COMMISSIONER'S COLUMN

What do you do when you visit the destination ranked #1 on Lonely Planet's list "Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012"?

Whether you're heading to cosmopolitan St. Thomas, tranquil St. John or cultural St. Croix, the options are unending!

St. Thomas' newest attraction will send chills down your spine! At the newly opened Magic Ice Gallery, you'll see a variety of intricate ice sculptures, an ice slide for children and an ice-bar serving up cocktails made with our own Cruzan rum.

If you've always wanted to explore St. John's underwater life without actually getting wet, we have the perfect activity for you - Discovery Undersea Reef Tour's new glass bottom boat excursions. The boat's submerged bottom level has 20 picture windows to allow guests an up-close view of various tropical reefs and fish without having to get in the water.

On St. Croix, it's only a matter of time before the Captain Morgan Rum distillery's welcome center opens its doors to the public. The spring 2012 opening will give visitors a chance to learn how about the history of Captain Morgan Rum, see how rum is made and take tours of the plant.

There's a lot to look forward to in the USVI in 2012! To see what events we have happening in January and February, keep reading below. And don't forget to see what Lonely Planet has to say about the USVI on their list of Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012: to http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76941

Here's a glimpse at the activities in store for January and February

January 1
NEW YEAR'S DAY

January 6
THREE KINGS DAY
Many communities in the Virgin Islands celebrate this holiday, also known as Epiphany or Dia de lost Reyes Magos

January 6-7
Crucian Christmas Festival Parades, St. Croix
From December through the beginning of January, the streets of St. Croix come alive with music jamborees, cultural fairs and vendors selling local treats. Carnival celebrations culminate with the children's parade on Friday, January 6 and the adult's parade on Saturday, January 7, when masqueraders hit the streets in full costume. For more information: www.stxfestival.com

January 14
Art Show, Gallery St. Thomas
The show will feature the works of Avelino Samuel, David Hill and Trudi Gilliam. Shows are on Friday nights from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. For more information: (340) 777-636, or visit www.gallerystthomas.com

January 16
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

January 19
Art Thursdays, St. Croix
Visitors and residents are invited to join the fun as Christiansted art galleries, retail shops and restaurants stay open late for a series of gallery walks. The purpose of the event is to strengthen and invigorate the St. Croix art community. Visitors can explore the art venues, shop, and enjoy dinner or drinks in Christiansted from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information: www.gotostcroix.com

January 20
Arts Alive Concert, St. Thomas
Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio – Swing/Jazz
The Arts Alive Concerts occur throughout the year at Tillett Gardens. Typically, a prix fixe dinner is offered before each concert, and the artist's studios are open during intermissions. Both seasonal and individual tickets are available for the 8:00 p.m. performance. For more information: (340) 775-1929 or visit www.tillettfoundation.org

January 20-21
Candlelight Concert, Estate Whim, St. Croix
New York Empire Trio
This series includes world-class classical music performances under the famous candlelit chandelier in the Whim Plantation Museum Great House. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and include a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception with the musicians. For more information: (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com

January 22
St. Croix Scenic 50, St. Croix
The St. Croix Scenic 50 is the island's annual "ultramarathon" (exceeds a full 26.2 mile marathon). The 50-mile endurance run will take contenders from Fort Christiansvaern to Fort Frederik and back, ending at Mermaid Beach. The route promises to be as challenging as it is beautiful with scenic views of the entire island. For more information: www.stcroix50.com

January 22-February 25
Ridge 2 Reef Sustainable Farming Pathways, St. Croix
Empowering Community Session
The Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute hosts a series through October, which teaches participants how to develop a practical skill for creating productive agricultural communities, while maintaining the health of the ecosystem. This hands-on class will teach students everything they need to know about sustainable farming. Empowering Community is the first session and lasts through February 25. For more information: www.visfi.org

January 27
Grow and Learn, St. George Village Botanical Garden, St. Croix
These educational workshops are hosted by different presenters each month. Workshop topics center on how participants can use their garden most efficiently. For more information: (340) 692-2874 or visit www.sgvbg.org

January 28
Women's Coalition Charity Art Auction, St. Croix
The Women's Coalition of St. Croix hosts this event which features live music and a unique collection of items. Elegant attire is requested, and food will be served. For more information: (340) 773-9272 or visit www.wcstx.com

January 28
Fourth Annual Beard Contest, St. Croix
Each year, the Krewe de Croix Beard Team and Blackbeard's Adventure Tours partner up to host the Beard Contest. The theme this year is "Pirates and Princesses in Paradise." The event will take place at the bottom of Queen Cross Street in Christiansted, near the Caravelle Hotel. For more information: www.bigbeards.com

January 29
Historic Ruins Ramble/Places that Matter, St. Croix
These educational hikes will teach visitors about St. Croix's history and culture on guided walks through the hidden ruins of old plantations from the 17th and 18th centuries. The tour begins at 3:00 p.m. and the cost is $15 per person. Refreshments follow each session. For more information: (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com

February 1, 8, 15 and 25
House Tours, St. Croix
Since 1954, St. Croix homeowners have been graciously sharing their homes, furnishings and gardens with residents and visitors alike. This year, the St. Croix Landmarks Society celebrates 58 years of House Tours. Contemporary and Antique Estate Houses will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information: (340) 772-0598

February 7
St. John Film Society Free Monthly Film Series, St. John
The St. John Film Society has been selected to host the 2011-2012"On Screen/In Person" film series sponsored by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. There will a great selection of films for viewers to experience, including this month's film "Concrete, Steel, and Paint." For more information: www.stjohnfilm.com

February 8
Arts Alive Concert, St. Thomas
Red Molly– Acoustic/Bluegrass/Folk
The Arts Alive Concerts occur throughout the year at Tillett Gardens. Typically, a prix fixe dinner is offered before each concert, and the artist's studios are open during intermissions. Both seasonal and individual tickets are available for the 8:00 p.m. performance. For more information: (340) 775-1929 or visit www.tillettfoundation.org

February 10-11
Candlelight Concert, Estate Whim, St. Croix
Dr. Adele Allen & Friends
This series includes world-class classical music performances under the famous candlelit chandelier in the Whim Plantation Museum Great House. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and include a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception with the musicians. For more information: (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com

February 10-12
Water Island Classical Music Festival, Water Island
World class musicians perform for three nights as concerts are held throughout the weekend. Admission to the concerts is free, but contributions to the musicians are encouraged. Transportation to Water Island is via ferry from St. Thomas. For more information: (340) 774-2635

February 11
Art Show, Gallery St. Thomas
The show will feature the works of Kimberly Boulon, David Millard and Jerilee Roberts. Shows are on Friday nights from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. For more information: (340) 777-636, www.gallerystthomas.com

February 11-12
Golden Hook Challenge, St. Croix
This tournament is hosted by the Golden Hook Fishing Club. The organization encourages saltwater game fishing while instilling an awareness of marine life conservation. For more information: (340)690-8252 or visit www.fishstx.com

February 11-12
American Cancer Society Relay for Life, St. John
This community event hosted by the American Cancer Society celebrates cancer survivors, caregivers and remembers loved ones lost to the disease. Starting at 4:00 pm, the event involves a walk, run or jog course, music, performers and children's activities, a Survivor Dinner from 6-8 p.m. and Luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. The relay concludes at 10 am on February 12. For more information: (340) 690-2186 (to form a team), (340) 244-1185 (to volunteer for the event) or visit www.stjohnrelayforlife.org

February 12
Antiques, Arts and Collectibles Auction, St. Thomas
Held in the MCM Center at Antilles School, this annual event is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to bid on interesting and unusual items to benefit the St. Thomas Synagogue, a 179-year-old historic landmark. Previews of the lots take place on the day before the official auction. For more information: www.synagogue.typepad.com

February 12
Starving Artists Day, Frederiksted, St. Croix
Held twice each year at the Estate Whim Museum, this fun family day brings the grounds to life with local arts and crafts vendors. The festival also features Crucian food and drink, local plants and produce stalls and live musical performances and DJ sets. For more information: (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com

February 14
Annual "Celebration of Love," St. John
Since 2003, more than 620 couples have assembled on Trunk Bay Beach on Valentine's Day for this free, sunset vow-renewal ceremony. Led by well-known officiate Anne Marie Porter, the annual event features flute music and other surprise treats to complement the seaside setting and each couple receives a certificate of marriage re-affirmation. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information: (888) 676-5701, (340) 693-5153 or visit www.re-marryyourmate.com

February 16
Art Thursdays, St. Croix
Visitors and residents are invited to join the fun as Christiansted art galleries, retail shops and restaurants stay open late for a series of gallery walks. The purpose of the event is to strengthen and invigorate the St. Croix art community. Visitors can explore the art venues, shop, and enjoy dinner or drinks in Christiansted from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information: www.gotostcroix.com

February 17-20
Annual Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament, St. Thomas
Presented by the St. Thomas Yacht Club, the Chrysler Cup Tournament ranks as one of the finest in the Caribbean and is the only event sanctioned in the Virgin Islands by the United States Tennis Association. Sponsored by the Chrysler Group and the USVI Department of Tourism, the prize money totals $13,000 and is offered in both the Open and "B" Divisions. For more information: (340) 775-6320 or visit www.styc.net

February 18
"Viva Argentina!" – 4th Annual Fundraiser, St. Thomas
Come and enjoy all things Argentina at the annual Arts Alive fundraiser! There will be a wine tasting with several Argentinean wines furnished by Jimmy Gallivan. Art by local artists inspired by the theme Viva Argentina! will be for sale to benefit Arts Alive. Cost is $35 per person. For more information: www.tillettfoundation.org

February 18-20
St. Croix Agrifest, St. Croix
One of the largest events in the Caribbean region's agricultural calendar, this annual fair attracts farmers and craftspeople from across the islands. The fair includes a craft market, fruit and produce market, live music, cooking exhibitions and other fun events. For more information: (340) 692-4060 or visit www.viagrifest.org

February 20
PRESIDENT'S DAY

February 25
16th Annual "Eight Tuff Miles" Road Race, St. John
This course begins and ends at sea level and reaches an elevation of 999 ft. There is approximately 1400 ft. of elevation gain in the first 5 1/2 miles and then it's back to sea level. The course actually measures 8 3/8 miles and begins at 7:15 a.m. For more information: (340) 779-4035 or visit www.8tuffmiles.com

February 25
Grow and Learn, St. George Village Botanical Garden, St. Croix
These educational workshops are hosted by different presenters each month. Workshop topics center on how participants can use their garden most efficiently. For more information: (340) 692-2874 or visit www.sgvbg.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Watercolor Class with Lucinda O'Connell, St. Thomas
Use your imagination and have fun while creating your own watercolor painting. Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bleuwater Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Coconut Cove Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton. Fee is $65 per person. Contact 340-514-2432 or lucinda@islands.vi for details.

Martini Mondays, St. Croix
Enjoy 2-for-1 martinis at The Beach Side Café at Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted. St. Croix's beautiful west end sunset is included! Call (340) 772-1205 for more information or to make a reservation.

Steak and Ale, St. Croix
The Fort Christiansted Brew Pub hosts Steak and Ale every Monday night – featuring a fantastic steak dinner and your choice of homemade brews. Call (340) 713-9820 for more information or to make a reservation.

Live Music at Salud! Bistro, St. Croix
Every Friday and Saturday night, guests are invited to hear live music and enjoy delicious food. For more information, call (340) 718-7900 or visit www.saludbistro.com.

Live Jazz, St. Croix
Enjoy live jazz at Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted every Saturday.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. For more information, call (340) 772-1205 or visit www.sandcastleonthebeach.com.

Yoga on Hibiscus Beach, St. Croix
Every Tuesday and Thursday, get a healthy start to your day and practice yoga at Hibiscus Beach from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. All ages welcome. $8 per class. Call (340) 332-3714 to make a reservation.

Tai Chi at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas
Every Friday at 6 p.m., practice Tai Chi at a free class Yacht Haven Grande, near Louis Vuitton. For more information: (340) 774-9500 or visit www.yachthavengrande.com

Zumba at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas
Every Saturday at 9 a.m., enjoy Zumba at a free class Yacht Haven Grande, at the Esplanade. For more information: (340) 774-9500 or visit www.yachthavengrande.com

Yoga at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas
Every Friday at 6:15 p.m., enjoy Yoga at a free class Yacht Haven Grande, at the Esplanade. For more information: (340) 774-9500 or visit www.yachthavengrande.com

Entertainment at Fat Turtle at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas
Every Friday night, Hot Nights features Kenny Floyd Live at 6 p.m. and a DJ Dance Party at 10 p.m. at Fat Turtle at Yacht Haven Grande. For more information: (340) 774-9500 or visit www.yachthavengrande.com

Monday Nights at the Beach Side Café at Sandcastle on the Beach, St. Croix
Martini Mondays features in person the music of Jazzy Blue. For more information: (800) 524-2018 or visit www.sandcastleonthebeach.com

Podcast from Paradise
USVI visitors and locals alike can tune into "Podcast from Paradise" each weekday for a daily dose of U.S. Virgin Islands weather, news highlights and a little music with Alex Randall the "Voice of Paradise." Users can subscribe by visiting www.vinow.com/podcast.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

"Winter USVI Getaway" Offers Travelers from Boston $400 in Savings
The U.S. Virgin Islands is offering travelers from Boston a chance to escape the winter chill for a warm Caribbean respite with its "Winter USVI Getaway" promotion. This exclusive Boston offer is now bookable through January 30, for travel from January 16 through April 8, 2012, and provides visitors who book five nights or more with a $250 instant credit and $150 in certificates toward dining, shopping and activities – representing a total value of $400 in savings.

Explore the "INNtimate Treasures" of the U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands invites travelers to enjoy the unique charm of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix with a more personal and customized experience than ever, thanks to the INNtimate Treasures package. The package includes $50 in attractions and activity coupons, a $50 dining certificate and an eco-friendly, USVI-branded gift bag that includes a bottle of Cruzan Rum and a USVI-branded t-shirt. The INNtimate Treasures promotion is based on a four-night minimum stay and will end when all available packages are sold.

When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel—including on-line check-in—making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Here, U.S. residents receive a $1600 duty-free allowance – the highest in the Caribbean. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

We look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic islands!

Sincerely,
Beverly Nicholson-Doty
Commissioner
United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism