Dawn of a NEW YEAR on St. John USVI

Sunrise over Coral Bay, St. John USVI

What better way to greet the new year than the sunrise over Coral Bay on beautiful St. John! As we welcome 2013, we can start looking forward to island events we would like to attend in the coming year.


Here are a few to choose from....we'll keep you updated throughout 2013 with blog entries and musical, art, and children's events described at www.stjohnessence.com. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all friends on and off island!!!!

January
Jan. 4 is first of (4) Sis Frank Concert Series at St. John School of the Arts

Jan. 19 St. John Animal Care's Winter Gala www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com

February
Feb. 14 9th Annual Celebration of Love - Free marriage vow renewal ceremony at Trunk Bay. Visit www.re-marryyourmate.com/valentine.htm

Feb. 25 8 Tuff Miles Race - Visit www.8tuffmiles.com for details.

March
Easter Holidays (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday)
Last weekend of March - Yacht Club Flotilla benefiting Guy Benjamin School.

April
VI Carnival, St. Thomas

May
Friends of the V.I. National Park Beach-to-Beach Power Swim
Commodore's Cup Regatte benefiting KATS.

June
Month-long St. John Festival Begins up to July 4 celebrations

Sing in the Holidays on St. John USVI

Coral Bay Holiday Sing Along (photo stjohnsource.com)

You have some fun opportunities this week to join in a few singing traditions here on St. John. Two of the events happen Wednesday, Dec. 19--in Cruz Bay the St. John Singers are giving their annual concert at 7:30pm at the Nazareth Lutheran Church (across from JJ's Cafe). And if you're at the other end of the island at 6:30pm that evening, the Coral Bay Holiday Sing Along is a fun time for families to join together and sing Christmas favorites.

The St. John Singers concert is repeated in Coral Bay later in the week on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Emmaus Moravian Church also at 7:30pm. This is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the community and singing together is a happy way to bring in the holiday season. We wish all our friends near and far a joyous holiday and peaceful new year!

1. 
   

Christmas Prom on St. John USVI

Mongoose Junction Prom coming up December 15

This Saturday, December 15 marks the 17th annual Christmas Party at Mongoose Junction.  Starting at 9pm The Prom is an event not to be missed by islanders and visitors alike since it celebrates the rare occasion when locals dress up in "island fancy" and dance the night away.

The party is FREE and has become a St. John event ever since it was first established after Hurricane Marilyn hit in 1995 when The Prom made its debut as an effort to rebuild community spirit.  This year the spirit is going strong and will be jiving to the vibes of Ah We Band as well as enjoying food provided by Mongoose Junction restaurants and a champagne bar.

Keep an eye on St. John events posted at http://www.stjohnessence.com/ since the island is in full swing for the season...come join us!

December 7 Caribbanese Art Reception

This Friday, December 7 come be part of a special art reception celebrating “Caribbanese: Caribbean/ Japanese Fusion In Art —The People,” at Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery on the second floor of The Marketplace.

The evening event, from 5 to 8 p.m., in collaboration with  St. John School of the Arts will featuring local dance performances and a display of fine art that demonstrates the blend of art forms between Caribbean and Japanese cultures.  

A Kimberly Boulon painting and a Helen Dunkerley ceramics piece will be available by raffle tickets sold at the event supporting local arts education.  The evening will also include “Caribbanese Haiku” poetry by Beverly Melius and live music fusing Caribbean and Japanese styles.  For more information see http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/index.php/584-news/2012-12-news/8303-caribbanese-exhibition-at-kimberly-boulon-fine-art-gallery-to-feature-dance-ceramic-art-haiku-and-more.

Snorkeling--a St. John Vacation Highlight

One of the beauties of snorkeling off the many white-sand beaches of St. John is that it is FREE..only a mask and snorkel needed (fins are optional).

Everyone has their favorite spots for spotting turtles, incredible fish and amazing coral reefs, but for stepping out of your car and walking into the quiet waters, Big Maho Bay is top of the list for beginning snorkelers. Young and old can enjoy a gentle swim off to the right around the rocks into Little Maho Bay.

On your swim you're sure to see a few blue-green parrot fish, plenty of silver bar jacks, a few blue tangs, and possibly a turtle or two. You may be treated to an octopus sighting as well as some stingrays searching for food at the ocean bottom. We would love to hear what you find in your snorkeling explorations!

Come to Love City Live!

If you're looking for a reason to start planning your St. John vacation then check out the newest local music celebration Love City Live! Performing on island January 24-27,2013.

You can join the reggae party and hear some of the most recognized musicians in the world. Starting the lineup will be Steel Pulse, the UK's Grammy-winning artists. Also performing will be St. John's own Inner Visions, as well as popular singers like Reemah, born on St. Croix, and Duane Stephenson, known for his poetic lyrics addressing social change.

Love City Live! is a chance to experience local food, view Caribbean art, and enjoy the amazing vibes of world renown reggae performers. Learn more about the schedule of events at http://www.experiencelovecitylive.com/ and register by 12/31 to get the early bird ticket price.

St. John Author Peter Muilenburg's Latest Book is Out: A Sea Dog's Tale

A book is now available that is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs, sailing, adventure, and who just enjoys a well-written story. Peter Muilenburg's "A Sea Dog's Tale: The True Story of a Small Dog on a Big Ocean" grabs the reader quickly with its story of a schipperke puppy who joins the family and lives on board their sail boat for years of adventures at sea.

Many visitors to St. John, USVI know Peter Muilenburg's hand built boat "Breath" having sailed on day charters out of Coral Bay. Peter and his wife Dorothy have shared their warmth and love of island life with visitors and locals alike. Readers will feel like they are sailing right along with the family as they get to know their amazing pup Santos.

Peter writes of Santos, "“He survived kidnap, hurricane, raging surf, and being lost overboard. We gave him up for dead twice...He may have been an 11-pound dog, but he strode through life like a lion.” The new book is available on http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MU9IAS/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb and will soon be available at local St. John stores.

Paddleboarding in St. John USVI

Have you glanced up from the beach lately and seen someone who looks like he or she is walking on water? It's just one more adventurer who has joined the new craze of Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP as another way to get out on the water while vacationing on St. John.

In addition to being a great workout, it's a fun alternative to snorkeling since you can get incredible views of fish, coral, and the occasional turtle taking a dive down into the depths. The key to the first time out is balance ....you can start on your knees but it really is easier paddling once you stand up.

There are a few options for renting a paddle board or getting a few lessons. One company who has proven itself as the premier kayaking trip leader and guide for St. John USVI is Arawak Expeditions http://www.arawakexp.com/sup.htm. And someone who has started her own business is Karen Jarvis with Love City Paddle Boards (340) 642-9419. Pick a nice calm day and get out on those aqua blue waters!

Snorkeling the Mangroves of St. John USVI

All who have visited St.John USVI know the beauty and wide assortment of beaches all over the island. Though....there's still more to discover since not all who snorkel have yet tried exploring the mangroves found in the waters of Hurricane Hole, Coral Bay. It's an experience not to be missed!

A wonderful new book has been written just last year by local author, Caroline Rogers called "The Mysterious, Magical Mangroves of St. John, USVI". The photos of coral reefs and fish viewed through the tangle of mangrove roots will nudge any reader to wade into the bay and view the sea life for themselves.

Rogers' book can be purchased through the Friends of the VI National Park website at http://www.friendsvinp.org/books-maps-a-guides/magical-mangroves2012-07-14-21-52-34-detail.

St. John Vacation Rentals

Across the Midwest and into the Northeast the cold winds are starting to blow....which means its a good time to look into vacation villa rentals on the most beautiful island in the Caribbean....St. John USVI.

Here to help you make your decision on which house best suits your needs is our listing of accommodations found at http://www.stjohnessence.com/accommodations.html. There is much to consider including what size house you would like, in which part of St. John you would like to be located, how close to the beaches would you be, and are there any restaurants nearby.

And of course one of the key essentials....what kind of view will you have. Take a look at these incredible ocean views and see which one you would like for a week or two. Come on down and enjoy the 80 degree temperatures year round!

St. John Triathalon THIS WEEKEND!

Come swim, bike, and run in the 14th annual Love City Triathlon and Aquathon on Sunday, Sept. 2nd....race starts at 7:00 am. Or simply show up at Maho Bay beach to cheer on the athletes and join in the fun.

It's a new course and they are staging the race all from Maho Bay. The triathletes will swim a half mile in Maho Bay. Bike to Cruz Bay, Centerline, to the Yogurt stand and go down Kings Hill and finish back at Maho Bay. Then run a new and challenging 4-mile course and return to Maho Bay. The Aquathoners will swim the same ½ mile course, and run a new and challenging 3 miles and return to Maho Bay. For more information about registering for the race go to http://www.stjohnlandsharks.com/.

As a special bonus, anyone who registers before August 30 is eligible for a free night at a Maho Bay Camps tent cottage the night before the race, Sep 1st. To book your free night be sure to call Maho at (340) 776-6226.

St. John USVI promoting Community through Gardens

While many gardeners in northern U.S are starting to harvest the bounty of their summer gardens...here on St. John, USVI a wonderful new project is just coming into bloom. St. John Community Foundation has just completed the first phase of their Community Garden located on 2.5 acres on Gifft Hill.

According to the St. John Tradewinds 8.2.12 http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com, the garden is open to volunteers looking to work with other community members in maintaining the various areas of the garden. Currently there are paths and newly-planted trees to enjoy and future plans include a butterfly garden, an herb garden, and a bush tea garden.

To learn more about the Community Garden as well as the proposed Arts & Cultural Community Center which would be a place of history, culture and art, check out the St. John Community Foundation website http://www.sjcf.org/.

St. John Takes Part in the 2012 Summer Olympics

Mimi Roller competes in Laser sailing 

All St. Johnians and hopefully many around the world will be poised in front of their TVs watching the 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS taking place in London, England which opens this Friday, July 27.  You can learn about the 45 year history of participants from St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, USVI on the website http://www.virginislandsolympics.org/.

Of special interest to all who know and love St. John, is the Laser sailboat competitor, Mimi Roller.  Mimi is one of the 7 athletes that are representing the U.S. Virgin Islands and she got her start in sailing right here in Coral Bay with the local sailing non profit organization called KATS (Kids And The Sea) which introduces local children to the fun of sailing their own boat.  We wish all the best to Mimi and will be cheering for all our local athletes as they compete in the next two weeks!

Peace and Solitude at Sundown, Trunk Bay Beach , St. John, USVI

July brings warm waters and fewer people to the island, where you can stroll and feel relaxation wash over you as the sun goes down at beautiful Trunk Bay Beach.

St. John Hiking to Annaberg Sugar Mill

It's not only the white-sand beaches that make St. John such a great place to explore, but it's the history you find as you venture out on your St. John vacation.

Established in 1718, Annaberg Sugar Plantation is one of twenty-five sugar plantations that were once active on St. John. The plantation produced molasses and rum in addition to sugar and for the majority of its life the plantation was run by slave labor. In July 1848 freedom was declared for the Danish West Indies Slaves.

You can tour the historic ruins any time and read about the difficult lives of the slaves at that time. More photos and info are available at http://preservationinpink.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/annaberg-sugar-mill-plantation-ruins/.

St John USVI Carnival Parade

A beautiful, cool day for the parade here in Cruz Bay. Energy and high spirits, community and creativity are all coming together to make a fabulous cultural event! Happy 4th of July folks!!

Lauren & Bo Bring Music to St. John Year Round

Lauren and Bo perform music on St. John www.larenandbo.com

Many visitors prefer the quieter summer season for their St. John vacations so they can often find empty beaches and even find parking spaces in Cruz Bay.  Though there are fewer people on island, there are still incredible choices of music between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.  One recognizable duo is Lauren and Bo with their wide variety of folk, reggae, and rock and roll….all sung with perfectly blended voices accompanied by Bo’s guitar rhythms.

You can listen to Lauren and Bo’s music throughout the week depending on which end of the island you on….if you are in Cruz Bay you have a choice of Wed (Sun Dog Café), Fri (Morgan’s Mango) or Sat (Rhumb Lines).  And if you live in Coral Bay you can hear them each Sunday night at Aqua Bistro.  For samples of their music, click on the website http://www.laurenandbo.com/home.cfm  and you’ll be sure to venture out to one of St. John’s restaurants to hear them in person.

BVI History off the shores of St. John USVI

You don't have to travel far to experience a piece of history at one of the most popular British Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society http://jvdps.org is in the midst of a project that most visitors may not have seen as they sail into Great Harbor or stop for a drink at Foxy's.

The nonprofit Preservation Society based on Jost is building a 32 foot wooden sailing vessel, whose design is based on the “Tortola Boats” unique to the Virgin Islands. The program encourages school children to participate and learn more about sailing and scuba while they sail in the newly built boat which will house the program. The overall goal is to increase greater awareness and understanding of small island ecosystems and related marine issues.

Trunk Bay for your St. John Vacation

The beautiful white-sand beach of VI National Park Trunk Bay has been the site of many a St. John wedding ceremony. But we're here to tell you that Trunk is not just a destination for special occasions...it makes a wonderful day trip as well.

For a $4 day fee or a $15 year long family pass, you can enjoy all that Trunk Bay offers: underwater snorkeling trail, a loooooong beach with incredible views, snack shack for buying lunch, restrooms, and showers to clean up before you head home. During the slower summer months, treat yourself to one of the top 5 most photographed beaches in the world located right here on our little St.John, USVI.

2012 Carnival & Music on St. John USVI

Starting in June into July it's time to celebrate 2012 Carnival here on St. John USVI! It all culminates on July 4th with the big parade in Cruz Bay and of course fireworks that night!
Check out the schedule for the fun events that are happening on island right now.

Some of the highlights include the Food Festival on Sunday, June 24 and the opening of Festival Village on the evening of Friday, June 29. Come to the Cruz Bay ball field on Friday night June 22 to enjoy some St. John music to dance the night away. And if you love the island nightlife, join the all-night partiers on July 3 and celebrate Jouvert at 4am to bring in the official day of celebration on 4th of July. It's a party not to be missed!

Rules of the Sea...Snorkeling on St.John

Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone so we are officially in summer which brings some of the finest snorkeling on St. John. The ocean tends to be calm which makes for great visibility and the water temperature is a solid 80 degrees.

This artful sign greets you at the beginning of the Leinster Bay trail, a shoreline 20 minute walk, that leads to a white sand beach for swimming around Waterlemon Cay--a must for all visitors to St. John--and a wonderful place for spotting turtles. Be sure to swim counterclockwise to let the gentle current push you around this beautiful island.

St. John USVI turns out for the Dogs!

A large gathering came out to the VI National Park ball field yesterday evening for the Wagapalooza, an annual fundraiser for the Animal Care Center on St John. The blue ribbon winner of the Best Costume event and Wagapolooza Queen of Show was Taliah, owned by Crystal Allen, who made her dog this colorful carnival outfit in traditional island style. Woof woof!!

Artist Unveils Latest Work of Art at St John Gallery

Stop by Kimberly Boulon's new gallery in the Marketplace, 2nd floor to see this masterpiece and many more.

St. John art scene welcomes Kimberly Boulon gallery

Winter Light on Trunk Bay http://kimberlyboulon.com/

Today is the opening reception 5-8pm at St. John's newest gallery, Kimberly Boulon Fine Art. Kimberly's art is already well known on St. Thomas and St. John, USVI since she has shown her island landscapes and seascapes here since 2000. Her painting ranges between oils, pastels and gouache and reflects her background in marine ecology and animal behavior in its subject matter.

The best way to get a feel for Kimberly's artwork is to come by and visit the new gallery in its beautifully renovated location on the 2nd floor of of The Marketplace. Kimberly Boulon Fine Art is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information about Boulon check out her website www.kimberlyboulon.com or call (340) 693-8524.

Sun Dog Cafe St. John USVI Jam Sessions

If you're looking for music, you can't go wrong wandering the streets of St. John USVI in the evenings....just be sure you get out to Mongoose Junction on Wednesdays and experience the talented musicians that perform at Sun Dog Cafe starting at 7pm.  If you sing or play an instrument, feel free to join in the evening of song each week.  And as you sing along or listen you can enjoy the food and drink while you soak in the happy vibes of this local outdoor cafe.

Visitors Report on Unforgettable St. John Vacation

The Corazzo Family, photo by Thia Muilenburg

We spent a week in Saint John at Stonegarden Cottage. First let me say that the Muilenburgs, who own the property, are some of the nicest people we've met on our travels. This was the perfect place for our family (it didn't hurt that our seven-year-old daughter Emma hit it off instantly with the Muilenburg's daughter). We love nature, and we felt like we were staying in a tree house up high on the mountain overlooking beautiful Coral Bay.

    Every day on Saint John was an adventure, without the stress. Emma snorkeled for the first time at Trunk Bay (it was great hearing her exclamation of surprise through her snorkel tube the first time a giant purple parrot fish swam by!). We thoroughly enjoyed all the wildlife on the island, especially seeing a giant manta ray glide under our kayak in Francis Bay. We even saw some green sea turtles stick their heads up out of the water! Of course the beaches on Saint John are some of the most beautiful we've ever seen, and we didn't get to see nearly as many of them as we would have liked.

    One night we went to a drum jam at Cinnamon Bay. Unbeknownst to us, after we spent all night learning to play the drums, we found out that instructor Eddie Bruce is originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, where we're from! I thought, Wow, it really is a small world, and that is how we came away from Saint John, feeling like we were leaving a real community. You can't say that about every travel destination these days. We will be back to Saint John!  

-- Amy Farrar, Paul and Emma Corazzo, March, 2012

St. John USVI: It's CARNIVAL 2012 on St. Thomas!

Carnival photo courtesy of www.caribplanet.com

It’s time to CELEBRATE on St. Thomas for Carnival 2012!  The party lasts throughout April but the must-see events begin Friday, April 20^th with the opening of Carnival Village (Fort Christian parking lot) and runs through Saturday, April 28 with the 10am parade and the 9pm fireworks.

Some of the other highlights during the week of Carnival 2012 include:  Sunday’s 5pm Steelband Jamboree; Tuesday’s 8pm Senior Citizens’ Quelbe Tramp; and Friday’s 10am Children’s Parade.  And for those wild partiers looking to dance the night away…..don’t miss  J’ouvert on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 4am.   For a complete schedule see schedule at http://www.stthomasblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/carnival-2012.jpg.

Maho at Bajo with Featured St. John Art

To visit St. John is to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the island.  Many local artists have captured this beauty in various media and display their unique perspectives at St. John's own Bajo el Sol Gallery http://www.bajoelsolgallery.com/index.html located at Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay.

Each month Bajo el Sol features a special showing of a few of the island's artists and invites the public to a wine and cheese gallery opening on the first Friday of the month--the artists work is then displayed for the rest of the month.  The next opening, Friday, May 4 from 5:00-8:00pm, features the work of William Stelzer, Patty Tacquard, and original glass art pieces by the Maho Art Center.  All glass art created by Greg Lee and Mariel Bass is hand blown from recycled glass bottles at the glass studio located at Maho Bay Camps eco-resort.

Beach-to-Beach Swim Come Soon on St. John USVI

2011 Beach-to-Beach Swim (photo credit friendsvinp.org)

Flex those swimming arms and get ready to dive in with the strong, the fun-loving, and the brave!  Friends of the VI National Park are sponsoring their 9th annual Beach-to-Beach Swim on St. John with categories for all levels of swimmers including relay teams and those equipped with snorkel mask and fins.

Each year the competition begins at Big Maho beach and finishes at Hawksnest with a party to celebrate everyone who participates in the event.  The swim will be held over Memorial Day weekend on the morning of Sunday, May 27.  The short course is about 1 mile between Maho and Cinnamon, the intermediate extends to Trunk Bay and  is 2-1/4 miles, and if you'd like to go the distance it is 3-1/2 miles to complete the race at Hawksnest.  Read more about this exciting competition and find out how to register or volunteer at http://www.friendsvinp.org/swim/.

Sailing on St. John

The annual 2012 St. John racing season is upon us!  Kicked off this weekend with St. John Yacht Club’s 39^th Annual Around St. John Race, the regatta name tells it as it is: a race starting from Two Brothers’ rock formations just outside Cruz Bay harbor and circumnavigating the island of St. John clockwise on a southerly route.  The race took the spinnaker and non-spinnaker class boats about 3 ½ hours to complete and boasts the unique experience of seeing the entire beautiful island of St. John from crystal clear, turquoise waters. Thirteen boats registered for Around St. John this year with the spinnaker class award and raffle award going to Wild ‘Ting, a Dufour 40 out of St. Thomas, and the non-spinnaker award going to Botox Barbie a Hunter 54, also from St. Thomas.  The awards event, held at Banana Deck in Cruz Bay, included a raffle for all entrants.  The prize?  A boat haul-out to any boat yard of choice – a $400 value – not too shabby for a day of racing on pristine St. John waters at 12 knots!  

Nothing fake about this girl: Botox Barbie in a quiet moment 

Wild 'Ting crew -- enjoying their busy 2012 race season!

Regattas competing with regattas?  Also this weekend, the neighboring BVIs’ hosted the multi-day Dark and Stormy Race, usually racing from Tortola to Anegada and back (although this year the “and back” was cancelled -- due to lack of wind!).  Many Coral Bay vessels chose the Dark and Stormy this year -- Around St. John is the longer haul of the two for boats moored in Coral Bay Harbor.

The next Virgin Islands race of the season will be the Coral Bay Yacht Club Commodore’s Cup on Derby weekend May 4-5, 2012.  If you are here on St. John and don’t have your own boat to race, simply show up at the Captain’s meeting and sign up to crew -- most boats won’t refuse extra hands on deck and you will have a unique opportunity to be part of the action, not to mention the unique perspective of enjoying St. John at sea! For more information about the CBYC race call Commodore Steve Hendren 340-513-4955.  St. John Yacht Club information is found at http://www.stjohnyachtclub.org/

Meet our St. John USVI Manta Ray at Francis Bay!

This photo was taken only 20 yards out from shore at Francis Bay last weekend.  Christy McMannus of the VI National Park Service was determined to find the juvenile Manta Ray that's been cruising up and down Francis and Maho Bays close to shore now for a couple of months and has been spotted by many delighted beach goers.   Visitors have been flocking to these beaches to get a rare glimpse of this elusive creature.

Once it came into site, Christy snorkeled out to it and got this great shot with her camera and noticed that its wing span was about 10 feet wide (this was a juvenile - the average width is 15 ft and they can be up to 20 ft).  Manta Rays come to our warm waters at this time each year to feed on krill, and who knows, maybe to enjoy our gorgeous bays!

Kids will love Unique St. John Activities

Thar she blows!  The sails of Silver Cloud, that is!  Affectionately known as the pirate ship of Coral Bay, Silver Cloud will set sail once again as the highlighted feature of the 16th "Almost Annual" Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School Benefit Flotilla on Saturday, March 24, 2012,  sponsored by the Coral Bay Yacht Club!  The benefit is an event that kids young and old wait all year long for: a fun day of sailing, reggae beats on the beach, great grub, and fun for the whole family!  Locals, visitors to St. John, everyone is invited!

Choose to either daysail aboard local volunteer sailboats ($40) departing from the brand new Coral Bay Dinghy Dock starting at 9am or arrive via land at the gate ($20) and party with a purpose: all proceeds go to the Guy H. Benjamin School.  And buy a raffle ticket towards a $500 cash prize.  All, for a good cause.  Either way, end up at Vie's Beach and Campground on the East End of St. John at high noon.

Sway to Inner Visions Band, enjoy burgers and hot dogs grilled by Coral Bay Yacht Club's very own Captain Will, or gobble down tasty West Indian cuisine made by Guy H. Benjamin School parents.  Bring your own beverages or enjoy "cash bar" on the beach.  Since all proceeds go to Guy H. Benjamin School, in addition to an unforgettable day for all the kids in attendance, all Coral Bay kids are the recipients of the Guy H. Benjamin School Benefit!  Special thanks to Skinny Legs, official clubhouse of the Coral Bay Yacht Club, for providing hamburgers and hot dogs galore!  Mmmm, I can taste one already!  See you there! General information Mary 340-513-8141

St. John Activities -- DIY!

Youth Flag Football Association Opening Night Festivities, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I.

One of the best things about St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is that it is such a small community -- about 4000 living on-island and 2/3 National Park -- which means if there is an activity you are passionate about and it isn't already organized, you can do it yourself!  For instance, did you know there is a Bocce Ball League on Monday and Tuesday nights at 6pm in front of the Beach Bar in Cruz Bay?  Did you know Ultimate Frisbee is played every Tuesday night at 5pm in Coral Bay on the Guy Benjamin School ball field?  And did you know there are very serious adult and youth Flag Football Associations that play every Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm on the Winston Wells ball field in Cruz Bay?  All, due to locals living on a small island, who had a passion and made it so!  Guests and locals alike can be seen getting together to enjoy all of these activities on St. John.  So, whether you are on St. John for a week, a month, or three, come by and watch the action!  Who knows -- maybe you will go home with a new passion, thanks to the spirit of St. John!

Ultimate Frisbee in Coral Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I.

Adult Flag Football Association, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I.

For more information:

http://www.accidentalphotography.com/blog/2011/03/ultimate-frisbee-with-the-catch-and-keep-team/

http://www.facebook.com/stjohnfootballusvi?sk=info

Bocce Ball League Information Kevin 340-227-0520

St. John Art Created By Local Filmmakers

Last night was the Academy Awards in Los Angeles and here on St. John, film afficionados and movie buffs were found holed-up in front of big and small screens to watch the proceedings.  From St. John vacation villas to public venues like Fatty Crab in Cruz Bay, the movies were front and center, popcorn was popped, and in some locations, champagne flowed for the festivities.

It stands to reason.  St. John has a healthy filmmaking community as evidenced by the recent Virgin Islands Productions (VIP) Mini-Film Festival of shorts screened at St. John School for the Arts on February 18. The film festival was the kick-off event for the 10th annual St. John Arts Festival.  Curated by Janet Cook-Rutnik and Sigi Torinus, the VIP Mini-Film Festival featured local filmmakers Andrea Leland, LaVaughn Belle, William Stelzer, Tommy Ferrell, and the curators.  Ranging from art-house imagery to a commercial music video, to documentaries on diverse topics such as the invasive lionfish, and traditional vs. modern medicine, the festival even included a rare, home-movie archive of Peter and Dorothy Muilenburg's maiden Breath launch in Coral Bay, circa 1983.

In addition to festive Oscar parties and an annual film festival featuring local talent, St. John is also home to St. John Film Society, a free, monthly, independent-film festival whose mission is to inspire a positive appreciation for Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands' history, culture, and environment, often featuring off-island filmmaker question and answer forums and post-film discussions.  The next documentary screening will be "Proceed and Behold" on March 6th, 7:30pm, at St. John School for the Arts in Cruz Bay.  Director Laura Zinger and internationally-recognized letter presser Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., the subject of the film, will be in attendance for an On Screen/In Person forum made possible by the Virgin Islands Council of the Arts, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts' Regional Touring Program.  For more information on St. John Film Society visit http://www.stjohnfilm.com

St. John Arts Festival Feb. 18-23

In the midst of high season here on St. John, USVI, it's time to celebrate the arts with a week of special performances in a variety of arts....dancing, music, fine arts, and a mini film festival.

The festivities begin on Saturday, Feb 18 with steel pan music from Love City Pan Dragons and that evening short videos will be shown in the small scale film festival.  Sunday brings dancing and singing in the Cruz Bay park with St. John church choirs and dancing by "Mongo Niles Cultural Dancers".  Throughout the week different performers will take the stage including Koko and the Sunshine Band, Inner Visions, and student performances featuring children from a range of ages.

Be sure to visit the arts and craft tables set up at the VI Dept of Tourism area near the St. John post office.  Each day artists will be displaying their handcrafted pieces for sale which make perfect keepsakes to remember your trip to St. John. Check local postings for times and dates of all the activities during the week...and enjoy!

8 Tuff Miles...soon come to St John USVI

First to cross the finish 2011 (photo www.8tuffmiles.com)

The time is drawing near for all those runners (and walkers) preparing for the 8 Tuff Miles race here on St. John, USVI.  The upcoming race is Saturday, Feb 25 at 7:00am and is celebrating its 16th year.  For those familiar with the island hills, you know how tough it is to just drive along Centerline Road from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay...we sure hand it to all those hearty runners who complete the race and receive their well-deserved t-shirts to show they are among the few and the proud.  To learn more about the race take a look at the website http://www.8tuffmiles.com/.  Come cheer them on as the 1100 runners make their way to the Coral Bay ballfield to cross that finish line on Feb. 25!

St. John Snorkeling Reveals Manta Rays

Most visitors who take a St. John vacation spend a good amount of time in the crystal clear aqua waters either swimming or snorkeling.  For those who have snorkeled in Maho or Francis Bays within the last few months, you may be among the fortunate swimmers to see the graceful sightings of two Manta rays who have made their home of Mary's Point along St. John's north shore.

Take a look at the video to see what one visitor captured while he was snorkeling in shallow waters just off the beach.  These Manta rays have up to a 6-foot width to their wing-like bodies and are a real thrill to spot while enjoying a day's swim.

Roseway Sails into St. John USVI

Schooner Roseway under sail (photo from the ship's website)

Roseway at anchor Caneel Bay, St. John USVI

It's a beautiful day on St. John USVI and looking out to sea you may spot the Schooner Roseway with its amber sails billowing in the wind and be transported to the days when schooners sailed these waters.  The Roseway spent a week off St. John USVI as part of its mission as a nonprofit organization teaching school children about the history and culture of sailing www.worldoceanschool.org.

This beautiful 137ft schooner was host to local students here on St. John USVI where they learned about the adventures the Roseway has experienced since its inception in 1925.  In recent years the schooner has made its winter home St. Croix and sails north to Boston each summer to take day charters out of Boston harbor.  It's been a treat for St. John students to experience a registered U.S. National Historic Landmark and we wish Roseway smooth sailing back to neighboring St. Croix.