COMMISSIONER'S COLUMN

This spring, "break" away from life’s daily routine by immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and pageantry of Carnival in St. Thomas feasting on delicious local dishes prepared by talented chefs on St. Croix or savoring the quiet tranquility of St. John's National Park. The VI Carnival, St. Croix Food & Wine Experience and Friends of the National Park Seminar Series are just a few of the highlighted events taking place throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands in March and April.

With two great promotions available this spring, it’s easier than ever to get to the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you prefer more intimate accommodations, the islands’ charming and cozy boutique hotels are offering a great deal to inspire a Spring Break getaway. The “Inntimate Treasures” package offers $100 in savings, including $50 in dining certificates and $50 in attractions and activities vouchers, as well as a gift bag with island goodies. If you are headed for the “big island”, the St. Croix Fantastic Flight Promotion offers you a $300 instant credit, the 6th night free, and a $20 match play casino certificate for travel booked before March 31, 2013.

Here's a glimpse at more activities for March and April:

MARCH 2
A Taste of the Nations, St. Thomas
Foodies won’t want to miss the 4th Annual Taste of the Nations, where professional and amateur chefs prepare mouth-watering dishes from around the world, sometimes highlighting a specific country or world region. Hosted by Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), the event gives culinary enthusiasts the chance to purchase taste-sized servings of these creations, as well as trinkets for sale from VIMSIA students who’ll be dressed in traditional attire from various countries. Event takes place 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Yacht Haven Grande. Admission is free, and food tickets cost $15. For more information: Call 340-775-6360.

MARCH 2
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Nature lovers can worship coastal ecology with a ride aboard the m/v Low Key with VINP’s Chief of Natural Resource Management Rafe Boulon, featuring a tour of the island’s mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs. Takes place 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. from the National Park Visitor Center. Cost is $85 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 3
Yacht Haven Grande Farmers Market, St. Thomas
Locovores gather every first and third Sunday at Yacht Haven Grande mega yacht marina to peruse and purchase the bountiful harvests of St. Thomas’ local farmers. For more information: (340) 774-9500.

MARCH 3
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Budding photographers can capture tropical light and landscapes in the park with renowned photographer Steve Simonsen. Takes place 8 a.m. – noon from the Friends of the Park Store. Cost is $55 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 3
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. Thomas
History fans can explore downtown Charlotte Amalie with local historian Felipe Ayala Jr. , touring the 99 Steps and other culturally significant areas, ending at the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum. Takes place 9 - 11 a.m. from Blackbeard’s Castle. Cost is $45 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 6
Arts Alive Concert, St. Thomas
Music lovers looking to enjoy soulful songs will enjoy the blues, gospel and R&B sounds of the Holmes Brothers, presented by Arts Alive Concerts, a series of shows occurring year-round at Tillett Gardens. Guests can reserve a pre-concert dinner at Bistro 4560, and peruse the artist’s studios during intermissions. For more information: www.tillettfoundation.org

MARCH 6
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Arts lovers can learn about native arts and crafts as artist Delroy “Ital” Anthony showcases his creations made from local materials, many of which have historical uses. Takes place 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. from St. John School of the Arts. Cost is $45 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH ( 7-9, 12, 14-16, 19, 21-23)
Pistarckle Theater presents A Raisin in the Sun, St. Thomas
Looking for inspiration? Try this landmark and timeless American play which tells the story of one man’s search for dignity and purpose amidst the prejudice of his times and the objections of his family, who feel his ambition is ill placed. Takes place at the Pistarckle Theater in Tillett Gardens. For more information: (340) 775-7877 and www.pistarckletheater.com

MARCH 8
Art Show, Gallery St. Thomas
Looking for a muse? Try an art show at the Gallery St. Thomas, which specializes in unique local and Caribbean-inspired artwork on Friday nights from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The March 8 show will offer visitors the opportunity to see the works of Aphrodite and Ahmed Alarefi, and discuss them with the artists themselves. For more information: www.gallerystthomas.com

MARCH 8
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. Thomas
Set sail aboard the Castaway Girl II to Buck Island, where sea life fans can swim with sea turtles. Natural Resource Manager Thomas Kelley will teach guests about these amazing creatures which call this beautiful island home, from green to hawksbill turtles. Takes place 1 - 5 p.m. from the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront. Cost is $75 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 8-9
St. Croix Landmarks Society Candlelight Concert Series, St. Croix
Experience renowned classical music performances under the famous candle-lit 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. This concert will feature the exciting sounds of renowned pianist Dr. Solon Pierce, who will perform works by Gunnar Johansen (a friend and colleague of Victor Borges), Joplin, Gershwin, Grainger, Palacios and others. www.stcroixlandmarks.com

MARCH 10
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Looking for offbeat romance or a great way to expand your kids’ horizons? Join astro-mythologist Kelley Hunter with Rich Greengold on telescope for an inspiring blend of star stories and modern astrophysics under the tropical night sky. Star gazers will see everyone’s favorite planet, Saturn, as well as trace constellation shapes. Takes place 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the Annaberg Plantation. Cost is $45 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 12
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Guests looking to stay fit physically and mentally during their USVI vacation can do hiking yoga in the national park. Local yoga guru Lori Walden leads a short hike along the Lind Point trail, pointing out local plants and cactus. Strike a yoga pose while focusing on the scenic beauty of Honeymoon Beach. Takes place 9 a.m. - noon at the National Park Visitor Center. Cost is $45 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 15
Sunset Jazz, Frederiksted, St. Croix
One of the island’s most popular musical events, this monthly Friday concert on the Frederiksted Waterfront features outstanding local jazz musicians. Admission is free, and music lovers can purchase food and drinks at nearby bars and restaurants. For more information: www.gotostcroix.com

MARCH 15
Under Water Art Studio Open House, St. Thomas
Celebrate the works of notable women artists at this all-woman art studio at Bluebeard’s Castle from 4 -8 p.m. The open house will offer art lovers the chance to see and discuss the work of Brooks Brown, Susan Hancock, Kim Holdsworth, Denise Kurg, Pam Larsen and Cathy O’Gara. For more information: pam@pamlarsen.com

MARCH 15
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Visitors can groove to the beat of their own drum with an ethnic drumming class led by master drummer Eddie Bruce. Learn about the history of the art of drumming and the ritual drumming techniques of both West African and Afro-Caribbean cultures. Takes place 1 – 3 p.m. at the School of the Arts. Cost is $35 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 17
Yacht Haven Grande Farmers Market, St. Thomas
Locovores gather every first and third Sunday at Yacht Haven Grande mega yacht marina to peruse and purchase the bountiful harvests of St. Thomas’ local farmers. For more information: (340) 774-9500.

MARCH 19
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Feeling creative? Learn about colonial style pottery with a hands-on class with Gail Van de Bogurt, owner of Maho Bay Clay Works. This renowned local artist walksstudents through the steps of designing historic-inspired porcelain objects found at plantation sites on St. John. Takes place 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Maho Bay Camps Art Center. Cost is $70 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 20
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Need some pampering? Enjoy an eco-spa session guaranteed to rejuvenate your body and mind for the spring. Bask in the cleansing mud of Salt Pond while learning about its healing mineral properties and those of other local organic spa materials from NPS Ranger Deanna Somerville. Takes place 2 - 4 p.m. at the Salt Pond parking lot. Cost is $45 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 21
Arts Alive Concert, St. Thomas
Latin culture lovers will enjoy the music, poetry and humor of Sol y Canto, presented by Arts Alive Concerts, a series of shows occurring year-round at Tillett Gardens. Guests can reserve a pre-concert dinner at Bistro 4560, and peruse the artist’s studios during intermissions. For more information: www.tillettfoundation.org

MARCH 22-24
40th International Rolex Regatta, St. Thomas
Aspiring and expert sailors won’t want to miss this world-famous yacht race, known as the “Crown Jewel of the Caribbean.” For more information: www.rolexcupregatta.com

MARCH 26
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Need some romance? Enjoy an invigorating full-moon hike to the top of Ram Head with NPS Ranger Don Near, who will share fascinating natural and cultural history along the way. Takes place 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Salt Pond parking lot. Cost is $35 for non-members. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 30
Etana at Reichhold Center for the Arts, St. Thomas
Jamaica’s reggae princess performs at the Reichhold Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. For more information: www.reichholdcenter.com

MARCH 30
Yacht Haven Grande Spring Fling, St. Thomas
Get a jump on Easter with Yacht Haven Grande’s annual Spring Fling and Bunny Trail, where children of all ages can meet the Easter Bunny for free from 1-3 p.m. For more information: kedwards@igymarinas.com

MARCH 30
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Series, St. John
Enjoy the beauty of the island’s mangroves and coral reefs with a mangrove snorkeling trip. Visit Otter Creek and Water Creek in Hurricane Hole at Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, learning about sea life with marine ecologist Dr. Caroline Rogers on board the s/v Kekoa. Takes place 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the National Park Visitor Center. Cost is $105 for non-members (includes lunch). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org

MARCH 31
Transfer Day, St. Croix
Caribbean history buffs can commemorate this special holiday -- the day the islands transferred from being the Danish West Indies to being the United States Virgin Islands – with a celebration hosted by the St. Croix Landmarks Society at 10 a.m. at the Whim Museum. For more information: www.stcroixlandmarks.com

MARCH 31 – APRIL 27
Virgin Islands Carnival, St. Thomas
Party with a cultural purpose all-month long with this annual celebration featuring Virgin Islands traditions, music and culture. Festivities include a Food Fair with local cuisine, candies and beverages, plus pageants, musical competitions, fireworks and parades with local bands, decorative floats, mocko jumbies, and dancers. For more information and a full schedule of events: www.vicarnival.com

APRIL 5
Jazz in the Park, St. Thomas
International Capital and Management Company presents a free concert featuring Eddie Russell & Friends from St. Croix for an evening of jazz in Roosevelt Park. Bring your blanket and lawn chair for a casual, fun family event from 5:30-10 pm. Food and beverages, arts and crafts are available for purchase.

APRIL 11
Art Thursdays, St. Croix
Art lovers will enjoy this series of fun evening gallery walks in Christiansted, where retail shops and restaurants also stay open late from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information: www.gotostcroix.com

APRIL 14-20
2013 St. Croix Food & Wine Experience, St. Croix
Taste all the flavors of the island at this multi-day event, which offers gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions and the annual culinary competition, A Taste of St. Croix. Event benefits the St. Croix Foundation. For more information: www.stcroixfoodandwine.com

APRIL 19
Sunset Jazz, Frederiksted, St. Croix
One of the island’s most popular musical events, this monthly Friday concert on the Frederiksted Waterfront features outstanding local jazz musicians. Admission is free, and music lovers can purchase food and drinks at nearby bars and restaurants. For more information: www.gotostcroix.com

APRIL 26
Carnival Children’s Parade, St. Thomas
Families looking for fun under the Caribbean sun should take to the streets at this annual parade, featuring music, colorful costumes and performances by Virgin Islands youth. For more information: www.vicarnival.com

APRIL 27
Carnival Adult’s Parade, St. Thomas
The month-long Carnival celebration culminates in a lively parade through downtown Charlotte Amalie featuring steel pan bands, calypso and other Caribbean rhythms alongside troupes of dancers, mocko jumbies, majorettes and other revelers decked out in elaborately themed costumes. For more information: www.vicarnival.com

APRIL 27
Grow and Learn, St. George Village Botanical Garden, St. Croix
Enjoy educational workshops on how to more efficiently use your garden, hosted by different presenters each month. For more information: www.sgvbg.org

We look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular islands this Spring!

Sincerely,
Beverly Nicholson-Doty
Commissioner