The Difference Between Barbecue & 'The Barbecue' in America & Around the World

When I was a child growing up in northern New Jersey and well into my teens, one of the things I loved most about the advent of summer was our famous family barbecues. Now mind you, I grew up in a large Italian family and we had a barbecue almost every weekend of the summer, starting with Memorial Day in May and ending with Labor Day in September. These 'picnics of the backyard' always consisted of enough food and drink to supply a small army regiment. But boy did we have fun! Each weekend the host houses would rotate to the next in line; One week at my moms, one week at this uncle's or that cousin's, etc. But wherever it was, we had a barbecue.

Like most Italian family gatherings it seems the entire family, from aunts, uncles, cousins, not to mention their friends, the town mayor and anyone else that might be passing, stopped by each and every Sunday. I don’t ever recall there being less than 30-40 people at these outdoor summer-time galas. In fine tradition, there was a Bocce, horseshoes, my cousins and I playing stick-ball in the street, using Mr. Lana's Chevy next door as home plate. Late in the day, it always seemed as if an entirely new batch of guests would arrive and they would relight the grill for the second round of food. Wine, beer and soda flowed freely. I now marvel at how, after partying till the wee hours of Monday morning, my parents, along with all my aunts and uncles, got up a few scant hours later and went off to work as if nothing had transpired the day and night before. It was only after I was an adult and repeated that same process, did I realize that not much got done at work in the first few hours of every Monday morning.

I also learned a great lesson from my mom and dad about neighborhood relations. You see, it’s a given that, where a group of Italians are gathered to eat and drink, the decibel level produced by those playing Bocce and arguing the pallina, or the Acey-Ducey card game, the horseshoe match, or the stick-ball in front of the house, will automatically produce a din that will rise to just below a sonic boom. When I asked my mother years later why the neighbors never complained about the noise, she reminded me that, "With most of them in attendance, who was gonna complain?"

My parents actually had a barbecue budget account, much like most folks have a Christmas Club account. Like I said, these people were serious about their outdoor parties. That fact became quite evident to any and all our neighbors when the local beverage distributor, the local chips and pretzel vendor and yes, even the local meat purveyor, all had us scheduled for regular Sunday stops during the summer. Looking back now I just assumed this was what everybody did, but I realize how odd that must have seemed to our neighbors. Each Sunday morning throughout the summer, huge trucks, double parked in front of our house, their drivers hand-trucking in cases of root beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, chops and more, all just to supply our family with the weekends barbecue delights.

For the most part, the barbecue is an 'American' tradition, but I think you'll be surprised at its origins and those who were its biggest fans. I’m sure most of you can recall some of these great times and hopefully, you have carried on these traditions. I’m going to take you on a small journey into the history of barbecue, its origins and the different methods and customs of varied cultures throughout the world.

Barbecue History
The most plausible theory claims that the origin of the word "barbecue" is a derivative of the West Indian phrase "barbacoa," which describes a method of slow-cooking meat over hot coals. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the word back to Haiti, and others claim that "barbecue" might actually come from the French phrase "barbe a queue," meaning "from head to tail."

In America, barbecue can be traced back to colonial times, with a Virginia law written in the 1600s providing that, "discharging of firearms at a barbecue was prohibited." In George Washington's diaries, one entry, dated May 27, 1769, describes him traveling to Virginia for a barbecue. What I find most fascinating about his subsequent entries over the next few years, is that it reveals George to be the very antithesis of what we have come to believe with regard to his personality and demeanor. To most of us, the 'Father of Our Country' is portrayed a stoic and serious individual, yet most of his entries concerning barbecue, are usually followed by entries about his 'laying low for a few days and doing nothing of note.' Seems ol' George was a partier at heart and we might very well have documentation of the first Presidential Hangovers! Party like it's 1799!"

In 1820, in a letter to her grandfather, Thomas Jefferson, Ellen Randolph wrote him of  'a great barbecue' held on the Fourth of July in Charlottesville. By that time, Independence Day barbecues had become the norm. It is even recorded that upon the marriage of Abraham Lincoln's parents, on June 12, 1806, the 'reception' was a barbecue. From the book, "Lincoln: The Prairie Years, 1927," written by Carl Sandburg, a guest at the wedding, Christopher Grahm wrote, "We had bear meat, venison, wild turkey and duck eggs, both wild and tame, maple sugar lumps tied to a string to bite off with coffee or whiskey, syrup in gourds, peaches and honey, a whole sheep roasted in a pit over coals of burned wood and covered with green boughs to keep the juices in."

So as you can see, the tradition of gathering with your friends to cook some sort of meat over wood or coal outdoors seems to have been around for centuries. Today the term barbecue has a whole new meaning, and the American South has staked its claim to being the 'true' definition of barbecue. Though I started out talking about the event called barbecue, there are distinctions between the word's use as both a noun and a verb, with grilling having nothing to do with one, but all to do with the other. (wheeze) Did you get all that? Good. Let's explore the specifics.

The Difference Between Grilling and Barbecue
This is a question that is asked by many, but not widely known or understood. A lot of the confusion lies in the fact that people often use a grill for grilling and barbecue. Where a smoker is concerned, barbecue is the correct definition.

Grilling
Grilling is a high heat cooking method. Food is cooked directly over coals (either wood or charcoal briquets) and cooking time is usually a matter of minutes. Grilling temperatures are usually in excess of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and food is cooked close to the heat source. The high heat chars the surface of the food, seals in the juices and creates a smoky caramelized crust. Grilling is the oldest, most widespread and most forgiving method of cooking. Rich and poor alike practice it on six continents in restaurants, street stalls, and backyards.

Barbecue
Barbecuing, by contrast, lies at the opposite end of the spectrum from grilling. It is a long, slow, indirect, low-heat method that uses smoldering logs or charcoal and wood chunks to smoke-cook the food. Barbecue temperatures are usually between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This low heat generates smoke, and this smoke gives barbecue its characteristic flavor. The heat source in many cases is often completely separate from the cooking chamber, which contains the actual food.

This method of cooking is ideally suited to large pieces of meat such as whole pigs. It is also perfect for cuts with lots of tough connective tissue, such as brisket or spareribs. Traditionally, barbecue was most associated with the poorer classes, who generally, were unable to afford more expensive cuts of meat.

More recently a hybrid method of cooking, Indirect Grilling, has become very popular. This method bridges the gap between barbecue and grilling. As with barbecuing, food is not cooked directly over coals. But the actual cooking takes place in the same chamber as the heat source, and temperatures usually range between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wood chips or chunks are often placed on the heat source to generate smoke for flavor. Indirect grilling effectively transforms your barbecue grill into and outdoor oven, which is perfect for cooking larger cuts of meat such as prime rib and turkey. I have used this method myself and it consist of lighting (in the case of gas grills) one side of the grill for the heat source and the placement of the meat on the unlit side of the cooking surface. Indirect grilling gives you the best of both worlds, grilling and barbecuing. The charcoal flavor from grilling and the tenderness and smoky flavor from barbecue. Whereas the flavor of true barbecue is hard to beat, the trade-off is that it takes a lot longer than grilling or indirect grilling.

Barbecue Around The World

Argentina (South American)
The Argentine barbecue, asado, as well as a parrillada, includes various types of meats, among them chorizo, sweetbread, chitterlings, and morcilla (blood sausage). Thin sandwiches, sandwiches de miga, are also popular. Argentinians have the highest consumption of red meat in the world. Popular in Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay as well, the asado is Argentina’s answer to barbecue. Meats are usually un-marinated and served like courses. Sausages and organs come first, followed by ribs, steak, and possibly chicken or goat. Salads, bread or grilled vegetables accompany the meal.

 Australia
Australia is a country that loves its barbecue. It’s so popular that many public spaces actually have coin-operated grills, and with so many great beaches to have cook-outs on, it’s no surprise the tradition has taken hold. Australians love to cook up seafood, especially in the areas of Sydney and Melbourne.

If you head on down to the beach, you'll find dozens of portable grills smoking away with an endless variety of seafood, and yes, burgers. Australians jokingly pride themselves as living in the land of real men and real men (and women) barbecue. Granted, it's difficult to get kangaroo (wallaroo) or emu outside Australia, but if you get the chance, try grilling up one of these for a change.

Thanks to its huge cattle industry and long coastline, Australians rely mostly on burgers and seafood to satisfy their grilling desires. The “sausage sizzle,” however, is what makes Australian barbecue special. Ubiquitous at fundraisers and school events, sausages are grilled, put on white bread with onions and tomato sauce, and sold for a dollar or two.

Jamaica
The "Jerk" in Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork refers not to an ingredient, but to a method of cooking brought to Jamaica over 250 years ago. Unsurprisingly, given the fierce heat of most jerk recipes, chillies are a key ingredient. They are mixed with scallions, onion, thyme, pimento (Jamaican allspice), cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to make a marinade mix with an instantly recognizable scent, flavor and color. Jamaicans let meat soak up the full intensity of flavors for more than 24 hours before adding it to the barbecue. Originally cooked for 2 hours over smoke-pit fires, propane came to Jamaica in the 70's, making cooking this local speciality a whole lot easier. Jamaican Jerk huts are everywhere on the side of roads throughout the island. They are usually octagonal in shape and are almost always attached to a telephone pole. The norm is jerk pork, jerk chicken, saltfish, ackee, roasted yams, roasted plantains, boiled corn and peas and all is usually served with Jamaican Red Stripe Beer.

Korea
Korean barbecue, or gogi gui, refers to the Korean method of grilling beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat. Dishes are often prepared at the diner's table on gas or charcoal grills, built into the center of the table itself. Most diners enjoy doing their own grilling at the table. Cuts of beef, pork, and chicken are the norm, most marinated in a garlic-soy sauce mixture. Barbecue has become synonymous with Korean cuisine outside its homeland. The unique blend of cooking and dining has made it popular the world over and Korean food can be found in nearly every major city on Earth.

Korean barbecue comes with various banchan (side dishes), among which, green onion salad called Pajori and a fresh vegetable dish including lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers invariably accompanies meat dishes at restaurants. A popular way of eating Korean barbecue is to wrap the meat with lettuce and add condiments such as - pajori (spicy scallion salad) and ssamjang (a spicy paste made of doenjang mixed with gochujang).

Mongolia
Meat has historically played a big part in Mongol cuisine, as nomadic lifestyles and poor land lend themselves better to livestock than crops. Khorkhog is the iconic Mongolian dining experience, usually reserved for special occasions or honored guests. Mongolian barbecue first appeared in Taiwan in the middle to late 20th century. Although the stir-frying of meats on a large, open surface is supposed to evoke Mongolian cuisine, the preparation actually derives from Japanese-style teppanyaki which was popular in Taiwan at the time. "Mongolian" barbecue is not actually Mongolian at all; for examples of genuine Mongolian food, see buuz or khuushuur. A barbecue in Mongolia is prepared quite differently.

Soldiers of the Mongol Empire gathered large quantities of meats, prepared them with their swords and cooked them on their overturned shields over a large fire,while a German restaurant chain with the same concept claims that the Mongolian soldiers cooked their meals on a heated stone.

Typically, diners choose various ingredients from a buffet of thinly sliced raw meats (beef, pork, lamb, chicken, shrimp) and vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, sliced onion, cilantro, shredded carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms) and assemble them in a large bowl or on a plate. These ingredients are given to the griddle operator who adds the diner's choice of sauce and transfers them to one section of the hot griddle. Oil and sometimes water may be added to ease cooking and the ingredients are stirred occasionally.

The ample size of the Mongolian barbecue griddle allows for several diners' food to be cooked simultaneously on different parts of the griddle. In many restaurants (primarily buffets) one dish will be cooked at a time, the operator walking around the outside of the grill once or twice moving the food while walking. When cooking is complete, the finished dish is scooped into a bowl and handed to the diner.

Philippines

If you’ve ever been to a Filipino party, you probably remember the enormous roasted hog. Called lechón, no celebration is complete without a whole pig roasted over hot coals. The pig is brushed with its own fat, keeping the meat moist and the skin crunchy. Whole chickens and cattle are occasionally used as well.

Lechón is so popular in the Philippines that it can usually be found year-round in street stalls and restaurants. Derived from a Spanish tradition, variations on lechón can be found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean as well, especially during the week of Christmas.

Some grilled foods include Barbecue Isaw, chicken or pig intestines marinated and skewered; barbecue tenga pig ears are marinated and skewered; pork barbecue which is a satay marinated in a special blend; Betamax that is salted solidified pork blood which is skewered; Adidas which is grilled or sautéed chicken feet. And there is Sisig, a popular pulutan made from the pork's cheek skin, ears and liver that is initially boiled, then grilled over charcoal, then minced and cooked with chopped onions, chillies, and spices.

It is one of the most popular Filipino street foods. Prepared by marinating meat (usually pork, though some are known to use chicken as well) and then grilling, it is traditionally served on a stick, and can be found from the lowliest sidewalk stalls to the most pretentious restaurants. Though recipes of the dish vary from place to place, sometimes even from family to family, it has always been a Filipino favorite, a staple item in every fiesta or birthday celebration.

South Africa

South Africans call their barbecue braai, from the Afrikaans word for roasted meat (braaivleis). Braais originated in the late 17th century as spit-roasts at fairs and celebrations, held by the Cape's Dutch governor. The braai has become a tradition in South Africa. Like most barbecues it’s very much a social event, and the role of braaier (head chef) is a coveted position. The range of meats used shows the braai’s many cultural influences- sausages, kebabs and steak are all standard fare. A traditional Bantu porridge called pap, similar to grits or polenta, is a popular side dish.

Different regions of the country have different ways of preparing and approaching braais. The people of the Southern Cape coast are known for their fish braais. A bit more north, favor the mutton and lamb which are prevalent throughout the area. In Free State (historically an Afrikaner area), spit-roasted whole-lamb braais are popular. On the east coast, in KwaZulu Natal, cooks wrap and grill barracuda and yellowtail in banana leaves and serve traditional Zulu accompaniments such as green mealie (corn) bread and fritters.

United States

From Carolina pig-pickin’s to Kentucky mutton, the idea is the same everywhere; an outdoor party with friends, food, and beer. The meat is generally marinated before being put on the grill, where it’s brushed with whatever kind of sauce is available or popular. More than anywhere else, American barbecue makes use of specific kinds of wood to impart flavor in the meat: in Texas, mesquite brush is common, but hickory and oak are more readily available elsewhere. Outside the South, culinary specifics often take a back seat to the social aspect. You’re more likely to find burgers, hot dogs and vegetable skewers than pulled pork at a BBQ, but the soul of the barbecue is alive and well. I'll be following this article up with another that takes a closer look at the U.S. traditions in an upcoming post "American Barbecue, from Texas to the Carolinas...?"

Styles of American Barbecue

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is probably best known for its dry barbecue. Most frequently used on ribs, the dry style is highly flavorful and is less messy to eat than wet. In the dry process, the ribs are coated with a rub made from ingredients such as garlic, paprika, onions, cumin, and other spices. They are then cooked in a smoker until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Typically, dry ribs are served with a sauce on the side.

Memphis barbecue sauce has its own distinctive flavor, as well. Though the specific ingredients will vary from cook to cook, Memphis sauce is usually made with tomatoes, vinegar, and any countless combination of spices. It is generally thin, tangy, and somewhat sweet. Memphis sauce is poured over pulled pork or served along side of dry ribs. Nicknamed the "Pork Barbecue Capital of the World," Memphis considers itself a leader in the world of barbecue. In his book, The Grand Barbecue, Doug Worgul credits the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which started in 1978, as the country's oldest barbecue competition.

• Meat: Smoked pork ribs on the slab, and pulled or chopped pork for sandwiches.
• Sauce and Flavoring: Ribs are served with a dry rub made with ingredients like garlic, paprika, onions and cumin. The sauce, made with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, is served on the side.
• Cooking Method: Slow-cooked over indirect heat.
• Side Dishes: Coleslaw and baked beans.

Kansas City, Missouri
This style barbecue is characterized by its use of different types of meat (including pulled pork, pork ribs, burnt ends, smoked sausage, beef brisket, beef ribs, smoked/grilled chicken, smoked turkey, and sometimes fish) along with its sweet and tangy sauces which are generally intended for liberal use.

Kansas City has more than 100 barbecue restaurants and is known in Missouri as "world's barbecue capital." Ribs are mostly pork, but also come in beef varieties and can come in a number of different cuts. Burnt ends, the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the ends of a smoked beef or pork brisket, are a popular dish in many Kansas City area barbecue restaurants. Kansas City barbecue is also known for its many side dishes, including a unique style of baked beans, french fries, cole slaw, and other soul food staples.

Henry Perry is known as the "Father of K.C. Barbecue." Perry is famous for the slow-cooked ribs he served for .25 cents a slab out of a trolley barn in the early 1900s. His legacy thrives with the city's countless barbecue restaurants and The Kansas City Barbecue Society, which has more than 8,000 members worldwide.

• Meat: Beef and pork.
• Sauce and Flavoring: The sauce is tomato-based and sweetened with molasses or brown sugar.
• Cooking Method: Slow-cooked over hickory wood for as long as 18 hours.

North Carolina

Two styles, western (aka Lexington) and eastern, dominate North Carolina barbecue. The annual Barbecue Festival has been held in Lexington, N.C. every October since 1984. According to the festival's official website, the event attracts more than 100,000 people each year.

• Meat: Pork shoulder (western) and whole hog (eastern) chopped or pulled.
• Sauce and Flavoring: The western style sauce is called "dip" and is a thin tomato-based sauce mixed with brown sugar and spices. In the east, the sauce is a blend of vinegar, sugar, water and pepper.
• Cooking Method: Both styles are slow cooked over indirect heat with oak or hickory wood. To preserve the pork and smoke flavors the meat is never basted.
• Side Dishes: BBQ slaw, hush puppies (western), mayonnaise-based coleslaw and corn bread sticks (eastern) complement the barbecue. Sweet tea for a beverage and banana pudding or peach cobbler for dessert is served in both the western and eastern parts of the state.

The town of Lexington alone, with a population of about 20,000 people, boasts more than 20 barbecue restaurants.

Texas
 According to the Travel Channel show "Food Paradise," the state legislature declared Lockhart the BBQ capital of Texas. The Office of Texas Tourism marks the so-called "Texas Barbecue Trail" as starting just north of Austin and continuing further south to Luling.

• Meat: Beef, particularly untrimmed brisket.
• Cooking Method: Slow-cooked over coals or wood in above ground smokers.
• Sauce and Flavoring: No sauce is used before or during cooking. Pepper and salt are the most common seasonings. A thick tomato-based sauce with a sweet and spicy taste is served on the side of the barbecue meal.
• Side Dishes: In Texas the focus is on the meat, but occasionally beans, potato salad and thick toasted white bread called Texas Toast are added to the meal. Traditional desserts include pecan or lemon chess pies.

I'm pretty sure we've covered the topic thoroughly. Now, all that remains for me and barbecue is the eating. My grill has been heating up for the last 15 minutes, the ribs and shrimp marinating for the last 24 hours and veggies are all prepped and ready for grill marks. Enjoy yourselves! Experiment. have fun. Oh, and for you ladies especially; the next time your man is standing at the grill staring at an overdone hockey puck of what used to be a meat patty, feel a little pride. He's also standing with a long line of men who, throughout history, have regularly asked, "Honey, can I get another piece of meat, this one's had it..."

Bon Appetit!

Lou
Sources:
www.ncbbqsociety.com/, Wikpedia.org; Texas Tourism Board; NC Tourism Board; Memphis Tourism Board; Kansas City BBQ Association;'The Grand Barbecue', Doug Worgul, Kansas City Star Books; www.3men.com

The U. S. Virgin Islands: America's Caribbean Paradise..."So Nice, So Nice"

Ever since I was a teen and I took my first trip to the Caribbean, I have been enamored and fascinated by the tropical island lifestyle. From the palm trees, to 'da occent mon,' something about the calypso sounds of the steel pan, the warm trade winds, the white sand beaches and the friendly people of the islands has always given me a feeling of peace and well being. I love the lifestyle, the food, the serenity of it all. I have been  enraptured by all things tropical now for well over.....ahh, ok, there's no real need to get technical. You get the picture! Take 10 days on any tropical island in the Caribbean and by the middle of your first week of white sands, crystalline waters, a few Island Rum drinks and you can't help but to achieve what Michael, a friend of mine who is a native Bahamian calls, the "pace of the Caribbean." He states, "Here in paradise mon, everyteen ees stopped, but steeel moovin."

It's no wonder that so many people across the globe think of nowhere else to go with their vacations than to the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. What some Americans tend to overlook, is the fact that we have a part of paradise that we call our own, The U.S. Virgin Islands. No passport needed here, just your driver's license and some sun block. That is, of course if, you are an American citizen. More and more, vacationers are discovering these jewels of the Caribbean. So without further ado let's explore...

St. Thomas

 

Charlotte Amalie

In 1671, Danish settlers created a permanent colony on St. Thomas, the capital of the US. Virgin Islands and most cosmopolitan of the three islands, which boasts a colorful history of swashbuckling pirates. They named the colony after their queen, Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, built Fort Christian and established plantations. Charlotte Amalie, which showcases some of the best displays of colonial architecture anywhere in the Caribbean, was actually Denmark's second largest city in the 1840s.

Along the waterfront, centuries old warehouses that once contained molasses, rum and spices are now filled with hundreds of duty free shops. Great sights abound also, with a view of Hassel Island, located in the middle of one of the Caribbeans largest and busiest deep water ports. 125 of this little island's 135 acres is now owned by the Virgin Islands National Park.

Havensight

Havensight is an area two miles east of Charlotte Amalie. It is the location of one of the island's cruise ship terminals, as well as many shops, and the Havensight mall. St. Thomas is one of the most cruise-ship visited islands in the Caribbean and has some of the best duty free shopping in this part of the world. About 1.5 million cruise ship passengers land here each year.

Fort Christian

The fort was constructed in the 1600s by the Danish government who occupied the small Caribbean island. As the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this fort has served as a town center, a government building, and a jail. It currently holds the St. Thomas Museum, which includes artifacts and art of the Danish period.

The 99 Steps

There are actually 103. Starting on Government Hill and ending right above Haagenhouse, this is a very popular attraction and when you reach the top, you'll find Blackbeard's Castle. Bricks to build the steps were brought from Denmark as ballast in the hold of many sailing ships.

Coki Beach

One of the most popular beaches the island has to offer is Coki Beach, famed for its crystal clear waters and home to Coral World. Here you can rent snorkels and explore the crags and caves of corals reefs located just off the beach and see all kinds of tropical reef fish. If you visit, this beach, be sure to check out some of the marvelous driftwood carvings and custom hand crafted sandals with Peter Eloi. Tell him Lou sent you.

Magen's Bay

St. Thomas is also home to one of the top ten beaches in the world, at # 5 last we checked, Magen's Bay. Shaped like a heart and located on the North Atlantic side of the island, Magen's Bay is a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly a mile. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Entrance fee to the beach is four dollars per person. Legend has it, Sir Francis Drake used the bay as an anchorage while waiting for ships to plunder.

Paradise Point

One of the very cool things to do, is take the Sky Ride up 700 feet to the crest of Flag Hill, to a spot called Paradise Point, where views at sunset from the observation deck are spectacular. There is also a 1/4 mile hiking trail for the more adventurous, which will take you approximately 100 feet higher than the observation deck. You'll be greeted along the way by wild parrots, mongoose, iguanas and geckos. There is a bar and grill at the top for casual lunches or a tropical drink or two as you check out the stunning views of the harbor.

Dining

Carribean Patties

Caribbean patties

Johnnycake

Excellent restaurants abound all throughout the island with cuisines ranging from Caribbean and Dutch to classical French, but for me, the real taste of the islands is located around the many little shops of Market Square. It is here that you can get fresh made Caribbean patties (like an empanada or pastiche), containing either saltfish (cod), chicken and beef, or wonderfully warm Johnnycakes and superb Guava-berry Tarts, that are sold sometimes from the trunks of cars or from the many food trucks in and around the market. My favorite for breakfast was a nice saltfish pattie with a hot steaming cup of coffee followed by a buttery Johnnycake! Now 'dats island eatin', mon!

St. John

In 1956 Lawrence Rockefeller, through the non-profit organization Jackson Hole Inc., donated 5000 acres of land on St. John to the National Park Service. On August 2nd of the same year, the United States Congress passed legislation to establish the Virgin Islands National Park. The legislation stipulated that the Park's holdings on St. John could not exceed 9,485 acres. St. John contains a total of 12,500 acres. In 1962 the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park were expanded to include 5,650 offshore areas consisting of submerged lands and waters and containing a significant amount of coral reefs, shorelines and marine life. In 1978 the Park again expanded to include Hassel Island, a small island located in St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The park service today continues to protect the natural and historic treasures of Hassel Island and St. John.

Cruz Bay

A short ferry ride from St. Thomas is it's little sister island, St John. Just 20 square miles , it is home of the Virgin Islands State Park and surrounded by some of the best and most abundant undersea wildlife in the Caribbean, this is the place to experience secluded coves, beaches, sun and sand that is the quintessential picture of a deserted tropical island.

By no means deserted, when you first arrive at Cruz Bay, just a short walk from the dock you are greeted by the visitor's center, boutiques, restaurants and taxis to take you to oneof the many beaches and destinations around the island. Stop by the Marketplace, an all inclusive Caribbean-style palazzo or Mongoose Junction, for excellent shopping and dining. The real attraction here, though, is the State Park and the beaches.

Trunk Bay

Voted the second most beautiful beach in the world, this little spot of paradise is home to a famed underwater snorkel trail. It is everything you could hope for in a tropical beach, with pristine sugar white sand and crystal clear waters. Never packed with tourists, it is very easy to find a secluded patch of beach behind on of the many trees that overhang the shoreline and relax while enjoying the warm waters.

Hawksnest Bay

This beautiful bay is the site of scenes shot for one of my favorite movies starring Alan Alda, The Four Seasons.

Virgin Islands State Park

Three fifths of St. John is the national park. This vast natural area is home to over 1000 varieties of plants, including bay rum trees, mahogany forests. Fruit trees such as mango, papaya, genip and plantain and at least 20 different types of orchids. There are many different trails and most information can be accessed at the Visitor's Center in Cruz Bay. If you rent a jeep to explore the island, don't be surprised if goats and donkeys and other wildlife from the forest greet your jeep. Some of the most spectacular water views you will ever encounter await you around every turn.

Annaberg Plantation Ruins

Built from 1797 to 1803 The Annaberg Sugar Plantation is a well preserved example of colonial industry. It produced Sugar, Molasses and Rum. Staff offers presentations a few times a week, or explore on your own. Nightlife is scarce, if any at all, as this islands main attraction is a relaxing day soaking up the sun and sand of one of the 'Jewels of the Caribbean"

St. Croix

Known for its plethora of historic treasures, this is the largest of the Virgin Islands at twenty-eight miles long and seven miles across. Christopher Columbus landed here on the Salt River on his 2nd voyage in 1493, naming the island Santa Cruz. After buying the island from the French in 1733, the Dutch planned more than 300 sugar plantations for the island, which resulted in great fortunes for those plantation owners who converted the cane into rum, sugar and molasses. America's first trade secretary, Alexander Hamilton, grew up here learning about foreign currency as an orphan working for a Christiansted merchant. Point Udall here is the easternmost point of the United States.

Christiansted

This unique Caribbean town looks almost exactly as it did in the 18th century with graceful arcades. Yellow brick is used in most of the buildings having come from Denmark as ballast in sugar and rum sailing ships. Shops and restaurants lead to a boardwalk on the north.

Fort Christiansvaern

Completed by the Dutch in 1749 for protection from pirates, you can tour this historic site.

The Steeple Building

 
This landmark was built in 1743 and was St Croix's first Lutheran Church. Two Sunday services were held each week. One in Danish and the second in Dutch-Creole for non whites.

The Government House

The Royal Danish government purchases and joined together two private homes in 1771 to create the administrative base for the Danish West Indies and is the St. Croix residence of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Frederiksted

Located on the west side of the island, this town also serves as St. Croix's Seaport. Established in 1751 and named after King Frederik V.

Fort Frederick

Finished in 1760, this was the western defense of the island.

Cruzan Rum

Rum has been made here for over 300 years and is made nearby at the Cruzan Distillery. Tours are offered Monday thru Friday. Yes, yes all you rum lovers, a sample is included in the tour!

I hope you have enjoyed this little trip to the Islands. 

Bon Appetit,

Lou

Sources; www.visitusvi.com,  www.virgin-islands-on-line.com, www.worldatlas.com, en.wikipedia.org, www.stjohnusvi.com, www.stcroixtourism.com