Had to get in on this one. When speaking of "vendors" are you talking of people selling their wares in a waterfront type area like Tortola or like small vendors on the sides of the road selling anything from local made island art or?

This is the same thing to me that was the charm of St. John as well as other islands, bars, IE: kite on St. John which was a favorite small local spot selling some locally grown herbs, Excellent atmosphere with a hell of a view.

Unlike the Mexico overkill sell, sell, hounding feeling which is why I still rarely travel there although there are areas there still fun without that.

As far as driving "When in Rome" etc.....

"How do you get to the best parts of the island, without driving there!!"

Do what the majority of the people on this board do and sail to them...But if you really want to get to know the people (IMHO) do more land based trips and get out and explore. I hear many incredible trip stories on this board both land and sea.