I agree with you wholeheartedly, off the beaten path is the way to go. I love the little dives or the roadside grills. Good eats, friendly faces and usually wonderful stories are shared.

If I'm out and about on the island, I have no problem stopping at one of the bus stops and offering the few locals that are standing there if they need a ride to the other side of the island. For example, I usually stay around Maho or Cupecoy but if I am heading to philipsburg than I might give a few locals a lift. They most often are heading home from work and they appreciate sitting in the air conditioned car and saving the bus money. I end up making new friends and always learn interesting facts about them and the island.