While I don't need to do much shopping for our trip to St John, I will need to purchase a few pair of shorts - since they are virtually gone for the season in our area. Are there any reasonable stores that sell clothing? I just need them for pulling over my bathing suit while snorkeling and some short hiking trips.

Also, how do you ladies dress when going to fairly cool temps to hot tropical weather? I always seem over dressed and ready to strip by the time we arrive, but I usually tend to get cold on the plane. Thanks for any suggestions!

Most of the stores in Cruz Bay are boutique type stores with moderate prices. I would try some catalog shopping if I were you for some good seasonal deals.

I usually wear pants that zip off into shorts, a tank top and other shirt over it on the plane. When I arrive, I zip off the legs, take off one of the shirts and I am ready to go. Vice versa on the way home.

If you're going soon, the stores are in low season and are having lots of good sales. Mongoose Junction is a fun and architecturally interesting shopping center in Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay also has alot of little shops spread all around. In Coral Bay, there are also little shops at the Cocoloba center, but most notably at Skinny Legs' complex. I love plowing through the bargain bins which always seem to have the odd pair of shorts, cute sarong or t-shirt.

A short sleeved shirt with a sweater is good. I make sure my shorts and Tevas are right on top in my carry on and dash to the ladies room to change, first thing!

Is there a laundromat on the island? If so, where?

Hi!

Operative word is "reasonable." assuming cruz bay area where you stay...

Check out Love City Surf Shack located at the Fishtrap Restaurant complex across the street from Wharfside Village cruz bay Has everything you need at reasonable rates for st john. other clothing store at wharfside is riduculously expensive for quality of garments...there's another store on way to westin too...next door to texaco station...

coral Bay all the way at end of island from cruz bay needs rental car or the vitran bus.

My wife wears washable 100% silks and 100% sheer cottons with sunscreen#25

Dont forget bug spray...

Laundromat...well..cruz bay has 2 on the road to westin....one next door to tamarind court inn and a block away same road is santos laundromat...I use santos sometimes...

Usually When i'm on the island each month, I tend to go to gallows resort and buy tokens from front desk and use their washers and dryers...best dryer time around for $2.00 grab a cold drink at gallows gift shop and walk a block and sit at beach cruz bay...
there's parking along road and at gallows too.

Thanks for all of the great tips on stores! I definitely need shorts to wear over bathing suit for snorkeling. Nylon type that will dry quickly, not fade, and bunch up in a bag. Bug spray and sunscreen are already packed - and 3 weeks to go! Hopefully the weather is going to co-operate with us.

MSS: Have a wonderful time! You're welcome for any help this board has give you. You do know the price, though, don't you? A nice long and detailed report of your trip when you return!

MSS,
We were in St John..this time,last year.Wish that I was there now.

The weather was great for us.This time of year is great because the beaches and Cruz Bay are not crowded.

We also went last June and it was packed with people.

Have a good time!

Christie

Just cruising the boards and saw this question. Personally, I would go to Landsend or LLBean websites and find what you're looking for. They have stuff year round. And then you won't have to spend any of your vacation time shopping!

ccrosner,
I agree, thats why I mentioned catalogs. I just got some good end of summer deals from Lands End. Swimsuits, shorts etc on sale. My thought is, if you find something you want on vacation, great. But I wouldn't want to feel like I had to find something to wear.

I hope Sloop and Karen can ride it out another year since there are those advocating tourists should stay away until then.

I did do some shopping online and found a few items! Got the shorts at the sports shop where we purchased our snorkel equipment. Got my guidebook entitled "St. John Off the Beaten Track"... Great book!

Now, I just wish we would have prepared for this trip a lot sooner than 2 months ago. It is just too much stress trying to remember every little detail in a few weeks time, plus trying to catch up eveything at work.

Christie, we purposely planned this trip for now due to the fact that the kiddies would all be in school (nothing against them), but we knew it would be less crowded. We definitely took a gamble with it being hurricane season.

A trip report will definitely be in order when we return, since I have gotten a lot of good information from reading everyone elses. Also, the pictures that people attached helped us a lot in deciding on St. John.

Now, I guess I have to give in to my husband and plan the Alaska trip for next summer that he has been wanting. (I hate cold weather).