Page 112 - The Virgin Islands

USVI FUN FACT
PACk YOUR BAgS
THEN, PICk UP lOTS
OF NEW ONES
Explore all the fine shops, exotic arts and crafts world-famous incentive: the
and unique bargains our islands have to offer.
And fill your bag guilt free, knowing we’re a
duty-free destination. Deals on everything from
gems, watches and cameras to crystal, china
and fabrics have earned the USVI the reputation
as “The Shopping Mecca of the Caribbean.”
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Every island in the USVI features
world-class shopping with one
highest duty-free shopping
limit in the Caribbean.
CHARLOTTE AMALIE The first permanent
European settlement on St. Thomas island
was established in 1672 after the arrival
of the Danish West India and Guinea
Company. The town was named in honor of
Denmark’s Queen. An accidental misspelling
on a map changed the name of the town to
Charlotte Amalie after the U.S. acquisition
of the islands. During the 17th Century, the
settlement and harbor were known as safe
havens for pirates and other infamous men,
the likes of Jean Hamlin, Bartholomew Sharp,
“Tempest” Roberts and Captain Kidd. During
the early 19th-Century Napoleonic Wars,
the British occupied the island, and later,
during the American Civil War, Confederate
blockade runners briefly used Charlotte
Amalie as a base. Today, the Charlotte
Amalie Historic District includes buildings
and sites that represent the town’s history
and is considered the shopping capital of the
Caribbean!
YACHT HAVEN GRANDE A chic duty-free
Mecca for luxury goods. Amidst the palm trees
and panoramic views of the harbor, you will
find exclusive boutiques, such as Gucci, Louis
Vuitton, Bulgari and Salvatore Ferragamo.
CROWN BAY CENTER Offers convenient
one-level shopping with the finest in fashion
and creative local arts and crafts. This
seaside retail and commercial center, located
on the southwest side of St. Thomas, offers
cruise passengers, overnight guests and
local residents a vivid variety of retail delights
sure to satisfy even the most savvy shopper.
The USVI is outside the U.S.
Customs zone, so there are
no sales taxes or tariffs on
merchandise. U.S. visitors
can spend $1,600 duty-free.
HAVENSIGHT MALL This popular one-stop a visitor center next to Fort Christiansvaern. The town
destination on St. Thomas is located on the grounds boasts handmade jewelry, fine china, perfumes and
clothing boutiques, colorful glassware, along with
of the West Indian Company Limited, which is also
home to one of the island’s cruise ports. Havensight wood and metal works. And don’t forget to take back
a bit of the island’s spirit, with up to six bottles of
Mall has over 100 stores and businesses with the
same low, duty-free prices as in town. Shop, enjoy one Cruzan Rum, duty-free.
of the attractions, sip a cool tropical drink or have a full
meal at one of the many restaurants and bars. Sit by MONGOOSE JUNCTION A superb collection of
a cool fountain, view the cruise ships and watch the shops and restaurants, this shopping destination is
housed in a unique architectural and tropical setting.
world go by.
Here you will find retail shops, restaurants, bars and
RED HOOK A popular east end destination, it
professional services for every style, age and taste just
features an unofficial “town” of red-tiled roof homes a few minutes stroll from the Cruz Bay ferry terminal.
and businesses dotting a rolling coastline that
overlooks Pillsbury Sound and the island of St. John. WHARFSIDE VILLAGE A unique collection of shops,
restaurants, bars, galleries and water sport centers
Red Hook’s atmosphere is very relaxed. Here you
nestled at the foot of the ferry dock in Cruz Bay,
will find an array of activities to keep you occupied.
the heart of St. John. Colorful terra cotta tile roofs,
You will find everything from an apothecary to a
veterinarian, with plenty of restaurants, pool halls, bars, waterside walkways and views of Cruz Bay greet you as
you arrive. The merchants are friendly, the drinks are tall
banks and charter boat businesses in between.
and cool, and the sunset is spectacular every night!
HISTORIC FREDERIKSTED This quiet, charming,
seaside town features a Danish fort and museum, For additional information on shopping in the USVI,
historic churches, quaint shops and restaurants lining contact the agencies below:
the waterfront and side streets, and a white sand beach St. Croix Chamber of Commerce
within a short walking distance. Located on the west www.stxchamber.org
end of St. Croix, the town of Frederiksted provides
visitors an opportunity to find fantastic deals on locally Christiansted Restaurant & Retail Association
made handicrafts, historic books and local art. www.gotostcroix.com/crra/index.php
St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce
TOWN OF CHRISTIANSTED The island’s largest town, 340-776-0100
Christiansted, is located on the northeastern part of Havensight Mall Association
St. Croix. Here, visitors will find a variety of shops, art www.havensightmall.com
galleries, restaurants and bars, as well as historical
buildings, churches and a Danish fort. A welcome
center at the Government House provides visitor
information. The National Park Service also operates 19