Preparing for Fall & Winter - You compared to St. John

How do you want to prepare for Fall and Winter?

snowblowers and rakes

or 

paddle boards and pool floats

What's your choice?

Fall has officially arrived and sweaters are at the ready. We have noticed that Christmas decorations are already for sale at the stores so the winter's snow cannot be far behind! Fear not, there is relief available -- plan your next trip to St John. Just having a reservation 'in your pocket' will warm your hearts and help get you through those long, cold nights. Contact ustoday to find out about availability at Great Expectations, rated the #1 villa on St John. We only have 3 weeks available this Winter and 4 weeks available next Summer. If you are planning to come with a large group you might also want to schedule time now for 2017! It is never too early to reserve time at Great Expectations.

October St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• The federal government is making flying out of the St Thomas (STT) airport a tad bit easier. We understand that passengers are no longer required to fill out Custom Forms when going through US Customs. Mind you, passengers still have to go through Customs and the Customs official will ask you the same questions that are on the form. We guess the Government just wants to save a few trees in the process.

• Having saved a moment or two by not filling out a form, American Airlines is taking it from us! We understand from the same source (On-StJohn) that if you are flying American Airlines and are to check a bag departing the St Thomas airport, American Airlines is advising all their passengers to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Starting this month their ticket counter will reportedly close 90 minutes prior to the flight departure time! Bring that good beach book with you so you can occupy your time waiting for your plane to depart and try some of the great local dishes available at the restaurant in the airport waiting room or do some last minute duty-free shopping for liquor, perfume, or jewelry in the waiting area shops.

• Speaking of great eating and shopping, News of St John reports that two new restaurants and a new store have opened in Cruz Bay on St John. They are:

  • The Dock - Located at the former Cafe Livin' and will be operated by the popular High Tide Restaurant

  • Extra Virgin - Located at the location of the former Fatty Crab Restaurant. Extra Virgin will offer small plates, salads and entrees ranging from $32 - $38. They will also emphasize fresh herbs and ingredients.

  • Just Beach - Located in Mongoose Junction Just Beach has all your 'go to' beach items including snorkel gear (to purchase or rent), sunscreen, sunglasses and, of course, practical beachwear. The owner is a long time St John resident who also owns and manages several other successful retail outlets including Island Fancy and Bougainvillea Shop.

Love St John? Love great food? This is an event for you!

The Rotary Club of St John throws a mean party! This event, Flavors of St John, has become one of the most popular go to events of the year.  This year mark November 24 on your calendar.  You can buy tickets on-line or at many of the local businesses (e.g. St John Hardware, Connections, or Chelsea Drugstore).  

Just think you can have an entire gourmet dinner complete with plenty of liquid refreshments and know that you are supporting the Rotary's college scholarship program and their other great community services. 

You can enjoy - and judge - appetizers, entrees, desserts, and, of course the island's best adult beverages.  Here is a sampling as captured by the wonderful island photographer Yelena Rogers:

A delicate scallop to start

Enjoy the delicious fare from famed Asolare

Save room for the sweets

Not going to be on St John November 24? Well, that is a shame, but please consider contributing on-line to support the Rotary's good works for St John's children. 

Great night on St John for another good cause...

We cannot resist any opportunity to encourage people not only to have a great time on St John but to do so while benefiting a wonderful St John organization so get yourself out to the 'Bar Wars' on St John next week (Saturday July 28).  The proceeds of the evening will benefit the Animal Care Center of St John and who cannot appreciate helping our pooches and kitties?

St Johnian's need a vacation too! Restaurant closing list for summer & fall published...

St John restaurant closing list 

August, September, October 2012*

Don't worry it is only for a short time!

St John Spice has posted her annual 'Summer/Fall Closings' restaurant list* and, as predicted, many hard working St Johnian's are taking their well deserved vacations.  Do not fret if you are coming to St John during August or September, there are still plenty of great restaurants open and, lots of private chef service options.  Some of the best meals we have ever had on St John are right at home at our Villa overlooking the Caribbean sea!

How about looking at this view while dining?

*As indicated on the list, best to call to confirm the schedule.  Sometimes the vacation is shortened...and, sometimes, it is extended.  As with many things on St John schedules are 'flexible'!  Remember, this is the islands 'mon!

If you drink & drive in the Virgin Islands watch out - it is now a problem 'mon!

St John Source reports:

VIPD Announces Drunk Driving Crackdown

BY JUSTIN SHATWELL — JUNE 18, 2012 

Corporal Uston Cornelius announces the drunk driving crackdown.

The top brass of the V.I. Police Department came together in a Monday press conference warning Virgin Island residents that drunk driving will not be tolerated over the Fourth of July holiday.

Operating under the slogan, “Drive sober or get pulled over,” the department will launch a crackdown operation on impaired driving on the days surrounding the holiday. Police officials said their tactics will include sobriety checkpoints, roving and saturation patrols, and other methods.

“We have a zero tolerance policy,” said Deputy Chief Dwayne DeGraffe. “We’re not going to give you a break. We’re going to lock you up, put you away for driving under the influence.

Naturally the police did not specify exactly where or when the checkpoints will be operating, but DeGraffe did disclose that his officers would be paying particularly close attention to people traveling between St. Thomas and St. John.

“We will have traffic points at both ends of the Red Hook dock. We’ll have traffic points on the waterfront area where all boats lead to St. John,” he said, adding later, “We’re going to be checking you before you go to St. John and we’re going to be checking you after you come from St. John.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays to be on the road. In 2010, 392 people were killed in traffic crashes in the United States on the days surrounding the holiday.

“While these fatalities are devastating, they are fully preventable,” said Police Commissioner Henry W. White Jr. “Contrary to popular belief, planning ahead does not mean you can’t still have fun. It means nothing more than taking responsibility in making a decision to keep you, your loved ones and everyone on the road safe.”

White said citizens should designate a sober driver before the party begins or use a taxi to get home. He also encouraged people to prevent their friends from driving drunk and, if they see a drunk driver on the road, to notify the police.

Those caught driving drunk could face jail time and lose their licenses. White said violators could also face a financial burden from court costs, accident liability and from high insurance premiums in the future.

“In the end, the consequences of driving impaired are simply not worth the risk,” he said. “So make sure to plan ahead before the celebration begins.”

May happenings on St John

May News flashes & fun St John clips:

• Spring marks the start of Carnival season in the Virgin Islands which is always exciting. St Thomas celebrated the 60th anniversary and did it in style this April. The St Thomas Carnival Ritual Dancers (picture to the right) were spectacular as usual. This year's theme of 'A Celebration for the World to See' highlighted past and present cultural events, food, music and dancing. The young ones had their special day with the Children's Fair and, as usual, there were lots of activities for the adults. The month long celebration culminated with J'Ouvert, a mile long street party, which started at 4 AM. Flat bed trucks overflowing with equipment, speakers, bands, dancers belted out music and dance moves as though the month long festivities were just starting! St John was represented by Cool Sessions Brass Steel Band which led the large band procession. St John's s Carnival season begins early June and ends with with a great parade and fireworks on July 4.
   
• Wagapapalooza, St John Animal Care Center's wonderfully fun dog show and important fundraiser to support the Center's activities, will be held this year on May 19 from 5 - 9 PM at the ball park in Cruz Bay. If you cannot come, you candonate online and support the pooches of St John!      
   
• Restaurant happenings: Moonshine Steak & Seafood is to open this month in the same great location as Cactus on the Blue (right on the waterfront with fabulous views) with the same owners but a radically different look and menu. Moonshine aims to be an upscale venue.  Another wonderful new waterfront bar is Motu (picture to right) which is located on the porch in front of the brand new building housing Low Key Watersports. The owners are planning jazz and old time beach music and hope that they will be able to attract private parties. We think it looks like a great place to host your wedding reception or family celebration! When you find yourself in Coral Bay a new must experience restaurant is Ekaete Pink Corner featuring true Caribbean foods including roti, curry goat or curry chicken, BBQ ribs, local juices including mauby, plum, sorrel, tamarind, and golden apple, and of course, smoothies and homemade ice-cream. Yumm!
   
• New Cruz Bay store: Waterbase at Wharfside Village opens offering paddleboard lessons and rentals and island-centric clothing. The owner, Pretlow Majette, is a pro and seasoned St John retailer who also owns the popular Big Planet, Made in St John and Shade eyeware.
   
• Our reviews continue to be fabulous (we rank #1 on Trip Advisor out of more than 400 St John villas) and we thank our guests for taking the time to tell others of their trip and stay at Great Expectations. It continues to be a pleasure for us!

Come to St John - and Great Expectations - to find for yourself why St John becomes an obsession!

Best,

Chuck & Kristin

owners of Great Expectations

P.S. Check out our availability; we still have a few weeks available during this coming summer and fall. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

Now available on St John - new fall happenings

St John - where a picture is worth a 1,000 words!

Cover of Steve Simonsen's 2012 St John calendar
It is true that Steve is an amazing artist. His photographer's eye is very special yet so is his landscape! This is the 6th year Steve has produced a calendar and this year's result is in a word - stunning! Both landscape and underwater scenes capture the magic of St John. Each month is more delicious than the last one. Having this hang in your home or office during the cold winter months will surely take a bit of chill out of the winter's air -- that is, until you can get to St John yourself! These calendar's can be purchased at several stores on St John or through Steve's on-line store. Until you get the calendar or visit St John yourself, you might enjoy peeking at our webcam which, hopefully, will entice you make a reservation for your St John vacation.If you are more of a graphic artist type of person you might also enjoy the work of another fabulous St John artist. Elaine Estern is, among other things, a wonderful watercolorist who has also been producing St John calendars for a number of years.
The title of this one says it all: 'Living the Dream'Elaine's calendar is also available on St John at her studio as well as in other shops or on-line; and, when on St John her studio is a must-see.