Travel

After writing about Five Things to Do During Your Trip To Tortola, B.V.I., I thought it would only be fitting for me to do a companion post about where I ACTUALLY grew up: St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

I always get asked what there is to do in the Virgin Islands when traveling there on vacation. Since I was just there, here are five easy must-does when you take your own trip!

1. Have Brunch at Sugar Bay Resort and Spa

Sugar Bay Resort and Spa
The view while we ate at Manor House at Sugar Bay Resort

First off let me admit that I deleted most of the photos for this post by mistake (phone difficulties). Thank God for Foursquare or else I wouldn’t have been able to download the shots I took and uploaded! *whew*. Anyhoo … a couple years ago my mom and I took a few friends out the Sugar Bay for Sunday brunch in the Mangrove Restaurant down near the pool and beach.  It was awesome, so we wanted to take hubby there during out past trip but thought they only did it on Sundays. Turns out we were wrong, and they have brunch daily in the Manor House in the main hotel building!  Definitely call to verify times. The menu included all the typical American-breakfast favorites (which you may really be happy to see because they are hard to come by in the V.I. lol) and of course, incredible views.  More information at SugarBayResortandSpa.com

2. Take a day trip St. John

Trunk Bay, St. John
image: soulofamerica.com

I already spoke about St. John, U.S.V.I. in my post about things to do from the British Virgin Islands … but it warrents mentioning again (can you tell I love St. John?).  Take a ferry from Red Hook or downtown Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay, St. John and spend the day taking in all that the island has to offer. There’s Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village shopping right off the dock, or take a quick taxi ride to Truck Bay Beach. What about heading over to Caneel Bay Resort and having dinner and drinks or better yet spend the night there and make it an overnight trip! More information at VisitUSVI.com/StJohn

3. Spend a Morning at Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World Ocean Park
image: coralworldvi.com

Coral World has been around for eons! When I was growing up it consisted of the white dome-shaped observatory tower pictured above. Now that tower is just one of the expansive displays in the park. You can see sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, sting rays, star fish, and iguanas up close and personal (actually way too up close and personal for the iguanas in my opinion LOL).  Definitely spend a morning or an afternoon leisurely perusing the exhibits and taking in the tranquil views of Coki Point Beach.  More information: CoralWorldVI.com.

4. Shop Till You Drop at Yacht Haven Grand Marina


Moi at Yacht Haven waiting for my
mom to stop shopping *never* LOL

When I was growing up Yacht Haven was a posh marina and resort; I was even a flower girl in a wedding there. Then something happened and it dropped off and became run down. Well recently it has been revived beyond its former glory with upscale shops like Gucci, BCBG Max Azria, and White House Black Market as well as great eateries to choose from (I highly recommend Fat Turtle *yummers*).   To top it off you get views of amazing yachts, the cruise ships docked at Havensight Mall, and downtown Charlotte Amalie. You can’t beat that!  More information at YachtHavenGrande.com.

5. Catch a Show at Reichhold Center for the Arts

Reichhold Center for the Arts

I wish I worked at Riechhold, point blank. When I was growing up I attended many shows and concerts there and also performed there several times with the V.I. School of Dance (you didn’t know that huh?). My high school graduation was also held here.  Every time I go home I go there and just walk around. I love that place; it makes my spirit happy.  It depends on the time of the year but definitely call them up or visit the box office to see what shows they have during your trip, then go! I did this once and ended up seeing a pretty sweet performance by Dance Brazil. More information at ReichholdCenter.com

Bonus {’cause I’m so helpful lOL}

  • Have dinner at XO Bistro. Everything I tasted there was so delicious!
  • Spend a day basking in the sun and waves at Magens Bay Beach: my FAVORITE place on the PLANET.
  • Visit Fort Christian in downtown. I spend many days here as an art student. Many.
  • Take the tram up to Paradise Point and have drinks overlooking downtown. I’ve never been, but you go ’cause I’ve heard it is awesome!

 

There’s so much more to do on St. Thomas, definitely explore and let me know if you did any of the things on this list!

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

@Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+

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Just Flew In From Miami …

by glamazini on January 23, 2012 in Travel

… and so. very. tired.

Our flight landed after midnight last night and I’m at my day job today confused and bewindered .

Hubby graduated Summa Cum Laude on Saturday from Walden University, and several family members traveled to Miami Florida to watch him walk and celebrate this great achievement!

Anyhoo… this is my last trip slated for a while, and honestly I’m thankful because I’m tired of the TSA lines right now and really could use a break from airports (who would’ve thought I’d say that ever). 

If you want to read about all my travel escapades in the past 12 months click HERE.

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,
Missouri flag > Florida flag > Missouri flag
@Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+

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Disclosure: Hubby and I paid for our trip with our own money. For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

 

 

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If you ever plan on visiting the beautiful British Virgin Islands, I thought I’d share five easy must-do things on your trip!

1. Take a day trip to White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke

White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke
Moi on White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke

A quick ferry boat ride from West End, Tortola will take you to picturesque White Bay Beach, located on the island of Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.  I hear you can get a drink at the Soggy Dollar called a Pain Killer that’s … well … pretty killer … but I didn’t drink any alcohol on my trip, opting to walk further down the beach to a less crowded area and have the BEST virgin piña colada (which fresh grated nutmeg *yum*) ever!    Click HERE for the ferry schedule, but like every ferry I would call before I trust the schedule … and don’t be shocked if they aren’t the most “timely” even when they are running. You’ve been warned.

2. Take a day trip Mongoose Junction, Cruz Bay, St. John

Mongoose Junction, St. John
image: mongoosejunctionstjohn.com

I love Mongoose Junction, always have, always will. Every time I go home I go there, it’s one of my favorite places to just stroll around looking at shops and grab a bite to eat.  I highly recommend Ocean Grill, ESPECIALLY if you like desserts. I had a jasmine mango gelato that I’m still dreaming about & my cousin’s cheesecake *faint*!  Once again, a quick ferry ride from West End, Tortola will get you there but, as with the other ferry services, be advised of them being off schedule or “not timely”. You’ve been warned. Click HERE for the schedule & don’t forget to bring your passport since your switching countries (as me how I know). While you’re in Cruz Bay, you might want to walk over to Wharfside Village or take a quick taxi ride to Truck Bay Beach.

3. Have lunch at Scrub Island Resort

Scrub Island Resort
Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina

Scrub Island Resort is the newest private Island resort in the British Virgin Islands, opened in 2010.  It’s just off the eastern end of Tortola on (you guessed it) Scrub Island. You can get there via a private {free} ferry ride from Trellis Bay on Beef Island (furthest eastern end of Tortola across the bridge past the airport). Pop over for lunch with friends, walk around taking in the sights, then pop right back. Click HERE for the schedule.  I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t as impressed with the food as at some other eateries, but the resort is a must see & if, somehow you can fandangle seeing one of the guest rooms I hear they are high on the swank factor.

4. Have dinner at Pussers East

Pussers East
image: pussers.com

Best. Pumpkin. Soup. EVER!  LOL.  Hubby said his Jerk Chicken was ridiculously yummy as well and my burger was tasty and massive.  Beyond that, get a seat out on the deck overlooking the water and the ambiance as the sun sets is perfect. Plus you can watch the planes land on Beef Island! Click HERE for more information.

5. Dinner and dancing at Quito’s Restaurant in Cane Garden Bay

Pussers East
image: myspace.com/quitoandtheedge

Quito Rymer is my godfather and, along with my godmother Janice, just happens to own an extremely popular hotel and restaurant in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola. If that’s not enough, he’s also an even more popular musician, and the lead for Quito & The Edge.  The band plays twice  a week {Tuesdays and Fridays but call to verify} at Quito’s Gazebo Bar & Restaurant located directly on the beach. I recommend driving over, having dinner, then dancing the night away.  You will love it. I promise.

Bonus {’cause I’m so nice}

      • Take a drive along the ocean from East End to West End Tortola (or visa versa). It’s beautiful & hubby’s favorite.
        View on drive from West End from Road Town Tortola
      • Grab a paté at Crandalls Pastry Plus. I think my husband singlehandedly fueled their profits during our entire trip LOL!
        Crandalls Bakery
      • Pack a picnic lunch at Romney Park in West End Tortola.
        Benjamin Romney Recreational Complex
      • Surf some waves in Long Bay (right across from the Bumba Shack) or in Cane Garden Bay
      • Ferry Schedules in Virgin Islands

 

There’s so much more to do in Tortola, but I hope this list helps start you vacation right! 

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

@Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+

~~~~~~

 

Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

 

 

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Travel & Life Playlist

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Fungi Band

Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina

Coral World Ocean Park

Mahagony Run Golf Course

Until next time Glam Fam I wish you

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness,

@Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+

~~~~~~
Disclosure:  For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.

 

 

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Just Flew In From The Virgin Islands …

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Until next time Glam Fam I wish you Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Nappyness, @Glamazini | facebook.com/IamGlamazini | youtube.com/Glamazini | Google+ ~~~~~~   Disclosure: For more information about the Glamazini.com disclosure policy, click here.     Retweet 4 Like 0 Google +1 0 StumbleUpon 0

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