Sure we expect restaurants to come and go, especially on an island 1,000 miles out to sea, but somehow when a place like
actually does sell it seems like a passing that should be noted. Have you ever sat on the curbside during one of their happy hours? Or, passed by wishing that you were there (or wondering why in the world it is always so packed???). Regardless of whether you are a Woody's regular or have just passed by, if you have been to St John you know Woody's. According to the current owners Woody's regulars should not fret, the new owners - Paul and Scott - promise "that nothing will change"...
Just last year, at the other end of the island in Coral Bay, a similar event happened. Many thought the world would end when it was announced that the
nearly
world famous
was sold to long-time manager Doug Bean and his wife Jaime Elliot (on April Fool's day no less!). While they have added a wonderful smoker and now - occasionally, offer great smoked shoulder, brisket, and even oysters!
The smoker at Skinny Legs has been a great addition
What has not changed, and hopefully never will, are the
atmosphere
which is very family friendly and their
commitment of supporting the community
. Stop by on the way home from the beach or spend the evening listening to music.
These two 'institutions' of St John make our island the happy and funky place that we love.
These shots were taken just south of where Great Expectations is located
March not only brings whales to our waters, but mega-yachts also have been spotted around St John recently. News of St John blogged this photo taken by St John Captain John who pilots the charter boat Palm Tree. The owner of this small craft that measures a mere 288 feet is Mark Cuban (owner of Landmark Theaters). One would guess that the 35 crew aboard can and do cater to his every need. Rumor has it that Paul McCarthy and Bruce Springsteen were spotted on another mega-yacht, The Rising Sun belonging to David Geffen, which was moored just off Honeymoon Beach. Ah, what a life!
St John is once again in the news as the 'go-to' island. USA Travel writer, Melanie Renzulli, has declared the US Virgin Islands and St John, in particular, 
You know you are in the Caribbean when three of the top blogs and newspapers on St John feature a new brew! And, why not, since the new offering comes from our own St John Brewer's and is a key ingredient for the favorite tropical drink...the Dark & Stormy! The St John Brewers have been serving up, on tap, their home made Ginger Beer at their pub for a long-time, but they have just perfected the bottling of it and the Ginger Beer will be distributed to a larger market throughout the Virgin Islands (yes, you must make a trip to the Virgin Islands to taste this, but it will be worth the trip...).
The latest issue of 
Carnival season has begun in the Virgin Islands. St Croix ends the 'old year' and starts the 'new year' with its Festival. This year's activities were, as usual, spectacular. The next Festival will be on St Thomas during the month of April. St John rounds out the activities for the Virgin Islands with its 
Rumored for years but it finally happened: Maho Bay Campgrounds was sold! Just as the clock struck twelve on the old year, the deal was sealed so says the island's rumor mill. No one knows for sure who the buyer of the spectacular site is for a steal of a price ($13.9 million), but we can all hope that it is someone who appreciates the beauty of St John who believes in preservation. The Campgrounds is open until May 15 after which they plan the biggest 'garage sale' in the history of St John. If you are interested in a propane burner, tent, table, or other camping gear contact the 
