The Virgin Islands of the United States, commonly known as simply the US Virgin Islands, is a group of Caribbean islands (including St. Croix “Twin City,” St. John “Love City” and St.Thomas “Rock City”) and islets (small islands) in North America, just east of Puerto Rico. The U.S. has owned territory since 1917, when Denmark sold the Danish West Indies (now the Virgin Islands) to the United States for $25 million in gold.
Occupied by mostly Afro-Caribbean residents, the territory has a population of less than 150,000. With its capital city, Charlotte Amalie, located on the island of Saint Thomas, the US Virgin Islands are a treasured paradise.
The Virgin Islands are unincorporated U.S. territory that are largely democratic. Identified as an independent customs territory from the U.S, it operates as a free port. Because of this and the white sand beaches, 4 star resorts and tropical climate, millions of visitors flock to these islands every year.
Coral Bay is located on the southeastern side of St. John. Those that live in the “Love City” would identify it as more of a community than a town. There are no stop lights on the entire island and no ferry services. Even though it can be seen as isolated, Coral Bay is home the legendary Indigo Grill, Aqua Bistro, Vie’s Snack Shack and Skinny Legs Bar and Grill.
Charlotte Amalie, founded in 1666, is located on the island of St. Thomas. It has a deep water harbor that is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. Home to the St. Thomas Synagogue, the second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, the island has many historic and important buildings and landmarks. With its primary attraction being Blackbeard’s Castle, a watchtower built by the Danes to protect the harbor, and its duty-free policy, Charlotte Amalie is the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean Sea.
Christiansted National Historic Site is located on the island of St. Croix, aka “Twin City.” This site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Place since 1966, due to its five historic buildings: the Steeple Building (1753), home to their first Lutheran Church; the Danish Custom House (1734), the third custom house built in a local chain of commerce; Fort Christiansvaern (1738), a fort built from yellow brick for defense against pirates; and the West Indian & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), which housed the auction yards.
The U.S Virgin Islands is a place of amazement — from hiking a legendary path at Ram Head Trail (St. John Island) or relaxing on the Lindquist Beach (St. Thomas Island) to snorkeling at the Buck Island Reed National Monument (St. Croix Island) or being comforted by the breathtaking scenic view of Salt Pond Bay (Virgin Island National Park). Visitors to the islands will be more that pampered at the Westin St. John Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort or the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, which offers a fresh food menu, crystal blue water, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and relaxing adventures for both families and couples.
So why don’t you “come go” to the VIRGIN ISLANDS!!!