Welcome to St. Croix US Virgin Islands | Where to Stay, Eat, and Play!

[@deborahtalarico290]

Oh I forgot to say, thank you for your beautiful smile throughout the video. Even when you were too hot and miserable on the hike, your smile kept shining through. It was contagious. I smiled the whole time while watching the video!

[@jessicapayne]

Oh my goodness - you are the best. Thank you so much for that compliment!! I'm not sure where that smile came from during that hike - I guess it was because even though I wasn't having a good time in the moment, I was still so thankful to be there!!

[@VisyVisyTV]

Very well done. You presented the Island well. I must say your editing skills are phenomenal.

[@jessicapayne]

Awwww - thank you so much, I just love that compliment. I do love the editing portion of creating these videos, so thank you so much for noticing!

[@VisyVisyTV]

@@jessicapayne : You are most welcome.

[@robincarter6304]

Beautiful way to showcase St. Croix. I began going in 1985 and return twice a year. It addictive!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you so much for watching - I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. I can absolutely see why you keep going back - it was amazing and I will 100% be back! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! 😆

[@angelledesma7170]

I'm from the Virgin Islands of St Croix and I haven't been there in about 15 years I like glad to see people go enjoy it

[@jessicapayne]

It really is a beautiful island and I would be more than happy to call it home. I was pleasantly surprise and honestly, I can't wait to go back! Thank you so much for watching, enjoying, and taking the time to comment. I truly appreciate it!

[@DJMonee727]

WOWWWW GURLLL THAT WAS AMAZING !!! IT WAS LIKE WATCHING THIS INFORMATIVE Caribbean Island MOVIE !! AND GO PRO & DRONE FOOTAGE !!! Impressive !!! The Music & Editing was 110% Professional ! WOWWWW ! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH ! I LOVED the DRIVING FOOTAGE !!! NO ROAD LIGHTS in night ! WHAT !!!??? Happy Belated Birthday & A million THANKS !!! Ps. GLAD MARK said the Shark won't bother you didn't get out !!! 🩵🩵🩵🦈🦈🦈🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jessicapayne]

Awwww thank you so much!!!!! I love that you enjoyed it so much - man, did we have an awesome time! I truly appreciate you noticing all of the work that went into making this video feel more like a movie. That was my goal and it just makes me so happy that you got it!!! Thank you again for the amazing comment - you’ve made my day! 😆

[@leaseymore8225]

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎊 🍸🥰 Jessica!!! I was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix USVI, so needless to say watching your video made me so very home sick. But I enjoyed every moment of your video. My absolute favorite was when you sent the drone over Point Udall, what a breathtaking view, even for a native!!! The five mile hike to the Tide Pools 😳 I never would’ve done it. Kudos to you and Mark for even trying. Mark birthday toast was the absolute sweetest, he is a definite keeper. Your snorkeling adventures were awesome. I am so glad that you guys had a fabulous experience and a great trip to my beautiful island. It makes me proud to say I’m a “Crusian”. On a side note, did you get a chance to go over to Hotel on the Cay, did you tour the Fort in Christiansted and did you visit the Rum Factory? I love your spirit and your channel. Bring us more videos like this please ❤.

[@jessicapayne]

You were?!! That’s amazing - what a beautiful beautiful island. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and I hope that I did St. Croix justice. We had so many fun adventures and Mark is the best travel partner. He’s always down to do whatever I want to do - and then add that toast that I didn’t know he was going to do on camera - yes I’d say he’s a keeper. He truly is the best. Again, I’m so happy that you enjoyed the video. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write such a lovely comment. I appreciate it more than you know!

[@leaseymore8225]

@@jessicapayne job well done!!! The video was superb 💕🥰.

[@amyguerrero4]

My husband and I eloped in St. Croix in 2021 and loved it so much, we are going again this year! Your video got us soooo excited to go again. Thank you for sharing! 🥰

[@jessicapayne]

Yay!!! That makes me so happy! We loved it so much and I can totally see why you are going again. I cannot wait to go back! I hope you have the best time - it's hard not to!

[@LadyDee150]

I live in the Caribbean and I can say I applaud you for doing even 10 minutes of hiking in this terrible heat!! Our feel like temperatures have been over 100F daily throughout the summer this year. I'm glad you enjoyed your Birthday trip to St Croix. Awesome video of your time spent there 🤩❤❤❤

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! 🥰 Man I was so confident that I was prepared for that hike. I worked so hard climbing steep hills before the trip - I just knew it wasn’t going to be that big of a deal. I just wasn’t prepared for that heat OR how steep the mountain would be. I’m not sure if I would try it again - but there’s something within me that wants to cross it off my list one day! 😅

[@VisyVisyTV]

@@jessicapayne :Well you did no need to try again if you don't feel the need to. From your reaction I wouldn't venture myself 😊.

[@sheilahowell4031]

I'm going to St Croix Aril 12th 2024. I really loved your video. I now know I'm not going to attempt that hike!!! Thank you for letting us experience your trip! @@jessicapayne

[@maryannmccurty5180]

Jessica, thank you for taking us on your trip. You are such a class act, so cool and calm…. Thank you for sharing the real ( we all have things we would not let other people see) the incident with the ants. Please lol I am an old girl (75), but I enjoy your creativity, style and of course your energy. Continue to entertain us 😍

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuu!! 🥰🥰 Well….cool and calm until hundreds of ants fall on you and start biting, lol!! Oh my goodness - I can’t believe that happened. Of all things I thought would happen - that certainly wasn’t one of them. Outside of that we had a wonderful time and plan to return very soon. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I truly appreciate it! 💕

[@Naturalhealthnaturalbeauty]

“The left side is the right side. The right side is death!!!”😂 Wish we had heard this before driving there. So easy to remember!!!😂❤❤

[@lynnehenry9077]

Hey there, Jessica!!!! Ya wore me out on this one, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I LOVED, LOVED, AND LOVED IT!!!!! St. Croix is one of the few islands down there that I have missed on my wanderings throughout the world, but I've always heard great things about it. So I'm so glad both you and Mark got to spend your most special day there!!!! Mark keeps lookin' better and better each year he spends with you. I think you two are really meant for each other!!!!! 👍 👍 👍 Trips to extraordinary pieces of the universe like that, to me, make life worthwhile!!!!! And I especially loved Mark's toast to you on your birthday!!!!! Keep goin' for it, you two!!!! That's what I did when my body was still able to do it, and as I age, I cherish those memories!!!! You keep at it!!!! Do it for your Aunt Lynne, if you would, as well as for yourselves!!! Love you both, Aunt Lynne ❤‍🩹❤

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you Aunt Lynne! 🥰🥰 Mark is a gem and I am so lucky that he planned this trip to celebrate me. He has a heart of gold and makes life so much fun. He is pretty shy on camera so him wanting to make that sweet toast to me was extra special. Thank you so much for watching and leaving such a lovely comment. I love you!!! 💕

[@lynnehenry9077]

@@jessicapayne Love you too, Jessica!!!!!😍

[@TableTalkwTraceyMarie]

“I’m a city girl, what am I doing here???”…LOL So glad y’all had a great time! It’s a true blessing to get to have those experiences. My birthday is today 10/15!! Just relaxing while my husband makes me breakfast and my children shower love on me. Yes, we are blessed. After watching this, I am definitely considering visiting the Virgin Islands. I have NEVER been on a plane. I need to get over my fear. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@queendimples]

Lol! A shark is a shark. I am glad no one had their legs chewed off. It looks like you guys had a great time. Happy birthday ❤

[@jessicapayne]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! 💕🎉🎉🎉 It sounds like you have the perfect day planned. I love it!!! It’s going to be my personal quest to convince you to get on that plane by the end of 2024! You’ve been warned - I’m coming for ya! lol!!!! And yes - I had no business up in those woods. Hahahaha! 😅

[@jessicapayne]

Trust me - it was much bigger than it looked on camera. I was freakin out and Mark was just so nonchalant. I was like come on - it’s time to go! And he just swam in the other direction looking for it. I finally calmed down - but when you don’t expect to see something that big in the water it was hard not to panic. But we made it out alive! 😅😂

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

Really great vlog of your birthday trip. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and made it back safely. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us and may you be blessed with many more. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@jessicapayne]

I’m so happy you enjoyed it!!! THANK YOU so much for watching the full video - I know it was long so it means so much that you took time out of your morning today to watch! 🥰

[@bloorainz]

First I have to say yes and thank you to an almost hour and half video! 🙌🏾 Loved it! So glad you all enjoyed the trip. OMG to that hike!! I couldn’t have done it either. Bless your heart for trying. Mark’s toast was just the sweetest. He’s a keeper. Kudos to your cinematography. Beautifully well shot. What a great adventure!

[@jessicapayne]

I really tried to make it shorter - but I knew my ride or dies wouldn’t mind the length! 😘😘 That hike is something I will never try nor ever forget, lol!!! Mark is definitely a keeper - just the sweetest, kindest human being. I’m very lucky!

[@iamtarapayne]

Amazing video! Thanks for the shoutout. I know for sure I wouldn’t have joined you on that adventure. But how incredible all of the sea creatures you were able to capture. And that drone work! Ummmm, wow!!! Those views were the highlight of the video. I’m adding St. Croix to my bucket list. I had the best time watching.

[@jessicapayne]

As you have been helping me train for this hike, I kept thinking of you and saying “she would have never done this - she would have turned around at the entrance” 😂😂😂. It will be a very long time before I find myself in the woods again. Those ants did me IN!

[@kennypayne8422]

Well, I just saw your video and I think this was probably the best one for me. I was so much fun watching you and Mark experiencing so many wonderful moments. 💕❤️🥰

[@jessicapayne]

Yay!!!! I love hearing that! We had such a great time and Mark makes for a great travel partner. So many fun memories were made. 😆

[@jackieweichman4255]

It was a pleasure to celebrate your birthday with you. A guest on my boat today sent me the link to your video, which is why they came on our Big Beards trip. (They got me- Jackie- and Captain Curtis and were very excited). I appreciate you.

[@jessicapayne]

Oh my goodness - Jackie!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for reaching out. That is amazing that someone booked their trip with you because of my video - how awesome is that. We had the best time and can't wait to come back - our time with you and the crew was the highlight of our trip for sure. Thank you again for visiting the vlog and taking the time to comment. I hope to see you again soon!

[@kimmoore2241]

I love your honesty about the Tie pools. I won't be doing this. I enjoy your video. Thank you both

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We had such a great time - truly. While my pride really wanted to keep going - I knew it was time to throw in the towel and go have some real fun. When we go back to St Croix, this will NOT be on our to do list, lol!!!

[@wemissiontrip4488]

You have the recorded the best vlog of st.croix!!!! Really great job highlighting this beautiful gem of an island-My home away from home!! Happy Birthday 🎉

[@jessicapayne]

This means so much - thank you soooo much!!! We had such a great time and it was so much fun reliving it (even the ants on the hike, lol!!!) as I was editing the video. St Croix is a beautiful place and I really look forward to going back soon!

[@ouidastephens7471]

Wow..what an amazing trip!!! Thanks for sharing. Happy Belated Birthday!!

[@jessicapayne]

OMG Ouida!!!!!!!!! I saw your name and it instantly hit me how much I miss you!!!! Hi friend!!!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you so much for watching - we had the best time (as you saw). Such a fun adventure for sure! I promise to reach out and catch up as soon as I’m back from this last trip!

[@ouidastephens7471]

Miss you too Jessica!!! Love your videos. Let's definately catch-up soon 🥰

[@LayahsMom]

Thank you Jessica for sharing your adventure. I was on the fence as to where I wanted to go for my birthday. Mystery solved. No sooner than you began to share your closing thoughts and quick tips, I received an email confirmation from my wife letting me know we're not only going to St. Croix but we have reservations at The Waves at Cane Bay!! I knew I liked you when you ordered crab cake for dinner, enjoyed a prickly pear margarita, and sought out a coffee roastery for an iced lavender latte with oat milk...we may be sisters from another mother. 😆 Again, thank you for being so thorough and sharing your experience. I'm certain our stay will be just as adventurous and enjoyable. 💜💜

[@jessicapayne]

Oh my goodness!!!! I have the biggest smile on my face. (First my sincere apologies for the delay in responding. I took a month off for some rest and relaxation and I'm just getting caught up). I makes me so happy to know that you were inspired enough by my video to book your trip to St. Croix AND The Waves! You are going to love it - I just know you will and I can't wait for you to go. Please, please come back and tell me how your trip went once you go - I want to know! And yes....it definitely seems we must be sisters from another mother, lol!!!! I love that. Have the best time!!!

[@Ohemaa]

I really enjoyed your vlog thank you. I loved the fun and you and your hubby are too cute 😊

[@jessicapayne]

Awwww thank you!!! 🥰 We really did have such a great time exploring the island tip to tip. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment - it means a lot!

[@perfectlycoiffed05]

SOLD! Your vlog was awesome Jessica! Thank you so much…and I appreciate the tips as well. I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuu!!! 😆 I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I tried to shorten it as best I could - so I appreciate you watching. St. Croix is a beautiful place with beautiful people - I truly am looking forward to going back!

[@deborahfletcher1180]

Jessica, Jessica, JESICCA! What an wonderful trip. Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such beautiful views of St. Croix. I don't know all that is involved in editing but I'm sure it is not easy. I so appreciate the time and love you give in providing us with such precious memories of your experiences. I was glued to the TV the entire time. I felt like I was watching a movie. Wow! At the end of the video when you guys were boarding the plane I said, "Do we have to leave so soon." lol I hope Vegas will prove to be as exciting for you. See you soon!

[@jessicapayne]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! 🥰🥰🥰 The editing for the amount of footage I had (over 5 hrs) is quite difficult to manage because you have to figure out what to keep, and what to cut while making sure the full cohesive story is in tact. Let’s just say that I’ve spent every moment that my eyes were open this week on it - so hearing that you enjoyed it, makes my day!!! St. Croix is a beaut and I can’t wait to return!

[@mrsmasfroggy2691]

Your snorkeling videos are amazing!!! What camera did you use? I love to snorkel but my camera isn't as clear as yours.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! I use the GoPro Hero 11 and I love it!!! Much better than the 8 I used to use. Definitely clearer - as you saw. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Truly!

[@brendadurden6414]

WOW Jessica….just wow! You’ve got me wanting to go to st croix! The island is beautiful but your video made it even better…..fantastic job!

[@jessicapayne]

Yay!!! I love that you enjoyed the video so much. 😆 What a great time we had. Every day was filled with something new and we have so many memories that we will be talking and laughing about for years. You should absolutely visit - I promise you will have THE best time!

[@jujuanbrown]

We LOVE 💕 you, Jessica and wishing you Happy 🎉Birthday 🎂. I’m still watching your video in a hotel in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 on my laptop-that’s how much I love your videos, posts, newsletter, blog…your ministry lol 😂. Listen…ain’t no way I would have even tried for those tide pools so kudos to you and Mark. I think you both are just the greatest and lucky to have found each other:). Ok…back to watching you get your birthday drink 🍹 and ‘lax on!💖✨🙏🏾🙌🏾💯

[@jessicapayne]

Oh my goodness - you are the sweetest!!! 🥰🥰🥰 You sure know how to make my day! I’m so glad that you are enjoying my content. It really does mean so much to me to hear how much you love it. Comments like these keep me going - so thank youuuuu!!! We had such an amazing time - and I agree with that we are very lucky to have found one another. He truly is the best, most supportive partner. Definitely makes life easy and fun!! Thank you again!!! 😘

[@jujuanbrown]

@@jessicapayne❤

[@MrBigR928]

Happy belated birthday to you Jessica & thank you soooo much for taking us along with you. Love the music selection & the whole production of this video! You are definitely a class act with beautiful energy. God bless you to see many more birthdays & adventures. Because one thing is for sure is that you only have one go around in this life so try to take it all in. Be blessed & not stressed🥳🤗🙏🏿✌🏾

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you soooo much for such a sweet comment! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video! The music is one of the things that I spend the most time on when editing - so hearing that you enjoyed it makes me so happy. Thank you, truly, for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it more than you know. Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great weekend!!

[@jayb3066]

Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us and it’s also very helpful for me. My husband and I will be going for the first time this year and I am so excited after watching your video! ❤

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you for watching!!!! I promise that you are going to love it. It's kind of impossible not to. So laid back, tons to do, and no matter where you look - there's beauty all around. I hope you have the best time!!

[@mithritades]

As someone who's born and raised on St. Croix this was an interesting watch lol, glad you enjoyed your stay...I agree on Point Udall and Buck Island and the trip up Goat Hill is way easier than the hike to the Tide Pools(which you could have drove down to 😂) if you know the route, but again, Glad you enjoyed

[@jessicapayne]

That means so much - thank you!!!! Next time we will drive down for sure. We figured out the driving path, but so many people advised us not to do it - so we opted for the hike. Now seeing how that went - we will either drive or take a tour down next time. Lesson learned. Anyway, I loved your home island and I can’t wait to go back for another visit!

[@sujaylima8884]

HI!! I’m planning on going to St Croix soon and would like to drive to the tide pools, do you know how to get there or any tips!? Thank you!

[@rhondaclaiborne7283]

Hi Jessica, you have presented a marvelous video accompanied by lovely music. Thank you for sharing your birthday vacation with us, your hotel was amazing, especially the views, as well as the food at AMMA’s. My first lavender infused drink was delightful, yours looked great. Much love to you both.✌🏾

[@jessicapayne]

Awww thank you so much! I spend countless hours picking out music - it's really important to me so it makes me really happy that you noticed! The entire trip was just amazing. St Croix is really a special place and I can't wait to go back. Oh! Lavender infused drinks are my favorite - especially coffee. And ice cream. I made a lavender and honey ice cream over the summer, and it's magical. Thank you so much for watching - and taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate it!

[@DaPhlyymamee]

36:38 🤣😂🤣😂 You are too cute! I'm LOVING every minute of this video! Glad you enjoyed your Birthday! Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheRemedyVI]

Good day. I’ve resided on St. Croix for 6 years now and you nailed the beauty, and challenges of visiting STX 🏝️. Nicely done! ❤🇻🇮

[@4PORSH944]

Very good vlog At first, I thought that St. Croix was boring. You presented a great tour. Happy birthday

[@jessicapayne]

Quite honestly I thought the same thing before we went. But once we got there we found so many fun things to do - and if you just want to chill and hang at the beach the entire time - you can do that too! I don’t typically travel to the same place twice - but I would absolutely go back to St Croix!

[@lademac5791]

I so enjoyed your video. My hubby and i were in st croix at about the same time as you celebrating our 50th anniversary. If only we'd been 20 years earlier we could have been more adventurous! Your travelog brought back some beautiful memories though of wonderful people we met and glorious sights we saw.

[@divasamai2251]

Beautiful video! Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday!🥂✨

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuuu!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I had the best time and can't wait to go back very soon. St Croix is such a special place!

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

You remind me of myself on my first visit to the USVI. I love it…I had to go back many times after.❤❤❤

[@jessicapayne]

It was so amazing and many times throughout the trip I was like - why have I never been here before. I know I will be back again! 😆

[@BillWeaverMusic]

AWESOME video. Thank you for posting. We are going down there at the end of December.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!! You are going to love it - it’s hard not to. We had such a great time and we will absolutely return. I hope you have the best time. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! 😆

[@BillWeaverMusic]

Thank you for responding, and wishes for a very happy belated birthday. Yall are a beautiful couple. Proud to see people who exhibit that by just being themselves. This will be for our 10th wedding anniversary and she is absolutely my whole world. God bless

[@Caribbean_King]

I will NEVER forget my 3 month stay on St. Croix! 🌞🌴🇻🇮 It's my 2nd home and I can't wait to buy my 1st property there! It is a MUST to visit STX, you won't want to leave!! Great video! Thank you! 🌞🌴🇻🇮

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! 🥰 3 months?! That sounds amazing! I hope you get to purchase your property very soon - I completely understand why you love it so much! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@quincyjohnson5718]

St. Croix felt just like home for the 3 months I was there also had a chance to hang out with Mr. Curtis and the rum and punch ride from Buck Island

[@Caribbean_King]

​@@quincyjohnson5718 I hope you make it back! Hopefully I will see you at my buddies restaurant Zion Modern Kitchen!! His name is Mike, great guy!! 😊

[@quincyjohnson5718]

@@Caribbean_King In Christiansted? I may have gone to this place not 100% sure, however, a lot of my time was at the front line, coconut, and Tipsy Iguana. I’m definitely coming back I still keep in touch with friends there

[@Naturalhealthnaturalbeauty]

Sorry. Commented on the wrong video. 😂 I’m watching your vlog again and enjoying the music and views while I exercise. Thank you for sharing your journey. ❤❤❤

[@steelerStr8Talk]

Heading to St. Croix for Christmas, thank you so much for the video. It was well done and very insightful. I really enjoyed it. We are spending eight days in St. Croix as it is a vacation and we are going to look at the possibility of moving there when I retire in a few years

[@lorrisell1]

Happy birthday Jessica!!!! Ur footage on the trail is probably the funniest thing ever 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 I shouldn't be laughing this hard!! Love this!! I'm not through this video yet but I'm sure you enjoyed your trip 🫶🏽

[@jessicapayne]

😅😅😅 I cannot believe I’m currently alive to laugh about it because I didn’t think I was gonna make it out. There were many meltdowns but I’m glad I was able to get the ant situation on film, lol! I laugh now….. Mark said he was glad that I couldn’t see how many ants were actually on me. I’m telling you I was seconds from ripping my shirt off. 😂 Never again - but I’d go back to St Croix in a heartbeat. But I’m not ever messin with that trail - ever!

[@lorrisell1]

@@jessicapayne Girl you and Mark are to be commended for even THINKING about doing that because I already know my husband and I would never 😂😂😂 U guys are adventurous and we love watching that.

[@elfredyamcgowan9300]

Thank you 🙏🏾 sooo much for the best tour video I’ve ever seen. It was so in depth that now I want to visit St Croix thanks to you. I also truly appreciate your wonderful spirit with that award winning smile 😃. Blessings to you and your husband Mark.

[@kellyscarolinagarden]

You had me 😅. When you said,'I don't know why you're here Sébastien!😂 Jessica, I needed that laugh. Thanks for sharing your & Mark's vacation!

[@jessicapayne]

I was like why are there crabs here???? Where are we??? Am I going to die??? Oh the drama that never made it on camera, lol!!!!! 😅

[@christinaschell6142]

Happy Birthday Great Video loved your adventure- I want to move there someday

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! I can absolutely understand how people visit and then decide to move there. I’m so looking forward to going back!!

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

And you have the best footage of that hike that I’ve seen yet. 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuu!!! 🥰 I’ve enjoyed your live comments as you watch the video. That hike was no joke, and I bow down to those that have been able to complete it!

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

@@jessicapayne Yeah, I have to watch as time permits and I remember 🤷🏽‍♀️😀

[@dawnboehmer8467]

I just came across your fabulous video and became so nostalgic! Buck island is so special, Ya, hurricane Hugo was a mean one. If you ever want a lazy weekend read for a bit of your own nostalgia, Dakin St. James has written Bessie Smith Loves Chocolate and St. Croix is one of its many locations referenced. Thanks for sharing your birthday with us!

[@stevebland8298]

Nice video. Wife and I discovered St. Croix several years ago and have made 10 trips there so far. We've been all over the Caribbean but STX is by far our favorite place to go. You get to enjoy the beauty and fun of the USVI but avoid the crowds and hustle of St. Thomas. People are nice and friendly and we have never had even a bad moment all of the times we have visited. Highly recommended. Thanks for the video Jessica. Nice job.

[@jessicapayne]

Exactly that!!!! I absolutely loved being able to fully enjoy the island without all of the crowds of some of the others. That was my favorite part for sure. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. It really means so much and I truly appreciate it!

[@girdaroberts9855]

You are visiting my home. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. The last time I was home was in 2011. I love your honesty about returning back to your car.

[@jessicapayne]

I'm so happy that you enjoyed it - we really did have the best time. I hope that you get to return one day soon - I'm sure the island would welcome you back with open arms. What a special, special place!

[@jmba7662]

Beautiful video! So professionally done!!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuu!! 😘 I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment - I truly appreciate it!

[@marsha2600]

My family and I will be going to St Croix in 2 weeks for vacation. Doing some research. Thanks for vlogging about your time there.

[@Queenann06]

Jessica my beautiful Jessica first off Happy Birthday again I’m so glad you and Mark enjoyed your special day in such and amazing adventurous way , I must say you are one brave City Gal I was dying laughing at you until I got scared I’m so so glad you decided to call it quits nothing wrong with knowing when to call it quits . The snorkeling was very nice to watch . as always I really enjoyed traveling with u , I think it’s so cool how I feel like I’ve been to all these places with you. your videos are top tier. And you were glowing glowing ❤

[@jessicapayne]

Hahahaha 😅😅! I feel like I like nature - until nature falls on my and starts biting me as I’m walking on a very narrow and steep mountainous trail…..then the city girl comes right back out!! It’s an experience we’ll never forget and….NEVER try again, lol!!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video - we really did have a great time and I love hearing that you feel you are right there with me. Music to my ears. Thanks again love!

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

The way your eye’s light up at that good food😊❤❤❤

[@jessicapayne]

Every. time. 😂😂😂😂

[@nataliarivera3423]

Hats off to both of you. I feel like I experienced Saint Croix with you both. So thank you both so very much. Natalia from the Pocono Pa

[@jessicapayne]

Awww I love that comment so much! It truly is my goal with every video I create to make it in a way that you feel you are there with me. So thank you for saying that! 🥰 St Croix is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to return very very soon!

[@rju8411]

I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog. Well done!!!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuu!!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to let me know!

[@aprylkarynjewelry]

Thank you so much for this video. I am excited to venture there in april. I really appreciate your input.

[@jessicapayne]

You are so welcome!! I hope you have the best time - I can’t wait to go back!

[@darciecasto8559]

Very cool! Can't wait to watch the other vlogs 😊

[@justmemrb]

That hiking trail reminds me of the walking tour at the Mayan Museum in Cancun, MX.

[@AntoinettePentheny]

JESSICA...Happy Belated Birthday Wishes !!! So glad you chose St.Croix, USVI to Celebrate this memorable occasion. Royally Yours, A. Uresa Pentheny MSTX25 1977-1978

[@jessicapayne]

THANK YOU so much - I really appreciate it! St Croix was the perfect way to spend my birthday and I cannot wait to get back there very soon!!!

[@Tqueenb]

Great real video, thank you for showing the bitter with sweet! Haven't been to St Croix yet but you've got me yearning! I think while my granddaughter and Daughter are in Ireland next year, I may get a St Croix vacation planned! 😍😉.

[@jessicapayne]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!!! We had the best time and I love vacations when you don't have anything planned every second of the day, and you can get out and explore and find something fun and unexpected. St Croix is the perfect location for this. I hope that you get to visit soon - you will LOVE it!!!

[@lesliejackson5002]

I give you your props for attempting the hike, even after the ant attack… Lol! Beautiful video..thank you for sharing your experience. Happy belated birthday ❤❤❤.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! 😅 It took everything within me to keep going. Mark said he’s glad I didn’t actually see how many ants were on me - because there were a lot. I was 👌🏽 this close to stripping my clothes off in the woods, lol!!! Man - what an experience, I’ll never forget it.

[@Millie-px1wq]

Really enjoyed this informative video and vlog about St Croix. Planning a visit soon just got back from St Thomas. Words cannot express the beauty of that island. We drove on the left side of the road it was challenging to get used to but we made it out alive 😂.

[@ananijames1]

Happy birthday and thank you I can hardly wait to visit.

[@brendajones8251]

Happy Birthday!Jessica I enjoyed your vacation in the Virgin Islands .Thank you for sharing 💜

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuu!!! We had the very best time and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. St Croix is a beautiful island and I just know we’ll be back again very soon!

[@nicolebyers5651]

Hi! Your video was awesome! felt like I was there. The water was beautiful and that food!! Yum!! I think this will be my next vacation spot!! Happy birthday again!!

[@jessicapayne]

Music to my ears! I love to hear that people felt like they were right there with me as that is truly my goal. I promise that you will have a great time - it’s actually impossible not to. The beautiful scenery, great food, and wonderful people makes this destination 100% worth the trip! ☀️🌴

[@danimal442]

Thanks for the video! Very well done and super informative! A group of 10 of us are going next month and we can't wait!!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank YOU for watching and taking the time to comment - I really do appreciate it. You guys are going to have such a great time - I promise you that you will. Hopefully you have decided to book a tour with Big Beards because truly, it was the highlight of our trip. Have the best time - and once you get back, please come back and tell me what you thought - I want to know!

[@maureencathers341]

I love seeing new people visit St Croix! So glad you all enjoyed. Next time try staying on the west side at Sand Castle on the Beach! It’s on the best beach on the island, the rooms have all been renovated and the staff are amazing. Also, once a week the dive shop comes down to the pool at Sand Castle and does intro to diving for anyone and then you can get certified with them! The snorkeling is fantastic too. Frederiksted is definitely the local side of the island so it’s not touristy or busy but it does liven up at night with restaurants. Plus I promise it’s a safe area. We’ve stayed there six years in a row and never go to the east side because it’s so touristy and developed. We walk everywhere and the locals are friendly and happy to have people there. Hope to see more amazing videos of you all enjoying more of St Croix! ❤

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you so much for watching - I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!! We absolutley loved it and can't wait to go back very, very soon. Thank you so much for your suggestion about staying on the west side, and the hotel recommendation. So many people talk about how that side is the best side, so I was looking forward to seeing it but was shocked it was so empty once we got there. Now, for sure we have to go back to check it out. Thank you again for being here - and taking the time to comment, I truly appreciate it. Also, my apologies for the delay in responding back. I took a month off for some much needed rest and relaxation and am just starting to catch up!

[@MyVlogTherapy]

Such a great video! and thank you for the tips and recommendations at the end 👏🏽

[@aprilking8092]

What a relaxing birthday trip! Your video was so detailed and interesting. Looks like a great trip. Glad you enjoyed yourself👍👍😃😃😃😃😍😍

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you April!! It really was a great trip and it was so fun reliving it as I was editing this video. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! 🥰

[@deborahtalarico290]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. We go to St John every year. Don’t blame you for not completing the hike. I tired the to Hike Rams Head on St. John and only made it 3/4 of the way. Too hot, and 8 miles is too much to hike in the heat (4 miles up and 4 back). Most was up hill too. I will not hike at all while in the Virgin Islands. Lol. Especially after your experience too. Because of your awesome video we will be going to St. Croix this year too. Thanks for sharing!

[@jessicapayne]

Awwww I love that! I hope you enjoy your time in St Croix as much as we did. What a special place - I can't wait to go back again. And oh my goodness - an 8-mile hike? That's an absolute no for me. In fact, Mark and I just got back from Banff Canada and we went on an ice hike that was mostly uphill and very slippery. On our way down the mountain we said that moving forward we are crossing off hiking from all trips moving forward. Again people in the comments said the hike was easy - but it was not. I also got overheated because I wore too many clothes - which didn't help. It was beautiful to see - but no more hiking for us, lol!!!! Anyway, once you're back from St. Croix, please come back and let me know how you liked it. Oh - and I hope to visit both St. Thomas and St. John this year!

[@jesseskar2255]

I was born there and you helped bring me back

[@jessicapayne]

Awwww I love hearing that - thank you. We absolutely loved it - what a special, special place!

[@JohnMoodyJr]

I was First Mate of the Reef Queen taking trips to Buck Island back in '83/'84. It was such a fun adventure for the tourist season on St. Croix. Cheers!! 🍻

[@jessicapayne]

Really?!! That's amazing! What an amazing trip we had. The island is full of so many things to do - yet is the perfect place to just sit back, relax, and do nothing. And Buck Island - wow wow wow! I can't wait to go back!

[@cruzangoalable]

Great job. Appreciate the way you presented my home island. Tip for you all going to tide pools take water shores with rugged bottoms. Well deh natives got you up in the trail....lol. You do need to go back and explore west and the destileries and historical land marks. Cheers.

[@carolynabney9348]

HI Jessica I'm glad you enjoyed your trip and your birthday!!! Thanks for all the great tips .I enjoyed watching your video.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it - we had the best time. So many new and exciting adventures - we’re still talking about them. It has been quite the birthday month, that’s for sure! 😆

[@johaneingram2881]

Happy Belated Birthday and I would like to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this video!! I love the commentary, the views and music! You did a great job with this and I can wait to see where you land next!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!!! It means so much that not only you enjoyed the video but you took the time to comment. We had the best time and I love that I have this video to look back at our time there from time to time. We have a couple of great trips planned very soon so stay tuned! 😆 Thank you again!

[@KemApak]

Thank you very much for sharing your journey. I really enjoyed watching and it felt like I was there.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - we had the best time and I'm so happy that you enjoyed it!

[@YoutubeFabLifeOfJan1]

Happy Birthday! Your vacation video was superb!🎉😊

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!!! It was the best time and I cannot wait to go back. St Croix is a special place for sure!

[@SundanceSerenityHideaway]

Thank you so much for sharing your adventure and some tips!

[@edfraz453]

This will be the first stop of my seven day cruise. I can't wait to get there!

[@jessicapayne]

Oh yay!!! I promise that you will love it - it's impossible not to! Enjoy!!!

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

Lol. You’re so funny saying your goodbyes. 😂I feel your pain. Then the bugs….just no. 😢😢😢 After that mimosa and sandwich should have been a nap then brunch on the beach… You live and hopefully learn 🤷🏽‍♀️ Believe me on my many trips to the VI I’ve had some lessons too. ❤❤❤

[@jamesondavisfilms]

I love love the long video! thank you for sharing and im glad you had great time. Ill be taking my woman for her birthday and this video was very informative.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank youuuu!!! I was so nervous about the length so it makes me happy to know that you enjoyed it and didn’t mind how long it was. You are going to have the best time and I promise you - if you do nothing else, be sure to go on that snorkeling adventure with Big Beards. It was the highlight for sure. So much so that we thought about going again the next day! Enjoy!!!

[@SUPWA21]

JESSICA! I have only been to St Croix once, it was one of the ports on a cruise I was on...This was the late 80's It was a blast! I didn't do any snorkeling though. My nephew is a Master Diver...He was living in Guam when he was certified several years ago! He belongs to a Black divers club! He LOVES it! You stated that you guys thought or are thinking about becoming certified...DO IT! I did do some "standing in clear water fish watching" in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii some time ago I think, 1982...when you're surveying the many scenarios in the ocean it's like moving art! Stunningly beautiful! I watched you guys on that hike 😱...I can honestly say...I would have been walking back with Tara! LOL Actually the ants would have been the only persuasion needed!! The food looked absolutely amazing every single dish and every single drink!...I would have been double fisting all day everyday...Heat and the islands is intimidating. Most folks are in bathing suits and daisy dukes day and night! LOL Yeah, I'm not a fan of humidity at all...I'm a true California dry heat gurl! Mark's toast to you was so heartfelt...finding a soulmate in this day and age is priceless and you guys make a dynamic duo! Your parallel interests make for a beautifully blended partnership/relationship. This was fun and so glad you shared your birthday! It was so cool to kick it with you. 🐟🐠🦈

[@jessicapayne]

We are absolutely going to get certified for scuba. I loved seeing the underworld from the surface of the water and can’t wait to see what it looks like once we can swim down deeper. I cannot believe I kept moving after those ants fell on me. I was milliseconds away from tearing my shirt off and running out of that place screaming. It was about to be a whole scene on that mountain, lol!!! Outside of that, we truly had the best time. The food, the drinks, the people, the beaches - just top notch. I can’t wait to go back!

[@marsha2600]

Your hike reminded me of the unplanned one that I did with my husband 2 months ago to Colombrier Beach in St Barths. I was out of shape and it was tough. The pain was worth it though.

[@RissaO1617]

Oh my Goodness Jessica you and Mark are some brave souls😇…Love the video ❤. I’m watching this beautiful video after 1:00am or so, 😂. I will continue to live vicariously through you! May GOD continue to Bless you and Mark always… Stay Blessed 😇

[@twaye30]

I celebrated my 38th birthday there in 2018. We stayed at Hotel on the Cay in Christianstead❤ I did the buck Island snorkeling adventure also, it was so much fun.

[@jessicapayne]

Wasn’t it so much fun?! We thought about doing it again the next day, but then opted for the hike….which now looking back….😅😅😅

[@mphsb]

Loved your video. I'm planning a trip in April. Initially I was going to stay at Cottages by the Sea.I may switch to The Waves. Thank you so much

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!!! I really do think you’ll love it - we truly enjoyed our time there and when we go back, we’ll be staying there again! Enjoy!!!!

[@Keepswimming75]

Great video, enjoyed it as a regular visitor. You should get Scuba certified. Most places have Discover Scuba too which is a basic easy dive to figure out if you like it before doing all the classes. Wish you could have done Lyric Sail sunset sail. That's a fav of mine. Wonderful video showing the beauty of St Croix.

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!!! 🥰 I am absolutely getting scuba certified. We found a place here in NC that does it and so we are signing up for sure. I never thought it was something that I would be interested in - but now that we’ve snorkeled so many times and saw some amazing things - now I want to go even deeper. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@sherryryan4305]

Jessica, Jessica you and Mark had me on pins/ needles Lol😅. Mark was driving what seemed to be fast on the left side of the road. The hike had me tensed as well. After, the attack of the forest ants, I said turn around, turn around you guys😂. I've been calling you Brilliant Jessica. New name Dare-devil Jessica!! Girl you rock. The water and entire island is breath taking. Gorgeous!!

[@markh2200]

(an illusion, mostly. Jessica sped-up parts of the video and this probably included the driving scenes. At night, in the pitch-black darkness and on those windy narrow roads, I was generally driving at around 25-30 miles per hour. It felt, and looked, much faster but it really wasn't!)

[@sherryryan4305]

I was somewhat praying and leaning in. Then I to myself, oh they ate fine. Mainly because I am viewing the video. Oh silly me 😊😊

[@jessicapayne]

Yes Mark is right - he drove pretty slowly on all of those curvy roads because either you were forced to because they were a little scary - or…..I was saying “Mark do you think you should slow down a bit” lol! 😅 Any point in the video where it seemed he was going fast was because I sped up the speed a bit while editing so you guys wouldn’t get too bored….but still get to see all of the beautiful scenery. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it - wow - what an amazing trip that was!! 💕

[@travelmom3031]

Great video! St Croix is my happy place and i am so glad you loved it! I am also glad you didn't actually go to the Annaly tide pools because they can be really dangerous.

[@travelmom3031]

Next time you go, be sure and pick up take out from La Reine Chicken shack --the rotisserie chicken is so goooooood!

[@jessicapayne]

I really wanted to see them, but after the fact, I'm so glad we didn't go. If we would have made it to the pools, I don't know if we would have had the energy to scale those rocks to even get to the pools. So all in all - it worked out for the best. I absolutely see why St Croix is your happy place - I cannot wait to go back!

[@jessicapayne]

Oooooooo I promise that I will. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@lorettaknox154]

I am number one. ❤ The trip looks great, the food looks great. "Come and get my body off of this trail."😂 That trail is beautiful but it could use some benches to rest on. It looks so romantic. ❤ I have been to the Bahamas but never St Croix. This was a eventful trip. I just had to add the music was amazing.

[@jessicapayne]

Enjoy!!!!! 😆😘

[@retiredyoungsoldier6887]

Great video! Thanks for showing the Virgin Islands. I’m from St.Thomas. ironically, I’ve never been to St.Croix

[@jessicapayne]

No way!!! Oh you've got to go visit. St. Thomas is definitely on my list, but St. Croix will always be a special place for me. I just love the small island vibe!

[@BlackGirlWanders-SoloVentures]

This was an amazing video!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@ananijames1]

Jessica who is singing that music is everything. When you were leaving the most east point.

[@larryhoey9250]

I was there forty - five years ago.. way overdue for a visit..

[@jessicapayne]

I'm sure it has changed quite a bit - but no doubt, still just as beautiful!!

[@vickilopez3260]

Hi just saw your video of St Croix and really loved your sunglasses …. What is the brand and where did you get them! Thanks!

[@theresafrorup-alie949]

Belated earth strong greetings Jessica.... THANK YOU for displaying my home (also known as Twin City or Ay Ay) and showing the world where to "stay and play". St. Croix is one of the "melting pots" of the Caribbean, and I'm sorry you didn't try any of our local cuisines. The next time you come, check out where to "eat" by coming to our local native restaurants, delis, pubs, diners, hole in the wall and try dishes that are influenced by the countries of African, Spanish, French, and Dutch influence (fish & fungi, saltfish cakes, red peas soup, escabeche, johnny cakes, lechon, pate`s, kalallo, arroz con pollo, chicharones, man soup, just to name a few) and enjoy our bushteas (hot and iced cold) and local drinks like the tamarind, passion fruit, soursop, hibiscus, gooseberry, lime, and sorrel.

[@jessicapayne]

I promise you that I will and I have screenshot your comment so that I have all of your suggestions. I will definitely be back and the t next time will be spent only visiting the local spots - which is always my favorite. I absolutely loved your home and can’t believe it was my first time visiting. Trust me when I say it won’t be my last. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment - I truly appreciate it! 🥰

[@stampscertified6755]

Great content!!!

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you!!! 🥰 It was such a fun trip and I honestly can’t wait to go back!

[@DipInTraffic]

My Family and I are going on a trip to St. CROIX in the spring. We love your video. The Vibe,pace and the music is on point! What kind of case do you have for your drone.

[@jessicapayne]

You are going to LOVE it! We had such a great time, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed following us along. I carry my drone in a little camera bag that I got from the local camera store here in my town - it's not an official drone bag, but it's compact enough that it keeps it protected. If I can find a similar one, I'll be sure to come back with a link for you. I hope you have the best time this spring!

[@samuelrobinson7893]

This was so dope! Thank you for sharing

[@jessicapayne]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time comment. I so loved putting this video together and it makes me happy that you enjoyed it.

[@rosengoldus]

I see you visited St. Croix in October. I was told Hurricane season from Sept-Nov, what is your suggestions? We are planning to visit first week of October?

[@jessicapayne]

Hello!! Thank you so much for watching. We went in October and we didn't have one issue. It never even rained. Actually, I typically travel to Mexico in October each year - around my birthday - and we've never had a problem. Not to say that hurricanes never hit that area during that time - but we've gotten lucky each year. I will say that I always book refundable tickets just in case something does happen. I say go ahead and book it - and as it gets closer to the time of your trip, just keep checking the weather. Have the best time - you're going to love it!

[@rosengoldus]

Thank you so much for the quick response. yes, I am definitely booking October for my brother's birthday. :) We are so excited. Have a bless day@@jessicapayne