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The walkable Charlotte Amalie is bursting with exciting, historic, cultural, and relaxing things to do and places to go.
Sparkling waters, warm sunshine, ocean breezes, and stone buildings drenched in history are all around you.
From the Windward Passage Hotel, in the center of it all, it is a short, easy walk to great places that will please business travelers, families, and couples alike.
Don’t forget those comfy, supportive shoes that will protect your feet from cobblestones and keep you comfortable on days of walking.
History Makes Walkable Charlotte Amalie Interesting
These are just a few of the intriguing places available to visitors in the walkable Charlotte Amalie.
You don’t want to miss these and more.
Emancipation Garden A breezy, shaded park about a 10-minute walk from the Windward Passage Hotel, this historic site honors the July 3, 1848, emancipation of enslaved people in the Danish West Indies. It’s a peaceful place to relax, learn some history, and enjoy nearby vendors. The garden also features the Freedom Statue, a powerful depiction of a freed slave blowing a conch shell and holding a machete, symbolizing the gathering of escaped slaves and their fight for freedom. In addition, the garden contains a replica of the Liberty Bell and a gazebo that holds government ceremonies. Emancipation Garden holds the soon-to-be celebrated Emancipation Celebration on July 3rd.
99 Steps are about 0.6 miles for the Windward Passage. Leading up to Blackbeard’s Castle, the Danes built this staircase in the 1600s to navigate the steep, hilly terrain of the area. According to American Ghost Tours, “Denmark brought these bricks as ship ballast, giving the stairs both structural and historical value. Surrounded by flowering bougainvillea and pastel colonial buildings, the 99 Steps are a perfect blend of Caribbean beauty and European design.”
Blackbeard’s Castle has stood as an eerie, historic tower overlooking Charlotte Amalie since the late 1600s. It is a Danish tower, originally constructed to protect the colony from English attacks, according to American Ghost Walks. In 1933, it was converted into a hotel following the U.S. purchase of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917, and it is still rumored to harbor paranormal activity. This is a great place for families to visit, with the abundance of history, mystery, and a little bit of spine-tingling to top it all off.
Harbor Lights will Thrill Everyone
Walking at night or at sunset along the water, across Veterans Drive, offers dark water, bright stars, and wondrous lights that are enjoyable for all visitors.
Either before you eat dinner or after, make sure to stay on the main thoroughfares, but don’t miss the beauty of the water and lights over the bay.
Oceana Restaurant & Bistro is a 10 to 14-minute walk from the Windward Passage Hotel. This eatery is excellent for couples looking for a romantic experience, offering elevated alfresco dining with fresh seafood and stunning sunset views over the bay. Featuring dishes such as Lemon Herb Lump Crab Cakes, Pan Roasted Faroe Island Salmon, and New Zealand Grilled 16 oz Supreme Black Angus Ribeye. Dessert includes Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée and Oceana Espresso Martini.
Greenhouse Restaurant and Bar is about a two-minute walk from the Windward Passage, along the waterfront, and is perfect for families with children. This airy favorite overlooks Charlotte Amalie Harbor and offers specialty dinners featuring steak, lobster, and crab, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and so much more. In addition, you can round out your meal with a variety of cocktails and drinks, as well as desserts such as Molten Chocolate Cake and Brioche Bread Pudding.
Amalia Cafe has a quiet, breezy courtyard and is a somewhat upscale establishment that would be excellent for a business traveler who needs to hold a meeting or enjoy a great meal with colleagues. Amalia Cafe offers tapas, soups, salads, and traditional Spanish dishes that will leave customers pleasantly satiated. Also, they offer a delightful assortment of desserts, including Banana Blueberry Bread Pudding and Caramel Flan.
There is still so much more to see and experience in the walkable Charlotte Amalie. There will be a Part III in this series, so make sure to bookmark the windwardpassage.com for more.
Book now by clicking the link in the upper-right corner of the page to get started planning your Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas vacation that will leave you wanting more, way after you’ve gone home.
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