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Friday, July 13, 2007

Saint Croix: Marvel In The Colors Of The Caribbean

Saint Croix: Marvel In The Colors Of The Caribbean
by: Clinton Douglas IV

Beautiful Saint Croix Island, located in the tropical Caribbean Sea just 1,200 miles off the Miami coast, is the largest land body in the United States Virgin Islands. Long, peaceful beaches, sugar and rum plantations shape the landscape. Homes, historic churches, commercial ports and plantations boast architecture dating as far back as the early eighteenth and nineteenth century and reflecting Spanish, Dutch, French, Danish, British, Knights of Malta and American influences. Thriving sugar crops gave way to tourism in the late 1960s as the islands primary source of income. So you’re sure to be treated like royalty.

When visiting Saint Croix, you’ll discover a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities from which to plan your days around. Outdoor adventures abound, with scuba diving along 702 acres of vibrant coral reefs, horseback riding across lush, green hills and pastures, snorkeling among underwater trails, sport-fishing, bicycle riding, hiking and island exploration. From wide streets to haunted plantation ruins, this enchanting island is a perfect vacation get-away.

Golf is another popular sport, with several notable courses including the award-winning Carambola Golf Club which hosts the annual LPGA tournament and has received Golf magazine’s prestigious gold medal.

Nightlife abounds both at island casinos and clubs, and at seasonal local events. Many vacationers schedule their trip around Jump Up, a thrilling block party ideal for all age groups. Watch calypso and youth bands decorate the night, while streets are blocked from regular traffic. Enjoy face painting and watch the tall Mocko Jumbies, elaborately costumed characters on stilts, dancing and parading down the streets.

Indoors, you’ll find the thrill of casinos, duty-free shopping and fine dining. Island cuisine is influenced by St. Croix’s oldest crops, from okra to cabbage and corn. Food fair also includes succulent seafood, lobster, conch fritters, burgers, barbeque delicacies and savory mango salsa sauce. Then give your meal the perfect island twist with a Cruzan Rum infused Calypso Daiquiri.

Island tours and trails help you explore all of the island’s beauty, attractions and beaches, as viewed through local eyes. When visiting, discover the natural beauty by air, open-air jeep, open-air bus, four-wheeler or foot. You’ll gain a different perspective than you would staying poolside in your hotel or resort.

Purchased by the United States in 1917, visitors don’t need a passport to enter. However you do need some form of identification which may include a valid passport, government issued ID card or drivers license plus an original birth certificate.

Discover Saint Croix today by booking your travel vacation.

About The Author
By Clinton Douglas IV of vasrue.com who provides free, quality articles for your newsletter, website or publication on topics such as Saint Croix: vasrue.com vacations. Please link to this site when using this article.

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