ABB St.John Amazing Race Huge Success

What fun we had yesterday!  After months of preparation and a water truck load of creativity the Map Ladies (Jen & Denise) pulled off an incredible day of fun for the top sales people of ABB an energy company from the states.

Keeping in line with the mission of Island Treasure Maps:  "To introduce visitors to the history, culture, geography and business community of the VI",  they did just that.  With custom tailored activities, ABB had to do a performance at Cinnamon's Amphitheater, skip stones across the water while nature put on an incredible performance in the back ground we are told (go sting rays!!!), create the Ultimate Rum Concoction (Yeah Black Team!!!) and make it back to La Plancha for a gourmet lunch.

Fun, fun, fun!!!

Step 1. Grab a St.Thomas and St. John Map

Its that time of year again.  The leaves have fallen off the trees, the anticipation of winter is everywhere.  The outside world is starting its long winter nap and I am starting to get e-mails from friends and friends of friends about planning their winter vacations in the Virgin Islands.

One of the most frequently asked questions besides where to stay is what to do.  Of course  the answers depend on whether or not there are children involved and their ages.  What I   suggest to everyone regardless of their family status, is to immediately pick up a map of St. John or St. Thomas once they arrive.  The airport Hotel & Tourism booth at the airport has a great “Treasure Map” for both islands. These maps will get you orientated with the island and the routes that lead to the various points of interest.  Not all roads are created equal and its best not to try to take short cuts but stick to the main “Tommy Star” routes.  These are the routes that appear on your map in primary colors.  Oh...and we drive on the left hand side of the road.  

I have heard a couple of different stories for why we drive on the left considering that we are a US Territory.  The most common answer stems from the fact that historically speaking, these islands were under various European control and somewhere along the way, the British style of driving on the left took hold. (The British Virgin Islands are our closest neighbors.) My favorite mantra:  “Left is right and Right is wrong”. Regardless of your affiliation, "staying left" is good politics in the VI.

Days and Days of Rain!

It is hard to complain

while listening to the rain

as it hits the tin roofs day after day

this maybe silly to say

but there is music in the sounds of rain on the roof

you only have to listen to get your proof

although our visitors would love to see the sunshine

remember it is just a matter of time

The sun will come back to shine

but in the meantime try not to whine

as the rain is filling our cisterns with water galore

when taking a shower use a little bit more

Yes it would be grand 

to stop at the beach's and play in the sand

but as you hear the rain pitter patter

reach over and hug those near you that matter

Turn off your TVs and bring out the games and you'll see

it's days like these that give vacations good memories

don't fret that you have nothing to do with your time

that was the goal to de-stress & relax..it is good for your mind

Stock up on groceries and make what you like most

 or dine out tonight there are many restaurants that boast

we have the best steaks, the best seafood, the best dish

just pick up The Map to find the list

May all your days have a bit if rain 

may the time spent inside not drive you insane

may you thank the sun when it finally shines your way

and may your days be filled with lots of play

The following list 

will give you places to fulfill your wish

  St Thomas

Marina Market 779.2411

Old Stone Farmhouse 777.6277

Northside Bistro 775.5098

Twisted Taco 774.8226

Lattitude 18 777.4552

Hubbly Bubbly Hookah Lounge 774.6652

Caribbean Saloon 775.7060

Betsys Bar  774.9347

Agave` Terrace 775.4142

Fish Tails 714.3188

FatBoys 77SHARK

Roberts 714.3663

Amalia Cafe 714.7373

Wikked 777.8953

Pie Whole 642.5074

Bella Blu 774.4349

Hook Line Sinker 776.9708

St John

Pine Peace Mini Mart  693.8725

Lily's Gourmet Market 777.3335

Aqua Bistro 776.5336

Shipwreck Landing 693.5640

Donkey Diner 693.5240

Fish Trap 693.9994

Lime Inn 776.6425

Morgans Mango 693.8141

Ocean Grill 693.3304

Rhumb Lines 776.0303

St John Shopping

   Did the sky really look like this?  Yes only better!  Add to this image 80* temperature, clear turquoise waters and a day visiting unique  shops in Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village.  The architecture found throughout Mongoose Junction is spectacular with a perfect blending of nature and a shopping destination.   If you think this is an oxymoron you will be surprised to discover it is not!  With it's native stone walls, hidden water elements, wondrous flora & fauna not to mention the exquisite  shops,  Mongoose Junction is unlike any shopping you have experienced.   Wharfside Village, situated  just steps from the Cruz Bay waterfront is ripe with fun shops and restaurants.   

  On the paradise islands of St John and St Thomas expect every day from sunrise to sunset to be special! Mix great people,  with an enchanting place at just the moment in time and you have created your own magic!  Come map your stay on St. John or St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands.

Find all the following links on islandtreasuremaps.com

Mongoose Junction 

Caravan Gallery

Bamboula

Bougainvillea

Ocean Grill

Sugar Birds

Bajo El Sol

Trevor's Activity Center    

Dockside & Wharfside Village 

St John Spice 

Cruz Bay Trading Post

Calypso Concierge Service

Another day to explore with the Map!

Today on St. John the sky is blue with white fluffy clouds and there is a soft breeze rustling the trees.  I can't wait to get to the beaches and trails and see what nature has to show me today.  With the map in hand, toys in the car, and a cooler full of provisions i'm on my way!

Barge trips to St Thomas

Pillsbury Sound 

 Distribution today for The Map on St Thomas ...  always a big adventure crossing the pond...getting out of the car on Love City Car Ferries barge and climbing up to bridge level for a clear view of the Caribbean seas the color of which defies words.
  Looking for Humpback Whales as this is the season when they grace our waters.   Lucky are those who gaze upon them playing in the ocean.  Their massive size is longer that your boat,  yet you are not afraid rather you are in complete and utter awe.  Charter a private boat and seek them if you are in the Virgin Islands.   Memories are made here in the magic of the U.S. Virgin Islands:   Check out our web site IslandTreasureMaps.com  to find some great water tours with the following:

SportFishingStJohn.com
CalypsoVI.com  

Crabbyswatersport.com                   

CokiDive.com BestofUSVI.com

RedHookDiveCenter.com

VIEcoTours.com

Seeski.com

GoodDayCharters.com

 SailHappyHour.com 

The Best Time of the Year to Visit St. John

  St John is flush with winter snow birds flocking to our islands to find hot sun, warm sand,  great views and the opportunity to play in the great outdoors.    The St John and St Thomas Activity and Road maps are guiding our visitors to hidden spots and unique shops... Not to miss:

   Spend a day in down town Charlotte Amalie browsing the many stores as well as discovering the hidden nooks and crannies  in the ally ways.   Check out the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere complete with a sand floor.  Imagine the days of pirate ships controlling the harbors stashing their loot in hidden places known only to a select few.  Could there still be treasures hidden within these walls?   Of course all the current shop owners believe that their shops hold boundless treasures stop in and discover.