Off the beating path

I hope the new subject helps everybody.

John: STXBob's renaming of the post has me confused because I had assumed from your post that you already had accomodation lined up but were looking for "non-tourist" things to see and do (although I'm not sure what a "possible" PMV is.)

If you're looking for temporary accomodation I can steer you towards a possibility if you PM me on this board.

If you're here for a PMV and do all the things you're supposed to do on a PMV, like finding your way around, going to the grocery stores, banks, post offices, checking out the housing market and different areas, etc. then your days will be plenty filled with all "local"! Cheers.

Thank you. Yes already have accommodations. Just was looking for things to do beyond the touristy places. Like is there a beach that the local like thats mostly locals? Is there a great bar that the tourist don't know about?

John: There isn't a great divide between locals and tourists. Most bars/restaurants will have a mixture. The exceptions would be maybe Sugar Bay (because it is all-inclusive) and Mountain Top.

Thanks for the info. OK, then, what bar or beach would you say is a must see?

I like to go to beaches that are less crowded with tourists but still have facilities. I go to the Beachcombers Beach Bar (you will pass it as you leave the airport) which is a great place to have a drink or eat, it is right on the water. I also like Elysian's beach on the East End. They have plenty of chairs set out and never bother you if you sit on one. Bonnies by the Sea is their beach bar/restaurant that serves good food right on the water. I also like Secret Harbour's beach, they have hassle free chairs and a great restaurant and beach bar.

John: If you are going for a job/moving search, I would recommend NOT going to a beeach, but instead spend your days doing what you would have to do if you lived here. If you live here you'll never go to the beach anyway! LOL. When you go out to eat at night, just ask the bartender and s/he will usually direct you to any locals in the vicinity.

Right on target, EE, and just what I said when I first responded to John's initial post. A PMV is a PMV is a PMV and I've never heard of a "possible" PMV. If you go about the local routine that we all deal with from day to day then you're doing the "local t'ing" period.

And ain't that too true about the beaching routine. When was I last actually at the beach? Love it but certainly don't do it as much as I'd like with too many other basic day to day living things to deal with...

I've been doing alot of research about living down there, that's why the possible "PMV". I'm going down now for a for sure vacation, but i'm also going to do alittle looking into a move. I've been watching this site for awhile now, and know this is the place to come for information. And if all things go well, hopefully I'll be the one in the future giving out advice and info. Again thanks.

Just a note: Spent a week of vacation on St. Thomas and managed to find my way around, went to two grocery stores, hit a couple of ATM's, drove all over, met tons of locals (actually met more locals than tourists) and managed to hit the beaches and a day sail. I think I got a pretty clear view of what areas were "nice" or "safe". If I were to move to St. Thomas or any place else, I suppose my PMV would actually involve setting up accounts at the bank and post office, but other than that, it's not too hard to figure out.

Okay, a vacation/PMV, I get it. I still would try to look at things in a local way. Like bosie said- where are the grocery stores and what is in them? Where are the banks? What does K-Mart have today? If I lived in X area, how would I get to work, wash my clothes, go out at night? If you stay in a B & B type accomodation, you are more likely to meet locals or business travelers. If you stay at Sugar Bay, you'll meet tourists!

I read a PMV report once by some people who went to Mountain Top one day, Paradise Point one day, a day sail, etc. They decided they didn't want to move here after that. I guess they figured we were all tired from all the activity!!