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Island Changes This Past Week

Jenn Manes
Hawksnest Bay

Happy April 1st everyone! Dalton and I spent his Spring Break up in Connecticut last week, and when I returned home, I noticed several small changes here on the island. It’s amazing how much can happen on such a small week in just seven days! Check it out!

Dolphin Market near the Westin now has an actual door! If you thought it was cold in there before, just wait until your next visit! It’s basically Alaska in there, which makes me wonder… Now that the air conditioning isn’t literally going out the door anymore, I wonder if they will lower their prices??? If I were a betting woman, I’d say no. But a girl can dream!

Next up: Parking!

Maho Crossroads, the tiki bar at Maho Bay, now has a big “Private Parking” sign at the parking lot that’s located on their property and adjacent to the business. I’m not sure what’s happening there, but there were not any vehicles parked there other than what appeared to be employee vehicles the past two days. I’ll let you know what I hear about this one.

There appears to be a few new off-road parking spots beyond the main parking lot at Maho Bay. Road crews cleared the sides of the road last month, and there is now a few spaces where it appears you can legally park on the side of the road (no “No Parking” signs posted as of today), provided that all of your tires and mirrors are off of the roadway completely. There is a bit of a hill in one of the areas, so park carefully if you choose one of those spots. It’s a bit of a walk, too. Something to keep in mind.

New parking spots at Maho?

Speaking of clearing, there has been a decent amount of clearing beside the parking lot at Skinny Legs. I am not sure what’s going on here either, but it looks like a great spot to add a few more parking spots. Skinny’s is always packed, and I know many of you would enjoy a few extra places to park out there.

Clearing at Skinny’s

Now let’s talk about the weather. It is absolutely down pouring as I type this. Like monsoon-like rain. We’ve been getting a few good downpours here and there over the past week, but it’s nothing to ruin a vacation over. It’s also been quite windy. The wind at the Windmill Bar (oxymoron, I know) was out of control when I popped in earlier today, which made it an idea spot for a windmill back in the day!

And lastly, our raffle ends this Friday, so please purchase a ticket and support the Animal Care Center and St. John Rescue. Here are all of the details:

Win a Week at Monarch Cottage, A Brand-New Waterfront Rental – Proceeds to support the Animal Care Center & St. John Rescue 

The view from Monarch Cottage

Explore STJ is holding a raffle! The cost is only $25 a ticket! Proceeds will be split between the Animal Care Center and St. John Rescue. Here is what you can win:

  • A seven-night stay at Monarch Cottage – A brand-new, waterfront home with a pool & hot tub near Cruz Bay.
  • A $500 VISA gift card courtesy of Explore STJ
  • A sunset sail for up to six people with Island Roots Boat Charters
  • A $100 gift certificate to Cruz Bay Landing
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Tap Room
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Windmill Bar
  • A Trunk Bay puzzle courtesy of Explore STJ


This raffle has an estimated value of $8495! The raffle period will end on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9 p.m. AST. The winner will be announced on or about April 8, 2025.

You will receive one entry for every $25 donation you make.

(Click here to read more about Monarch Cottage.)

 

Transfer Day: The United States Buys Virgin Islands from Denmark

Jenn Manes
The American flag was first raised at The Battery, pictured in the bottom center of this pic.

Today is Transfer Day here in the United States Virgin Islands. This event is recognized each year in March 31st, which is the date that the Danish West Indies formally ceded to the United States by Denmark in 1917. The exchange cost the United States $25 million in gold. Schools and government offices are closed today.

The American Flag First Raised on St. John

With regard to St. John, the American flag was first raised in Cruz Bay at The Battery. The Battery is the complex on the point in Cruz Bay. It is located between the ferry dock area and the Creek. You can see The Battery in the picture above. It is located in the lower center of the pic.

Why Did the United States Want to Purchase the Virgin Islands? 

The United States’ interest in the Virgin Islands was primarily for their strategic location, while any economic benefits were secondary. The islands represented a much needed foothold in the Caribbean for the American Navy, and later were looked toward as a base to guard the Panama Canal. American negotiations with the Danish government can be characterized as ones of strategic diplomacy. All offers of proposed purchase came on the heels of American military conflicts.

American interest in the Virgin Islands dates back to as early as the mid-1860s. At the eve of the Civil War, budding American imperialism and the need for a Caribbean naval base, prompted Secretary of State William H. Seward to begin to investigate the islands as a possible coaling station for U.S. naval and merchant vessels. On October 24, 1867, after nearly two years of extensive negotiation and a visit to the islands by Seward himself, the Danish government ratified a treaty in which Denmark would cede the islands of St. Thomas and St. John to the United States. The price was to be seven and a half million dollars in gold, provided the treaty received the consent of the islands’ population. Unfortunately, within a year, the islands were visited by a hurricane, an earthquake, a tsunami and a fire.

The tsunami was so severe that it left the steamer, the USS Monongahela, Commodore Bissel, and its crew, stranded on the Frederiksted wharf. However, for more than two years, the treaty failed to receive the ratification of the United States Congress in response to the wave of natural disasters, the imperialistic overtones of the treaty, and concerns over the possible impeachment of President Andrew Johnson.

By the end of the Spanish American War, Secretary of State John Hay expressed renewed interest in the Virgin Islands to the Danish government. Beginning on January 29, 1900, and over another two years, a new treaty was negotiated, in which the Danish government would cede the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix to the United States for the sum of five million dollars. The treaty was ratified by the U.S. Congress. However, the Danes returned the thirty year-old diplomatic insult, and neither house of the Danish legislature ratified the treaty.

Negotiations Continued For Years 

Subtle efforts to negotiate the purchase of the Virgin Islands by the United States continued after the failure of the Treaty of 1902. However, by 1915 American interest had become heightened by fears of the impending crisis in Europe. The General Board, headed by Admiral Dewey informed Secretary of State Robert Lansing, that the purchase of the islands would not be advantageous as the site of an American naval base in light of the recent acquisition of Puerto Rico, but that the purchase would be wise in order to deter any other power from gaining bases in the Caribbean. Dewey, felt that this tactical defense of the Panama Canal was just politically by the Monroe Doctrine and by increased German efforts to consolidate the islands through commercial, diplomatic or perhaps even military means.

In March of 1916, Secretary Lansing sent a drafted treaty to the Danish Ambassador in Copenhagen, Dr. Maurice Egan, offering twenty-five million dollars in gold coins for the islands with instructions to deliver the proposal to the Danish government. On August 14, 1916, at the Biltmore Hotel in New York City, a revised treaty was signed by Danish Minister Constantin Brun and Secretary of State Lansing. The US Senate approved the treaty on September 7, 1916 and by December 21, 1916 the Danish Rigsdag had approved the treaty as well. Finally, on January 17, 1917 the treaty ratifications were exchanged and the treaty finalized.

The official transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States did not occur until 4 p.m. on March 31st, 1917, when a formal ceremony was held in the islands. At the State Department, a U.S. Treasury Warrant for twenty-five million dollars was given to Danish Minister Brun.

A copy of the Transfer Day certificate.

Pretty interesting, isn’t it?

The United States Virgin Islands had a centennial celebration back in 2017. At that time, we even received a visit from three Danish ships, including a tall ship, during this celebration.

This information is courtesy of the Royal Danish Consulate, which has a location on St. Thomas.

Win a Week at Monarch Cottage, A Brand-New Waterfront Rental – Proceeds to support the Animal Care Center & St. John Rescue 

The view from Monarch Cottage

Explore STJ is holding a raffle! The cost is only $25 a ticket! Proceeds will be split between the Animal Care Center and St. John Rescue. Here is what you can win:

  • A seven-night stay at Monarch Cottage – A brand-new, waterfront home with a pool & hot tub near Cruz Bay.
  • A $500 VISA gift card courtesy of Explore STJ
  • A sunset sail for up to six people with Island Roots Boat Charters
  • A $100 gift certificate to Cruz Bay Landing
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Tap Room
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Windmill Bar
  • A Trunk Bay puzzle courtesy of Explore STJ


This raffle has an estimated value of $8495! The raffle period will end on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9 p.m. AST. The winner will be announced on or about April 8, 2025.

You will receive one entry for every $25 donation you make.

(Click here to read more about Monarch Cottage.)

Light Up the Night Event Details

Jenn Manes

One of St. John’s most important events and fundraisers is happening this weekend, and I hope you all can join us!

Since 2012, the St. John Cancer Fund (SJCF) has provided more than $1 million to St. John residents battling cancer, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community. Light Up The Night is more than just a typical fundraiser. It’s a night to honor those we’ve lost, while celebrating out shared vision and cheering on our island warriors. I invite you all to join the St. John community this Saturday, March 29th from 4 p.m. until midnight. The event will take place at the National Park ball field, which is across the street from Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay.

The goal of this year’s Light Up the Night event is to raise $120,000, which can help to 30 community members throughout the next calendar year.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals all over St John have formed fundraising teams to help us hit this goal, and while we are just three days away, there’s still time to pitch in.

Join us Saturday night & try out the dunk tank!

Final Stretch Fundraising Events
If you are on island, please consider patronizing the following businesses to support the St. John Cancer Fund.

    • High Tide: Donating 100% of proceeds from “Cancer Fund” drinks on their menu throughout March.
    • Trunk Bay Beach Bar: Donating 100% of proceeds from Happy Hour Painkillers (9 AM–11 AM!) sold during March.
    • Johnny Lime: Donating all proceeds from this month’s Trivia Nights, including tonight (3/26).
    • Upstairs Bar: Bingo night proceeds, including tonight (3/26).
    • The Beach Bar: Fundraiser on 3/27, with all tips matched by the owners.
    • Sam & Jacks: $10 Winner Take All raffle

Here is the full schedule: 

  • 4pm – Opening
  • 4:05pm – Love City Pan Dragons
  • 4:30pm Dynamic Dancers performance
  • 4:45pm St. John Choir performance
  • 5:15pm – St. John School of the Arts Cheerleader performance
  • 6pm – Jam Band
  • 7:30pm Reggae Dynasty
  • 9pm – Guest Speakers
  • 9:15pm – Luminary Walk
  • 9:30pm – Broheem with Love
  • 10pm – Chris B and the Fam
  • 10:30p, Vizionz Band & DJs to close out the event

Ticket to Paradise Raffle
At $100 per ticket, The St. John Cancer Fund has an awesome list of prizes that is still growing. You can purchase tickets at The Beach Bar event on 3/27 or at the Light Up the Night event. (Tickets are not available online at this time.)

  • Some of the prizes include:
  • Ocean Runner: 15 person USVI/BVI day trip
  • Voodoo: 15-person sunset
  • Inn at Tamarind Court: 3 night stay, Breakfast and Dinner Certificates
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground: 2x 2-night eco-tent stay with watersports package
  • Coral Bay Caterers: $500
  • Dinner for eight at St. John Speakeasy
  • Pauly’s Luncheonette: $50
  • Gallows Point Resort: 2-night stay
  • Ocean 362: gift certificate
  • High Tide: gift certificate
  • Banana Deck: gift certificate
  • Terrace: gift certificate
  • Tap&Still: gift certificate
  • Wharfside Package:
    • $75 wine shop
    • $100 La Tapa
    • $100 Bamboo
    • $100 Salt & Strand
    • Half-day zodiac rental: Wharfside Watersports
    • 4-night stay at Wharfside Hotel

Event Highlights:
🎶 Live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and community info booths.
🎯 Games (yes, including the dunk tank!), luminaries, and more!
✨ Walk the track to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, raise awareness and money to help people in our community battling cancer.

  • Booths at the Event:
    Dunk Tank, run by Jimmy Maznio and Adam Dow
  • Zozo’s
  • Dave & Jerrys
  • Sam & Jacks
  • Windmill Bar
  • Café Roma
  • St. John Brewers
  • Lobstah Hank
  • Isaac & Milton’s Culinary Creations
  • Light Up The Night Bar
  • Warriors Tent
  • Luminary Booth
  • Unitarian Universalists
  • AND MORE!

New Shuttle from Cruz Bay to Pizza Pi

Jenn Manes
Pizza Pi is located in Christmas Cove, which is about 15 minutes or so from Cruz Bay.

There’s a brand new way to get to Pizza Pi, the Caribbean’s only floating pizza boat!

Pizza Pi is a great little spot in Christmas Cove, which is quiet, crystal clear bay located behind Great St. James near St. Thomas. It’s an old sailboat that’s been converted into a small pizzeria. The boat has rafts tied up to it that diners can swim up to and hop on. From there, the crew will lower pizza, cold beer, and more. It’s such a fun place to visit!

Pizza Pi just launched a new shuttle from Cruz Bay. The shuttle leaves the National Park dock on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at either noon or 2 p.m. The cost of this shuttle is $94 a person, and the trip lasts 90 minutes. After you factor in travel time, you will have about an hour to hang on the rafts at Pizza Pi. Guests using the Pizza Pi shuttle are guaranteed a space on one of the rafts.

Click here to check out the shuttle’s website and to book.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a 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.

Click Here to Book Now. 

Let’s Sell These Westin Units!

Jenn Manes

Let’s be honest, if you are reading this it’s because you love St. John. Chances are you have vacationed here at least once, although most people who visit us have come multiple times over the years. Some of you are even lucky enough to come yearly.

Vacationing in St. John is not inexpensive, but there are ways to save money. One of those ways is to purchase a deeded week at the Westin Resort. Deeded weeks are great people looking for a guaranteed stay at the Westin, St. John’s only true resort. Purchasing a deeded week typically costs less annually when compared to renting a hotel room at the Westin or at other spots around the island.

With these deeds weeks, you care guaranteed a specific vacation week in a specific unit every year, or every other year if that’s what you choose to purchase. This simplifies vacation planning. Many of these timeshares can also be exchanged for stays at other locations around the world. It’s a win-win of sorts.

Here is what I currently have available for sale at the Westin:

  • Enjoy an early October vacation in St. John every even year. Week 41 typically falls over Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend. Spend a week is this beautiful three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse villa that has its own private pool. This is unit 4215. The asking price is $1,000, and the annual fees are $2,387.51.
  • Vacation in St. John every other year in this beautiful, three-bedroom, three bathroom unit at the renowned Westin Resort. This unit is a float during Platinum Season, which is from Week 19 through Week 33. Sunday, September 27th through October 4th is already reserved for you for 2025. This is unit 2623. The asking price is $3,000, and the annual fees are 2,130.98.
  • Spend a month on St. John! Enjoy slow season in your very one one bedroom, two bathroom townhouse. Enjoy less crowds, near-empty beaches and more for an entire month! This is unit 3422. The asking price is only $4,000. The annual fees are 13,528.86.
  • Enjoy a March vacation every year in this two bedroom, three bathroom hillside unit. This hillside unit is located in the highest part of the resort, and the views are absolutely incredible. It’s an annual Saturday to Saturday rental, making travel arrangements that much easier. This is unit 3228. The asking price is $8,000, and the annual fees are $3,290.
  • Spend Labor Day 2025 in St. John! This deeded, three-bedroom, three bathroom unit – week 35 – is located on the waterfront section of the resort and is a short walk to the resort’s sandy beach. Watch the boats come and go in the harbor from your very own private balcony! This is for unit 2723. The asking price is $8,000., and the annual fees are $2,988.96.
  • Enjoy the first week of June in this beautiful three bedroom property at the Westin St. John! Avoid the high season crowds, but enjoy everything the island has to offer. This is for week 22, unit 2423. The asking price is $11,000, and the annual fees are $2,988.96.
  • Enjoy the first week of March in your very own St. John vacation rental! This two bedroom, three bathroom townhouse is top-notch! It is beautifully decorated, well-appointed, and its balcony has incredible sunset views during this time of the year! This is week 9, unit 3110. The asking price is $12,000, and the annual fees are $3,489.41.
  • Enjoy a Spring vacation in St. John every year in this very private, three bedroom villa that has its own pool and hot tub. Week 18 typically falls at the beginning of May, which is a great time to visit St. John. (**Week 19 is also available to purchase.**) This is for week 18, unit 4313. The asking price is $15,000, and the annual fees are $4,775.02.
  • Enjoy a Spring vacation in St. John every year in this very private, three bedroom villa that has its own pool and hot tub. Week 19 typically falls at the beginning of May, which is a great time to visit St. John. (**Week 18 is also available to purchase.**) This is for week 19, unit 4313. The asking price is $15,000, and the annual fees are $4,775.02.

Several of these owners are very motivated to sell, so please contact me to make an offer.

If you are interested in any of these units or if you have a question, please feel free to email me at jenn@explorestj.com.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a 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.

Click Here to Book Now. 

Stay at a Waterfront Villa in St. John for $25! It Can Happen!

Jenn Manes
You can enter to win a week at this waterfront villa, Monarch Cottage.

Raffle reminder!

We are holding a raffle to benefit the Animal Care center and St. John Rescue. It only costs $25 to enter, and the proceeds will support two extremely worthy organizations here in St. John. Here’s what you can win!

  • A seven-night stay at Monarch Cottage – A brand-new, waterfront home with a pool & hot tub near Cruz Bay. ($7,000+ value)
  • A $500 VISA gift card courtesy of Explore STJ
  • A sunset sail for up to six people with Island Roots Boat Charters
  • A $100 gift certificate to Cruz Bay Landing
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Tap Room
  • A $100 gift certificate to The Windmill Bar
  • A Trunk Bay puzzle courtesy of Explore STJ

You will receive one entry for every $25 donation you make.


 

Click here to read more about Monarch Cottage.

How the Drawing Works: Once the entry period is over, the raffle committee will personally write/type the names of each entrant on a raffle ticket. If you buy one ticket, we will write/type your name on one ticket. If you buy two tickets ($50 total), we will write/type your name on two tickets. If you buy three tickets ($75 total), we will write/type your name on three tickets. And so forth. You will not receive a ticket by mail or email. All of the names will be placed into a secure bucket/basket/box. Once all of the names are written on tickets, we will draw the winner live on video. The winner will be announced on explorestj.com. A video of the drawing will also be posted on explorestj.com. The raffle period will end on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9 p.m. AST. The winner will be announced on explorestj.com on or about April 8, 2025. All tickets purchased will be treated as donations to the Animal Care Center of St. John and St. John Rescue. 

Click here for more information, including the fine print. 

Good luck!