St. Thomas combines Caribbean charm and a cosmopolitan vibe reflective of its Dutch, Danish, British, French and Spanish history. And although the region’s most popular cruise destination is synonymous with duty-free shopping and alluring beaches (of which it has both, in droves), the island has so much more to offer. Take our tips for five fun things to see, do, buy and eat on the U.S. Virgin Island paradise, and you’ll see what we mean. Here are the five Fun Things to Do in St. Thomas. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon has the story.
Just Chill On waterfront Charlotte Amalie’s Dronningens Gade, Magic Ice is the world’s largest permanent ice gallery, where sculptures depict everything from marine life to mythical creatures. It takes about 20 minutes to tour the 8,000-square-foot warehouse-turned-museum, which, since its cooled to a nose-numbing 25 degrees Fahrenheit, offers a welcome break from the Caribbean heat. Visitors are given a fur-trimmed poncho, gloves, legwarmers and overshoes to protect them from the chill. (And if that doesn’t warm you up, the flavored Cruzan rum shot at the ice bar certainly will.)
Pick a Pair Ditch the five-dollar flip-flops and head to Norre Gade’s Zora of St Thomas where Zora has been handcrafting leather sandals since 1962. The small store sells an impressive collection of men’s and women’s sandals but it’s the proprietor’s custom kicks (choose the color, style, and optional orthotic inserts) that are her claim to fame. They’re not cheap (expect to spend around $200) but they’re probably the most comfortable sandals you’ll ever wear.
Get Pumped Where in Charlotte Amalie do St. Thomians grab a tasty and authentic local bite? At the Petite Pump Room. And if you walk less than 10 minutes from the city center you can join them at the casual second-floor restaurant. Take a seat on the balcony and watch seaplanes take off from the terminal next door as you feast on the daily lunch special. Whatever you order, don’t miss their version of the Painkiller cocktail, featuring Pusser’s Rum from the British Virgin Islands.
Take A Turn (over) If you love Jamaican patties (and who doesn’t?) you’ll like the Virgin Island pastry turnovers called pates (pronounced the same at “patties”), which are stuffed with meat, fish or veggies and then deep-fried. I samples my first (filled with saltfish) at a waterfront counter in Charlotte Amalie, but you’ll find pates at roadside stalls and local restaurants all over St. Thomas. And it’d be rude to leave without trying one.
Get Going Just because you’re on vacation mean you have to abandon your exercise routine. St. Thomas’ Active Island Tours & Events offers running and walking excursions around Charlotte Amalie that are suitable for all fitness levels, from casual stroller to hard-core half-marathoner. See the sights as you raise your heart rate on routes that take you by some of the city’s most popular landmarks, including the 99 steps.