Lobsters in St. John, USVI

Caribbean lobster--a delicacy found on St. John USVI

Often we are asked what favorite dish is preferred by visitors to St. John....it's a tough one since there are so many amazing choices at restaurants around the island, But we would have to say LOBSTER is at the top of the list.

You may wonder what the difference is between the Caribbean lobster and those you would find served up at lobster shacks along the Maine coast. If you take a look at the photo, you'll see something is missing on local "bugs" here in the islands...they have no claws! They shuffle themselves along the bottom of the ocean with just legs and a big tail. Their primary means of defense are the sharp spines that cover the body.

But don't be concerned about missing the claw meat when you order a grilled lobster at Aqua Bistro, Fish Trap or one of the choice seafood restaurants on St. John. You'll have more than you can handle since these local crustacean grow 5-10 lbs when they're snagged by local fishermen. You may find its the only time you have been filled up on lobster with no room for key lime pie. Bon appetit!

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!

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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.

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!