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By
Tom Wuckovich
While
the two towns are the cornerstones for visitors, there
is a great deal more on the island to see. Because of
its relatively small size, a tour takes less than four
hours. High on the list of sights should be the Whim
Plantation, where those jenny cakes made of flour and
sugar, are baked daily. Not far from the plantation
is St. George Village Botanical Gardens, constructed
over the remains of an early Arawak Indian Village.
The garden is filled with dazzling vegetation, including
the largest mass of scarlet poinsettias. It is a popular
place for weddings.
 To
toast the island and your wedding vows, stop at the
Cruzan Rum Factory and sample its wares. The rum is
distilled and bottled on the island, and tours are given
daily, and so are the samples. Rum can be purchased
at the company store.
For
the more water oriented, Buck Island is a must see,
Once a pirate haunt, it also is managed by the National
Park Service, and the snorkeling along the island's
reef is magnificent. The reef is home to elkhorn coral,
brain coral, staghorn and finger coral, as well as gorgonians,
sea whips and sea fans. Angelfish, Queen Parrotfish,
Spadefish and coral crabs abound. Buck Island tours
usually last four hours and there are a number of boats
that can be chartered, including Big Beard's Renegade,
which offers half-day and full-day excursions.
Hotels
are plentiful on the island, and will fit any budget.
In Christainsted, the Hotel Caravelle, a small European-style
hotel, is moderately priced and is in the center of
downtown activity. The Hibiscus Beach Hotel, a Caribbean-style
property, is directly on the beach and provides a magnificent
view of the Caribbean Sea. It offers an all-inclusive
package and has been called "Exquisite…a real
value," by Frommer's Guide to the Caribbean. The
Buccaneer, more upscale, and with its own golf course,
has been named "One of the World's Top Fifty Tropical
Resorts" by Conde Nast Traveler. Check with your
travel agent or wedding planner for packages at these
distinctive properties. (...BACK)
Want
information on getting married in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
U.S.
Virgin Islands Division of Tourism
1270 Ave. of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(800) 372-USVI
www.usvitourism.vi
Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 70 Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas, USVI, 00801
(809) 774-6680
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