St. Thomas
St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It's known for its beaches and snorkeling spots. Territorial capital Charlotte Amalie, founded by the Danish in the 1600s, is a busy cruise-ship port. Historic buildings include a 1679 watchtower called Blackbeard's Castle, in reference to the area's pirate history. On the harbor, 17th-century Fort Christian is now a local-history museum.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts is the larger of the 2 Caribbean islands that comprise the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It's known for rainforested mountains and beaches of white, gray, and black sands. On its southwestern coast is the capital, Basseterre, and Georgian buildings from the colonial era. Anchoring Basseterre is the Circus, a plaza modeled after London's Piccadilly Circus, complete with Victorian-style clock tower.
