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Cinnamon Bay Campground Reopens Saturday

Jenn Manes October 27, 2025

There are three options for camping at Cinnamon Bay – eco tents, cottages and tent sites.

The campground at Cinnamon Bay will reopen for guests on Saturday, November 1st, following two months of its annual closure. Not only will the camping sites reopen, but the restaurant beside the large rain tree will reopen and programing like its popular campground chats will return.

Cinnamon Bay is the only campground in the Virgin Islands National Park. It’s located on St. John’s north shore, between Trunk Bay and Maho Bay. (Peter Bay is to its west, but that beach does not have public road access.) Cinnamon Bay is less than 20 minutes from Cruz Bay, and the taxis go there regularly.

The campground has three levels of camping. They have basic tent sites, large eco tents that are complete with beds, fans and outlets, as well as concrete cottages. This is one of the most affordable ways to stay on St. John. There are some sites that are only 40 steps from Cinnamon Bay beach, so if you want to stay on the beach in the National Park, this is a great way to do it.

In addition to the restaurant, there is a snack shack near the beach that is open. They have a few lunch opens as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. There are also watersports rentals available onsite too. Cinnamon Bay has very clean restrooms in addition to a spot where you can wash the sand off of your feet. It’s a great place to spend the day. And lastly, they have a fantastic gift shop.

Cinnamon Bay is one of my favorite places to visit. Be sure to check it out on your next trip.

Pizza is Returning to Coral Bay!

Jenn Manes October 21, 2025

I have such great news to share with you all today! Pizza is returning to Coral Bay! It’s the little things in life sometimes. 🙂

Like many of you, I was bummed when I learned that Pizzabar in Paradise was forced to close earlier this year due to lease renewal issues. Pizzabar was the last spot to serve pizza in Coral Bay after Salty Mongoose closed a few years back. Well today. I am excited to tell you that Johnny Lime is now offering pizza in addition to their regular Caribbean BBQ menu. How exciting!

Johnny Lime is a great little Caribbean BBQ spot located across the street from Coral Bay harbor. It’s in the former Oasis location and right beside Surf Club Cantina and Sharky’s (the old Salty Mongoose location). It’s an open-air spot with great views, breezes, and, of course, great food.

Johnny Lime holds lots of fun weekly events, including open mic nights every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. They also host trivia every Wednesday, although I do not believe that has started yet this season. But when it does, it is definitely the place to be every Wednesday night.

For those of you who plan to be on island this Halloween, Johnny Lime is having a Haunted House on Saturday, November 1st. There will be a kids costume contest at 7 p.m. in addition to live music and drink specials. A portion of the proceeds raised at this event will supports Kats, St. John’s Kids and the Sea sailing program.

Johnny Lime is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Thursdays.

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.

A Closer Look: Blind Donkey

Jenn Manes October 20, 2025

Blind Donkey is a new bar that is located in the former Quiet Mon Pub space.

Over the summer, we told you how a new bar – Blind Donkey – opened in the former Quiet Mon Pub location. I finally had a chance to check it out for myself, and I really liked it! Here are the details…

Blind Donkey is the newest endeavor of Todd Beaty. Todd is the owner of Cruz Bay Landing, a great little sit-down restaurant with gazebo bar that’s located in the park across from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. He and his twin brother Chad also owned Woody’s back in the day. (They sold that back in 2013.) Well Todd recently decided to get back into the bar scene, and opened Blind Donkey with his friend Patrick Rooney last summer.

Blind Donkey is located in the former Quiet Mon Pub spot, and it has been completely transformed. There is a new large bar, and plenty of seating throughout. There are televisions scattered around the bar, so it’s a great place to watch a sporting event while indulging in a cold cocktail or two. Check it out:

I absolutely love sitting outside on the rail. People watching is great up here!

Be sure to check out Blind Donkey during your next visit!

Blind Donkey is just a bar, so only drinks are served. They have an extensive wine list, which always makes me happy! They also have a variety of cocktails, frozen drinks, beers and seltzers. They have draft beer too!

Blind Donkey opens at noon daily. They are open until midnight unless people are having too much fun to close. In that case, they will close when they close. 🙂

Blind Donkey has happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. During that time, they have draft beer specials and two-for-one Moscow Mules.

And lastly, Blind Donkey is holding a Mutt Mixer to raise funds for the Animal Care Center on Tuesday, November 11th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. I will be there, and I hope many of you will be too!

Want to see what’s happening over at Blind Donkey? Be sure to check out their new webcam! You can see this, plus more than 20 other St. John-based webcams on Explore STJ’s webcam page at www.explorestj.com/webcams.

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.

Where to Stay in St. John: Cruz Views

Jenn Manes October 15, 2025

If you are looking for a vacation rental that has gorgeous daytime views, spectacular sunsets and a convenient location close to Cruz Bay, yet far enough away from the hecticness of town, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’d like to tell you all about Cruz Views.

Cruz Views is a charming condominium complex that is centered around a shared sundeck and pool. It’s located just a half mile from Cruz Bay, providing easy access to the ferry dock, taxis, shops, restaurants, and more. The complex includes four one-bedroom condos and five two-bedroom condos. While the layout of each condo is similar, they each incorporate unique personality and design elements. It’s time to start dreaming and planning your next St. John vacation…

Fast Facts

Each condo has a fully-equipped kitchen.
Each condo features high-speed internet.
Each condo provides beach gear, including towels, coolers and chairs.
Each condo has a safe to lock away your passports and valuables.
There is a shared BBQ grill for you to use during your stay.
There is a trash removal onsite, so no need to drag your trash to a dumpster in town.

Cruz View Vacation Rentals Available through Caribbean Villas

Cruz Views #1 – Bliss

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #2 – El Capricho

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #3 – Mosaic Sunsets

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps six. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #4 – Destiny

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #5 – Tranquility

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps six. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #6 – Pina Coladas

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #7 – Happy Hour

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #9 – Sunset Cruz

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #10 – Serenita

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps five. Click here to learn more.

Rates at Cruz Views start at $275 a night a vary based on season. You can book an extended stay to save even more! You can save 10 percent on stays between 14 and 27 days, and 20 percent on stays of 28 days or longer.

Click here for more information on Cruz Views at www.caribbeanvilla.com.

Animal Care Center Fundraiser Tonight at Shambles!

Jenn Manes October 14, 2025

Shambles is located on Centerline Road (Route 10) around mile 2.

If you are lucky enough to be on island today, please stop by Shambles tonight between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Animal Care Center is holding its first Mutt Mixer of the season, and I hope to see many of you there!

Mutt Mixers are fun, monthly events that raise money for the Animal Care Center. For every Tito’s drink that is purchased during these Mutt Mixers, $2 will be donated to the Animal Care Center. It’s that simple.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and Animal Care Center merchandise will be available for sale.

Shambles is located on Centerline Road, which is Route 10 on the map. It is located two miles from Cruz Bay. It is located across the street from The Windmill Bar.

Not on island today? No problem! There are Mutt Mixers scheduled for every month over the next year. Here is the schedule:

October 14th: Shambles
November 11th: Blind Donkey
December 9th: Drink
January 13th: The Beach Bar
February 10th: St. John Back Bar
March 10th: The Tap Room
April 14th: Shambles
May 12th: The Blind Donkey
June 9th: Drink
July 14th: The Beach Bar
August 11th: St. John Back Bar
September 8th; The Tap Room

The Animal Care Center is currently raising funds for its November spay and neuter event, which is happening in partnership with Visiting Vets International. During this event, the Animal Care Center is hoping to trap, spay/neuter 300 to 400 free-roaming cats here in St. John.

If you would like to donate to the Animal Care Center’s spay and neuter event, you can do so securely online at www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/donate.

Fun Things To Do When Visiting St John

Jenn Manes October 10, 2025

Looking for something fun to do when visiting St John? Here are several weekly events for you to check out!

Sunday afternoon Bingo at The Windmill Bar – Bingo with a view? Yes, please! Check it out every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday night Karaoke Club at The Upstairs – Let’s hear what you got! Check out The Upstairs’ karaoke night every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Wednesday Bingo at The Upstairs – There’s never too much Bingo in my world! It’s happening every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday Night Jam at Sun Dog Cafe – The weekly jam session returns October 27th! Check it out every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday Trivia at Johnny Lime – They just reopened for season, so we are waiting to hear when their extremely popular trivia nights will return. Hopefully soon!
Thursday night trivia at The Tap Room – Bring your crew, grab a pint, and take on St. John’s favorite trivia night with prizes, great food, and cold local brews! Trivia starts at 7 p.m. every Thursday night.

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.