The ships are here!
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With no less than 14 major cruise ships in this week, St. Thomas is once again coming into "the season" of our downtown, beaches and charter boats full of tourists. This week alone we will be having roughly 28,000 more tourists here. We are also into the holiday buying season early because tourist will most likely be here only one time this year so they do their shopping earlier than normal while they are here.
This is a happy time of year for everyone, but mostly the retailers, because St. Thomas is known for shopping. Sure we have the usual tourist items made elsewhere but we also have fabulous shops that carry "made in the Caribbean" pieces, artwork, jewlery and stained glass to choose from too. To me, these are the real jems. Though the value on jewelry seems to be a big pull for the shoppers and deals on dimonds and watches are fabulous, tourist also look for something specifically handmade in the Caribbean. You can get a bottle of alcohol, a snowglobe, or a t-shirt made in china with St. Thomas on it but why not bring home something more special to your friends and family.
Places like "Just Imagine" in Palm Passage downtown and Tillet's Garden creates handpainted shirts, glassware and tiles (only carries locally made products in her shop), Tradewinds shop in Drakes Passage, Laska Beads and glasswear (www.laskaglass.com). You can get Caribbean herbal candles in most of the tourist shops here and also see them handpour them at Tillet Gardens too. (www.caribbeanherbals.com). They make great smelling gifts.
We have nice local art galleries spread all over town so be sure to make a stop to see there work. A favorite of mine is Gallery St. Thomas upstairs on main street. It features Caribbean inspired artwork such as paintings, wood, ceramics, photo and prints. (gallerystthomas.com).
One of my other yummy places to go and take our friends is the local chocolate shop. They make about 100 different yummy chocolates right here in St. Thomas! it's a must see and taste. (thebelgianchocolatefactory.com) plus they will deliver to the cruise ships so shoppers don't even have to carry the chocolate around (though sometimes you just want to eat it right then and there). How is that for service?
If you are in St. John be sure to visit St. John Spice for teas, coffee and locally made spices too. www.stjohnspice.com. They will ship anywhere and you can order right on line in time for the holidays! The holidays are a crazy time for them as they have had a major following of orderers who are hooked on their hot sauces.
Only 44 days till Santa arrives (about 6 weeks!) so better get your shopping on and buy something handmade this year!
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