St. Thomas is the gateway isle of the beautiful, emerald U.S. Virgin Islands. It is home to its territorial capital, Charlotte Amalie, which has been the heart of St. Thomas’ activities from its Danish colonial times in the 1600’s, when it was a bustling port of trade. Historic buildings like the 1679 Watchtower Blackbeard’s Castle remind visitors of the area’s rich and turbulent pirate history, and on the harbor, 17th-century Fort Christian is now a fascinating museum, while modern additions of taxis, shops, souvenir vendors and cruise ships in the harbor remind that it is tourism that currently drives the economy. Get out of downtown and you can find a picture-perfect beach for relaxing or snorkeling, enjoy the island’s world-renowned golf course, or take the Skyride 700 feet above the city for an incomparable view of the island and its turquoise Caribbean waters.