09/01/2015
Recent review:
"Wow..We loved St. Croix. The Island is a mixture of things.. low key compared to other Islands I understand, and I found this to be true. We did not want to stay at a resort, pay those kinds of fees, and not be connected to the local scene. That's what you get at La Vaughn's! I miss the place already.. Even looked around at the real estate, which is a buyers market. The town, Christenstead is depressed. Many boarded up buildings, even though it has immense charm. The refinery closed a couple years ago, ouch, people left. The scene at night was welcoming, it was also the holidays. Daytime too, but more of people going on excursions to Buck Island, and Scuba Diving. BIG here. This is not a glitzy tourist location, you do have some shops on the nice! boardwalk. You will find interesting places on Company street. Good coffee place there, with breakfast. La Vaughn's place is a 5-7 min walk from all this. Right on King street, in the local area. Singh's 1/2 block away serving ready made locals food, is excellent, and cheap compared to the pubs servings gringo's on the boardwalk. The bakery across from them is perfect, Bush Tea, fresh baked goods. Went there every morning. Do this for sure. You will be among the only tourist types there, if that's what you can imagine your trip to be like. Yes, it's a bit noisy on the street, and there are bars that can make noise. Depends on holidays. This is not for those looking for a resort to be pampered, or quiet. She supplies you with an electo mosquito ratchet, needed this time of year inside. Have to be honest, the host was as helpful as needed and went overboard for us. You will not be disappointed. She Knows St. Croix, grew up there, went to Columbia Univ. in NY, is involved in the teaching at the local university in USVI, her husband is very nice and they have three little girls, nice family. You will have to decide if the place is for you. You have street people around at that part of town, it did not bother me. Be careful is all. I prefer to have the full experience. I was with my wife and 13 year old. You also have some nice places down closer to the boardwalk, but NOT on the boardwalk, unless you like to party and eat pub food. There is a new market just outside of town, going east that compares to any Fresh Foods Market in the states. You have a stocked kitchen at LaVaughn's. Better than the Pueblo grocery. The apartment as described. Tasteful, clean. Has TV for Netflix, no cable. has Wifi. Ceiling Fans, no AC. ok. Security gate. Go to the Buccaneer's Resort short ride out east for the best near beach IMO -beaches are open to public. Beach on Cay is ok, closest can walk and take a boat for $5."
Mark M, NYC
