Less than 3,000 people live in or around the small settlement of Cruz Bay. The village is the "downtown" of St John, set in a yacht-filled harbor backing up against steep hills. Until the 1970s, Cruz Bay was a quiet customs port without much activity.
The small town has evolved into a hip center, acquiring the nickname "Love Town". Many options for shopping and dining are found among the pastel-colored houses dotting the hills and lining the shores on the outskirts of the village. Nightlife comes alive during the winter season.
Cruz Bay's library is also a small museum housed in a restored plantation great house. The museum exhibits the history of St John through displays of photographs newspaper articles, and Native Indian and colonial artifacts. Galleries display local artists' drawings, paintings and other artwork including local crafts.
Address: Elaine Ione Sprauve Library & Museum, Box 30 Enighed Estate, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, United States Virgin Islands
The Ivan Jadan Museum chronicles the 92 year long life of Russian tenor Ivan Jadan. More than 5,000 artifacts include videos, Russian and English books, and historic documents and photos. Known as one of the great tenors of the 20th C, Jadan was the first major artist dissident to escape from Stalin in 1941and reaching the U.S. eight years later. Continually sought by Soviets, Jadan eventually settled on St John.
Address: Ivan Jadan Museum, Box 84 251 Contant, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, United States Virgin Islands
This historic stone and mahogany shopping complex, Mongoose Junction, with architecture unique to the Caribbean has large shady tropical garden courtyards with various shops and boutiques featuring goods such as jewellery, clothing, and artwork. Salons and various dining options are also found in Mongoose Junction.
Entrance to Mongoose Junction Shopping Complex, St John, UVI.
Address: Mongoose Junction Shopping Complex, St John, St John , United States Virgin Islands
Hours:
9:30am-9pm; Sun:10am-6pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The wild Salomon Bay Beach is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Each end of the beach offers good snorkelling. The beach requires some planning to access with some hiking required. If you have a car you can drive a portion of what would otherwise be a hike.
Standing on a peninsula, this large Georgian building is built on the foundations of an 18th C Danish fort built to protect the island. Today, the Battery is the residence of the governor when he is visiting St John and houses government offices.
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Mongoose Junction Shopping Complex, Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay
