2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Travel discussion for St. John
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liamsaunt
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2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by liamsaunt »

Hello forum friends,

Can anyone recommend a quiet place to spend a couple of hours in CA before our ferry to STJ? I'd rather go to town and find a place to enjoy a cold drink then wait in the airport lounge for the next ferry to Caneel. There are cruise ships in on our arrival day so I am thinking the places on the main street will be packed, but we don't have enough time to wander too far away either. I am not interested in shopping.

Thanks!
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watergirl
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by watergirl »

As far as a restaurant is concerned, we always recommend Gladys Cafe in Royal Dane Mall. You can sit at the bar and have a drink and lunch. Food is great and authentic.
Frenchtown also has a few interesting places, including the Pie Whole - good pizza and an incredible beer selection.
I also just like grabbing something from the food truck and hanging out at Emancipation Park or along the water.
Lastly ,this might sound a little strange, but if you're looking for someplace truly off the beaten path that is quiet, restful and even spiritual I would suggest you try the St. Thomas Synagogue on Crystal Gade. I'm neither religious nor Jewish, but I try to visit there. Gives me a sense of peace and well being. It is the oldest running synagogue in America; and the only one with a sand floor. if interested check it out.
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hoosierdaddy
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by hoosierdaddy »

We have eaten at Hook Line and Sinker in Frenchtown a couple of times. We love the location being right on the water. Sometimes the sea plane takes off while you are there. The food is very good also. I wouldn't expect the cruise ship to cause much of a difference in Frenchtown but I could be wrong.
GraysonDave
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by GraysonDave »

We ate at Gladys' on our last trip. It was early, maybe 11AM, but nice and quiet and cool. May have been before 11 even, since we had breakfast rather than lunch. Easy to get to from the CA ferry. Recommend.
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toni
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by toni »

We like Cuzzins; it's up a couple streets. http://www.cuzzinsvi.com
They do the lunch crowd.
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Bigcheeze
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by Bigcheeze »

hoosierdaddy wrote:We have eaten at Hook Line and Sinker in Frenchtown a couple of times. We love the location being right on the water. Sometimes the sea plane takes off while you are there. The food is very good also. I wouldn't expect the cruise ship to cause much of a difference in Frenchtown but I could be wrong.
Agreed a great place to eat and hang out. Also a the rental headquarters for http://cyoacharters.com is there as well to dream about a Cat vacation one day. ( Even saw Rick and Jay's boat here once)

Gladys is awesome as well.
As you might know, Taxi drivers will hang onto your bags while you shop and pick you up at an agreed time and place if you don't have a rental car.

Enjoy the Journey

Bigcheeze/Dave
jmq
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by jmq »

Another thumbs up on Gladys Cafe. We are looking forward to a stop there on the way back in April as our flight departs after 4pm.
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PA Girl
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by PA Girl »

Both of my recommendations were already covered -

Gladys Café - lovely little place, interesting architecture inside and the little passage way area. I am NOT a shopper but do enjoy walking around that area just imagining life during that era. We eat there at least 5x over the past 7 years and it was always good. House-made hot sauce is great.

Cuzzins - We always intended to try this place as its the favorite of our favorite driver but various things always got in the way. My feeling is if a local says it a family fav, it must be good.
watergirl
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by watergirl »

Another thought: Have you ever been to Beuchert's Beer Garden. It's a little oasis of calm down an ally between 2 jewelry stores on Kongens Gade, across from Palm Passage. A Little hard to find, there's just a small sign with an arrow pointing to the passage. The garden consists of some beautiful shade trees which keeps the place cool. They have a huge selection of beer, and the drinks are amazing. The food is typical bar food for the Caribbean, sometimes really good, sometimes ok.
The owners are an older couple who will regal you with stories of the area. It is very funky. cool and I don't think they get too many "cruisers" which unfortunately happens at Glady's.

Good luck
Coconuts
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by Coconuts »

I'll toss in Cafe Amalia, in Palm Passage. www.amaliacafe.com

All the best,

Kevin
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VIlanders
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by VIlanders »

Another one we like is Café Amici in the Riise Mall Passage. Check it out on http://www.cafeamicivi.com. A great Italian garden café with great drinks and good wine list. Good pizza too.

Janet
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liamsaunt
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by liamsaunt »

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I think we will check out that synagogue and then go to the beer garden watergirl suggested...on Friday! :D
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hoosierdaddy
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by hoosierdaddy »

Friday! That's just 2 days away. :D Have a great and safe trip.
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Sumerwaters
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Re: 2 hours in Charlotte Amalie

Post by Sumerwaters »

I like to go to the Big Kanhuna. You can walk there from the ferry boat with your luggage, get drinks and food. I have often left my luggage there and walked around town, gave the bartender or waitress a tip for "watching" my luggage and hop in a cab when time to go.
Works for us.
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