Virgin Islands Hook Bracelet

If you’ve been to the USVI, chances are you’ve heard about the famous Hook Bracelets. Although they originate from St. Croix, they are a big part of the entire USVI’s culture for both locals and tourists alike. If you’re in any shopping area that sells jewelry, it’s almost impossible to not run into any signs or shops that don’t sell Hook Bracelets in some way or the other.

Where did it all start, you ask? First let me tell you about the legend of the Hook Bracelet:

A long time ago, on the island of St. Croix, there was a beautiful woman who was madly in love with a sailor. The two were planning to get married and the woman wanted to give her husband-to-be a wedding gift that really represented the bond between them. These were the days before the jewelry stores, so wedding bands were out of the question. She had to get creative and went to his tackle box for inspiration. She gathered fishing hooks and heavy leader and got to work. 

The woman snapped and smoothed the hooks, wrapped and braided the wire, and then created the very first pair of Hook Bracelets. She presented the two bracelets, one for her, one for her husband, on their wedding day. When they exchanged bracelets, they clasped the hooks facing their loved ones heart’s to symbolize that they were “hooked” to one another. 

Today, people who adorn the Hook Bracelets wear the hook facing their hearts if they are in a relationship or wear the bracelet facing away from their heart if they are ‘single’.

Taken

Single

The original creator of the Hook Bracelets is Sonya Hough of St. Croix. Her shop, Sonya Ltd, was established in 1964 and is still there today making Hook Bracelets and other jewelry. If you want to get the most authentic Hook Bracelet on the market, visit her shop and get yours custom made!

Check out her shop’s website for her vast Hook Bracelet designs and other jewelry: http://www.sonyaltd.com

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Mangoes in St. Thomas

It’s that time of year again! Where the island is blooming and filled with color and succulent fruit. If you’re driving down the streets of St. Thomas, you’ll most likely see flourishing mango trees with hundreds of delicious, ready to be eaten fruit. 

Although these trees may look indigenous to the Caribbean, they actually originate from South Asia, where they are eaten as often as the common apple is in the USA. Luckily for all of us in St. Thomas, mango trees thrive in tropical climates. Just because they originate from South Asia doesn't mean that mango trees are new to the islands though. Their seeds have been traded around for many centuries, and found their way to the Caribbean. They are so ingrained in the culture here that it is near impossible to go out to eat and not see something with mango on the menu. 

If you’ve never eaten one of these naturally sweet fruits, then you’re in for a real treat. There are many different types of mangoes (just like apples) that range in textures, sweetness, size, and color. St. Thomas and the rest of the Caribbean have a wide variety of these mangoes. 

For some more information on the different types of mangoes, check out this link below: 

List of Mangoes

Not only are they delicious on their own, they are also a great way to add some big flavor to everyday dishes (that will surely impress your friends). Some easy ways to add mangoes to your breakfast/lunch/dinner are:

Fresh cut mangoes in yogurt 

Bake mangoes into muffins

Add mangoes to your salad for a tangy-sweetness kick

Blend some mango chunks into guacamole 

Add mangoes to salsa 

Sweet and salty pasta salad

Add mango chunks to your ice cream

These are just a few, very simple, but very delicious ways to add mangoes to your everyday life. There’s nothing better than enjoying the sweet taste of mangoes on a hot summer day. Next time you’re visiting a friends house, or throwing a backyard party, try incorporating this tropical flavor to kick your dish up a notch. 

For more mango recipes, check out the link below!

Mango Recipes

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One Last Swing Before the Ring

Do you want your destination wedding to be an unforgettable experience for you, your family and your friends? You should really consider adding zip lining at Tree Limin’ Extreme to your agenda! Our opinion may sound bias, but let us explain why this should be at the top of your list!

It’s Fun for the Whole Family

Our zip line course was designed to be fun for all ages and skill levels! That means your 5-year-old niece can zip tandem with her mom, and even your 75-year-old grandpa can join in on the fun! Safety is our top priority and we make sure everyone who zips with us feels comfortable and safe, no matter if they are 5 or 85. 

Is someone afraid of heights? Well, many guests who have had the most fun were the most scared to begin with! Read more about zipping with a fear of heights here: Overcoming your fear of heights with Tree Limin' Extreme

The Views Make for Fantastic Photo Ops

If you’ve seen any of the photos from our platforms, chances are you already know this, but still worth talking about! The views from our course consist of Magens Bay, Hull Bay, Jost Van Dyke, St. John, and much, much more. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty up here and that’s why we always encourage everyone to bring a camera. Ask your guide to take a group shot on line two where the platform is large with sweeping views of Magens Bay as the backdrop.

Feel free to dress up too!

It’s Romantic

“Zip lining is romantic?” you may be asking yourself. Yes it is, and here is why: It’s a combination of adrenaline pumping excitement, beautiful views, the sweet sounds of Caribbean music, and good vibes all around. There will be some time in-between zips to sit back, hold your loved one, and admire the beautiful views of St. Thomas and the surrounding islands.

Marriage Proposals at Tree Limin' Extreme

It’s Adventurous

There are a few things just about every couple does with their wedding party before their wedding. They go out to eat, maybe get a few drinks, and lounge around and talk for a while, but those are things you can do anywhere! You’re in the Caribbean, baby, take advantage of it. Zip lining is something that most people (besides our guides, obviously) can’t say that they do every day… or even every year. If you take on this adventure with us, you’re never going to forget the thrills and memories you experienced before your wedding with your friends and family. You’re always going to associate your big day with the exciting days leading up to it.

One Last Swing Before the Ring Promotion!

Now this is the cherry on top of the pre-ceremony escapades to sweeten the whole deal. We are offering our “One Last Swing Before the Ring” promotion to all wedding parties getting married on island. How does it work? Easy! For every 6 tickets booked, the 7^th zips for free! We want to help you to have a destination wedding you will never forget!

For more details on our wedding promotion, don’t be shy, give us a call at (340) 777-ZIPS (9477)! Our friendly front desk staff will gladly answer any questions you may have.

This is our wedding gift to you!

Check out our other wedding blog posts:
Weddings in the Virgin Islands
Destination Weddings Part 1
Destination Wedding Part 2
Destination Wedding Part 3

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St. John Ferry

The USVI is truly a Caribbean paradise. Even things such as commuting between islands can be an experience. The ferry ride between St. Thomas and St. John from the Red Hook Ferry dock can be a sight to see!

Since St. John doesn’t have an airport, visitors, locals, and really anyone who travels to the island and back will have to take a ferry or boat. This isn’t a downfall though; it’s part of the experience. In Red Hook, you can take either a car barge or a walk on ferry.

The St. John ferry dock is conveniently located in Cruz Bay and is just walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and hiking trails. Both the car barge and the walk on ferry are a picturesque and an enjoyable ride. Take the walk-on ferry if you plan on exploring Cruz Bay and the near by trails and beaches, but for those of you looking to really explore the island, take the car barge and have the ability to drive the entire island in less than a day.

Regardless of what you plan on doing on St. John, the ride over will always be a great start to an awesome day. During this 10-15 minute ride, don’t be afraid to pull out your camera and take pictures and videos of the passing islands! It was also named one of the world’s best ferry ride in Travel and Leisure magazine. Read more here:
http://newsofstjohn.com/2015/04/23/worlds-best-ferry-ride/

Do you want more details about getting to and from St. John from St. Thomas? This article will give you an in-depth look of that process.
http://www.vinow.com/stjohn/getting_there/

For pricing and the ferry schedule, visit the link below:

http://www.vinow.com/travel/virgin-islands-ferry-schedules/

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Organic Coconuts

When you’re in the Caribbean, there are a few things that you will be guaranteed to see; beaches, cocktails, and coconuts! Since this unique fruit is so abundant in the Caribbean, they hold many uses.

It’s not just people in the tropics who enjoy coconuts though; it’s everyone! Sadly, it may be hard to get truly organic coconuts in non-tropical locations. We feel very grateful to have an abundance of locally grown, organic coconuts at our fingertips.

At Da Lime in Da Coconut, we want to give our guests a true island experience! You may have had a “Lime in the Coconut” before, but we take ours to the next level! We believe we created a drink that really lives up to the infamous expectations of “Da Lime in Da Coconut”.

We’ve taken the extra step and get our coconuts right here on island! We have professionals climb up the palms and cut perfectly ripe coconuts then delivered straight to us.

Once the coconuts are delivered, they await to be transformed. Watch us as we put on a show and machete-open your coconut before your very eyes. Afterwards, we pour out all the fresh coconut water into a glass and instantly chill it. Next, we add three different flavored shots of Cruzan Rum and a fresh squeeze of lime. Once that’s mixed to perfection, it’s poured back into the coconut and garnished it with a lime and served with a smile.

*On busy days, coconuts may be pre opened and chilled

It’s hard to find a more fresh coconut drink than the one we offer at Da Lime in Da Coconut! If you truly want the island experience, come on down and check us out!

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USVI Department of Tourism Promotes the Territory

The Virgin Islands is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, variety of sea life, and resorts that will keep you coming back year after year. It’s because of this abundance of beauty and tranquility that makes the Virgin Islands such a great tourist destination.  Thanks to the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, we are able to share our islands with the rest of the world and encourage visitors to take advantage of our many assets.

Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas USVI

The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism took a weeklong trip recently to New York, Minneapolis and Atlanta to promote the USVI. Since the United States Virgin Islands is such a popular tourist destination, the tourism industry takes up 30% of the territory’s gross domestic product (GDP). Travelers get a wonderful vacation, and the territory’s local economy thrives; it’s a win/win for everyone.

Their trip was incredibly successful and proactive. They were busy talking to countless journalists and members of the media to share territory updates, and plans on their effort to increase visitors to the island and what will enhance visitors experience.

In Minneapolis, Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty was interviewed on “Urban Perspectives”, a segment that will air on CBS affiliate WCCO-TV this Sunday, March 13^th. Commissioner Nicholson-Doty also met with Cleo Greene, a reporter at ABC affiliate WCCO-TV. She talked about seasonal nonstop service from Minneapolis to St. Thomas on Sun Country Airlines, convenient connections on Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, and the important meetings and incentives market.

While in Atlanta, she took part in a radio discussion on WSB’s “Perspectives with Condace Pressley” to provide updates and promote upcoming events in the territory, such as Carnival and Dine VI.

We are very excited about the efforts that the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has been making to bring more visitors to the USVI. Tree Limin’ Extreme is the only zip line in the USVI and is a great way to get a unique view of the beautiful island of St. Thomas. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a perfect getaway for people of all ages and our family friendly tour is an ideal way to spend a few adrenaline pumping hours sight-seeing, laughing, and making great memories.

Don’t miss out on a vacation of a lifetime! With no passport required, a trip to the USVI might be easier than you think. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com.

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