ALABAMA GULF COAST EDITION
TROPHY TROUT
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FEBRUARY 11-15, 2026
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VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 370
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Nearshore Grocery Shopping TIM BAREFOOT
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anuary marks a shi! in fishing targets, with a focus on species ideal for winter meals. This month traditionally finds anglers pursuing seabass and other nearshore fish, following a tradition passed down from my dad, who favored seabass and flounder for their taste and suitability for freezing. Seabass are not only delicious but also keep well in the freezer, providing a reliable food source throughout the colder months. Flounder, prized for its flavor, remains a favorite for many. While seeking black seabass close to shore, anglers o!en encounter gag grouper, grey trout, and flounder. However, many of these species have strict creel limits, with retention o!en prohibited in regions like North Carolina. To avoid catching undersized or barely legal seabass, using larger bait on a jig is recommended. Live pinfish—ideally the size of a tennis ball or baseball—make exceptional bait. If you have access to a marina’s fish cleaning table, pay attention to discarded scraps, as these can help attract
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JANUARY 2026
pinfish. Setting a pinfish trap or using finely cut scraps to chum and cast net for pinfish are effective methods for securing live bait. This technique is not only excellent for larger seabass but also irresistible to gag grouper. The same structures that attract seabass also hold baitfish such as cigar minnows, sardines, and small snapper. When anchored or spot-locked over structure, keeping a Sabiki rig ready can be invaluable. Keep one person in the boat constantly on the Sabiki providing live baits for the rest of the boat. This will certainly pay dividends. Be mindful of state and federal regulations of what you can and cannot keep, but this tactic catches everything on the reef without exception. The thing I like about pinfish is everything down there will give a live sardine and a live cigar minnow a fatal attack, but only the critters with a large enough mouth and a bold nature will go a!er pinfish or small snapper. The goal is not to catch a hundred fish, but to land a dozen high-quality bites—those worth taking home for dinner. Anywhere south and north of North Carolina, flounder is still on the menu for dinner, and a jig paired with a live cigar minnow is the ultimate flounder catching instrument. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but if you take light tackle to some of these nearshore seabass holes, you will lose fish to powerful gags. For nearshore flounder and grouper, opt for heavier tackle—a grouper stick equipped with a four-ounce jig and live cigar minnows or sardines. The other byproduct of this style fishing will be large drum, which tend to congregate on nearshore structure. Don’t be surprised to catch seabass, flounder, gags, and drum in the same spot. Also don’t hesitate to take chunks of crab or sand fleas for sheepshead. January is a winter wonderland, so make the most out of your nearshore grocery shopping by being prepared for all the possibilities. Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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he flat was silent. No birds. No bait popping. Only the crunch of frost under my boots and the faint ripple of tide against the shoreline. Every sensible voice in my PHO TO COURT ESY OF KN head said the fish wouldn’t OCKIN TA IL LURES® feed. Then the line jumped—just once— and everything changed. For those who chase speckled trout of larger proportions, one truth becomes painfully clear: big winter trout do not give themselves up easily. Cold water slows their metabolism, feeding windows shrink, and mistakes multiply. Most anglers default to the winter mantra—slow everything down. It’s solid advice… but it isn’t the whole story. Winter trophy trout live in a world of conserving energy. They don’t want to chase far, but they will react violently to the right movement at the right moment. That’s where two tools come together: erratic presentation and precise timing. Let’s start with timing. Like many anglers, I once dismissed solunar tables as folklore. As a kid, I’d scan the fish symbols on the calendar before every trip. More fish meant higher hopes. Fewer fish meant lower expectations. Over time, I saw no real correlation and abandoned the idea. But as I matured into a better saltwater angler—and began truly hunting trophy trout—I returned to solunar tables, this time paired with tides and conditions. The difference was undeniable. These tables aren’t magic. They won’t put fish where they don’t exist. But if you are on fish, they o!en reveal when those fish are most willing to feed. Many anglers assume the “major” bite is always better than the “minor.” Not true. The difference is duration, not intensity. The major typically lasts about two hours, the minor closer to ninety minutes. Either can be explosive. One rule I never break: don’t relocate during a feeding window. On a recent trip, I was grinding through a slow morning and nearly moved on. I checked the time—ten minutes before the bite. I stayed. What followed was an aggressive feed that turned a dead stretch into a trophy-class opportunity. Big trout don’t feed o!en. When they do, you’d better be ready. That brings us to presentation. In winter, I rely on suspending and slow-sinking lures with erratic, nervous action. When I say “slow,” I mean forward movement—not motion. With a so!, whippy rod, I shake the lure in place with almost no forward travel, then let it pause. Shake. Pause. Repeat. This technique works best with braided line, which transmits every movement without stretch. Winter trout may be cold—but when timing and motion align, they don’t just bite… they attack. The strike comes without warning. No tap. No thump. Just sudden, heavy weight and the slow, head-shaking surge of a true gator. In that moment, frozen fingers, long quiet hours, and doubt all vanish. There is only tension in the line and the knowledge that patience, timing, and the right dance delivered the fish you came for. And that’s why we brave the winter. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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ALABAMA GULF 1
Gulf to Table
The Secret Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip That Defines Coastal Living By Shawna Whitsett
There’s something magical about the Gulf Coast this time of year — the cooler air, the glittering water, and the promise of big yellowfin tuna running strong offshore. December and January mark prime yellowfin season across the Gulf, and for many local anglers, that means one thing: it’s time to go from Gulf to table with the freshest catch of the year.
Every local has their version, but this recipe — rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced — has been passed quietly between fishermen, dockside chefs, and backyard smoke-masters for decades. It’s not just food; it’s part of the Gulf Coast’s culinary DNA. Served at parties, tailgates, or get-togethers, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and keeps people asking for the recipe (which, until now, was usually a well-kept secret).
This smoked tuna dip embodies everything we love about Gulf Coast living — the connection to the water, the camaraderie of a shared catch, and the celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It’s an Whether you’re reeling them in from the rigs south of Venice, chasing birds off the shelf in Orange Beach, elegant yet effortless dish that fits just as well at a or heading out of Destin for a winter meat run, these casual dock party as it does at a holiday gathering. sleek, powerful fish are the crown jewel of the Gulf. Pair it with an ice-cold local craft beer or a crisp Their fight is unmatched, their flavor incomparable Sauvignon Blanc, and you’ve got the ultimate — and their versatility in the kitchen makes them a appetizer that tells a story with every bite. holiday favorite among coastal foodies.
But among all the ways to enjoy yellowfin, grilled, seared rare, or sliced sashimi-style, one secret recipe has long held a place of honor at Gulf Coast gatherings: Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip.
So the next time you bring home that big yellowfin, remember: the best part of the trip might not be the fight — it’s sharing the flavor of the Gulf with the people you love.
Ingredients: • 1 pint white wine • 1 pint water • ¼ cup salt • 2½ lbs fresh yellowfin tuna, cut into ¾-inch steaks
• 1¼ cups Duke’s Mayonnaise (adjust to preferred consistency)
• • • • • • • • •
2 tbsp heavy cream 1 tbsp white pepper 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ¼ cup finely chopped parsley ¼ cup finely chopped green onion ½ onion, finely chopped ½ tsp Tabasco hot sauce ½ tsp light soy sauce
By Shawna Whitsett
Preparation: 1. Brine & Smoke: Combine salt, wine, and water. Soak tuna steaks for one hour, then pat dry. Rub lightly with soy sauce and smoke on indirect heat (around 250°F), turning after one hour, until cooked through but still moist — don’t overdo it. 2. Mix It Up: Rough chop the smoked tuna to your preferred texture. In a stainless mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, cream, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, onion, and Tabasco. Fold gently until blended. 3. Serve: Scoop into a chilled serving dish and surround with lavash, crackers, or sliced cucumbers. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of lemon oil for presentation.
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NEW ORLEANS-STYLE DINING IS BACK & BETTER THAN EVER!
FRESH FLAVORS. FRESH LEADERSHIP. FRESH EXPERIENCE. Ralph & Kacoo’s has been a Gulf Coast favorite since 1969, known for hearty portions, approachable pricing, and the unmistakable flavor of Louisiana seafood. Today, we’re proud to introduce a new chapter—one filled with renewed energy, refreshed leadership, and a stronger commitment to hospitality than ever before.
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WEEKLY SPECIALS YOU’LL LOVE Sunday Brunch • 11am–2pm A delicious mix of Southern favorites and seafood comforts. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays • 4pm–Close Bring the family — we’ll handle dinner. Buck-a-Shuck Wednesdays $1 Raw Oysters • $2 Charbroiled Oysters Every Wednesday, all day long. Ladies Night Thursdays 2-for-1 Appetizers, Desserts & Specialty Drinks. THE COMFORT YOU REMEMBER. THE QUALITY YOU DESERVE. From complimentary hushpuppies to dependable, down-home seafood, Ralph & Kacoo’s still delivers the flavors you grew up loving. But now—with improved service, new leadership, and a renewed commitment to excellence—we’re better than ever.
We’re elevating your dining experience with ongoing renovations and a Whether you’re visiting after a day on the refreshed atmosphere—cleaner, brighter, water, reconnecting with family, or giving and more inviting, while still keeping the us another chance after being away, we charm you love. invite you to come taste the difference.
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Hunting with Dogs: Continuing a Coastal Tradition
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long Alabama’s Gulf Coast, few traditions capture the connection between people, land, and wildlife like hunting with dogs. At Rising Outdoor Initiative, we’ve recently added a hunting dog to our growing family of outdoor educators, deepening our commitment to teaching heritage skills that tie us to the natural world. Hunting with dogs is a time-honored practice in Coastal Alabama—rooted in teamwork, trust, and respect. Across the region, retrievers dive eagerly into bay waters to bring back ducks, while pointers and setters sweep through upland fields in graceful pursuit of quail. The excitement of the chase is only part of the experience; the real reward comes from the partnership built through patient training and countless mornings spent outdoors together. Our newest four-legged team member will help us share that experience with others. Through workshops and community hunts, we aim to introduce participants—especially young or first-time hunters—to the rich traditions and responsible ethics of hunting with dogs. Beyond the field, it’s an opportunity to learn about habitat conservation, stewardship, and the importance of maintaining these coastal ecosystems for future generations. In a world that moves fast, moments spent in the woods with a loyal dog remind us to slow down, listen, and connect. At Rising Outdoor Initiative, we’re proud to keep these traditions alive, one wagging tail and one sunrise at a time.
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ALABAMA GULF 13
Boosting Marsh Resilience: How Fungal Endophytes Could Help Alabama’s Coast Weather Rising Salinity By: Jackie Howell Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, few plants are as important—or as tough—as Spartina, the marsh grass that forms the backbone of our coastal ecosystems. As sea levels rise and salinity slowly creeps upward in estuaries and marshlands, scientists are racing to understand how these critical plants will adapt. One of the most promising avenues may come from an unexpected place: tiny fungi living quietly inside the plants themselves. At the University of South Alabama’s Biology Department, graduate researcher Camille Thompson is wrapping up a Master’s thesis that explores how fungal endophytes— symbiotic fungi living within plant tissues—might help Spartina withstand higher salt levels. Working in the lab of Dr. Jeremiah Henning, Thompson’s research focuses on populations from Dauphin Island, where marsh salinity typically ranges from 15 to 20 ppt (parts per thousand). Endophytes, which can be fungi or bacteria, often benefit their host plants by increasing nutrient uptake, boosting growth, or improving stress tolerance. To find out whether local endophytes could increase Spartina’s salinity tolerance, Thompson began by collecting Spartina roots from marsh sites on Dauphin Island. Back in the lab, the roots were sterilized, clipped, and placed onto petri dishes to isolate the fungi living inside them. Out of 100 strains recovered and identified, an impressive 91 belonged to the genus Aspergillus, with the remaining isolates representing Penicillium and Chaetomium. Ten strains were ultimately selected for experimental testing. Her thesis is built around two major experiments. First, the fungal strains were tested alone to see how well they could grow under a range of salt concentrations, from 0 to 40 ppt. Most Aspergillus strains performed best between 10 and 20 ppt and showed only modest declines at higher levels. Chaetomium strains varied—one behaved similarly to Aspergillus, while another maintained slower but steady growth until about 30–40 ppt. Penicillium strains were consistent but slower-growing overall. Next came the plant trials. Nearly 200 Spartina plants were grown under three salinity conditions—0, 20, and 40 ppt—and divided into inoculated groups along with positive and negative controls. Thompson monitored growth indicators such as plant height, number of leaves, and new shoot production to determine whether the fungi conferred any measurable benefits. The final phase, the “tear-down,” focused on biomass. Plants were harvested and measured for fresh and dry weight of both above-ground tissues and roots. Digital root scans documented length and branching patterns, and ongoing staining work will confirm fungal colonization. Thompson’s working hypothesis is that inoculated plants may shift energy toward above-ground growth because the fungi help them more efficiently access nutrients. While the full data analysis is still underway, the implications are already exciting. Strengthening the resilience of foundational marsh plants like Spartina could play a major role in restoring and protecting our coastline. In fact, some inoculated plants from this research have already been incorporated into the Aloe Bay Restoration Project on Dauphin Island, which aims to restore four acres and over 2,000 feet of shoreline. Thompson isn’t stopping here—she’ll continue this work as she enters the Ph.D. program in USA’s Marine Science Department, expanding her research to include highsalinity Texas marshes. For anglers, boaters, and coastal residents, healthier marshes mean better habitat, stronger fisheries, and more resilient shorelines. And sometimes, the key to resilience comes from the smallest partners nature provides.
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BRAG BOARD
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uckily, I have never personally been seasick, but I can con!rm that when it gets someone, they look like they legitimately want death. Watching people board the boat in the morning full of personality, and quickly turning into a quiet, helpless version of themselves breaks my heart every time. It’s funny, I’ve taken people !ve miles out in flat calm seas and watched them turn green within an hour, while others can ride out a choppy twelvehour sword!sh trip without a single grimace. Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t about toughness. It’s about biology, and knowing how to outsmart it can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one you’d rather forget. At its core, seasickness is your brain throwing a !t over mixed signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels the constant motion of the boat. Your eyes, however, might be locked on the deck or a smartphone, telling your brain that you’re not moving. This mismatch can confuse the body enough to trigger nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and that unmistakable “I need the rail” moment. The good news is that you can do a lot to keep it from happening, or at least keep it from ruining your day. Start the night before. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is showing up tired, dehydrated, and with nothing in their stomach. Lack of sleep makes your body more sensitive to motion. Drink plenty of water the day before and have a balanced dinner, nothing too greasy or heavy. And go easy on alcohol, nothing gets people
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon faster than being hungover. Eat before you board. An empty stomach is not your friend at sea. Eat a light breakfast with complex carbs and protein; think a bagel with peanut butter or scrambled eggs with toast. Skip the spicy breakfast burrito...you’ll thank me later. Pick your spot wisely. The closer you are to the boat’s center, the less movement you’ll feel. On smaller boats, this often means staying near the console or midship. If you’re anchored or drifting, facing into the wind can help you get fresh air, and fresh air is one of your best allies. Whatever you do, don’t lay down and close your eyes, no matter how much you’d prefer to be in the fetal position, this is your enemy. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Your inner ear is telling your brain you’re moving, and your eyes need to con!rm it. Locking your gaze on the horizon gives your brain consistent information and can stop the mixed-signal meltdown before it starts. Avoid the downward spiral. Once seasickness takes hold, it can be hard to shake. If you feel that !rst wave of queasiness, act fast. Get to fresh air, keep your head up, and focus on a !xed point.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, The Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
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THE FRESHWATER BEAT
HANDLING SEASICKNESS
Know your aids. There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription remedies, from Dramamine and Bonine to scopolamine patches, but timing matters! Take them before you step aboard, or even get them in your system the night prior to a trip. Ginger candies, wrist acupressure bands, and peppermint gum can also help. Respect your limits. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, tell your captain ahead of time. We’d much rather work with you to make your trip comfortable than see you suffer in silence. Lastly, if you do need to heave, please try to do it downwind of the captain. I dont care if its all over the boat, but truly, I have been puked on more times than I’d like to admit. To the client who got me right in the mouth from 10 feet away on a windy trip, 10/10 for accuracy, but I’d rather not be handing out those awards. Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about as even seasoned captains have had their moments. The key is to prepare, listen to your body, and take action early. The ocean is an incredible place, and a little planning can make sure you enjoy every second of it, without clinging to the rail.
Lightweight, Ultra-Portable Roll-Up Fishing Boat The Sea Eagle® Stealth Stalker™ 10 is now available with a lightweight, super portable, high pressure drop stitch floor. With this new inflatable floor, the total weight of the boat is 13 pounds less than the traditional wooden floorboard. The floor rolls up with the boat making transporting and storing a breeze. The seats attach with 4 double d-ring straps for quick & easy set up. Use the STS10 with 1 or 2 anglers in bays, lakes, rivers, salt marshes - wherever the fish are. New STS10 Pro Lite Package includes everything you see below plus a storage bag for the boat, pump and repair kit. Add an electric or gas motor up to 4 hp.
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Adjusting to Post-Front Bass
water temperatures. Since Florida lakes, where I’m located, are shallow and cool down quickly PRO ANGLER JOEY BLOOM in the wind, I spend extra time searching for protected areas—canals, marinas, or creek arms—that retain warmth longer. Even a slight increase of a couple degrees can spark !sh activity. I’ve often seen a quiet stretch come hen a powerful cold front sweeps a shaky head or Texas rig along alive after the sun heats it up by midday. across your location, bass !shing grass lines, letting Bait Cave’s lifelike action do If you’re !shing grass-rich lakes, concentrate conditions can shift dramatically the work. That realistic movement and high- on dense vegetation near deeper water—look overnight. A reliable shallow bite can vanish by for hydrilla edges, reeds, or mats. These zones the following morning as water temperatures trap heat and provide bass a sense of safety. I plummet, skies clear, and previously gentle love flipping a Bait Cave Customs creature bait south winds turn into chilly gusts from the into that thick stuff with a heavy rod and braid, north, stripping warmth from the lakes. staying alert for subtle bites that follow a cold Consistency as a bass angler hinges on knowing front. how to adjust your approach after these fronts As the day warms and the barometric move through. pressure stabilizes, don’t rule out reaction baits. My !rst reminder after a cold front is A suspending jerkbait or lipless crankbait can simple: the !sh haven’t gone anywhere—they’ve entice suspended !sh that aren’t chasing much just changed their mood and location. Most else. largemouth bass dislike cold, high-pressure Cold fronts can be humbling, but they also weather, so they slide off the banks, tuck tighter teach adaptability. Every front is a learning into cover, or suspend near feeding areas. opportunity. Be patient, trust your instincts, Recognizing these subtle changes can turn a and use your con!dence baits—my favorites challenging day into a productive one. are Bait Cave Customs soft plastics and the Returning to productive spots after a front, gear I pick up from Copper State Tackle’s new I slow down and target slightly deeper water. Inverness, Fla. location. If you’re near there, If I had success with moving baits in two feet check out their shop—they have everything you of water before, I’ll now !sh four or !ve feet need to stay prepared for any conditions. deep with more subtle lures. This is when I rely on my con!dence baits—especially the Joey Bloom is a 2024-2025 National Professional soft plastics from Bait Cave Customs. Their quality construction make a big difference Fishing League Tournament Pro. Follow his stick baits and !nesse worms are essential for during tougher bites. fishing and fun on Instagram, Facebook, my cold-front strategy. I’ll drag one slowly on Another important tactic is seeking stable and YouTube at Joey Bloom Fishing.
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FISHING FOR A GREAT GETAWAY? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN USVI!
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hat you really need to cure those winter blues is a little sun and sand, beaches and rainforests, music and culture, food and fun. And no place delivers the rhythms of the Caribbean quite like St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. ST. THOMAS: St. Thomas’ location near an undersea canyon makes it one of the best places in the world to catch massive !sh—we’re talking up to 350 pounds or more! Inshore, offshore and deep-sea !shing charters like Offshore Adventures and Double Header Sportfishing offer half or full-day excursions into waters teeming with blue marlin, yellow!n tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and more. Or if you’d rather combine a little work and play, Virgin Islands Sportfishing can customize a trip that includes plenty of !shing, plus a place to stop for cocktails to celebrate your big catch. For an adventure to remember, book a trip to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can scuba dive or swim with dolphins, sea lions and turtles. (Guides are provided and no certi!cations are required). The park’s 5 acres also include aquariums, outdoor pools, nature trails and other marine experiences. The littles on your list will never forget a trip to the hands-on Pirates Treasure Museum, where kids (and kids at heart) can steer a virtual pirate ship through a storm, learn all about submarines
and even search for pirate booty — before scoring their own pirate-themed merch in the museum gift shop, of course. ST. CROIX: The outdoors and history blend beautifully on St. Croix. Thrill-seekers can fuel their adrenaline rush with a ride on the Carambola Zip Line, which delivers a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop before racing 2,500 feet across a lush tropical valley. You can also explore some of the island’s more remote reaches on a two-hour Gecko’s Island Adventures guided ATV tour through trails and forests you simply can’t access by car. These treks require a sense of adventure combined with a little grit, but the stunning views that await are oh, so, worth it. Those wanting a more relaxing vacation will love exploring St. Croix’s historical towns, where you can wander among buildings that haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. All of the exploring will work up quite an appetite, so be sure to book a tasty food tour while you’re here! Companies like Virgin Islands Food Tours or Taste of Twin City Food Tour will help you eat and drink your way around town, while a Christiansted Sip & Savor Mixology Class teaches guests how to make three signature cocktails mixed with local Cruzan Rum and tropical ingredients. ST. JOHNS: Don’t be fooled by the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John
absolutely delivers when it comes to uncrowded beaches, relaxation and unspoiled natural beauty. More forested and less developed than its sister islands, it offers the perfect escape for those looking for a true “check out from civilization” getaway. That seclusion and natural beauty make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Book a luxury stay at The Westin St. John Resort Villas or Lovango Resort & Beach Club. Reserve a table at !ne restaurants like ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay or casual joints like Skinny Legs Bar & Grill. Book a Cruz Bay Watersports sunset sail or a Night Kayak glow tour. Another unique way to explore St. John’s pristine beaches is on horseback. Book a ride with Carolina Corral to take a guided trail ride along coral-strewn shorelines before making your way up a sloping hillside that leads to sweeping views of Coral Bay.
NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Check out www.VisitUSVI.com.
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