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Fabulous shopping, beautiful beaches, premier
accommodations and a rich culture and history all help to make
this capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands the perfect place to visit.
Under the United States flag as a territory, it enjoys all the
benefits of the US, yet doesn't have the restrictions and demands
of a State. You might say it has the best of both Worlds: locals
pay the the same income taxes as in the US, yet the money stays
in the Virgin Islands, and the United States pitches in another
$200 - $300 million per year for additional expenditures.
To find out more about the history of St. Thomas,
click here.
During the month of April, St. Thomas celebrates carnival. A week of festivities and
fare abound on the Island with celebrations morning, noon and
night. Come join the fun! For more information click
here.
No visit to St. Thomas would be complete without
exploring Charlotte Amalie. Fascinating architecture, beautiful
houses of worship and intriguing museums are just some of the
things to discover while walking through its narrow streets. Fort
Christian, located right on the waterfront in downtown Charlotte
Amalie, is the oldest building still in use on the island, dating
back to the 1670s. Used as a fort, a courthouse, a police station
and a jail, the building now houses the largest historical museum
in the Virgin Islands. A spectacular view of the harbor awaits
you if you can make the climb up the towns famous 99 Steps. The
St. Thomas Synagogue is definitely worth a visit regardless of
your faith.
Once an 18th-century Danish artisan's home,
The Seven Arches Museum has been lovingly converted by its owners.
Named for the seven arches that support its 11 welcoming arms"
staircase, the little museum provides a fascinating glimpse into
the lives of the people that lived there. The time sherbet-hued
Legislature Building, with its impressive Danish architecture,
played an important part in the islands history. It is most notable
for it being selected as the site of the ceremonies transferring
ownership of the Danish Virgin Islands to the United States in
1917.
Around the island, you'll find a multitude of
activities that will make your stay even more memorable. Take
in breathtaking views from such places as MountainTop, Drake's
Seat and Paradise Point. Amaze yourself with St. Thomas' natural
wonders, on land at the St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Garden,
and under the sea at Coral World, the islands unique underwater
aquarium. Tillet Gardens is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind
pieces of art.
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Embark on the
treasure hunt of a lifetime with the fabulous shopping on St. Thomas.
Whether you shop the historic streets of downtown or check out Havensight
Mall, there's no limit to the bargains you can find on brand-name,
quality merchandise. A $1,200 duty-free allowance for U.S. citizens
makes shopping a must, and with the selection of fine jewelry, liquor,
perfume, artwork, linen, clothing, crafts and more. Just make sure
you have done your homework on prices before you go, because there
are great deals and there are some mediocre deals.
On St. Thomas, Golfers can tee up at Mahogany
Run, named one of the top 18 golf courses in the Caribbean by
Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. Active visitors and sun worshipers
alike will flock to St. Thomas' 40 beaches for sport fishing,
yachting, boat racing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling,
windsurfing, jet skiing or heavy-duty sunbathing.
Mariners will appreciate the massive charter
yacht fleet on St. Thomas, where for the price of a hotel room
you can experience a luxurious high-seas adventure complete with
gourmet meals and beverages, water-sports equipment and more.
Check out Red Hook at St. Thomas' east end, or Crown Bay Marina
just west of Charlotte Amalie.
Die-hard revelers won't want to miss St. Thomas
during the month of April, when the island celebrates Carnival.
Spectacular parades, fireworks, calypso contests, dance competitions,
Mocko Jumbies and nonstop eating, drinking and dancing in the
streets highlight one of the best-known celebrations in the Caribbean.
Besides crystal-blue waters filled with colorful
marine life, St. Thomas' beaches boast some of the finest luxury
resorts in the world. Incredible views, fabulous dining and every
amenity imaginable are the hallmarks of these legendary properties-and
all make for the vacation of a lifetime. When only the finest
accomodations will do, make it a vacation villa!
Lovers of culture, nightlife and bargains will
want to consider the historic hotels of Charlotte Amalie. The
latest in amenities, along with a unique glimpse into the islands
history, are often part of the package, along with dramatic views
of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Proximity to shopping and nightlife,
as well as the availability of meeting space for large groups,
are also advantages to this type of accommodation.
Want all the comforts of home while you're away?
The villas and cottages of St. Thomas provide the ultimate in
privacy and luxurious living for just the two of you, the whole
family or even a group of your friends-all in a beautiful tropical
setting. Check out 1800villas.com
or Kingsbluff.com
for a sampling of this wonderful Island's villa accomodations.
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