Easter is behind us as well as Winter High Season. Parking will be easier to find and people of St. John will smile just a bit more. I usually don’t tout restaurants or commercial places. But this place is unique and think it’s worthwhile to share with you.
This is the Windmill Bar and the views from here are absolutely awesome. If you like a laid-back time at the end of your beach day this is a great place and of course, evening sunsets are a must. The actual windmill was constructed during slave times of the 1700’s. You can walk in, peak around with a libation in your hand.
Getting here is easy. Take Centerline Road out of Cruz Bay and past Paradise Lumber on your left. A short way after you will see a couple of signs. On the right is Shambles another good hangout place and on your left the Windmill sign. Turn left, follow the dirt road where a local is sitting in a plastic chair. He’ll direct you, pay him a couple of bucks then walk about 100 yards and you have arrived.
Of course, I on the other hand, driving Rachel (my 23-year-old jeep named after an old girlfriend pay nothing). I’m considered a local and Rachel gets front row parking right at the door. And why not? She and I have been through three hurricanes, countless storms, moved concrete, rebar, lumber. Rachel is a like me plenty of dings and dents but we both just keep on going.
Don’t know why someone didn’t open this place before but it was not until 2020. You’re going to find a lot of colorful locals sprinkled in with some tourists.
I highly recommend this place if you ain’t lookin for 5-star dining and just want a good time while meeting new friends, this is the place.
SHAMELESS MARKETING
I have been saying this for the last six months so why stop now. Whenever you come to St. John regardless of where you stay - get your car rented first thing! See when this whole virus thing hit the fan two years ago, car rental companies did not upgrade their fleet. Consequently, coupled with a chip shortage the island car market is an absolute mess!
Now let’s talk about accommodations. Fortunately, I have been absolutely booked for every single night since last October at both Sopra Mare and Bordo Mare kinda like a squirrel with a mouthful of nuts. But now things are changing! I am pretty much open from late June Summer months through the end of the year. The ocean is warmer, less people, and yes, parking in town. Time to come and enjoy both my places. Of course, as returning guests you “will” get a discount.
I don’t know of another island owner except me, that provides each guest a Sam and Jacks complimentary first-class dinner including wine, bread, salad and main course. Sometimes it’s lasagna, eggplant, or possibly Stromboli depending on what the chef feels like cooking that day. But I can attest there is more than enough for you to enjoy after a long day of travel.
Now with a full stomach enjoy the brilliant sunset sink over St. Thomas elbows propped on the pool edge, glass of wine in hand, and all worries evaporate. Doesn’t get better than this.
PERSONAL
My life has been blessed in many ways. Oh, I can’t say it’s great every day and made more than my share of screwing up good things. Life to me is not about the destination it’s about the journey and partner I have had my journeys. Each one of them as I reflect back, allowed me to grow as a person while experiencing joy, heartbreak, terror, worry – I call it life and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’ll “Leave The Lite On For You” at your island home – Bordo Mare or Sopra Mare.