St Croix Travel Guide
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St Croix |
St Croix © US Virgin Islands Tourism
Located 40 miles (64km) south of St Thomas, the island has two main towns, Christiansted on the north east coast and Frederiksted to the west. Both prospered as commercial ports during the 18th and 19th centuries. Christiansted is a lively town offering trips to the tiny Buck Island as a popular excursion. Frederiksted is smaller and a sleepy place until the occasional cruise ship arrives for a spree of duty-free shopping. Both towns contain numerous examples of fine Danish colonial architecture. The surrounding landscape is scattered with remnants of sugar plantations, stone windmill towers and ruined houses from the island's commercial heyday in the sugarcane industry. Whim Greathouse is an impressive planter's mansion, restored to reflect its glory days in the 1700s, and is one of the main historical sights on St Croix. Rum production was another of the island's primary industries and visitors can visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery for guided tours and free tastings. The Heritage Trail is a self-guided trip that links the main sights of interest on the island.
Along with its picturesque beaches and superb diving, St Croix has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, historic sights and attractions, golf and horse riding. There are fine hotels, excellent dining and casinos.
Attractions
Christiansted © www.stcroixtourism.com
Excursions
A few miles off the north eastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a... see full details
Events
St Croix Ironman © www.stcroixtriathlon.com
St Croix Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
Elite international athletes race alongside local competitors in one of the world's premier destination triathlons. The event, appropriately nicknamed 'Beauty and the Beast', is staged across the lush paradise of St Croix. Tri-athletes begin with a swim through the crystal-clear waters of Christiansted Harbour. The run includes a loop through the stunning Buccaneer resort before returning to the picturesque lanes and pastel buildings of town. But it is during the bike course that competitors meet 'the Beast', a twisty 600-foot (183m) climb that is tricky enough to negotiate by car, let alone on two wheels. It is not unusual to spot finishers sporting 'I Beat the Beast' T-shirts in the days following the race. The local community is very enthusiastic about the event, and supporters turn out in droves on race day to cheer on competitors.Venue: Race starts at Hotel on the Cay and finishes at King St in Christiansted
Date: 2 May 2010
Website: www.stcroixtriathlon.com
St Patrick’s Day Parade © Roger Hoss
St Patrick’s Day Parade
The most spectacular holiday on St Croix is not Christmas or Easter but St Patrick's Day. Since 1969, the St Paddy's Day Parade has been one of the liveliest festivals in the Caribbean. Each year, tourists and locals alike crowd the streets of Christiansted to watch island vendors' original floats, blending Caribbean and Irish cultures, as well as individual entrants' inventive costumes. In the past, dogs, cats, horses and even crustaceans have been outfitted in green and entered in the parade. The celebration overflows with great music, food and, of course, green beer.Venue: Christiansted
Date: 17 March, annually
Website: www.stpatricksdayparadestcroixvi.com
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