Shopping For Local Products In St. Thomas

St. Thomas has long been known as one of theSt. Thomas, supporting African and Caribbean
best shopping destinations in the Caribbean. Withtradition of newlyweds symbolically jumping over
numerous malls and markets catering to resorta broom to start their life together.
and cruise tourists, you can find almost anythingArt collectors will also want to visit the gallery and
you want at a great price in the island's bustlingsilkscreen studio located at Tillet Gardens. For
capital - Charlotte Amalie. However, not allnearly 50 years, Tillet Gardens has served as the
travelers are aware of the wealth of incrediblehome of St. Thomas' vibrant art community. The
locally-produced products available in St. Thomas.gallery is full of paintings and prints by the island's
From folk arts and crafts to handmade foodmost talented residents with work available for all
products and spices, there are plenty of ways tobudgets and interests. Housed in an old Danish
shop for the best products St. Thomas has tofarm, Tillet Gardens is also a great place to spend
offer.an afternoon as the site features a great outdoor
The best location to find Caribbean folk art andrestaurant and occasional performances by local
local products is the Native Arts and Craftsmusicians.
Cooperative. Featuring the work of nearly 100As you walk through the streets of the capital
different locals throughout the year, the Nativecity, you will also see several additional art galleries
Arts and Crafts Cooperative is the largestselling the work of local painters and sculptors.
shopping center devoted to local artisans in theOutside of Tillet Gardens, the best selection of
Virgin Islands. Conveniently located next to theartwork created in the Virgin Islands can be found
tourist information office in central Charlotteat Mango Tango. Like Tillet Gardens and the
Amalie, the Cooperative allows locals to sell theirNative Arts and Crafts Cooperative, the work
artwork and handmade products directly to theavailable at Mango Tango and other galleries
public from the former United States colonialthroughout Charlotte Amalie is reasonably priced,
courthouse.with unique pieces for all tastes and budgets. Also,
One of the most popular booths within thekeep an eye out for artisans selling their work in
Cooperative belongs to Gwendolyn Harley, thethe small, open-air markets of the city. Many
artist behind a very popular series of hand-sewntalented individuals sell directly to the public each
dolls. Throughout the years, Harley has maintainedday and all love sharing their stories with visitors.
an adoption log and seen her historically-mindedSt. Thomas is also one of the best locations in the
dolls travel throughout the world in the hands ofCaribbean to find exotic spices. Much like the
tourists and collectors.fabled Caribbean spice markets of the colonial
For those in search of unique food products, aperiod, today's spice markets offer visitors the
stop by Cheryl Miller's booth will yield a number ofchance to taste and purchase exotic flavors and
award-winning flavors. Besides the popular jamsgourmet products. The best assortment of
and jellies handmade by Miller, five of her sauces -Caribbean spices can be found at Caribbean
known by the label "Cheryl's Taste of Paradise" -Marketplace, a sprawling emporium that specializes
have taken home trophies from the National Fieryin bulk spices and gourmet condiments. Spices,
Foods Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You canteas and condiments can also be found at Down
also find Miller's products within the store sheIsland Traders - a popular store in Charlotte
maintains in conjunction with her kitchen at theAmalie that also carries locally-made jewelry and
Compass Point Marina.crafts.
One of the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative'sLike many other islands in the Caribbean, St.
strangest booths belongs to Justin Todman,Thomas has plenty of talented individuals creating
known locally as The Broom Man. Utilizingdistinctive products by hand. Wherever you travel
traditional Caribbean methods, The Broom Manin St. Thomas, you will be able to find a piece of
weaves date palm fronds in intricate patterns andthe island to take home with you. Most
attaches all lengths of handles to create broomsimportantly, in most cases, you won't be able to
for every possible purpose. Todman's brooms arefind these special treasures anywhere else.
also very popular with couples getting married in