meadowviewartist

I can’t say enough about St. Croix. So much is written about it’s sister islands — St. Thomas and St. John — but St. Croix is the place to be if you crave time on the beach, a little bit of shopping, maybe some time on the ocean and some of the best restaurants in the world. The island is completely underrated, and now that the airport has been expanded is much more accessible. There’s far less noise and traffic than St. Thomas. The entire island is 26 miles — trust me you aren’t going to spend much on gas because you are going to become so at peace with yourself you won’t want to drive. Most of the hotels have entertainment at night so whether you stay there or opt for a less expensive condo or B&B, you can still partake in the fun. While we were there, we also got to be part of a children’s carnival in support of the Island’s Boys & Girls Club. The islanders are wonderful people. Whenever we got lost, they couldn’t have been more helpful. On the way to the airport and our flight home, we stopped at the post office to mail a package. When I asked the postmaster to confirm our route to the airport, the eight or nine people waiting in line all jumped in to give helpful suggestions. No one cared that it took extra time and everyone was laughing and bidding us good-bye and safe trip as we left. From now on, this will be my island of choice. One caveat: DO NOT take any road that says “Scenic Route,” the roads are bumpy and out of the way. My cousin was frightened to death on the entire ride and the “scenery” isn’t half as nice as 90% of the other roads because the shrubbery has been allowed to grow.

Not many people think of coming to this section of Massachusetts for its natural beauty, and they are missing so much. I live on this little peninsula which is tucked just off the main road in Marshfield. Day in and day out from one minute to the next, life is never the same on the tidal marshes and beaches. Out-of-towners are welcome all year long on our beach, although you will have to pay a small entry fee in the summer. Kayakers and canoeists can maneuver the South River from the marsh side while bathers and those who simply like to walk the sands will be treated to a beach that runs from Fourth Cliff (Humarock) in Scituate to the Tower in Brant Rock Village. If you are a nature and beach lover, this is the place for you. FYI: there are still plenty of summer rentals.

The natural beauty of the town will take your breath away if you take a moment to drive off away from the main drag. Our beaches, marshes, rivers and woods are unparalleled. Go for a drink at the Fairview Inn where you can sit on the deck in the summer and watch the boats pass by between Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays. Or, sit by the fireplace in the bar in the winter. Haddad’s Oceanside Cafe along the Brant Rock Esplanade has some of the best seafood anywhere. IMO, Rexhame Beach is the best kept secret south of Boston. Out-of-towners are welcome to park for a day fee in the summer. Bring your kayak and you can enjoy the South River in addition to the Atlantic.