Steve Simonsen
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Plunge into an active vacation by yacht, submarine, snorkeling or Snuba. Or, travel above the water via kayak, seaplane or hot-air balloon.For the ultimate in island adventure, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are the perfect trio, offering two extremes of Caribbean possibilities. Option-rich St. Thomas is dynamic and full of surprises; it's packed with activities for visitors willing to break away from sunbathing and shopping by getting into the open air with racquets, golf clubs and bicycles. Lush, luscious St. John is green and serene, epitomizing all things natural. Expansive St. Croix boasts gorgeous landscapes and reef-filled shorelines that are simply begging to be explored by sportsmen. Among them, the three islands (and Water and both Buck Islands) are loaded with dozens of options for outdoor lovers. St. ThomasOne long holidayBy Chris Goodier Virgin Islanders like to commemorate, approbate and celebrate, so it’s no wonder they have at least 17 bank holidays annually. Of course, as loyal Americans, they shoot fireworks on Independence Day and roast turkeys on Thanksgiving. But don’t be surprised if the U.S. Postal Service branch is locked, schools are closed, and no one answers the phone at government offices at unexpected times. THREE KINGS DAY (January 6) culminates the Crucian Christmas Festival, an event of several weeks and parades. ST. PATRICK’S DAY (March 17) calls for another St. Croix parade on the nearest Saturday, perhaps reflecting the lingering influence of 18th-century Irish plantation overseers. TRANSFER DAY (March 31) marks the moment in 1917 when the Danish flag was lowered and replaced by the stars and stripes. EASTER is the season when St. Thomians launch their massive carnival celebration, concluded by two extra-large parades. EMANCIPATION DAY (July 3) honors the Virgin Islands’ 1848 emancipation from slavery and is the focus of St. John’s annual carnival celebration with its own parade. BASTILLE DAY (July 14) recalls the heritage of St. Thomas residents whose forefathers immigrated from St. Barts in the 19th century and established the Frenchtown community. HURRICANE SUPPLICATION DAY (third Monday of July) and HURRICANE THANKSGIVING DAY (third Monday of October) are no longer official government holidays, but many U.S. Virgin Islanders still attend church, first to petition and then to praise. V.I.-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP DAY coincides with Columbus Day and celebrates the culture of the vibrant Hispanic population. D. HAMILTON JACKSON DAY (November 1), a.k.a. LIBERTY DAY or BULL AND BREAD DAY, honors an outstanding V.I. labor leader of the early 20th century. CHRISTMAS SECOND DAY (December 26) and OLD YEAR’S NIGHT (December 31) wrap up the calendar, though the holidays roll on till the Three Kings Day parade (see above). Accessible islandsBy Chris Goodier You can enjoy great vacations on the U.S. Virgin Islands despite a physical disability. Advance planning will help smooth your way. TRANSPORATION Reserve ahead for vans with lifts: Dial-a-Ride/St. Thomas, 340-776-1277 TOURS Accessible Adventures operates St. Thomas island tours in vehicles fitted with lifting devices and tie-down systems. The company also rents specialty gear like beach wheelchairs. 340-344-8302, ATTRACTIONS WATER SPORTS Several dive operators on St. Thomas and St. Croix offer open-water certification for people with physical disabilities. |
