Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2014 Centerline Car Rentals Wish You Were Here? Photo Contest!

And the winner is…

Richard Rossi for his lovely rainbow over Protestant Cay image! Thank you Richard for your entry. We hope you enjoy your winnings. Look for Richard’s image in next month’s Wish You Were Here? feature!!

Imagine the largest seagoing vessel you have seen is a dugout canoe. Then, one day you see this:

Photo credit: The Columbus Foundation

That’s exactly what happened in Salt River Bay in November 1493. But that fateful meeting between Columbus’ sailors and the Taino indigenous war party at Columbus Landing, was far from the beginning of the history of the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

“Every major period of human habitation in the Virgin Islands is represented: several South American Indian cultures, the 1493 encounter with Columbus, Spanish extermination of the Caribs, attempts at colonization by a succession of European nations, and enslaved West Africans and their descendants. More than a dozen major archeological investigations since 1880, together with historical research, reveal this remarkable story. Few places engage the imagination so completely, drawing visitors into the spirit of the place and its beauty and sanctity.” — according to the US National Park Service website for the St. Croix park.

The only Tainan ceremonial ball court or plaza found in the Lesser Antilles is at Salt Bay River. Both ceremonial and recreational, the ball game originated in Mesoamerica. The ball court was excavated by a Danish archaeologist, Gudmund Hatt in 1923. – also from the US National Park Service website 

Today, Salt River serves visitors and locals alike as an entry point to the Caribbean sea for fishing, kayaking and oceanic exploration. The area is home to the Virgin Islands most well-known “bio bay” locations. Kayak tour operators like Caribbean Adventure Tours lead amazing guided kayak tours day and night. The evening tours feature the bio bay – where millions of tiny organisms light up underwater as your kayak glides atop.

To get there from Christiansted, follow the Northside Road (Rte 75) West to Sidney Lee Road/Northshore Road (Rte 80) and turn right. Follow Rte 80 until you see a marina on your right, turn right and the marina and Caribbean Adventure Tours are inside the marina on the right or you can proceed to Columbus Landing and the National Park Service visitor Center by proceeding straight past the marina entrance. Note: the National Park Service Visitor Center is open part of the year by appointment only. Explore the online information before setting out on your historical adventure!

Remember, wherever you may roam on our lovely island of St. Croix, take only photos & leave only footprints…

Contact Us if you need a ride!

About Centerline Car Rentals St. Croix’s “Wish You Were Here?” series:

We set out to offer tips and information designed to help readers enjoy and explore St. Croix. We always recommend that you obey all local laws, know your limits, explore responsibly and have as much fun as possible on our lovely island of St. Croix! Centerline Car Rentals is St. Croix’s largest locally-owned, independent car rental agency.

Of course, we recommend you keep it local when selecting your vehicle for your excursion. Reserve your car online at Centerline Car Rentals and choose from our diverse cars, minivans, trucks, and jeeps for rent and determine your pick up location. We’ll be there, guaranteed. So are you ready to start your road trip? Have a safe trip and remember, keep left.

If you have a chance to view Christiansted town from the harbor, don’t miss it!

The lovely row of pastel buildings lining the newly redone boardwalk is simply Gorgeous. The Old World charm carries back through town as small roads and brick alleyways meander up the hillside.

Once a playground for the likes of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and recently a holiday stop for Martha Stewart, Seth Green and Vice President Joe Biden.

Christiansted town’s eastern waterfront is graced by a well-preserved collection of historic Danish buildings including Fort Christiansvaern and the Steeple building. All managed now by the US National Park Service, these pieces of history offer wonderful insight to St. Croix’s colonial past to visitors and residents.

Definitely a walking town, you can stroll from the Fort (Free Parking until 4:30 pm) into the main business district. There you will find stunning art work in the numerous galleries, quaint restaurants tucked into 18th century brick courtyards and clothing shops offering everything from simple island styles to haute couture. As you make your way through town, remember it is customary to greet people throughout the island with “Good Morning” or Good Afternoon.” This sign of respect for the Crucian culture is always appreciated by residents and vendors throughout Christiansted as well.

Don’t miss a stroll along the Christiansted boardwalk. Dotted restaurants and SCUBA diving operators in action, there is always plenty to do and see along that walkway. Watch for Seaplanes taking off and landing and check out the tarpon in the shallow harbor waters while you grab a leisurely lunch. Or, enjoy the harbor lights and moonrise as you dine, surrounded by Danish Caribbean history.

Out Christiansted location also rents vehicles year-round at the western end of the Christiansted boardwalk – right by the seaplane dock.

Throughout the year a variety of activities light up Christiansted including: Movies at the Fort, Jazz at the Fort, Christiansted Restaurant & Retail Association Jump Ups, Art Thursdays and the Christmas Boat Parade to name a few.

This special town offers a perfect backdrop to any outing. Explore it your way when you visit St. Croix next!

Remember, wherever you may roam on our lovely island of St. Croix, take only photos & leave only footprints…

Contact Us if you need a ride!

About Centerline Car Rentals St. Croix’s “Wish You Were Here?” series:

We set out to offer tips and information designed to help readers enjoy and explore St. Croix. We always recommend that you obey all local laws, know your limits, explore responsibly and have as much fun as possible on our lovely island of St. Croix! Centerline Car Rentals is St. Croix’s largest locally-owned, independent car rental agency.

Of course, we recommend you keep it local when selecting your vehicle for your excursion. Reserve your car online at Centerline Car Rentals and choose from our diverse cars, minivans, trucks, and jeeps for rent and determine your pick up location. We’ll be there, guaranteed. So are you ready to start your road trip? Have a safe trip and remember, keep left.

Thanks to Our Staff & Customers for Making Our Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal Locations A Wonderful Success!!

Here’s a dose of levity for our pals up in the states! We know you need it!! St. Croix has a warm sand, a comfortable beach chair and frosty beverage waiting for you!

We offer this dose of humor in good fun! We always recommend that you obey all local laws, know your limits, explore responsibly and have as much fun as possible on our lovely island of St. Croix! Centerline Car Rentals is St. Croix’s largest locally-owned, independent car rental agency.

Of course, we recommend you keep it local when selecting your vehicle for your Crucian excursion. Reserve your car online at Centerline Car Rentals and choose from our diverse cars, minivans, trucks, and jeeps for rent and determine your pick up location. We’ll be there, guaranteed. So are you ready to start your road trip? Have a safe trip and remember, keep left.