Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay, the arrival point for ferries from St. Thomas, is a charming town located on a picturesque harbor. Narrow streets are lined with small stores and cafes. The locals are friendly and the town is laid back. It won’t take you long to cover Cruz Bay but it is definitely worth a stroll. While strolling around Cruz Bay you should visit the National Park Visitors' Center.
The Visitors' Center is the place to start your exploration of St. John. The exhibits presented will introduce you to the park's history, hiking trails and sites and local flora and fauna. Park rangers can help answer questions about trails and hikes. Brochures about the Park, maps and books are also available at the center. Guided hiking tours are available. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There are two small museums located in Cruz Bay. Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum is located just outside of Cruz Bay, and is operated by the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums. St. John's history and culture is presented at this museum. Rare antique photographs, newspaper clippings and paintings are on exhibit. The museum is located in a restored 1757 plantation great house. The Sprauve Museum is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The second museum also presents information and rare photos about St. John. It is dedicated to the great Russian tenor Ivan Jaden. Jaden lived in St. John for the last 40 years of his life. The Jaden Museum was created by Jaden's wife. It is open from 9am to 11am and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
Outside of Cruz Bay, the second largest town is Coral Bay. This is a 'take it easy' town, where 'no shoes, no problem' is the norm. Coral Bay offers several interesting bars and restaurants. If you want to do serious exploration of Coral Bay's beaches and the general area you will need a jeep.
There are many interesting plantations and trails to visit and explore in St. John. Annaberg is one of most popular plantations. Annaberg Plantation, located above Leinster Bay, is a worthwhile and memorable stop. Built in the 1780s, Annaberg was a Danish sugar estate. There is a windmill tower, slaves' quarters and boiling rooms at the site. The National Park Service leads tours through the plantation and brochures allow for self-guided exploration. Other plantation sites can be found at Cinnamon Bay and Reef Bay.
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