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AMERICA'S CARIBBEAN PARADISE:

THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have everything. If you want one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, head to St. Thomas. If you want it quiet and natural, stay on St. John. If you want a little bit of both, go to St. Croix. When it comes to honeymooning (or even getting married) in America's Caribbean paradise, you can have whatever you want.

The USVI consist of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. St. Thomas is the busiest and most-developed of the three, with a bustling cruise ship port, world-famous duty-free shopping, and many elegant resorts. Nearby St. John is small and serene, offering a wide variety of activities to outdoors enthusiasts. Thirty-five miles to the south, the largest island, St. Croix, provides the ideal mix of her two sister islands, with two distinct towns to visit and a wide range of accommodations.

You can choose just one island that works well for both of you, but you also may want to consider island-hopping. Plane and boat service make it easy to spend time on one, two, or all three islands. It's also easy to get married in the USVI, with a tropical honeymoon starting at right after of your ceremony. There are many island-based companies that cater to couples in search of the perfect wedding and honeymoon in paradise.

ST. THOMAS TITILLATES

This legendary Caribbean destination is back on track as a leading Caribbean hotspot, thanks to a quick recovery from 1995's Hurricane Marilyn. With resorts and restaurants reopening quickly and visitors pounding the pavement in search of the Caribbean's best buys, the recovery of St. Thomas beat all predictions of doom and gloom.

From beautiful beaches to one of the world's great shopping ports, St. Thomas has something for everyone. It all starts with Charlotte Amalie, where a centuries-old port is now dominated by the cruise ship and tourist scene. You can shop 'til you drop, but you can also explore an incredible amount of USVI history right in town.

St. Thomas is a Caribbean shopping mecca and Charlotte Amalie is its capital. The options include local art, jewelry, china, linens, liquor, and much more. The hundreds of shops along Waterfront, Main, and Back Streets are packed with merchandise. Other shopping possibilities include the cute alleys in between the major streets in Charlotte Amalie, Vendors Plaza, Mountain Top, Tillet's Gardens, Paradise Point, and Havensight Mall out at the cruise ship dock.

On the history front, the Visitor Information Center, located in Emancipation Square, is the place to start a walking tour of Charlotte Amalie or get information about sightseeing throughout the island.

Fort Christian is one of many Charlotte Amalie highlights. This national landmark was built during the 17th century and is the island's oldest building. It has been used for many things over the years, but now several of the dungeon rooms are used for a museum of USVI history. You can send postcards from paradise at the city's post office nearby.

Follow the walking tour to the famed 99 Steps. Though your legs will reveal there are are more than 99 steps, a walk up this staircase is a walk up one of the city's oldest "streets." Also located above the city, Blackbeard's Castle offers one of the best views in St. Thomas. The tower is said to have been used by the pirate Edward Teach.

Back in town, be sure to go inside the Synagogue of Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim (Congregation of Blessing, Peace, and Loving Deeds). If you only visit one place in Charlotte Amalie, make it this synagogue. Located at 15 Crystal Gade, it opened in 1833 and is the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (Curacao's is the oldest) and the oldest synagogue building in continuous use under the American flag. The sand floor and dark mahogany make the interior one of the most dramatic indoor sights in the Caribbean.

The winding road east out of Charlotte Amalie leads past many beautiful resorts and vistas, finally reaching the booming hamlet of Red Hook, which serves as the main ferry dock for popular day-trips to St. John.

Tillet's Gardens provides a wonderful contrast to shopping in Charlotte Amalie. This local artists' gallery features a wide variety of work, including the colorful silk-screens. The maps are a particularly popular honeymoon memory.

If you're looking for an unusual way to spend a couple of hours in the great outdoors, Estate St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Gardens is is an ideal choice. Situated on the edge of a mountain, the gardens offer a nature trail with hundred of tropical trees, plants, and colorful flowers.

Drake's Seat is a famous overlook that marks the spot from which Sir Francis Drake watched movements in the area. The view to the east is of the BVI and Drake's Passage, with a stunning view of Magens Bay and Mahogany Run to the west. The best time to visit for pictures and peace is in the late-afternoon or early evening, making for an ideal way to take your love in paradise to new heights.

ST. JOHN IS A NATURAL

Thanks to two-thirds of the island being kept in its natural state as a national park, St. John suffered less damage during Hurricane Marilyn than many more-developed Caribbean islands. These natural wonders are ready for outdoors-oriented couples who plan to pack their hiking boots and snorkeling fins along with their sunscreen.

Much of the island's sightseeing adventures feature nature in all of its USVI tropical glory. Although a rental car is a good bet for St. John sightseeing, there are also many popular tours that are well worth it. The taxis, which are typically open air medium-size buses, offer a wide variety of island tours.

The National Park Visitor Center provides a number of guided tours on and off the island. There are snorkel trips, coastal walks, birding trips, and the popular Reef Bay Hike. The rangers also offer many other programs.

Cruz Bay, St. John's capital, may be the quintessential small Caribbean town. Situated right on the pretty bay, visitors will find the National Park Service Visitor Center, shopping, dining, and watersports. The town also offers the wonderfully eclectic shops at Wharfside Village and Mongoose Junction, as well as many other shopping, dining, and adventure outfitters.

Heading out of town, you'll find some of the finest scenery in the Caribbean. Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, and Cinnamon Bay are surely some of the prettiest beaches in the world, thanks to the lush hillsides, stunning sand, and sparkling water.

Almost every St. John tour includes a stop at the Annaberg Plantation ruins. The 18th century sugar plantation features an interesting self-guided walking tour and great views. It is administered by the National Park Service and they often offer educational programs.

Once you've explored the natural beauties of St. John on land, the wonders continue on and in the water. Watersports possibilities include snorkeling in gin-clear waters, scuba diving, sea kayak tours, windsurfing, boating, fishing, and much more. In this case, it's nice to fool with Mother Nature.

ST. CROIX SHINES

Whether relaxing on a sun-soaked beach or spending a day sightseeing or trying a new sport, couples will love the variety of St. Croix. You can start your day with sunrise at Pt. Udall (the easternmost point of the U.S.) and then pursue a wide variety of activities throughout your day and stay. Or you can just relax at one of many resorts, hotels, or small inns.

For history-lovers, sightseeing takes a distinctly Danish twist. Much of the island's history revolves around Danish landmarks. From the Old Customs House in Christiansted to many old plantations throughout the island, St. Croix's history has withstood the test of time.

One favorite Christiansted history stop that will probably endure for all time is Fort Christiansvaern. This bright yellow Danish-built fort, built in 1749, is a National Historic Site.

One of the most popular historic plantations is the Estate Whim Plantation Museum. This old 19th century sugar plantation and estate has been restored to its former glory. The house, historic exhibits, and grounds are well worth a visit.

Over in Frederiksted, the friendly townspeople welcomed more than 300 cruise ships during the cruise season (up from 80 last year). The ships departed with many couples promising to return to St. Croix for a longer stay.

For plant lovers, the St. George Village Botanical Gardens is green gold mine. Set in the ruins of a 19th century sugar plantation, there are hundreds of plants and flowers. There is also an interesting display of all the various ecosystems on St. Croix, ranging from desert-like conditions to the rain forest.

St. Croix Leap is surely one of the most interesting places above sea level in the Virgin Islands. Located in the lush rain forest, this eclectic workshop for local artists features a wide variety of mahogany pieces. It's the perfect place for an unusual St. Croix souvenir.

Nearby, the Mt. Pellier Domino Club bar and restaurant is the home of what must be the world's most photographed pigs. Though the beer-guzzling pigs now drink non-alcoholic beer, it's still a sight to behold (and photograph). Be sure to linger for a cold drink, some great local food, or a look at the perpetual dominoes games played by locals.

The drive along the north coast is one of the region's finest routes, with incomparable views of the shoreline and the shimmering Caribbean. This area offers nice beaches, varied accommodations and some of the best shore diving in the Caribbean.

On the watersports front, the crystal-clear Caribbean beckons visitors with a wide variety of things to do above and below the surface. Hotels and outfitters can help with snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing, windsurfing, parasailing, sea kayaking, and much more.

Many couples say the Buck Island Reef National Monument is more than enough reason to visit St. Croix. Snorkelers on excursion boats can enjoy the shallow reef and marked "sightseeing" snorkeling trail. The excursions out to the reef are popular, professional, and possibly one of the Caribbean's best adventures.

Of course, there are also many inland activities to pursue . Along with several golf courses, couples will find tennis, horseback riding, island tours, and almost any other possibility under the sun.

From cosmopolitan St. Thomas to eco-friendly St. John and on down to eclectic St. Croix, the USVI have it all. For additional information, please call the United States Virgin Islands Division of Tourism at (800) 372-USVI. You may also want to visit the United States Virgin Islands Internet site on the World Wide Web at http://www.usvi.net/.

Lynn Seldon was married and honeymooned in the United States Virgin Islands. He has visited all three islands many times as a guest of the Division of Tourism. His most recent book is Virgin Islands Dive Guide, published by Hunter Publishing.