THE ROCK IS FORMED The U.S. Virgin Islands, known as “America’s Paradise” has a long, complicated and quite interesting history. Geologists believe that 100 million years ago, the earth’s crust (tectonic plates) began shifting enough to cause the eruption of the volcano that created St. Thomas. Once the lava cooled (about 22 million years ago) […]
The idea has been around forever… the best way to understand a culture and its people is through the local food. That’s the point of the island’s original cultural, walking tour, St. Thomas Food Tours. About the Tour The two and a half hour stroll through the gorgeous warehouse passageways of Charlotte Amalie’s historic district […]
I’m constantly amazed that visitors to St. Thomas are so surprised by the unique and reliably delicious cuisine served on this “rock”. St. Thomas has been hosting travelers and vacationers for hundreds of years. It was a dependable inn at sea for explorers, the refuge for weary seamen, a natural stop-off for inter-island travelers and […]
Yes, it is that very, very happy time of year again! We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable carnival! Here is your 2018 St. John Carnival Schedule: EVENTS JUNE 28 | FESTIVAL VILLAGE OPENING 7PM | St. John Village JUNE 30 | CHILDREN’S VILLAGE OPENING 6PM | St. John National Park JULY […]
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. […]
The Virgin Islands is a paradise not only full of beauty but also an alluring history. Just below the surface of our ever changing sand and unbelievably blue waters is the story of square riggers battling for their crown, pirates trading goods and hiding in the protection of promises made by corrupt governors of St. […]
Native St. Thomian DaraMonifah Cooper is one of the bright stars of the Virgin Islands art world. An artist of many talents, she is also major community organizer and educator who dedicates herself to working with St. Thomas’ youth and teaches them about their culture through music, art, performance arts, and engaging in technology through […]
St. John, US Virgin Islands, affectionately nicknamed “Love City,” is the scene for some of the most fantastic Festival revelry in the Caribbean. The St. John Festival is a month-long celebration that kicks off energetically with live music and performances and ramps up to an awe-inspiring fireworks display in the Cruz Bay harbor on the […]
Rum is very much a part of Caribbean drinks culture. This is the home of rum and where some of the world’s best are made. So you probably won’t be surprised to find out that the Virgin Islands are home to more than a few excellent rum distilleries. Rum drinkers should definitely add the Virgin […]
“He just bought 1000 earthworms on Amazon,” Mathayom Vacharat’s girlfriend whispered to me as I sat down next to her at Ground Breaking, one of the themed full moon dinners presented by St. John Catering and Mathayom Private Chefs at their St. John event venue at the Windy Level. “Mysterious purchase,” I laughed, but we […]
Every year Carnival has a theme and 2017 celebrates our Centennial anniversary when the Virgin Islands officially became a part of the United States. St. Thomas is home to one of the largest festivals in the whole Caribbean and features food, games, music, and entertainment for people of all ages. It is an annual highlight […]
Last year I wrote an article about the unavailability of fresh produce in the Virgin Islands. The story went viral with over 17,000 people reading the blog and 2,500 sharing it on social media. Although my readership was greatly increased, which was a positive outcome, I was in for a rude awakening. The backlash was […]
In an age of unlimited streaming movies, music and video games, how do we convince the next generation that folk ways have value and beauty? When any product we dream of is mass produced, available and affordable, why keep oral storytelling, boat building, basketry, herb lore, woodwork and sewing alive? These questions can be answered […]
The Virgin Islands are a must visit for any self respecting foodie. If you’re visiting the islands, you’ll find endless opportunity to experience the culinary delights we have to offer. Once you’ve dined at the top local restaurants, the next thing on your agenda should be to check out some of our many fantastic food […]
If visiting the Virgin Islands has been on your to-do list, this is definitely the year to do it. 2017 marks the one hundred year anniversary of the Virgin Islands transfer from Denmark to the United States. There are dozens of fantastic events scheduled throughout 2017 to celebrate our rich yet complex cultural heritage – […]
Come year end, the VI is host to some of the best and most famous holiday parties in the world! Trade in your puffer coats for Carnival beads, and snow drifts for white sand beaches. This holiday (or next), take to the Virgin Islands streets to dance until dawn. Old Year’s Night Foxy’s Old Year’s […]
Expect a delightful twist on stateside traditions if you visit the US Virgin Islands for Thanksgiving. We watch football games, yes, but projected on hotel linens strung up between palm trees. Instead of wrestling over deep discounts at day-after sales, you’ll find many VI residents sailing in a regatta or sharing leftovers at a beach […]
Close to two thousand Caribbean writers have registered for the upcoming National Novel Writing Month 2016 (NaNoWriMo). Beginning November 1st, seasoned and green authors alike will dare to write 50,000 words in one short month. (That’s 1666 words per day.) Started in 1999, this personal challenge has grown from a handful of writers (21 the […]
