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Anniversary trip May 4-9

Alcoa, Tennessee
8 posts
3 helpful votes
Anniversary trip May 4-9

My husband and I are celebrating our empty nest and 20th anniversary on St Croix. We have booked a condo at The Reef and priced rental vehicles, but have not booked yet. We planned to take taxi from airport because we won't get in until 9:30 pm. If we rent a vehicle instead, how difficult is the drive from airport to The Reef?

We have never visited the VI and chose STX because it seems less touristy than other islands. We love getting to know locals, experiencing local culture and exploring interesting places off the main roads. Typically, when we travel, we have small meals or share meals so we can experience more restaurants, food trucks, bars and anywhere interesting we happen upon.

We live in the Smoky Mountains and flat water kayak regularly.

Any recommendations based on our preferences?

5 replies to this topic
South Bend, Indiana
Destination Expert
for St. Croix
2,151 posts
1 helpful vote
1. Re: Anniversary trip May 4-9

Getting to The Reef is not that difficult; however, as you have never been on the island I would not recommend your first time driving on the left and doing it after dark as a good start to your vacation. This, of course, is just my opinion. I don't think you will regret your decision to come to St. Croix for your celebration. The best way to get to know the locals is to remember to greet everyone with "good morning, good afternoon and good night". The Crucians are very friendly and proud of their island. There are more food trucks than you have days. Be sure to put a tour of Cruzan Rum factory on your list as well as The Domino Club in the rainforest and buy a beer (non alcoholic of course) beer for the pigs. Happy planning.

Wake Forest, North...
2,168 posts
196 helpful votes
2. Re: Anniversary trip May 4-9

You will definitely want a rental car to explorer the island during your stay. Taxis are expensive. We drive on the left on STX with left hand drive cars like you are used to. It's not hard and only takes a little time getting used to but something to keep in mind if you haven't done it before and coming in at night. It's not difficult to get to the Reef if you've done it however I would not suggest driving there as your first experience without a GPS. I recommend one for your stay even if you do take a taxi when you first arrive. My Garmin works great on STX. Our road signs are few and far between and can be confusing between road names and route numbers. The reef is probably 30-40 minutes from the airport and there are a couple of ways to go. You need to take several roads and turns to the Reef no matter which way.

You will pay a surcharge for rental car airport pickup. If you rent from Centerline or Budget off-airport location I think you can return to the airport without paying the surcharge. The surcharge will offset the initial taxi ride, it may even cover it. They may be able to meet you at the reef otherwise get a taxi ride to downtown C'sted to their lots.

Cape Cod...
Destination Expert
for Christiansted
3,789 posts
203 helpful votes
3. Re: Anniversary trip May 4-9

The taxi will be expensive but I agree with the others. Arriving on that late flight, driving on the left and having to negotiate the somewhat-maze-like mid-island area on your way to the Reef will be challenging. Have you talked to any of the rental companies about whether they will deliver a car to you the next day? If they won't, I would guess that either Hertz or Centerline would deliver one to the Buccaneer Resort which is 15 minutes from The Reef as they deliver to Buccaneer guests many days.

One thing to remember during your visit...the Ironman Triathlon will be held on Sunday so that's a Day to stay out on the East End (Point Udall, Cramer Park, the Reef's beach/pool) as there will be road closures.

And if you are flying back on the AA flight in the morning on May 9th....we will see you at the gate!!

You will find island folks very friendly if you strike up a conversation. We enjoy going to places like Castaways and Duggans (both not far from your rental), sitting at the bar and meeting folks. And while I haven't tried it yet, people really like TLC Kitchen at the bottom of the Reefs hill which serves breakfast and lunch.

An active suggestion would be to drive your car to Cramer Park and walk out to Point Udall and back either in the morning or late afternoon. It's about 3 miles Round trip and the scenery is beautiful. If you are in decent shape and want to challenge yourself and get a great view of the entire island, go hike up Goat Hill!

Alcoa, Tennessee
8 posts
3 helpful votes
4. Re: Anniversary trip May 4-9

Thanks for the info and for confirming that we should get rental the morning after our arrival.

I've made a crazy mistake that might actually work in our favor. Our return flight is May 11. I booked a condo until the 9th. Any suggestions on a quaint, inexpensive inn or some place interesting to stay May 9th and 10th? I haven't looked online yet.

Wake Forest, North...
2,168 posts
196 helpful votes
5. Re: Anniversary trip May 4-9

HOTC, Waves at Cane Bay, Palms Hotel, several hotels in downtown C'sted. Of course you may be able to extend the condo.

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