Whenever I talk to friends or family about my visit to St. Croix, everyone asks the same question- “What are you bringing me home?” In an effort to avoid cliche gifts, I wanted to find presents that are authentic to the culture of St. Croix. These are people I care about, and I want to showcase my appreciation for them with meaningful gestures. So, I began perusing the shops in search of the most authentic souvenirs from St. Croix.
Tarin Scarbrough
Art Classes at CMCArts
Full disclosure: my nights in St. Croix usually consist of visiting restaurants and bars. In an effort to find a new activity, I found out that there are art classes at CMCArts or Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts offered regularly. I would not consider myself an artist by any means. However, you’ll never know if you don’t try, right? So I decided to leave my comfort zone and try one out.
Hike to Jack and Isaac’s Bay
Needing to stretch my legs a little bit, my new friend Chaundra offered to drive to check out Point Udall and do a small hike. What I thought would just be a scenic view, the hike to Jack and Isaac’s Bay turned into my favorite adventure on St. Croix so far.
St. Croix Sugar Mills
My family came to visit this weekend, and we had an amazing time traveling around the island. We traveled to every destination possible. However, on every road, my grandma kept asking “What are those brick buildings up there? They look like thimbles.” “St. Croix Sugar mills.” “What are they for?” “For grinding sugar cane.” “Are they still in use? Can we visit?”
“I don’t know.”
Local Distilleries in St. Croix
If you’re a lover of local spirits, the options are endless here in St. Croix! Well known brands such as Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan Rum are both made and distributed on island. Additionally, Sion Farms Distillery has rolled out a variety of Mutiny vodkas, and they’re so delicious, almost every bar on island features their product. I’ve curated a list of local distilleries in St. Croix, so you can get a true taste of the place!
USVI Caribbean Music Festival
St. Croix offers plenty of music on island, but the USVI Caribbean Music Festival could be one of the best events happening this year!
St. Croix Artists: Abby Moon
No matter where you find yourself in St. Croix, art adorns every surface of the island. Murals and brightly colored signs light up the streets. Metal sculptures and installations are placed in front of buildings to entice visitors to enter. As I walk down the street in Frederiksted, almost every store or restaurant has custom art, often depicting the details and history of St. Croix. The amount of passion and celebration for the culture seethes through each brushstroke and truly expresses the passion of the Crucians. St. Croix artists truly reinforce the beauty that emblazons this majestic place.
Sunset Sail in St. Croix
There’s nothing as beautiful as a Caribbean sunset! And after a gorgeous day, you deserve to finish it off in the best way possible, and that’s on a sunset sail in St. Croix.
Mardi Croix 2023: Yabba Dabba Do!
Mardi Croix 2023
Crucians, or the people of St. Croix, love to party! Give them an occasion, and you can bet there’s something fun happening. So every February, the weekend before Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, boasts a street party called “Mardi Croix.” Since 2002, a group of Louisiana transplants known as “Krewe de Croix” host the street party on the North Shore. And let me tell you, Mardi Croix gets louder and larger every year!
Driving in St. Croix: Do’s and Don’ts
St. Croix Driving Rules
In St. Croix, a car is a necessity to see everything the island has to offer. Due to the large size of St. Croix, it’s the only way to truly experience the island. Driving in St. Croix may seem intimidating at first, but learning the basics is a breeze. Pretty soon, you’ll be cruisin’ like a true Crucian!