St. John or "Love City" is a romantic getaway. The island's event calendar features the annual celebration of love, which occurs on Feb. 14, when Trunk Bay plays host to free marriage renewal ceremonies. Cruz Bay is famous for its eclectic shops and restaurants, Francis Bay is a secluded spot with unparalleled beauty, and Cinnamon Bay is popular for its water activities such as snorkeling and boating. All beaches offer hiking trails, and lodging options include luxury resorts, hotels and villas.
St. Croix features the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, which exude Crucian culture through quaint shops and pastel buildings. The island is home to Buck Island, a national underwater landmark, Whim Great House, a restored plantation, and the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Cramer's Park and Butler Bay are popular St. Croix beaches. St. Croix also offers activities such as horseback riding, water activities, fishing and championship golf. The island offers a warm, laid-back experience, especially for explorers. While on St. Croix, check out Agrifest, the island's agriculture and food fair. In its 40th year as of 2010, Agrifest is a three-day affair that showcases "locally produced agricultural products, livestock, arts and crafts and native cuisine," according to fair promoters.
In June 2010, the Orlando Sentinel listed St. Thomas as "arguably the Caribbean's most popular cruise ship port." A frequently visited port in the Caribbean, St. Thomas is an excellent family destination. Brewer's Bay, Hull Bay and Coki Beach offer water sports, including windsurfing, snorkeling, jet skiing and picnic and fishing spots. Other attractions include the Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas Skyride and the Butterfly Farm. Visit downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping, fine dining and submarine rides. Accommodation options range from resorts, villas and hotels to cruise ships that harbor in St. Thomas. Featured on the Discovery Channel's "Fantastic Festivals of the World," the Virgin Islands Carnival is a must-attend event. Occurring about the last week of April through the first week of May each year, the carnival is vivid with color and sports calypso competitions, a queen pageant, boat races, island cuisine and music, and culminates with a grand parade that includes masqueraders and Mocko Jumbies dancing on stilts.
