Clean off those grills, stock up on some hotdogs and sunscreen – Memorial Day is fast approaching! Whether you are a local gearing up for the long weekend or a visitor enjoying a relaxing break on our island, we hope you enjoy the official start of summer!

In case you’re looking for things to do and see over the holiday weekend, we’ve put together some of our top picks:

Coconut Cup SUP Festival: May 21st – 24th

The 2nd Annual Coconut Cup Festival is a three-day Stand Up Paddleboarding festival consisting of several WPA point races. You can register for the event at Paddleguru.com!

Reef Jam: May 24^th

Reef Jam if an annual music fundraiser at Rainbow Beach that features all local artists, guest speakers, community organizations, a Reeftivity Zone where children can play tons of fun reef-related games, and can learn how to snorkel, and of course tons of information about our reefs and why they are so important. Funds raised at the annual event are given back to the community in the form of Mini-Grants for projects that support the Reef Jam mission.

Centerline would like to join in on the fun with our very first social media photo contest! Simply post a picture of how you are celebrating the Memorial Day weekend, tag any of our Centerline pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and include the hashtag #MemorialDaySTX. Photos with the most likes will win a $25 gift certificate on your next rental with Centerline!

Finally, as a closing, it is important to note that Memorial Day is much more than a sun-tanning, barbequing day off – it is a holiday to remember and honor those that have bravely fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. In memory of many, in honor of all – we thank you.

The drive alone is a great introduction to the awesome views that Point Udall offers. Point Udall, St. Croix US Virgin Islands is the easternmost point in the United States and its territories by travel.  Route 82 East takes you to this amazing lookout point. At the beginning of your journey to Point Udall, you are able to see Buck Island Reef National Monument in the distance on your left and rolling hills on the right.  At the top of Point Udall is a sundial known as the Millennium Monument built for the New Year’s celebration in 2000 that was in commemoration of the first U.S. sunrise of the new millennium. Point Udall is named for Stewart Udall, former US Secretary of the Interior under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

After you get to Point Udall and hop out of your vehicle, the Caribbean Sea welcomes you with beautiful blue waters. Foamy waves crash against rugged rocks at the bottom of the hill. The beauty does not end with the views at Point Udall. A great hike down the hill will take you to Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay beaches where you can absorb your fair share of vitamin D while you lay in the soft sand. The path starts on the right side of the road just before you get to the Millennium Monument. The Nature Conservancy protects both beaches. The beaches are also turtle nesting sites, so remember to have fun and be careful especially during nesting season.

Whether it’s to be the first in the U.S. to experience the rising sun, a day trip that includes a hike to gorgeous beaches, or a spontaneous mini photo-shoot with friends and family, Point Udall is an attraction that can be the beginning of many amazing memories. The perfect time to visit Point Udall is around New Years. Pencil in Point Udall on your itinerary to ensure a perfect getaway. What better way to ring in the New Year than to be that first person to witness the first U.S. sunrise of 2015? A big bonus is that on St. Croix the New Year is kicked off with many festivities like our Three Kings Day parades, food fairs and other events that will give you a taste of our delicious local flavor.  Come join us and add to the flavor of St. Croix’s melting pot.

When you get to Point Udall, take a picture or two and share it with us on our Facebook page.

Remember take only photos and leave only footprints… Contact us if you need a ride!

History comes alive when you walk through the grounds of Estate Whim Plantation and the St. George Village Botanical Garden.  At one point St. Croix was home to more than 250 plantations or estates and for 200 years the island was dedicated to the production of sugar. Drive around the island today and you can find ruins of these old plantations. You will also find a few plantation watchhouses.  These small 8′ x 10′ structures no longer exist on St. Thomas and St. John so you only find them on St. Croix.  There are a number of restored, mostly private, plantations including Sprat Hall, the oldest planation on St. Croix, Butler Bay, Estate Little Princess, Estate Mount Washington, Estate Whim, and Estate St. George.

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.

We love the tranquil beauty of Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge. Because of the fragile eco system – it is home to one of only two significant populations of the St. Croix Ground Lizard – the island itself is closed to the public. While no one is allow on the island, kayaking and snorkeling around the island offers adventure and beauty for all ages.

Most often we head out from Green Cay Marina. Tamarind Reef Beach Resort rents kayaks at the Beach Shack – say hi to Mimi and tell her we sent you!

The trip across from the marina entrance is easier if you head out on light wind, calm sea day, but if you are more experienced in a kayak and up for a little workout the trip is manageable most any day.

Once you leave the marina entrance you will want to point your kayak northeast – toward Buck Island. If you are planning to circumnavigate the island, this route takes you upswell and upwind first. That ensures you hit the most challenging portion of the trip first, while you are still fresh.

Then, work your way around the island and enjoy the scenery. Some think the rock formations on the northern side of the island are reminiscent of the ancient Easter Island statues – just in shape alone though. You be the judge.

If you are feeling a little Cousteau and you would like to explore the snorkeling around the island – it is gorgeous. We do recommend discussing that with the folks at Tamarind Reef Beach Shack. The water conditions and your individual experience are key to developing a snorkel plan that best suits your needs.

We have circumnavigated the island by snorkel many times and the views include amazing underwater rock formations, huge sea fans and heaps of discarded conch shells.  Again, your individual aptitude and the prevailing sea conditions can make or break this expedition, so do check in with the experts at Tamarind Reef Beach Shack.

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.