We are going to St John next week, anyone have hints for us? Good restaurants, bad ones, good boat rides, good or bad day trips. What about groceries, are there complete stores on St John?

Great restaurants from expsensive and delicious (Asolar, Chateau Bordeaux. Inexpensive, don't be deceived by the look but Joe's barbecue on the corner is very famous. Mostly, we ate at our villa because the evening sunsets and the lur of the plunge pool made us want to stay put after a long day of beaching. There are so many wonderful clean, acqua water beaches to discover.<BR><BR>Many charter boats are available. Phil Chalker is one of the best.<BR><BR>usvi-on-line.com will give you tons of info. You will not be disappointed in St. John. It is one of the most beautiful unspoiled islands.<BR>'

Just got back from St John. Avoid a mexican restaurant in St John called Margaritas--very bad attitude. We liked Morgan's Mango the best-reservations are a must--in advance. Groceries are very expensive. But it's all worth it.<BR>Joan

Morgan's Mango was our favoerite too. Our experience at Margarita's was good, the margaritas were great. We did our shopping at the Starfish Market, they have everything you'll need.

If you take the ferry over to St Thomas, go to theToad and Tart. Its a 10 min drive from the ferry dock. Four of us ate a LOT and everything was brilliant from the service to the drinks, from the incredible food to the desserts. We really did everything from soup to nuts and the bill was about $30 per person. We had a few other meals at different places which ran us $40-$50pp and didn't compare. <BR>Oh, no scenic views or anything like that but extremely comfortable. It's a unique place with a lot of history behind it. Regulars told us to go there and we're glad that they shared that with us.<BR>We always enjoy Lime Inn on STJ. Often gets crowded and the tables are jammed up against each other but the food is always good, service sometimes slow and there always seems to be a hustle to get peope in and out so if you're looking for a relaxing dining experience it's not the place to go..<BR>Even though the place is an &quot;outside&quot; place with a lot of ceiling fans beware if you're a smoker because you can't smoke anywhere in the dining area.<BR>

I am just beginning research to visit St. John. We are thinking of renting a villa. Does anyone have recommendations for a nice spot for two people? <BR><BR>No need to worry, sea views, sunsets and a plunge pool sound terrific! Where did you stay?

Best boat/day trip I ever did was with Captain Cathy Packo. Her boat only takes 6 passengers and the snorkeling sites were outstanding. They included Norman Island with swim up shallow caves, Indian Head Rocks - great visability with numerous fish and beautiful coral, and a reef off Peter Island. She is a marine naturalist and goes in with you pointing out and bringing up various species. All are in BVI so a passport or birth certificate is needed.<BR><BR>We stopped for lunch at Pirate's Ship which is anchored in the water. We had so much fun, we plan to repeat on the next trip. I believe she has a website under cathypacko.

I forgot to mention restaurants.<BR><BR>Zozo's terrific view great food.<BR><BR>Pappilis -Mexican - Not Fancy but the food was good and reasonably priced.<BR><BR>Lim Inn - Nice atmosphere good lunches.<BR><BR>Skinny Legs - haven't tried but was told by friends that they have the best bergers anywhere.<BR><BR>If you get to Caneel Bay for lunchat their bar restaurant, they have the best swordfish sandwich and plantation punch. In addition you can swimat Caneel Bay beach even if you are not staying there and make a day of it. They have changing facilities and are just a short $3.00 taxi ride from Cruz Bay

Just got back yesterday. One restaurant you may want to try is Island Blues in Coral Bay. We ate there twice --- good burgers, sandwiches and excellent french fries. It's basically a bar with maybe 14 tables and is right on the water.