For more than half a century, Mountain Top has been a premier tourist attraction on St. Thomas.
As the story goes, “… in 1953, a famous British sea captain by the name of Capt. George Soule sailed from his native island of Barbados on a quest to find the ultimate Caribbean cocktail. He searched Guadeloupe for Guava Gimlets, Saba for Sour Sop Sodas and Martinique for Mango Margaritas. His quest ended on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S Virgin Islands at a place called Mountain Top. The captain had finally discovered the perfect island beverage.
Mixing the Virgin Islands’ own Cruzan Rum, sugar cane extract, and ripe bananas from a nearby grove, he added fresh lime juice and a homemade secret banana liqueur. Capt. Soule had created the now world-famous Banana Daiquiri enjoyed by more than 3 million visitors a year at Mountain Top.”
Left: The roundabout at Mountain Top offers fun photo opportunities with life-size pirates and a super-sized replica of a Cruzan rum bottle.
Top of the page: Welcome to Mountain Top, where free admission includes duty-free shopping opportunities as well as access to the expansive observation deck.
Above: Stationary maps affixed to the observation deck at Mountain Top indicate the name of each island and cay in the distance.
Above: In addition to breathtaking panoramas and photo opportunities, Mountain Top is a haven for savvy shoppers.
Above: The all-new Mountain Top At Sea Level is located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, directly across from Emancipation Park.
Above: The duty-free shopping spotlight at Mountain Top shines on several quality clothing lines including sportswear by Columbia.
Located at the highest point of St. Thomas — 1,500 feet above sea level — Mountain Top is one of the earliest official tourist attractions on island. To this day, Cruzan remains the exclusive rum sold at the popular destination.
There is no admission charge. All visitors are invited to experience stunning views of more than 15 islands and cays from the expansive observation deck. For added enjoyment, stationary maps are strategically positioned for easy identification of Magens Bay, Hans Lolick, Little Tobago, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, St. John, Thatch Cay, and other exotic spots.
Of course, world-famous banana daiquiris are available for sale — complete with colorful souvenir glasses. Duty-free shopping is another “plus” — with everything from quality sportswear, swimwear, and accessories to jewelry on display.
At the ice cream stand adjacent to the main entrance, you can treat yourself to Island Cool Ice Cream served with Tortuga Rum Cake.
Be sure to check out the roundabout area with its multiple life-size pirate statues in various poses — great photo fun. At the center is a huge replica of a classic Cruzan rum bottle.
The popular enterprise recently expanded to offer additional shopping opportunities in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Visit the all-new Mountain Top At Sea Level, directly across from Emancipation Park.
Click HERE to find Mountain Top on Google Maps.
For more information, visit mountaintopvi.com or call 340-774-2400.
COCO BITS
A BIT ABOUT THE V.I. LEGISLATURE
Referred to as the Senate, the V.I. Legislature is a unicameral body — one of only four such legislative bodies operating under the American flag — along with Nebraska, Guam and the District of Columbia. The senate’s home is the Legislature Building located on the waterfront — directly across from Fort Christian. Built in 1828, it once served as the Danish police barracks as well as a high school. Renovated extensively in 1884, the structure is included in the official Charlotte Amalie Historic District.
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