The new Raintree Mini Mart is now open in Cruz Bay.
Sometimes it’s the little things in life, you know?
The island has been buzzing about a brand new grocery store in Cruz Bay. Raintree Mini Mart recently opened in the former Baby’s location, and the store truly looks great!
Raintree is owned by Neil, who also owns all of the Dolphin Markets around the island. And I have to say, he did a great job with the renovation and choice of products inside. Take a look…
Raintree Mini Mart is a great addition to the island and especially for those of you who stay at Grande Bay, Gallows Point, Wharfside Hotel and Cruz Bay Hotel. If you are unfamiliar with its location, it is located beside the Catholic Church, which is roughly a three-minute walk from the ferry dock.
Raintree Mini Mart is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!
See the island of St. John with a longtime resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.
We are in the midst of St. John’s annual Festival celebration. The timing coincides with the Fourth of July, but our festival isn’t celebrating the Declaration of Independence. It is honoring one of the most important days in St. John’s history – emancipation.
The Danes took control of St. John in 1718. At that time, they brought enslaved people to the island to work the sugar plantations. The enslaved people were finally freed on July 3, 1848. July 4th is celebrated so widely on St. John, because it was the first morning of freedom for the formerly-enslaved people. July 3rd is Emancipation Day and will be honored with a ceremony at Slim’s parking lot later today. J’ouvert – an event that celebrates the first sunrise of freedom – was held this morning.
A pic from this morning’s j’ouvert
How Word of Emancipation was Spread
Captain Ingjald Mourier was the owner of the Lameshur plantation in 1848. He arrived in Cruz Bay from St. Thomas to alert everyone about the pronouncement of Emancipation. He quickly informed Police Master Carl Hanshell of the news, and the pair set off on horseback to inform people across the island. The enslaved population on Estate Adrian – which is about three miles up Centerline Road – were the first to learn of their newfound freedom. From there, word of emancipation was spread plantation to plantation.
J’ouvert
J’ouvert is a street party that celebrates the first sunrise of freedom. This celebration is typically held at daybreak on July 4th, but has been held a day or two early the last couple of years. During j’ouvert, people dance through the streets while celebrating freedom. J’ouvert was held in Cruz Bay this morning.
Kid’s Carnival
Tonight is the last night of Kid’s Carnival. It is happening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. beside the baseball field and playground in Cruz Bay. Tickets for each game are $1.
July 4th Parade Details
The parade is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Think island time, my friends. Wear comfy shoes and loose fitting clothes, because this is a hot and long one.
The parade starts behind the ball field in Cruz Bay. It continues in front of Mongoose Junction and toward Cap’s Place and the Post Office. It takes a right at the Post Office and goes toward the ferry dock. It then takes a left up the one-way past Pelican Post. It will then continue up the hill past Woody’s and Extra Virgin until it reaches the roundabout.
July 4th Fireworks Information
The fireworks are usually set up from one of the barges in front of Cruz Bay harbor. Cruz Bay beach is a great spot to watch them. The Cruz Bay overlook is too. The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. You may be able to see them from one of our webcams. See them all at www.explorestj.com/webcams.
Music
The music this year is not to be missed! Stop by the Village tonight and tomorrow night for great music! Here is tonight’s lineup:
It’s a great time to be in St. John!
If you are unable to be on island, you can check out some of the island’s webcams to see the celebration. View them at www.ExploreSTJ.com/webcams. You may be able to catch some of the fireworks on St. John Spice’s Spice Cam.
Enjoy everyone! Happy Festival! And Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe!
Last week, the territory was covered in a thick layer of dust. That dust, fortunately, has moved out, and bright, crisp blue skies are back!
Saturday was an exceptionally pretty day. Check out a few pictures that I took. None have been altered. These colors are real! Enjoy the view, and have a great day, everyone!
Hawksnest BayTrunk BayPeter BayFrancis Bay
Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!
See the island of St. John with a longtime resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.
No dust on the left and yesterday’s dust on the right
If you are lucky enough to be on island or if you have been watching one of St. John’s webcams, you have probably noticed a thick haze in the sky over the past few days. That haze is actually Saharan dust that has traveled all the way from Africa, and it’s been clogging up our skies here in the Caribbean.
Saharan dust is fine sand and mineral dust that lifts up from the Saharan Desert and travels across the Atlantic and over to the Caribbean. It’s been known to reach the southeastern part of the United States, as well.
When the dust is thick, like it was yesterday, visibility is reduced. It lowers air quality and can affect people with asthma or allergies. It causes people to sneeze, makes you feel like you have a scratchy throat, and it makes your eyes itchy too. One good aspect of the dust, however, is that its dry air prevents tropical storms and hurricanes from forming. It also creates beautiful sunsets.
Here are a few images that show how the dust affects our skies:
A regular St. John dayYesterdayTypically Caneel Bay viewYesterdayTypical Trunk Bay viewYesterday
The good news is the this dust is moving out of the territory. There is some more dust behind this current system, but it’s not as thick, thankfully.
You can track the Saharan Dust here, just like you can track rain on the radar. MyFoxHurricane.com is the best site to track the dust in my opinion.
You can also see what’s happening live by checking out Explore STJ’s webcam page at www.explorestj.com/webcams.
Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!
See the island of St. John with a longtime resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.
Are you looking to build a home here on St. John? Are you looking for gentle breezes and views of the harbor and lush valleys, all while being close to Skinny Legs, Lime Out and all of the other great restaurants and shops in Coral Bay? If so, you may be interested in this property that I have listed for sale. I am a licensed real estate agent with 340 Real Estate.
8-36 Emmaus, Coral Bay
8-36 Emmaus, Coral Bay
This quarter-acre lot is located in the Seagrape Hill subdivision, which you enter from Route 10 (Centerline Road) just before Skinny Legs in Coral Bay. There are paved roads throughout the subdivision, making access very easy. This property has water views and amazing breezes. This property is priced to sell at $99,000. Owner financing is available to qualified buyers, making this an even more attractive buy.
As I mentioned, this property is accessed from fully paved roads, and there are utilities nearby. It has westerly views of Coral Bay harbor in addition to lush valley views. This property is peaceful and private, yet still close enough to the action of Coral Bay. You could walk to Skinny Legs if you want to, although you probably wouldn’t want to walk home uphill. 🙂 But it’s that close that you can!
Seagrape Hill is located near Skinny Legs and across from the fire station in Coral Bay.The restaurants and shops of Coral Bay are minutes away.
This is a great buy for St. John. It is not often that you can purchase such a great parcel for under $100,000.
This property – 8-36 Emmaus – is listed with me, Jenn Manes, for $99,000. I am a licensed real estate agent with 340 Real Estate. Please contact me at jenn@explorestj.com or 203-376-3786 for more information.
🏡 Are you looking to purchase a home, condo, vacation rental or land on St. John? Interested in what businesses are currently available for sale? Are you a current home or land owner who is looking to sell? If so, I would love to help you! I am a licensed real estate agent with 340 Real Estate.
I have been a licensed tour guide on St. John for nearly 10 years. I know this island extremely well. Want to know where the bugs come out at sunset? I can tell you. Want to know which areas have great breezes compared to sections of the island that are hot boxes? I know that too! I love this island and am happy to share all of my knowledge with you. I’d also love to help you on your real estate journey, whether it be buying the property of your dreams or selling a current one you may have.
Da Event Lounge has rebranded itself after being closed for several months. It is now called Galavantin’ and it opened earlier this month for dinner and drinks.
Galavantin’ is located in the former Lumberyard space in Cruz Bay. It is beside Nella’s and across the street from Hercules Pate and just up the hill from Cool Breeze Car Rental.
The food its offering looks quite good. Over the past week, they’ve featured pan seared mahi with crab legs, jerk ribeye, sushi, and more. Check out a couple of pics and its menu:
Not only does the menu look great, but the prices are reasonable too! This is definitely a spot to add to your list!
Galavantin’ is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can learn more and see its daily specials by visiting its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/daeventlounge
