St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
This island may be the most popular or most recognized among the U.S. Virgin Islands, probably because the capital city of Charlotte Amalie is located here. For most of island history, St. Thomas has been the center of activity, with examples of Danish architecture still evident in the capital, which has always been a busy port. Charlotte Amalie remains the focus of much of the tourism, a huge part of the Virgin Islands' economy.
As with many Caribbean islands, St. Thomas is popular for its ocean-related activities - awesome scenery, great beaches, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, golf and plenty of entertainment for the night hours. Shoppers will also find the island and its largest community quite interesting. St. Thomas is served by the Cyril E. King Airport and daily ferry service is available to the other islands.
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St. Thomas Vacation Guide -- Continue
With a bit of planning, accommodations on St. Thomas are readily available, whether you choose a hotel or resort, one of the guest houses scattered across the island or choose a more permanent residence such as a villa or condominium. Many of the finest living spots are tucked away in the mountainous landscape of the island. Most visitors and new residents find the rather small population a pleasant surprise. There are a bit more than 50,000 people on the entire island, half of them in the capital city.
A key to the popularity of this island as a vacation destination is the variety of excellent restaurants, with selections from many different parts of the world. Many of these fine-dining spots offer beautiful views of the ocean and harbor. In fact, many visitors report that they have a difficult time choosing from among the great restaurants on St. Thomas.
For those who find the island suitable for a more permanent stay, family homes are available with prices beginning at about $150,000. Homes in more exclusive areas can bring $2 million or more. Villa and condominium prices vary quite a bit depending on location and amenities. Real estate professionals are available to guide the prospective buyer.
Whether you plan to visit for a week or stay for a lifetime, you will find plenty of rich history and unique culture on St. Thomas and the other U.S. Virgin Islands. Denmark was the primary power in this region for many years, though England had a few years of significant influence. In the 1800s, St. Thomas flourished as a trade center and shipping port, with merchants from half a dozen countries setting up shop here.
Changes in economy and a few natural disasters slowed the shipping and economic activity for some time. Eventually the United States purchased what was then known as the Danish West Indies (1917). A local governor was first elected in 1969, after decades of military supervision and appointed leaders. In recent years, St. Thomas has become a very popular vacation destination, with a rich culture and history that draws tourists by the hundreds.