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National Geographic
4 days ago
- National Geographic
Why June is the best month to visit this U.S. Virgin Island
It turns out that the grass actually is greener in St. Thomas—sea turtle grass, that is, for those traveling in June. This sweet spot, after the bustle and beats of carnival season concludes across most of the Caribbean, is both an ecologist's paradise and a deal-hunter's delight. Canopies of fire-red flamboyant flowers blanket the island, complementing the hue of mangoes that hang lush and ripe. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn not only to shore to lay their eggs, but to the shallow-water grasses that serve as their feeding grounds. As summer kicks off, trade winds have died down, meaning novice swimmers, sailors, and snorkelers have calmer waters. St. Thomas is one of the rare destinations where 'shoulder season' actually means sun-kissed shoulders, not an abundance of rain or scorching heat. It is the mid-sized sister of the other U.S. Virgin Islands—a triad that also includes St. John and St. Croix. Charlotte Amalie, on the southern side, is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Photograph by Starcevic, Getty Images June is the golden time to spread out a beach blanket—liberally, when the sands aren't crowded—and dine at restaurants that are easier to get into. Much of what's served will be seasonal catches like marlin, bonefish, and tarpon from the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean's slower season means rates at hotels (moderate and luxury alike) are up to half-off what they'd be during early spring and the holidays, making it another reason why June is the best time to visit. What to see and do Snorkeling It's not unusual to see Virgin Islanders pop open the trunk of their car and pull out snorkel gear for an impromptu dip—it's that easy to spot vibrant fish and marine life at any of the plentiful public beaches year-round. But in June, there are even more chances to luck out with sea turtle sightings. St. Thomas hot-spots include Secret Harbour Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove, where leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles are far from shy. Novice snorkelers will want to check out Brewers Bay, which has less coral to navigate and a sandy bottom with the sea grass that green sea turtles love to eat. Nesting season starts for green sea turtles, which are drawn to shore to lay their eggs. Photograph by Douglas Rissing, Getty Images Charter a boat CrewZen owner and boat captain Kevin McCartney creates custom itineraries that circumnavigate St. Thomas or go out toward the other U.S. or British Virgin Islands. McCartney often goes to Lovango Resort & Beach Club, where guests can get a day-pass for this private island between St. Thomas and St. John. His other recommendation is to go swimming or snorkeling before visiting Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by boat. Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden Architect Patsy Breunlin has built a hilltop garden filled with the heady scent of lilies and orchids that bend in colorful splendor, ripe for leisurely walks. Wildlife includes lizards, parrots, and peacocks, and it's likely visitors will spot bananaquits, the yellow-bellied birds of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Where to shop St. Thomas has twice the duty-free allowance of most Caribbean destinations. Each U.S. citizen (including children) can bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods without paying sales tax. The Creative Native The Creative Native is part art gallery, part history museum. Owner and photographer Ama Dennis, whose family has lived on the triad of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for six generations, welcomes guests with a smile and a signature greeting: 'I don't sell art—I tell stories of the Virgin Islands.' Fish Face The aquatic photography is what started it all at Fish Face, an apparel, jewelry, and photography boutique in Palm Passage courtyard. Co-owners Kris Wall and Carrell "CW" Abbott left their corporate jobs to open the shop in 2008. Since then, they've expanded from Wall's colorful images of parrotfish, seahorses, and octopuses to other art and housewares from creators across the Caribbean. Where to eat and drink Blue 11 Splurge on a seven-, nine-, or 11-course tasting menu at Blue 11, where chef David 'Benji' Benjamin spotlights what's local and fresh. Bites typically include seared red snapper atop a warm citrus salad, and wahoo with pickled green mango. Or, check out Benji's other more casual restaurant, Indigo 4, for signatures like conch chowder. King of the Wing Festival Although Carnival season has concluded by June, there is one celebration that remains: King of the Wing Festival (June 14, 2025). Amateur and professional cooks compete for all the sweet, savory, and spicy chicken wing glory on the island, with proceeds benefiting local charities. de Frenchtown Bar Plates at the casual bistro are loaded with oxtail, jerk chicken, pulled pork, or pork ribs. Every now and then cornmeal-based fungi (foon-gee) dumplings are featured, and they go quickly. Pizza Pi St. Thomas' sailboat pizzeria is not to be missed. While the slices are divine (try the Peachy Goat with basil and a balsamic glaze), this Christmas Cove hot spot is also a floating bar with frozen cocktail-like concoctions. Locally inspired favorites include the Bushwacker, a piña colada and chocolate milkshake mashup that was invented in St. Thomas. For those who can't resist having a second—or even third—Pizza Pi has shuttle service options. Alloro The balmy temperatures in June are ideal for al fresco dining at Alloro. Cocktail connoisseurs don't want to miss out on the signature martini, featuring Prosecco, cointreau, citrus, and basil grown on-site. Explore like a local Beaches Magens Bay's smooth sands and calm waters are a crowd-pleaser, but for beachfront with more locals than tourists, visit the crystalline waters of Coki Beach. Even novice snorkelers will feel like they're swimming in an aquarium. June's calm waters make snorkeling an ideal activity on St. Thomas. Photograph by Westend61, Getty Images Dine & Dash Food Tours Exploring like a local is easy when you're with a local. Get a taste of six local specialties—like patés, savory empanada-like hand pies—when you travel from one end of the island to the other with Dine & Dash founder Desireè 'Dez' Wilkes. Expect food for thought along the way, with a rich history lesson that goes back as far as when Wilkes' family made their way to the area when it was still known as Danish West Indies. She always treats guests to a cup of bush tea—an herbal concoction made with lemongrass from her grandmother's garden—but in June, guests can also expect to sip a mango smoothie during the fruit's peak season. Shuttle to St. John If you live on St. Thomas, St. John is your sister island and the ferry your means of transport. It's worth adventuring on a 20-minute, camera-friendly ride over to Cruz Bay, where fixed-rate taxis await to zip visitors to beaches like Trunk Bay or Oppenheimer Beach. Or travel over for The Longboard alone. Chat up the mixologists at the open-air bar during happy hour from 2-4 p.m., when specialty cocktails are just $10. Farmers Market Saturday mornings are for fresh fish, vegetables, and the milk of just-cut coconuts at the Farmers Market. And, for the lucky early birds, a taste of Miss Annette's 'goat water.' This slow-cooked goat stew is available many weekends, but for those who miss it, there's Blue Mango Tours. Guides, like owner Mike Motylinski, can show you where else to find this Caribbean favorite. Where to stay The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Each of the 180 rooms at The Ritz-Carlton have oceanfront views, meaning you're just steps from the water. Splash in the waves before making your own at the new family pool with a waterslide. Although The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort, there are a number of new casual additions in line with St. Thomas' island vibe, including flip-flop friendly Sails Beachside Restaurant & Bar, and Southwind grab-and-go coffee shop. The Pink Palm Hotel The Pink Palm's 28 rooms—decorated in rich green, sandy white, and seashell pink tones—offer up an adults-only enclave perched high on a hillside in the heart of U.S. Virgin Islands capital Charlotte Amalie. That means guests are in the center of the action for dining and nightlife, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The Hideaway at Hull Bay This hotel's secluded beachfront is far from a traditional hotel experience thanks to its airy, spacious cottages (eight) and villas (two). But the biodiversity spread across two acres is just as much a feast for the eyes as the foodie. Farm-to-table fare at Hideaway Dining rotates daily, with freshly harvested potatoes, eggplant, and herbs grown on-site. Or visit The Shack next door, with casual fare like fish tacos and burgers served with a side of live entertainment most nights. How to get there, and around:In June, there is direct air to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Major carriers include American Airlines, JetBlue, and are fixed-rate per person, not per ride, across St. Thomas based on distance to and from popular landmarks (most prefer cash). Sedans or minivans with a driver can also be contracted with hourly rates. There are no rideshare services on St. Thomas or neighboring islands. When to go Summer in St. Thomas hovers around 84°F, and June averages the least rainfall of the season, with just 2.5 inches over the course of the month. Carley Thornell is a Boston-based Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who's been to 60-plus countries. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Afar, Robb Report, Skift, Global Traveler, OpenTable, USA Today, and many other publications. Her beats (and passions) include sustainability, diversity and accessibility, epicurean delights, luxury travel, and—most recently with the addition of her son—family travel.
USA Today
01-03-2025
- USA Today
7 thrilling spring skiing destinations to check out this year
Where to shred when the seasons change Some of the best spring skiing in the country is at Snowbird in Utah — Photo courtesy of Onfokus / iStock Via Getty Images Advertisement For some travelers, spring vacation means a trip to the beach. For others, it means spring skiing. After all, spring brings warmer temperatures and longer days, resulting in incredible ski conditions. Skiers can shed those extra layers, feel the sun on their faces, and take advantage of discounted lift tickets. Room rates are usually cheaper too, with many resorts offering special rates and packages for spring ski trips. If you're looking for the best ski resorts for March, April, May, or even June, we've curated a list of stellar picks to get you started. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Wyoming Spring skiing in Jackson Hole means big discounts on lift tickets — Photo courtesy of Starcevic / iStock Via Getty Images Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is famous for spectacular scenery and epic drops like the iconic Corbet's Couloir. If that weren't enough reason to visit, spring skiing in March and April also brings steep discounts on lift tickets from pass holders from any other resort. In addition to skiing, fun things to do in Jackson Hole include getting waffles at Corbet's Cabin, where the views at 10,450 feet are as sweet as the decadent treats, and the annual Rendezvous Music Festival with two exciting nights of free concerts the first weekend of April. Spring is also an excellent time to book a discounted room at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, California Palisades Tahoe is one of the best ski destinations in March — Photo courtesy of raclro / iStock Via Getty Images It snows so much at Palisades Tahoe, that in 2023, the ski season didn't end until the Fourth of July (on an average year, skiers can count on the resort staying open through the end of May). The Lake Tahoe region is ideal for spring skiing since you can spend your mornings on the mountain and afternoons on the beach. As a bonus, lift tickets and lodging rates in Lake Tahoe in the spring are typically more affordable, so you get a lot more bang for your buck on your spring break ski trip. Breckenridge Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado Spring ski season typically lasts through May at Breckenridge — Photo courtesy of Leigh Ann Speake / iStock Via Getty Images If you didn't make it to Breckenridge Resort this winter, don't worry — ski season usually runs through Memorial Day. Be sure to pack layers since spring in Breckenridge brings a mixture of weather conditions. One day, it will be sunny enough to ski in your shirtsleeves; the next day, the clouds will move in and dump a foot of snow. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet and a summit elevation of 12,998 feet, you can count on plenty of snow in Breckenridge. Although it's an excellent destination all spring long, it's especially enticing for snow skiing in April when events include the Five Peaks Music Series and Splash Into Spring Pond Skim. Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana Spring skiing in Big Sky, Montana, means deep powder even in April — Photo courtesy of raclro / iStock Via Getty Images Spring is the perfect time to plan a Montana vacation, and you don't need a huge budget to plan an unforgettable ski trip to Big Sky Resort. Lift tickets start under $60, and skiing lessons are discounted in April. Plus, local hotels offer significant rate cuts in spring. Although ski season usually ends at the end of April, it's still a lively time to visit. Weekend events include pond skims, live music, DJs, and even the Special Olympics. Killington Ski Resort, Killington, Vermont Killington offers spring skiing on snowcapped mountains in Vermont — Photo courtesy of EyeEm Mobile GmbH / iStock Via Getty Images Sunshine and snow go hand in hand at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont since ski season lasts until the end of May or the beginning of June. Ski out the rest of the season with a discounted spring pass. In addition to the 1,500 acres of terrain at Killington, spring pass holders also access the 468 acres at Pico Mountain. You'll find big rate drops for lodging too. Mount Bachelor Ski Resort, Bend, Oregon Spring skiing lift tickets are cheaper at Mount Bachelor — Photo courtesy of christiannafzger / iStock Via Getty Images Skiers can usually hit the slopes at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort until late May or the beginning of June. You'll find spring lift tickets under $65, and a dynamic roster of events offers concerts, competitions, and pond skims. Be sure to take some time to check out the area; spring is a beautiful time for kayaking, hiking, and biking in Bend. The city is also famous for its craft beer scene. Snowbird Ski Resort, Snowbird, Utah Snowbird is one of the best spring skiing destinations in the U.S. — Photo courtesy of Roman Tiraspolsky / iStock Via Getty Images Utah is home to 15 ski resorts. If you're headed there for spring skiing, you'll find the most extended season at Snowbird Ski Resort. Most years, the slopes are open through Memorial Day weekend. Fresh powder dumps keep things exciting on Snowbird's 2,500 skiable acres when the weather isn't sunny or warm. In addition, live music and special events, like full moon dinners, provide plenty of action when you're not on the slopes. The best part? Snowbird Ski Resort offers discounted lift tickets in spring to offer the best value.
Observer
10-02-2025
- Observer
Passengers restrain a man who bashed a flight window
Chaos erupted aboard a Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Houston this past week when a man started bashing a window and several seats around him, prompting other passengers to subdue him with shoelaces and zip ties until the plane landed. The struggle, captured on videos and photos taken by passengers, began about 40 minutes into Flight 4856 on Tuesday night. The plane had reached its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet when the man broke the window's inner pane and its plastic frame, a case of air rage that an FBI spokesperson confirmed Saturday was being investigated by the bureau. So far, the man, whose name was not released by authorities, has not been charged with a crime. It was not clear what led to his outburst. The flight did not have an air marshal, prompting the crew to ask if anyone aboard had experience in law enforcement or the military, according to passengers on the flight. Tanner Phillips, 34, an Army veteran who is 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, said Saturday that he was sitting about 20 rows away from the man. 'The first thing I heard was other people yelling for security,' Phillips said. He said his instincts kicked in quickly after the flight attendants asked for passengers for help over the plane's intercom. 'I don't know if it's a terrorist attack,' he said. 'You could hear them kind of panicky. If he breaks that outer pane, then we're all in trouble.' He said that another passenger gave him laces from his boots, and that he tied the man's wrists. 'Everyone on the plane came together so quickly and so efficiently,' said Phillips, who lives in San Diego and is originally from Texas. After he learned that the man was not initially charged, Phillips said that he sent Frontier Airlines an email to express his frustration and received a response that he described as apologetic but 'blasé.' 'Sorry, about your feelings, bud,' he said, describing the airline's response. 'I was like, are you kidding me right now?' Eric Starcevic, a heating and air conditioning technician from Katy, Texas, said Saturday that he did not have any special training but could not just sit by and watch. He was returning with his wife and their 13-year-old daughter from a ski trip in Colorado. The family was sitting about 10 to 15 rows away from the man. 'I heard the commotion going on, him kicking stuff,' Starcevic said. 'Then, the next thing you know, he tries to punch out the window.' Starcevic said the unruly passenger appeared to have cut his hands punching the window, which appeared to have a crack on an inner pane. In a photo taken by Starcevic, blood can be seen on the window shade and the wall next to the man's seat. Starcevic, 45, who said he and about four other men rushed to intervene, described a frantic search for anything that passengers could use to tie up the man's hands and legs. Starcevic said he and the other men took turns for the rest of the 2 hour, 16 minute flight holding the man down and guarding him until they reached George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Victor Senties, a spokesperson for the Houston Police Department, said Saturday that Frontier Airlines had declined to press charges at the time against the man. Jennifer F. de la Cruz, a spokesperson for Frontier, wrote in an email Saturday that the FBI was investigating. Connor Hagan, a spokesperson for the bureau's Houston field office, said the FBI was working closely with Frontier and the Houston Police Department as part of the investigation. He noted that the FBI has primary jurisdiction over investigating crimes that take place aboard aircraft. The episode adds to a list of high-profile examples of air rage. In 2021, a Frontier Airlines passenger assaulted three flight attendants, punching one and groping the breasts of two others, on a flight from Philadelphia to Miami, prompting one crew member to tape him to his seat until the plane landed. In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration said that it had received 2,102 reports of unruly passengers from the airlines, a 1% increase from 2023. While the volume has leveled off from its height during the coronavirus pandemic, when the FAA developed a zero-tolerance policy for unruly airline passengers, the agency said that the recent uptick shows that it continues to be a problem. This article originally appeared in
New York Times
08-02-2025
- New York Times
Passengers Restrain Man Who Bashed a Window on a Flight
Chaos erupted aboard a Frontier Airlines flight from Denver to Houston this week when a man started bashing a window and several seats around him, prompting other passengers to subdue him with shoelaces and zip ties until the plane landed. The struggle, captured on videos and photos taken by passengers, began about 40 minutes into Flight 4856 on Tuesday night. The plane had reached its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet when the man broke the window's inner pane and its plastic frame, a case of air rage that an F.B.I. spokesman confirmed on Saturday was being investigated by the bureau. So far, the man, whose name was not released by the authorities, has not been charged with a crime. It was not clear what led to his outburst. The flight did not have an air marshal, prompting the crew to ask if anyone aboard had experience in law enforcement or the military, according to passengers on the flight. Eric Starcevic, a heating and air-conditioning technician from Katy, Texas, said on Saturday that he did not have any special training but could not just sit by and watch. He was returning with his wife and their 13-year-old daughter from a ski trip in Colorado. The family was sitting about 10 to 15 rows away from the man. 'I heard the commotion going on, him kicking stuff,' Mr. Starcevic said. 'Then, the next thing you know, he tries to punch out the window.' Mr. Starcevic said the unruly passenger appeared to have cut his hands punching the window, which appeared to have a crack on an inner pane. In a photo taken by Mr. Starcevic, blood can be seen on the window shade and the wall next to the man's seat. Mr. Starcevic, 45, who said he and about four other men rushed to intervene, described a frantic search for anything that they could use to tie up the man's hands and legs. 'He's trying to kill us all,' Mr. Starcevic said he recalled thinking. 'Someone was just kind of kneeling on him.' His wife, Jessica, said she stayed in her seat with their daughter. 'Even somebody offered my husband their headphones to try to tie him up with,' she said. Mr. Starcevic said he and the other men took turns for the rest of the two-hour-and-16-minute flight holding the man down and guarding him until they reached George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where the flight was met by police officers after what Mr. Starcevic described as a delay. 'It really felt like it was an eternity,' Jessica Starcevic said, adding that the announcements from the pilot were rather routine, telling passengers to fasten their seatbelts in anticipation of turbulence. As of Saturday, the couple said that they had not heard from the airline. Victor Senties, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department, said on Saturday that Frontier Airlines had declined to press charges at the time against the man. Jennifer F. de la Cruz, a spokeswoman for Frontier, wrote in an email on Saturday that the F.B.I. was investigating. Connor Hagan, a spokesman for the bureau's Houston field office, said that the F.B.I. was working closely with Frontier and the Houston Police Department as part of the investigation. He noted that the F.B.I. has primary jurisdiction over investigating crimes that take place aboard aircraft. The episode adds to a list of high-profile examples of air rage. In 2021, a Frontier Airlines passenger assaulted three flight attendants, punching one and groping the breasts of two others, on a flight from Philadelphia to Miami, prompting one crew member to tape him to his seat until the plane landed. In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration said that it had received 2,102 reports of unruly passengers from the airlines, a 1 percent increase from 2023. While the volume has leveled off from its height during the coronavirus pandemic, when the F.A.A. developed a zero-tolerance policy for unruly airline passengers, the agency said that the recent uptick shows that it continues to be a problem.
