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

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook

And visit our Website

SaveSave

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/

Visit our Website

“Like” us on Facebook

St. John Petroglyph Trail

St. Thomas has so much to offer, but when it comes to the neighboring island of St. John, it pales in comparison with nature trails.  One of the most notable of these trails is the Petroglyph Trail that’s apart of the Reef Bay Trail.

Believe me when I say this hike has so much to offer. It has beautiful Caribbean flora and fauna, well maintained trails, quintessential St. John plantation ruins, and last but not least, the famous petroglyphs.

These petroglyphs were carved by the Taino people beginning around 200 A.D. and ending with the collapse of Taino settlements in the area after European arrival in the late 1400’s. The small waterfall and pools were sacred to the Taino as they were one of the only reliable water sources on the Island; the trickle of water is almost unaffected by lack of rainfall. The only time you may not see a waterfall is during a significant drought.  Around the pools the Taino carved depictions of local animals and plants, ones that they relied on for sustenance and medicinal uses. Other carvings seem to represent people or gods. Relatively little is known about the glyphs themselves however, with many theories concerning their origin and meaning. Other carvings have been found throughout the park, even in recent years. Other collections of ancient petroglyphs can be found throughout the caribbean.

You may not have heard of this trail, but if you have visited St. John, chances are you’ve seen the glyphs before. The petroglyphs have inspired many local artists and jewelry makers on the island and could even be considered as the official symbol of St. John.

The petroglyphs in St. John are protected by the National Park Service within Virgin Islands National Park. To see the glyphs for yourself, find the park’s Reef Bay Trail off Centerline Road. Follow the trail downhill for just over two miles, then turn right at the marker for the Petroglyphs Trail. The waterfall, pools, and glyphs are only a further three tenths of a mile down the trail. Be prepared for the steadily uphill two mile climb back to the trail head. Always bring water, proper clothing and shoes, and use sun protection. Never hike alone, and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Free maps, basic trail guides, and park specific safety information are available from the Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.

This trail is a photographer’s dream; so don’t forget your camera! When you arrive to the petroglyphs, there is a wonderful open area that gives you many angles to get the best shot. It’s also a great area to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Next time you’re in the area, make it a priority to hike the petroglyph trail. It is a beautiful trail that takes you back in time and really appreciate the beauty of St. John. Here's an 8 minute video that gives you a sneak peek of the full experience: 

For more information on the Petroglyphs and the National Park, visit the official NPS website at: http://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

For information on visiting St. John or the other U.S. Virgin Islands please visit U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism at: http://www.visitusvi.com/

Visit our Website

"Like" Us on Facebook 

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.

Visit Our Website

“Like” Us On Facebook