STX 2008 vs 2006

As I have already posted a couple of times, our family just completed our second visit to STX. Our first visit was in 2006, and as then, we stayed at the Buccaneer (really roughing it, I know). As in 2006, we had a great visit. However, there were some noticeable differences perhaps not readily evident to full-time residents (or maybe clearly obvious, I don't know).

In 2006 the Buccaneer was virtually a ghost-town when we stayed there. For awhile, we thought we were the only guests there (turns out there were a few others, but not too many).

In 2008 the Buccaneer was packed, virtually all rooms filled and looking to stay that way for the rest of the year. Many of the guests appeared to be Europeans of one sort or another.

In 2006 we spent a day in Christiansted "shopping." It was empty of tourists, and many of the stores were closed. It did not have good "vibes."

In 2008 we spent a day in Christiansted once again. The place was full of tourists and things were active indeed. Stores were open and people were shopping. The atmosphere was positive and we liked what we saw and felt.

It seemed to us that STX had definitely become a more popular place for tourists. The devaluation of the dollar, and the favorable press that STX has been receiving in travel magazines seems to be paying off.

All in all, we felt very comfortable on this visit. Ric and Linda took us to the "Off the Wall" for pizza and what would have been a great sunset. We ate at Savant one night and enjoyed the service and comaraderie of the staff (neat place). We were well treated by everyone we had contact with. Interestingly, everyone at the airport wanted to talk racehorses with us once they found out we were from Kentucky!

Our plans are still to move to STX in a couple of years, and hopefully another visit before then.

Steve