Vacation is on

Okay, our vacation is on as the beaches have opened. We are staying at the Westin. What beaches have chairs/food if any in the low season. Where would you suggest we get food to bring with us to the beach and to snack in our room. What liquor stores do you recommend for wine and beer. What restaurants are favorites that are opened in low season. Many thanks to all for all of their support and answers. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" />

I can't help you with most of your questions, unless you want to shop on St Thomas before you get on the ferry. But on restaurants- Morgan's Mango and Sun Dog Cafe were both open last time we were over and are recommended. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

I can't remember if you can rent chairs at Trunk and Cinnamon or not. Both have snack bars. Cinnamon was closed for its annual seasonal closure (you can still use the beach, just no camping or services) and probably opens back up in November.

Vie's beach has a scattering of chairs, most of which are in rough condition.

The best liquor store is in the Marketplace, directly across from the Starfish grocery store. Unless you are looking for something very high end, all the markets have a decent selection of liquors, wine and beer.

There is a market close to the entrance of the Westin that we stopped at regularly two trips ago for beer/wine.

St. John Spice (awesome store, worth a visit) maintains a list of seasonal restaurant closures.

Our low season trips were in summer (which is becoming less and less of a low season) and all the restaurants were open then but our long-running favorites are Morgan's Mango, Lime Inn, Shipwreck landing, Ocean Grill.

For beach food, we love Sam and Jacks (in the Marketplace Complex) Again, check for seasonal closure. You can call ahead for to-go orders for pick-up. The website has a menu.

I forgot, the beach shack at Honeymoon also rents chairs for $5 a day. When we were there in February, they only had snacks like chips and ice cream sandwiches.

St. John Market is walking distance from the Westin with packaged foods and adult beverages. Pine Peace Market is between the Westin and downtown Cruz Bay and has good prices on adult beverages and staples. Starfish Market in the Marketplace has the biggest selection and an adjacent adult beverage store.

For beach lunches, Sam & Jack's deli in the Marketplace, top floor above Starfish Market, is a great spot. You can park up and around back to get easier access. Deli Grotto in Mongoose Junction is a family favorite.

If you've got a rental vehicle, then you'll drive past all of these places on the way to the North Shore.

Ruth at St. John Spice (stop in and say hi!) has a restaurant closing schedule: http://www.stjohnspice.com/stjohnrestaurants.htm

Cheers, RickG

Thanks to all who provided such wonderful information. Will provide a trip report when we return from our first time to St. John. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />