at centers for performing arts and theatres like Reichhold Center, Pistarckle Theatre and Tillett Gardens.

Atlantis Submarine
www.atlantisadventures.com

Our unique tour enables guests to view the exciting underwater world from our state of the art submarine, Atlantis XV. Designed with safety and comfort in mind, the submarine provides an intimate view of abundant varieties of sea life through large view ports. You will see small colorful reef fish darting in and out of coral and larger predator fish; perhaps even a glimpse of a shark! Other possible sightings include turtles, lobster and stingrays. An informative and experienced co-pilot will accompany you with an informative narration of the ecosystem. Don't miss this adventure!

Coral World Ocean Park
www.coralworldvi.com

Spend the day at Coral World Ocean Park, one of Saint Thomas's Greatest Attractions. Get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory. Pet a shark, hand feed a stingray or a rainbow lorikeet! There are several gift shops, cafes and shower facilities. Additional activities include brand new Sea Lion Splash, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Shark and Turtle Encounters, Nautilus Semi-Sub, Parasailing and Snuba. Located next to Coki Beach. Open 9-5 daily, November - May. Summer schedule may vary.

Virgin Islands Ecotours
www.viecotours.com

Virgin Islands Ecotours offers the only half and full day guided kayak & snorkel tours of St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Preserve. Explore the Mangroves on two person easy to paddle sit-on-top kayaks. Explore crystal clear lagoons and a deserted tropical island with hermit crabs races and the famous Red Point Blow hole. Snorkel in an underwater paradise. No experience is necessary. If you only do one snorkel tour, this is it! It's fun. It's beautiful. And from the Professional guides that lead the tours, it's also educational. It's ecotourism at its best. Fun for the entire family! Morning and afternoon tours daily. Reservations required.

Skyride to Paradise Point
www.stthomasskyride.com

The Saint Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point, a modern aerial cable car, is your ride to the best sightseeing in the Virgin Islands. The trip is 7 minutes one-way and takes you 700 feet above sea level. Stay at the top for as long as you want and enjoy unique shops, a neat Bird Show (10:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm), a fun bar featuring the famous Bushwacker, a grill for a nice lunch and fabulous panoramic views of cruise ships, Charlotte Amalie harbor and neighboring islands. Open 9am-5pm; Tuesdays 9am-7pm and Wednesdays 9am-9pm . Roundtrip: Adults are $19. Children 6-12 are $9. 5 and under are free!

Bluebeard's Castle & Frederiksberg
Located on Bluebeards Hill, east of Charlotte Amalie, is Bluebeard's Castle. Local stories state that the structure was built by the pirate Bluebeard for his love Mercedita, however this is no more than a story. The Danes actually built the stone tower around 1689 as a supplementary watchtower to aid the defenses of Fort Christian. It was called Frederik's Fort when originally constructed and is actually on the site of a fortification the first colonists to the island had started. Today the tower is incorporated into Bluebeard's Castle Hotel.

Also incorporated into the hotel is Frederiksberg. In 1818 the colonial government sold the watchtower and surrounding lands to a merchant and in the 1820's the large residence of Frederiksberg was constructed. While the hotel has changed it somewhat; the columned portico, staircase and parts of the interior retain the original look. Part of the interior is used as the hotel lobby.

Boat Rentals
Rent a boat and plan your own itinerary; stop at a few snorkeling spots, have a nice picnic on a deserted beach or a fun family trip to a neighboring island. Boat rental operators will provide directions and advice on good locations to visit.

BVI excursions
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are made up of about 50 islands and islets. The four largest islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. Tortola is the largest island with an area of 21 square miles. The other larger islands are Anegada at 15 square miles, Virgin Gorda at 8 square miles and Jost Van Dyke at 3 square miles. Smaller islands include Great Tobago, Peter, Cooper, Norman, Guana, Beef, Great Thatch and Marina Cay. The British Virgin Islands are among the world's loveliest cruising grounds for charters and yachts. Take a day trip to the BVI and visit some of the top sights like the Baths on Virgin Gorda and picturesque Jost Van Dyke, it will be a vacation highlight!

Sailing Lessons
The waters around Saint Thomas are beautiful, the weather fabulous, the trade winds perfect - perfect for sailing! And not just any sailing, YOU sailing. That's right, while visiting Saint Thomas you can take sailing classes that give you the know how to sail a 20 foot sailboat and larger boats with more advanced classes. You can even do an excursion where you actively participate on a racing yacht as you and your team head toward a finish line - sounds exhilarating doesn't it?
Featured Sailing Lessons & Excursions

Island Sol
http://www.islandsol.net

Island Sol is the place for performance sailing lessons. Our US Sailing Certified Instructors can take you from your first sail to your first championship regatta on virtually any boat! Check out our Junior Sailing Program for kids 7-14 years old who want to experience the thrill of sailing their own boat, the world famous Optimist Pram. For the bigger "kids" we offer lessons on board our fleet of Hobie Waves or IC-24s. Our sailing center is located at The Ritz-Carlton, on the windy East End of St. Thomas.

Fair Wind Sailing School
http://www.fairwindsailing.com

Fair Wind Sailing School offers sailing lessons and ASA certifications in beginning, bareboat and advanced programs. We teach live-aboard sailing programs from Red Hook, Saint Thomas. Come take lessons and sail with the best, visit our website for more information!

Other St. Thomas Island Activites and Event Resources

There a re number of helpful sites that are availabile to find out more about Saint Thomas USVI. we recommend visiting them to get the low-down on every Saint Thomas

Virgin Islands Now www.vinow.com/stthomas

US department of tourism, USVI www.usvitourism.vi