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Local Livin’- Stories from Love City – Nisha Jones

Local Livin'- Stories from Love City - Nisha Jones 1

Right now, a vast number of people everywhere are battling mental health issues and many are heightened due to the pandemic, protests and general state of the world. Here, on St. John, these issues are further intensified as we enter another hurricane season with ongoing PTSD from the 2017 storms lingering and very limited access to local mental health care services. This is a story of a woman who was raised here, worked hard to realize and pursue her dreams and has committed to being a part of the solution to this problem locally….

Read moreLocal Livin’- Stories from Love City – Nisha Jones

StJohn.Deals Launches!

StJohn.Deals Launches! 2

We have some big news this morning that is going to help improve your overall St. John vacation experience AND support and promote St. John based businesses!

Do you remember when we mentioned the merger of News of St. John with a deals website and a radio station? Well, the next phase of STJ Media starts today with StJohn.Deals!

StJohn.Deals is a website, similar to a Groupon platform, which will allow travelers to purchase discounted lodging, boat trips, dining and activities, long before they arrive on vacation!

For the consumer, this site is a great way to see what’s out there and save a little dough on a lot of fun things.

For the business, this is not only an additional way for them to promote and highlight their services, but also to trade gift certificates for various forms of advertising.

I won’t bore you with the details…But check out the site at http://StJohn.Deals.

Let us know what you think and feel free to save some money by purchasing a gift certificate today!  Additional deals will be added regularly so please check back.

Businesses- If you are interested in submitting deals and/or advertising with us, please register here  https://stjohn.deals/my-account/

The Restaurant Report – Regulations and Updates

The Restaurant Report - Regulations and Updates 3

Good Afternoon and Happy Monday!  I’ve got lots of restaurant related info and some updates from the Governor for you today.

So, today is the day that many restaurant owners have been dreading.  Today, all restaurants in the territory are required by the Government of the Virgin Islands to switch over to disposable dishes, utensils, napkins and drink containers in an effort to further limit the spread of COVID-19 to employees.

The original order, issued on June 1, 2020 from the Office of the Governor set the original deadline for this order for June 8. They then moved it back to the 15th and then to the 22nd in order to allow establishments to make accommodations and stock up on supplies. So, it’s upon us now. What does it mean for restaurants and their guests?

Over the past few years, the Virgin Islands government has been receptive to concerns about the environment and ways that we can lighten our carbon footprint.  Since 2017, rulings in favor of bans on plastic bags, plastic straws and non-reef safe sunscreens have been celebrated as the territory moved into a more sustainable future.  Reusable cups and straws are seen more and more frequently in stores and restaurants and in the hands of residents and visitors as they move through town.  Now, we go back to disposable everything….temporarily…

Some restaurants on St. John rely heavily on takeout containers already and many serve drinks exclusively in plastic cups.  However, the impact of this ruling on fine dining establishments is an inflated cost and endeavor. They have had to source and pay for disposable items in order to accommodate their clientele. Additional costs associated with increase in frequency and amount of trash removal will likely further affectRestaurant Report - U.S. Virgin Islands the small businesses.

In light of the recent closures and then transition to take-out only, the absence of tourism during some of our busiest months AND limited capacity regulations, these additional costs could issue a huge blow to the bottom line of some of our favorite establishments.

Governor Bryan has been diligent in both actions and updates in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his administration have worked tirelessly to walk the line between protecting and informing the community and keeping the economy afloat.

In his address to the territory today, Governor Bryan stressed that “We are at an interesting place in community response to the pandemic.” It’s important that both residents and visitors alike practice safe measures in order to keep the doors of the territory open.

Read moreThe Restaurant Report – Regulations and Updates

STJ Weekend Update – COVID-19, The Westin and More!

STJ Weekend Update - COVID-19, The Westin and More! 4

Good morning!  I wanted to take some time today to update you all on a few things that I had specific requests about.  Some of it is good, some not so much…

COVID-19

I’m afraid I have a bit of not so great news this morning.  As of yesterday, Friday June 19, St. John has two new cases of COVID-19.  As of June 12, there had only been two cases in Love City and both were travel related.  Tuesday we were informed of an additional travel related case and yesterday our first community transmission was announced.

I think the thing to remember about St. John is that, while this doesn’t seem to be a high number, we have had ZERO cases reported here since the beginning of April.  And now there are two in one week.  One of which is a resident who has not traveled outside of the territory.  Additionally, STJ is unique in the fact that you can hop around from business to business in just a few hours time (in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay).  So, it gets a bit scary when people who are infected could be moving around so quickly, unaware that they are carrying and spreading the disease.

If you’re traveling to St. John in the coming weeks, please exercise caution and be aware of the current limitations, social distancing and regulations.  Monitor your temperature and if you are feeling ANY irregularities with your health, call the Department of Health COVID hotline immediately (340-776-1519).  For both your own safety and for that of the Love City community.

STJ Weekend Update - COVID-19, The Westin and More! 5

Staff members in shops and restaurants have been given the overwhelming task of being the messenger on some of these regulations.  Please be patient with them!  Yes, they are glad to be back to work and open, but wearing a mask for an eight hour shift with the temperature and humidity index rising every day is not an easy task!  BIG LOVE to our service staff on island!  Buy them a drink, throw a little extra on that tip and/or kick them a little extra kindness while you’re here!

Read moreSTJ Weekend Update – COVID-19, The Westin and More!

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 6

Looking for a day on the water while you’re visiting St. John?  Well, Captain Jason Siska and his company, Island Roots Charters, is a great option if you really want to get to know St. John and her surrounding waters!

Captain Jason was born on St. John and has spent most of his life exploring our local waters and the BVI.  A VI Fire Fighter and First Responder, as well as a previous contestant on the hit reality TV show, Survivor, we’re confident he’ll make sure you have a safe, informative and exciting day in the VI!

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 7
Captain Jason on Survivor!

Now, let’s talk about this gorgeous vessel!  Island Roots is a 32 foot World Cat with ample, comfortable seating for up to 12 guests.  The extended Bimini is perfect for catching some shade on the rear seats while the wrap around bow seating is ideal for upping your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 8
Comfortable seating in the sunshine on Island Roots.

A state of the art Bluetooth stereo system lets you customize your soundtrack for the day.  The swim platform and oversized boarding ladder in the back allow for easy re-entry after a perfect snorkel or float.

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 9

And as far as unique snorkeling experiences are concerned, Captain Jason and his team has you covered!  Island Roots is ONE OF SIX tour operators with permitted access to the Coral Reef National Monument waters.  That includes Hurricane Hole on St. John’s East End, voted into the top five places to snorkel in the Virgin Islands in 2020 by “Outside Pursuits.”

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 10
Underwater exploration – Photo by Steve Simonsen.

Much of the over 18,000 acres of protected, submerged lands within the National Park and Monument’s waters are only accessible by boat.  The Island Roots team and Captain Jason’s YEARS of experience in our waters will definitely help you discover some new favorites to explore!

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 11
Hurricane Hole.St. John.U.S. Virgin Islands

Looking for more than snorkeling?  They’ve got you covered there too!  Island Roots is home to an array of water toys!  If you want to try your hand at kitesurfing, the boat has training kites for the beginners and they know some of the best spots to take you to catch the breeze.  Looking to add to your underwater exploration?  They carry Subwings for a fast underwater ride and lion fish hunting spears and lobster snares if you want to return from the day with a fresh caught dinner.

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 12
Saving the underwater world, one Lionfish at a time!

Cliff jumping stops and numerous land based excursions further extend adventurous offerings you’ll enjoy on Island Roots.  If you’re a first timer at any of this, the crew, backed with years of in and on the water experience, will happily show you the ropes.

If you’re simply in search of a relaxing day of floating and sipping, you can do just that on one of Island Roots’ oversize pool floats.  Zip out to Christmas Cove and float the day away with a slice of pizza in your hand.  Or, cruise over to Coral Bay to do the same with some tacos and tequila from Lime Out.  Between those and MULTIPLE land based bars and restaurants accessible by water, you can experience the fun of a day spent bar hopping on Island Roots without ever leaving the USVI.

Business Spotlight: Island Roots Charters 13
Float away with Island Roots.

Take advantage of their current summer specials! Contact Captain Jason today to customize your perfect day on the water with Island Roots for an unforgettable experience in the USVI.

Check out their website for more information or to book directly online or contact Island Roots Charters directly at  340-643-5000 or [email protected].  Want to keep up on their adventures?  Follow them on Instagram and Trip Advisor to see the full guest experience!

 

Virtual St. John Carnival

Virtual St. John Carnival 14

The COVID-19 pandemic became a real thing in the Virgin Islands just before the St. Thomas Carnival this spring.  The annual celebrations on each island have always been a time for our communities to come together and the cancellation of both St. Thomas and St. John’s carnivals was a hard pill to swallow for everyone.

The St. John Festival always ends on the 4th of July with a 24 hour celebration of Emancipation Day on the third (We will be doing a piece on the history behind Carnival around the first of the month!).

To say that this gathering is needed this year is an understatement.  With 1 new travel related COVID case on St. John this week and the extension of the State of Emergency to July 12th, the St. John Festival has been cancelled.  But, the show must go on!

The USVI Department of Tourism and its Division of Festivals will host a virtual carnival, complete with local bands and DJ’s, virtual food fair and culture pop-ups!  Tune in between June 27 and July 4 for a little slice of St. John culture on the USVI Festivals website or Facebook page.  Here is the full schedule:

Virtual St. John Carnival 15

 

 

 

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 16

Good Morning! And Happy Wednesday to you all.

I’m here to tell you today about a beautiful four bedroom masonry home with family functionality AND a successful short term rental history!

Located in the quiet Virgin Grand Estates neighborhood with sweeping views of Great Cruz Bay, Seagrass Villa is the perfect home, or home away. This two-story 4600 square foot villa would be great for hosting friends in your St. John hideaway. Two master suites on each level with their own large en suite bathrooms ensure privacy and comfort between beach time and evenings spent by the pool.

The open floor plan on the upper level keeps conversation going throughout meal preparation while the second living room on the lower level allows for a separate space for quiet time for adults or playtime for the kiddos.

Let’s talk about the kitchen- It’s both gorgeous and super functional. A pair of wall ovens, island bar with gas range, dish washer, granite counter tops and beautiful cabinetry make being in the kitchen a pleasure.

Out on either of the two generous western facing decks, you and your family and/or friends can take in the sunset with an island cocktail or soak up some Vitamin D. The outdoor dining area on the pool deck lends itself as a beautiful space for morning coffee or evening BBQ’s.

AND this place has a what I would consider a unicorn on St. John….There’s a pool table in the lower living area!

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 17

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 18

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 19

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 20

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 21

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 22

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 23

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 24

St. John Real Estate: Virgin Grand Estates Home with Sweeping Views 25

Want to take a closer look? You can take a virtual tour of Seagrass Villa which is currently listed at $1.999 million. Please contact Tammy Donnelly of 340 Real Estate Co. at [email protected] to find out more about securing your piece of paradise!

Oh, and don’t let me forget. When you buy real estate with 340, a piece of that purchase goes back to a local non-profit. Tammy donates a portion of the proceeds of every sale to the St. John Cancer Fund!

Island Hopping in the USVI

Island Hopping in the USVI 26

Just because the BVI are closed for the time being, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great day on the water!  The USVI has plenty to offer in the way of views, water sports and food and beverage options.  A lot of charter companies have started pushing local day trips in recent years due to continuously rising customs fees and the amount of amazing USVI experiences that have popped up.

This weekend I was lucky enough to go sailing with one of my favorite captains on one of my favorite boats (I’ll get into more detail on that next week!).  It was a picture perfect day rounded out with an incredible sunset.  Enjoy the views!

Island Hopping in the USVI 27

We went snorkeling just south of St. Thomas and saw some true underwater beauty.  On the back side of these rocks we explored remnants of a ship wreck and a sunken cannon!

After a few hours of floating with friends, we headed over to Water Island for lunch.  It’s a great alternative for a boat day now that the BVI is closed until at least September.  Dinghy’s is open and the staff was accommodating and excited to be back in business!

Island Hopping in the USVI 28

After a leisurely afternoon, we headed back towards St. John to soak in the golden hours and a magnificent sunset.

Island Hopping in the USVI 29

Island Hopping in the USVI 30

Island Hopping in the USVI 31

Island Hopping in the USVI 32

Island Hopping in the USVI 33

Oh, and I don’t think I’ve introduced you to my other half yet 🙂  This is Chewbacca (Chewy for short). He likes sailing and long walks on the beach.  I adopted him from the Animal Care Center 6 years ago and he is everyone’s favorite first mate!

Have a great Tuesday!

Local Livin’ – Stories from Love City – Doreen Callwood

Local Livin' - Stories from Love City - Doreen Callwood 34

While I was out and about this weekend I ran into a taxi driver who once did me a great kindness. We sat and chatted for a bit about what’s going on in the world and I questioned him about his opinions on the development of St. John and tourism today. The conversation led to a heartfelt story about his mother who came to St. John from Jost Van Dyke in the 60’s. He told me how she had experienced the generosity of a stranger that led to her eventually being a self-sustaining single mother of four on a tourism driven career path.

A few days later, after thinking about her story with a great deal of questions that remained unanswered, I called him and asked if I could interview her. He paused for a moment and said that it would mean a lot to him, and to her, if someone wrote down her story. So, I’m going to try to do it justice as best I can.

Read moreLocal Livin’ – Stories from Love City – Doreen Callwood

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open!

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 35

Lovango Rum Bar is finally open for business!  We highlighted this new venue back in December which was scheduled for a grand opening the weekend of March 21st.  For obvious reasons, this was pushed back.

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 36
The custom pizza oven and open air kitchen greet you as you walk in the door.

They have been open on and off for takeout throughout the pandemic and Stay-At-Home orders so I can say I’ve been lucky enough to try their amazing Neapolitan style pizza in the meantime.  But they are now open for full-service!

In addition to a great visual appeal on the delicious pizzas (with perfect crust in my opinion!) and GIANT charcuterie boards, Lovango Rum Bar offers nearly 200 different types of rum.  Including their own signature light and dark rums which are used in their rum-based cocktails on a menu designed by master mixologist, Will Forsythe.

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 37
Lovango’s signature light and dark rum blends.

Can’t decide on a rum?  No problem!  They offer flights of rum on an attractive hand-crafted board.  It’s a great presentation and experience that allows you to start sampling the large selection they have to offer behind the bar.

Now, let me tell you about this bar….It is absolutely stunning.

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 38
Comfy seats and ornate light fixtures add to the comfortable ambiance at Lovango Rum Bar.

Locally carpentered wooden shelves frame the bottles of rum with a backsplash reminiscent of aqua mermaid scales with a shimmery finish.  A stunning contrast to the otherwise dark grey interior.  The bar top itself stretches the length of most of the dining area and is made out of distressed copper that resembles an aerial satellite picture of the Caribbean Sea.

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 39
A massive charcuterie board on the copper bar top.

The inside of Lovango Rum Bar has a great ambiance with Steve Simonsen’s videos of mermaids, fire dancers and Mocko Jumbies on the large screens and a beautiful copper still behind glass in the corner.  A stage setup near the patio doors with full concert lighting and sound equipment promise a good time now that we are able to have live music again!

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 40
The copper still to the right with the stage in the background

 

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 41If you’re looking for some Caribbean blues and sunshine, head out to the patio that overlooks the Cruz Bay waterfront.  Take in the view and the boats slowly moving in and out of the harbor with a rum drink or a glass of wine in your hand and enjoy a sunset serenade.  The venue hopes to have live music scheduled for the evenings inside and during sunset on the patio outside Tuesday through Saturday.

Check out Lovango Rum Bar, located above Dr!nk St. John and Low Key Watersports, next time you are on island!  They are open Tuesday through Saturday with dinner service from 4-9PM and bar service from 4-11PM.  Due to capacity restrictions, reservations are HIGHLY recommended.  Reserve your table today!

If you have been to Lovango Rum Bar, we encourage you to scroll down and leave a review.

Business Spotlight: Lovango Rum Bar is Open! 42

 

Lovango Rum Bar
5 / 5 Reviewer
{{ reviewsOverall }} / 5 Users (3 votes)
Pros
  • Delicious Neapolitan style pizza
  • Very large rum selection and carft cocktails
  • Cruz bay view and outdoor patio
  • Beautiful interior design
  • Live music with full concert lighting and sound equipment
Cons
  • Smaller venue so reservations are highly encouraged
  • Hours currently limited, restaurant opens at 4:30 pm
Summary
The new Lovango Rum Bar in Cruz Bay is a must-visit. They specialize in Neapolitan style pizzas and feature a selection of almost 200 types of rum as well as craft cocktails and other beverages. Lovango's friendly and knowledgeable staff will make a recommendation if you need help deciding. The interior of the restaurant and bar area are beautifully designed. Their outdoor patio has great sunset views, which could make for the perfect date night. Lovango regularly features live music on its stage which has full concert lighting and sound equipment.
Food5
Drinks5
Ambiance5
Service5
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