Re: Cinnamon Bay First-Timers! Need Pro Advice! :)

[Henry Joseph]

Since it's your honeymoon, a nice treat for your departure day is to have brunch on the terrace at the Caneel Beach Resort overlooking Cruz Bay.  You can go directly to the ferry - or to your car rental drop-off - from there and they won't mind if you have all your luggage with you.  They have a buffet-style prix-fixe brunch.  There's a "cold" version, which is reasonably priced and is like a super-exotic salad bar.  There's also a "hot" version with grilled meats, etc., but it's pretty pricey and the cold version was enough of a treat for me.

And I agree that the "lizards" are geckos - like the one in the Geico ads, but without the British accent - and are very smal and cute and not likely to get into your cottage.
   
Henry J

 

 

On 3/24/2014 4:36 PM, Melissa Grassman wrote:

This is great, Island Eddie!! I'll be doing some research into the places you mentioned. No research needed for the beach sunset and rum toast! :D My grandpa, who passed years ago, spent time in the USVI and I know he would LOVE seeing us there for our honeymoon!

- Melissa Grassman, Sent from my Windows Phone.

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From: Island Eddie
Sent: ‎3/‎24/‎2014 4:30 PM
To: cinna...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Cinnamon Bay First-Timers! Need Pro Advice! :)

Some of my thoughts, Melissa:

Some embedded below to your specifics but a few extras:

Try the BBQ at the open air joint next to the Post Office in Cruz Bay (can never remember the name).  Good, cheap..

One night to Miss Lucy's past Coral Bay, good food, great breezes - closes fairly early. Other option is Sunday brunch but reserve.  Reasonable

Beer and burger at  Skinny Legs in Coral Bay -

If you are like to snorkel, Salt Pond, Leinster Bay ( Waterlemon Cay) are should do's (http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Beaches.htm).Catch Honeymoon and Trunk on a day when there are no cruise ships.  If funds permit, consider a day cruise on a snorkel catamaran or sail boat or a day trip to the Baths on Virgin Gorda.

If fishing, just wading out (go to the west or far east end of the beach to get out of the way.  Nothing special but I'm a fisherman, so have to wet a line..

Make sure to catch a sunset sitting on the beach with a rum drink well in hand and tip it toward those of who are with you in spirit.

On Sunday, March 16, 2014 5:32:22 PM UTC-7, Melissa Nicole wrote:

Hi there! My fiance and I (both age 27) would like to visit Cinnamon Bay campground (it sounds amazing!) for our honeymoon trip some time after our wedding on 9/6/2014. We would like to stay for 5-10 days. We have A TON of newbie questions since neither of us have ever been that far from our tiny little hometown in Northern Michigan. We plan to relax, fish (don't own gear), snorkel (no gear), swim, and hopefully venture out and explore the rest of the island for a day or two. Maybe enjoy a night or two of drinking, eating out, etc.

I suppose I will make a list of questions and see who is willing to take a moment and offer advice. :) It would be very much appreciated! OR refer me to an agency that can offer free help.... :)

- How do you get to the campground from the airport

Agree on renting from AP at STT.  Only way to go.  Stop at KMart for supplies (everything but ice).  There are two on STT on the way to Red Hook Get a car you can lock up, not a jeep.  Carry a water proof pouch or small box for car keys  when snorkeling. 

 

- How can we get around the island for sightseeing (just a couple outing days here and there) without spending a fortune?

Get the book - St. John Off the Beaten Path (Amazon) - will have all the reference you need.  For the island itself, just drive it - take some drinks and fins and head to different beaches.  If you are hiker, be sure to do the Reef Bay hike.  Prefer up and down but there is a down only w/ boat ride back sponsored by the Park Services.  Be sure to stop at the Park Service office in Cruz Bay.

- Is the campground and all amenities open year-round?

Closed August and Sept. 

- What is the best month of the year to visit (weather and lowest price-wise)?

Prefer period between Easter and Memorial Day or 4th of July (Carnival).  Best prices, lowest crowds, best water temps 

- We would like to stay in one of the best cottages. We enjoy privacy, location convenience, and occasional people meeting. Where would that be? And how far in advance should we reserve in order to get it?

10 is tops, book a year out 

- What amenities come with the cottage and what needs to be asked/paid for?

Get a refrigerator for $10 a day.  Handy and not chasing ice every day. 

- Is there a locked door on the cottage?

Nope, small ammo box inside, bring a combo lock. 

- Do we need to bring towels?

Towel service is convenient but towels are scratchy - can changes sheets twice a week and I think towels 3x 

- Are the showers ever uncomfortably chilly?

Time of year?  Prefer to take shower late afternoon after swimming and before cocktails.. 

- What food would you recommend that is easy to prepare, low-cost, and won't take up much room? Where is the best to buy it all?

Get as much as you can on STT, couple of nice but pricey markets in Cruz Bay 

- Is alcohol allowed to be brought back to the cottage? We're not heavy drinkers but some beer or wine at our convenience would be great!

Duh, yea! (just kiddin) - get some Cruzan Rum, VI brand, cheap, and good.  Try the coconut rum... 

- Rough estimate of how much $$ we should bring (aside from airfare, campground costs)? We are not big spenders but we want to also thoroughly enjoy our time. What is the max amount you think a couple would have to drop if we were being a little excessive?

- Do we need passports to re-enter the states?

No but take them with you - you may want to take a ferry or sail to BVI one day 

Hopefully someone can help with some of these questions... I know it's a lot but I am beginning my research and first-hand advice is always great! :)



  

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[Bonnie]

Confirm that Caneel Bay will be serving. We were told that the buffet lunch is no longer when we visited 3/5-319/14 so best to check before making a definite plan. bN

Sent from my iPad

<St John Usvi Dining _ St.pdf>

[Island Eddie]

My brother and his wife honeymooned at CB in 65 and were married until he passed in 07.  Hope at least the same longevity for you. 

By the way, rent the car at the airport and explore island on your on schedule.  Just saving the hassle of taxis and the people ferry is worth it. 

If you spend the last day in STT, go to Gladys for lunch.  Perfect ending.