St. Croix USVI Real Estate & Other Good Things

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St. Croix Cork & Fork

kevin_rathbun.jpgThe other evening we were invited to Annaly Mill for one of St. Croix’s food and wine experiences. This was the Cork & Fork, an intimate dining experience with a celebrity chef and winemaker. The featured chef was renowned Iron Chef winner Kevin Rathbun, the featured winemakers were Kathy and Kent Rosenblum of the celebrated Rosenblum Cellars.

We drove out into the rainforest and arrived at Annaly Mill around sunset. The renovated sugarcane mill was bigger than I expected, about 4 stories high with very thick walls. There were glimmering tiki torches, lush plants and flowers, stone walls and a moist tropical breeze to top off this special night’s ambiance. The feeling was of another time and place… old world, working mill, charming, tropical.

We were greeted by the hosts and introduced to Kevin, Kathy and Kent right away. This was going to be a fun evening! With a glass of Kathy’s Cuvee Viogner in hand we wandered around the mill, the home and the manicured grounds of Annaly Mill. Right in the center of the mill the main dining room was charmingly decorated with white linens, Danish china, candles, and sparkling silver. The long table was set for sixteen. Before dinner was served we climbed the winding stairs to the tip top of the mill where one could see for miles, past mountains and valleys right out to the ocean.

annaly_mill.jpgA toast was made in honor of this charitable event and dinner was served. We enjoyed an incredible five courses with different wines chosen for each course. Kevin Rathbun and his team served one delicious course after another while Kent Rosenblum explained why each wine was chosen to compliment each particular dish. Kent also had interesting stories and entertaining history about wine making. We had lots of laughs, interesting guests, and heard many “oohs and ahhs” about the amazing foods and wines.

For more information visit these links… Annaly Mill, Rosenblum Cellars, Kevin Rathbun, St. Croix Food and Wine Experience, all photos by Marjo Aho

St. Croix Condo For Sale

teagues_bay.jpgFor Sale: Beachfront Condo, one of the nicest units at The Reef at Teagues Bay, on the golf course with unobstructed views of the water and Buck Island and a very private patio. The home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, is fully furnished, with clay tile and concrete flooring for easy maintenance, and includes all appliances.

The Reef has a beautiful beach, restaurant, pool, and tennis courts across the street. This condo is a great turnkey vacation rental. Rentals are in place through April, and the website and all marketing through November is included. Visit the website at www.carusosreef.com.

Monthly condo fees are $704/month plus an assessment & insurance. Sorry, no pets. Asking $309,000. MLS # 10-62.

Contact Kim Lucas, Realtor, for details: Buyer Agent St Croix, East End Plaza, PO Box 24147, Christiansted, VI 00824. 340-626-3758.

Sport fishing St. Croix

tuna.jpgI recently went fishing off the west end of St. Croix. I love fishing, but this trip was especially fun. My friend picked me up at the Frederiksted Pier in his 20′ Apex boat, I hopped in and away we went motoring up the coast. Our destination was somewhere off Hamm’s Bluff, the steep north-western corner of St. Croix. Sorry, exact coordinates top secret.

The boat was outfitted with all the essentials… rod holders, heavy duty rods and reels, fish coolers, and a gaff. Having ridden in lots of boats I was surprised what a nice ride the Apex gave… soft, stable, fast, and great when the seas got rough. The added cushion of sitting on the air-filled sides made the ride even better. If I were shopping for a boat I’d seriously consider an inflatable like an Apex (click photo of boat below for larger view). This Apex even had the canopy top to shade you from the tropical sun – a must down here.

Check out this 2013 Boat Shows list if you’re interested in finding an Apex near you.

The west end of St. Croix is home to the beautiful town of Frederiksted, boasts calm wind-protected waters, and lots of beaches. As we traveled up the coast we saw horses on the beach, flying fish jumping and sailing across the water, and beautiful lush mountains. As we approached our destination, off the northern tip, we also saw the old Hamm’s Bluff lighthouse sitting up on top of the mountain.

apex.jpgThat was when both reels started screaming at the same time! In just a few minutes we had two beautiful Blackfin Tunas in the boat. They put up an amazing fight! One weighed 8 lbs. and the other 5 lbs. Soon after we turned around and trolled through the school again… boom, both reels went off again, another Blackfin and one larger fish on the line (we think it was a Wahoo) but that one got away. Again we trolled “the spot” and got two more 5 lb. Tunas on the hook and soon they were in the boat too!

We cleaned the fish, threw them on ice, and that evening we enjoyed fresh sushi and grilled Tuna. Could it get much better?

Cindy Male Studios

cindymale.gifCindy Male’s Art and Yoga Studios and Gallery serve the community by offering drawing sessions, yoga classes, private and group art classes, a place to display art, and a place to purchase unusual, made on St. Croix, crafted gifts. The art work of Harlem artist Ademola Olugebefola just left the gallery, and Leslie Cramer’s stimulating driftwood and bamboo work hangs along with Male’s fine and applied pictures, cards, light reflectors, and jewelry. It is open most days as the artist is working in either the fiber studio or the painting studio. You can call ahead at 277-8651.

On Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Cindy teaches yoga, fusing hatha, kundalini, pranayama, and chi gong to give her students a good stretch, strenuous workout, and practice in deeper breathing. All of this preparation leads up to the culmination of the evening: opening the body, mind, and spirit in meditation.

studio_students.jpgCindy’s philosophy in teaching art coincides with her yoga training. She works with her students to reach into their ‘inner selves’ and draw on personal likes, dislikes, philosophy, and images. Students learn to be more creative and synthesize material for meaning. Says Male, “Techniques evolve from need rather than learning techniques and not having anything to say with them. It takes years before a person’s technical skills and content combine to deliver a compelling image. My printmaking teacher in Florence, Italy once said that it takes twenty years before an artist truly creates with his/her medium.” More information on her art work can be found at www.cindymale.com. Visitors may call and arrange a private art or yoga class while visiting our creative and beautiful island. Give yourself a drawing or watercolor that YOU have done to take home with you.

Currently there are life drawing sessions with culturally costumed models, nudes, and other various interesting ‘characters’. Sensational models, all of them! Right now, the two hour sessions are only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. Thanks to a grant from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the price for this summer’s sessions is reduced. If you are interested in learning how to draw the figure, check out these drawing sessions on Tuesdays, Thursday evenings, and Saturdays (www.illuminatedfabricartforcandles.com/events.html for times and the model for any particular session). Practice makes perfect!

Next Friday, the studio will host a two hour workshop for Danica David’s summer camp. Stations will be set up for fabric work, stamping and stenciling, drawing, and a learning center about the Taino culture.

Cindy Male loves being in her studio. She also loves facilitating the artistic endeavor for others. She firmly believes it strengthens focus and learning, enhances perception, encourages mental associations, and requires expression. As a teacher for over thirty years, from kindergarten through college, her main objective in teaching art is to “turn her students on to their creative and intuitive self”. The ensuing image is an exciting and stimulating byproduct.

For commission work please review www.cindymale.com./appliedart.html or call the artist at 340.277.8651 for a quote on a fabric installation, upholstery, mural, color consultation, or wall texturizing. Choose between these options for a one of a kind interior!

North Shore Lover?

northshore_lead.jpgA new association has recently formed for those of us who love the North Shore. Appropriately named the “North Shore St. Croix Association”, their mission is to preserve and enhance the beauty of the North Shore. St. Croix has many beautiful areas but the North side is certainly stunning, and has mostly gone undiscovered by the general public who visit the Virgin Islands. This new association plans to capture some of that beauty on their website and highlight the beaches, businesses and attractions that dot the countryside.

There is a North Shore St. Croix Destinations section on their website which describes 30 or 40 places tourists might find interesting to visit. These destinations are arranged in driving order to make it easy to follow. There is a map of the North Shore for visual help in locating each destination, an events page, and a news section which discusses membership news.

If you love the North Shore you may want to become a member. It’s free.

If you have a business or organization located on the North Shore you can also join for free. Plus you can have your business added to the Destinations section, at no charge!

For more information visit the North Shore St. Croix Association website…

Woodworker in Paradise

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dunigan_lead.jpgLove woodworking? Here’s your opportunity to own a local shop with a great history, top reputation and a solid income. Its founder, Jack Dunigan, is an enthusiast of the Arts & Crafts decorative arts movement of the early 20th century. His shop designs and builds fine custom and unique furnishings, often in the manner of these artisans. After many years Jack has decided to retire and is offering his business for sale. The asking price is $295,000 (update: price reduced further) including tools, inventory, current jobs, client lists, etc. Owner financing with only 25% down is an option. Balance can be in payments or a balloon payment or combination thereof. Will also consider trade for home/condo stateside. All offers will be considered.

The cover photo: 1949 Ford Pickup Truck. Jack restored this truck to original, show quality. It’s very special, and will not be part of the sale. He’s owned it for more than 35 years.

The details: Dunigan Designs is an architectural millwork shop offering high quality doors, windows, cabinetry, moldings, and furniture. They opened in their present facilities in April of 2005. Jack Dunigan, the owner, owned a shop in Arizona before relocating here. St. Croix is a unique business environment. The upper end of the economy is almost totally comprised of affluent statesiders who have homes here. Because there are very few places one can find top quality wood work here, Dunigan Designs has been able to capitalize on that end of the economy by offering exceptionally well-made components in a timely manner.
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The location: 5400 sq ft leased facilities in easy to access business park near shopping center, freight forwarder, and major highway. Space includes large air conditioned office, a storage room, a finish spray room, a fully wired, complete Torit dust collection system, 4 roll-up doors, 2 restrooms, paved driveway and parking. 3 phase power is installed and operational.

The assets:

¸ Two Delta 10” Unisaws with extension tables. One saw is right tilt, the other left tilt
¸ Woodmaster 18” molder/planer
¸ Powermatic 15” planer
¸ General 8” jointer
¸ Powermatic edge sander
¸ Delta drill press
¸ Dewalt compound miter saw installed on long bench with measured stop fence
¸ General benchtop mortiser
¸ Delta benchtop mortiser
¸ Torit cyclone dust collection system
¸ Campbell Hausfield 5hp air compressor with piped air lines
¸ 2 Shop Fox 3hp shapers
¸ General 3hp sliding table shaper
¸ Gardner single spindle horizontal boring machine
¸ Grizzly 14” bandsaw
¸ Powermatic 37X2 dual drum 37” sander
¸ Maxim US Robotics CNC machine
¸ Morso miter trimmer with extra cutters
¸ Loads of clamps, benches, stands, tables, router bits, shaper cutters, portable power tools (routers, biscuit joiner, portable table saw, random orbital sanders, belt sander, cordless and electric drills), hand tools, and tool boxes
¸ Office equipment – fax machine, HP printer, file cabinets, desks, etc.

Contact Info: Interested parties please contact Nathaniel Dunigan at info@beachforaweek.com.

Below are a few photos of Dunigan Designs in Christainsted, St. Croix, USVI…

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Sir Allen Stanford

sir_allen_stanford_st_croix.jpgNEWS: Feb. 17th, St. Croix, USVI – Sir Allen Stanford, a prominent businessman on St. Croix, has just had several of his companies shut down by the federal government. The billionaire’s corporate offices in Texas were raided and three of his companies’ assets were frozen. Allegations are that he perpetrated an $8 billion dollar investment fraud.

Stanford recently moved from Antiqua to St. Croix and had plans underway to build the world headquarters of Stanford Financial Group, a 105,000 square foot executive office park on 37 acres, next to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, our island’s major airport. Stanford owns multiple properties in and around Christiansted and a beautiful 118′ Hakvoort-built sportfisherman yacht (see yacht in St. Croix Marine story) named Sea Eagle. The captain of that yacht, whom we met a few weeks ago, may be looking for a new job along with many others on St. Croix. At the present time Sir Allen Stanford can not be located… perhaps he’s cruising away on his yacht?

At Cruzana we usually write about “good things on St. Croix” but this is definitely not a “good thing”. Stanford Financial Group operates in one hundred thirty-six countries and six continents and is (or was) a participant of the V.I. Government’s EDC program. The economic impact of Stanford’s halted operations will be felt here on St. Croix.

The “oracle of Omaha”, the billionaire investor Warren Buffett said about these kinds of stories, “It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked.”

St. Croix Marine

dsc_0925.jpgDown in Gallows Bay lies St. Croix Marine, a full service marina located within walking distance of Christiansted. They have dozens of slips for all sizes, from small day boats to yachts over 150 feet long.

If you need to haul out they provide an impressive 300 ton marine railway, a 60 ton marine travel lift, and certified craftsman as well. Take a walk around the yard and you’ll usually see a half dozen boats being worked on.

Located within the marina compound is The Golden Rail, a tropical open-air restaurant that serves a great breakfast with large portions. It can get busy but is highly recommended for the marina view, tasty breakfasts, and an interesting boating crowd. People from all over the Caribbean can be found here – I met the Captain of Sea Eagle, an interesting guy with an amazing yacht (a 118 foot Hakvoort sport fisherman with dual jet drives and a top speed of over 40 knots).

St. Croix Marine also has a dinghy dock so patrons can walk to Schooner Bay Market, Chandlers Wharf, Gallows Bay Marketplace, the post office or the customs office. The well-stocked Gallows Bay Hardware Store is only a two minute walk. Some rental car agencies provide free pick-up and drop-off service to the marina. Another nice plus is that fuel is inexpensive, thanks to the Hovensa Oil Refinery located on the south shore of the island.

Scanning around the harbor you may also see the amazing 137′ Schooner Roseway anchored just offshore of Christiansted. For more on that see my earlier post Aboard the Roseway.

So that’s a little about one of St. Croix’s best marinas. Visit their website at St. Croix Marine or call (340) 773-0289. Below are a few photos of the St. Croix Marine docks, boats and the Golden Rail Restaurant, all in Gallows Bay, St. Croix USVI. Click on photos for larger version…

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Caribbean Printing

dsc_2195.jpgToday I stopped in at Caribbean Printing & Marketing in Gallows Bay. They design, print, copy… plus a whole lot more. Jarred, their lead designer, showed me around the shop and we discussed some of their capabilities, new equipment and plans for the future. It was fun to see such a thriving business and excited team.

In-house they have the usual printing, folding and binding equipment plus some nice new digital printers. There is an impressive new wide format printer that can produce beautiful large-format color reproductions (think of all the island artists who’ll want to make Giclée prints of their work!). I also learned that Caribbean Printing & Marketing has been in business on St. Croix for over 30 years… they’ve got some real experience when it comes to printing.

Here are some of their capabilities:

  • full color printing – flat or raised
  • black and white or color copying
  • document and report binding
  • business cards and stationery
  • laminating (small and large format)
  • menus and flyers
  • rack cards and posters
  • multi-part invoices and forms
  • graphic design and web site development
  • newsletters and reports
  • invitations and announcements
  • brochures and presentations
  • labels, stickers and raffle tickets
  • magnetic signs
  • programs and booklets
  • advertising specialties (mugs, keychains, etc.)
  • fax send and receive services
  • retail paper products
  • mailing services (inserting, addressing, sending)

Future plans… Jarred and Mike explained plans for their new design center which is currently under construction. They will offer graphic design and website development in the adjacent space next to the printing business. Customers will be able to see samples, drop by for meetings, and interact with the designers. Renovations are underway and the finished space will have a creative factory-style look. The proposed new name will be The Design Factory (corrected name).

Stop by Caribbean Printing & Marketing on St. Croix USVI (behind Gallows Bay Hardware), or call 340-778-8100. Their website is at www.cpmvi.com.

Click below to see a few photos…

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The Secret of The Waves

View from The Waves (click to enlarge)Friday night we drove down to St. Croix’s North Shore and pulled into the parking area for The Waves at Cane Bay. We think this is one of St. Croix’s best-kept secrets for dinner and drinks. Most drive past The Waves with no idea what they’d find if they descended the stone steps beyond the parking area.

Step down and you’ll see the view of Hamm’s Bluff across the ocean is incredible. Ten feet from our table the surf crashes into the natural swimming pool. Graceful arches, teak chairs, torches, crashing waves and a sunset over the mountains give a unique feeling that’s both intimate and romantic. We briefly met Laura, the owner, who has done a wonderful job of renovating with local stone and simple, elegant furnishings. Carl, or as he’s known to North Shore folks, Crazy Carl, waited on us with good cheer and excellent service. He also recommended an Austrian white wine named Laurenz V. Laurenz & Sophie Singing Gruner Veltliner, which I now highly recommend.

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View from The Waves (click to enlarge)

So the setting is beautiful, but the food… wow! The gazpacho and conch chowder were flavorful and delicious. The shrimp and spinach crepes were perfectly prepared and creatively presented. The salt and pepper encrusted mahi on seaweed was the best mahi that we’d ever had. Our 13 year-old daughter realized it was the first time at a restaurant that she’d ever finished her entire entree (chicken and shrimp alfredo). And for dessert she had homemade cookies and cream ice cream… “the best she’d ever tasted”.

This was the second time we’d had dinner at The Waves. Again it was outstanding. Another great night out for us–unbeatable view, great meal, excellent service, happy kids–what more could you ask for? For more information click for The Waves at Cane Bay.

Below are a few photos we took of The Waves at Cane Bay. Click to enlarge….

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