Category: Local Advice

IMG_7729

What to Expect – The Realities of St. John Recovery, in First Person

Republished with permission By Fiona Russell Everyone who’s ever lived on St John has a story about their love affair with this stunning island of eclectic, creative people. I first visited from Puerto Rico with my family when I was 9 years old. I felt a deep peace here that called me home. Following Irma […]

Read More
Extra Virgin Bistro

Big New Year Plans for What To Do’s Family of Restaurants

At What To Do – VI, we take pride in our family of advertisers. This group of restaurateurs and food service professionals has amazed us with their resilience and creativity. In the face of one of the worst disasters most of us have ever experienced, these heroes of the industry have bounced back with charity […]

Read More
Untitled design (9)

5 Last Minute Gift Ideas That Support the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands and many other Caribbean travel destinations were badly damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. Based on research conducted by Virgin Holidays, many repeat visitors to the islands say that they will not be returning in 2018 because they believe the islands have not recovered sufficiently to support tourism. Whether this is true […]

Read More
Bizarre Bazaar Coral Bay 2017

Astonishing Holiday Event Brings Brotherly Love to Coral Bay

Holiday spirit in the US Virgin Islands is as resilient as ever post-Irma/Maria. A shining example of this brotherly love happened a fortnight before Christmas this year in the tiny community of Coral Bay. The tight-knit town on the island of St. John was not daunted by ninety days without phones and power when it […]

Read More
Bittersweet St. John Thanksgiving

A Bittersweet Thanksgiving for Displaced St. John Families

Becky Ward will be home on St. John for Thanksgiving, but it’s a homecoming tinged with heartache. Though she; her partner, Patrick Rooney; and their two-year-old daughter, Hazel are returning, Patrick’s 10-year-old son, Jack, is staying behind in Virginia where he is now living with his Mom and grandparents and is enrolled in a new school. […]

Read More
Hurricane Irma Maria Virgin Islands Senator Janelle Sarauw

6 Ways to Use Your Unique Abilities to Rebuild the Virgin Islands

We all react differently in a disaster. Some hit the ground running. Within minutes, action-types are doing something to help. If not clearing roads or checking on injured neighbors, these first responders are making plans to get the basic necessities to the affected. Others step back to reflect, nurture, and plan. These organizers are our […]

Read More
Hurricane Irma Maria Kids and Families

Private School Needs Help to Cover Free Hurricane Tuitions

The opening of Gifft Hill School to all kids offers more than just education, it allows parents to get back to the work of rebuilding the island. By Andrea Milam Tuesday, September 5, should have been the first day of school for St. John children. Instead, that day was spent in a terrifying rush as […]

Read More
Coral Bay heart

Update on St. John Hurricane Irma Relief: How to Help Find Loved Ones on Love City

*This article was originally published on 9/9/2017, and will be updated continuously for accuracy and new developments.* LOVE CITY STRONG AND RESILIENT Today was a good day,  folks. More than just a Cat 5 has come our way. Love City is also receiving Cat 10 LOVE and support from world class search and rescue teams, […]

Read More
Devastation from Hurricane Irma on Gifft Hill area of St. John

Hurricane Irma Relief for St. John in the US Virgin Islands: How You Can Help

*This article was originally published on 9/8/2017. It was last updated at 12:30 am EST on 9/11, and will be updated continuously for accuracy and new developments.* We’ve put together this article to consolidate accurate, locally-sourced information on how you can help the Hurricane Irma relief efforts on St. John, US Virgin Islands. Several different […]

Read More
Reef2Peak Jennifer and Michael whattodovi

People-Powered Profile: Jennifer Russ | Reef2Peak Eco-Tours

Hi, my name is Jennifer Russ and I am the owner of Reef2Peak, an eco-tour company that offers kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and hiking on St. John in the US Virgin Islands. I have always loved nature and I enjoy the company of outdoorsy people. My father taught me to appreciate travel and the environment. […]

Read More
Stick Figure St. John

The Tap Room’s New State-of-the-Art Music Venue Will Blow Your Mind

Imagine a sweltering Friday evening on St. John. The sun has set casting bright flames across the clouds. Trade winds drain the day’s heat away, cooling sunburns, and whetting appetites for burgers, beer, and great live music. Board shorts, tank tops, and sandals are the attire of choice as you head up the steps to […]

Read More
Enkai Sushi Team

People-Powered Profile: Steven Petsche | Enkai Sushi

Best of the VI  winner four years running, seven years historically, and loved by J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame, Enkai Sushi is doing everything right! The story of Enkai is one of luck, skill, and perseverance. It’s inspiring to realize that Enkai just fell into the lap of new owner Steven Petsche. He struggled, […]

Read More
CimmaronStJohn Dave Robin

People-Powered Profile: CimmaronStJohn Vacation Villa and Condo Rentals

David Conro and Robin Eldridge are baby boomers. They grew up in small farming communities. Dave in the Catskill Mountains of New York and Robin in Northeast Iowa. Dave completed service in the Marine Corps. Robin graduated from college. Both set off for new adventures beyond the small towns of their youth. Near the end […]

Read More
Hurricane Hole St. John

The Virgin Islands Boater’s Guide to Hurricane Preparation

– This guide is dedicated to the sailors and boaters of Coral Bay. Through their collective knowledge and wisdom, this work was possible. If you are a new boat owner in the Virgin Islands, the approach of hurricane season can be a confusing time. Your hair is guaranteed to be raised by the stories of […]

Read More
Chrissann and Diago on boat

Quiz: How long will you last in the Virgin Islands?

Considering island life? Welcome to the Virgin Islands! This might be the perfect home for you. Then again, a short vacation at a luxury all-inclusive resort might be the better choice. Take this quiz to find out how long you will last in the Virgin Islands.

Read More
Coral Bay Dinghy Battle

A Remembrance: The 2008 Dinghy Brawl for Safe Hurricane Moorings

This is really a story about how we come to call a place home. It is also a story about a day when an ill conceived dinghy rodeo took place in Coral Bay. It was one of those days that everything went so upside down that it left me wondering where in the world I had […]

Read More
Virgin Islands Skydiving

3 Ways to Catch a Buzz in the Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Extreme and Adventure Sports Some of Youtube’s most popular videos are compilations of people doing extraordinary things like free climbing vertical rock walls, wing suit flying, and extreme surfing. Honestly, when I watch people doing the near impossible, I well up a little. The discipline, physical mastery and fearlessness needed to accomplish these […]

Read More
Karen Samuels painting ocean scene

People-Powered Profile: Karen Samuel | Kareso Studio

Kareso Studio takes its name from the traditional folk music of the Virgin Islands. Kareso, or cariso, comes from the Carib word carieto which means joyous song. Now located at Estate Eden, the neighborhood where owner Karen Samuel grew up, this art studio showcases the culture and traditions of St. John from an insider perspective. […]

Read More
Share