TODAY ON ST. JOHN... St. John is the smallest and least commercial of the US Virgin Islands. Two thirds of the island is owned by the Virgin Islands National Park leaving only limited land for development. Despite that the population has nearly doubled in the past decade or so and the island has grown from a sleepy, unknown destination spot into a vibrant community that has many things to offer the visitor

Animals are predominant on St. John. Both wild and domestic creatures roam freely from one estate to another. Driving the narrow, windy roads you will need to be wary of the many wild donkeys, unfettered cattle, pigs, goats and roosters that share the roadways with you.

The buccaneers named the bays and points but the Virgin Islands were named by Christopher Columbus. Coming across them in 1493 when sailing north from St. Croix he was so awed by their beauty he was inspired to christen them after St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.

There are two settlements on the island. On the northwest end is the busy town of Cruz Bay (also known as Love City). Cruz Bay was established in the 1850s as an outpost for the Danes from St. Thomas and it is there that you will arrive by ferry. At the other end of the island is the much smaller community of Coral Bay.

In Cruz Bay the shopping is varied and, due to its duty free port status, the prices are appealing. On the narrow crowed streets of Cruz Bay you will find many shops selling gifts, jewelry, clothing, local art, food markets and drug stores interspersed with a large number of fine restaurants, street-side cafes and smoothie bars.

An 8 mile, 30 minute, drive to the southeast end of the island takes you to the small town of Coral Bay. There you will note a distinctly different ambiance. Less populated, with many boat dwellers, it is dustier and more relaxed. Offering their own selection of intriguing shops, galleries, restaurants and bars the residents welcome island guests in a friendly and outgoing manner.

From Coral Bay be sure to drive out to the East End for spectacular views and lesser known beaches, or out to Salt Pond where you can enjoy some of the other secluded shores and interesting dining spots.