Scott Kern, Travel Concierge

02/17/2026

Cool…..Jump Up in St. Croix!
“Tywreh. Does St.Croix celebrate Jump Up? I’ve heard Jimmy Buffett mention it in his songs and at his live shows. I know some islands celebrate.”

“Whoa. Yeah, Mon. How did you know? It’s this Friday in Christiansted. Moko Jumbies, man. It’s so much fun. Tell your wife. You gotta go.”

How lucky are we! Friday is our last night on island.

Background: “Jump Up” loosely translates to dance. Jump Up on St. Croix is a party in the streets of Christiansted. The quarterly celebration includes: Music, dancing, food, drinks, street vendors, cultural dancers, shopping, steel pans, fire dancers, as well as the iconic Moko Jumbies (stilt dancers).

An old cultural tradition brought over from Africa, these stilt dancers mock the evil spirits, also known as ‘jumbies’, to scare them away. The Moko Jumbies are NOT to be missed, they dance up and down the streets to the music on six foot stilts.

Moko Jumbies are iconic, towering stilt-walking performers in St. Croix, representing West African traditions as guardians, healers, and protectors against evil spirits.

Friday: Amazing resort beach day, last island dinner at Savant, followed by Jump Up. That’s a wrap, St. Croix.

Tomorrow, we fly back to the Arctic Cold (aka New Jersey).

Marie - Next winter, we’re doing two weeks.

“Take you to the jump up if you want to go. It's never too late to make a brand new start.” ~ Knees of My Heart (JB)

S*M

02/16/2026

Happy Friday!

After looking at my AllTrails app to confirm the trailhead location, I notice The Weather Channel app. OMG - Is it still that cold in the Delaware Valley?

I laugh. What did we do before apps, I wonder?

I awoke to a cloudy island sunrise at 6am, followed by a sweet coastal/beach hike at Point Udall (East End) this morning. This specific location captures the first light across all U.S. states and territories. Point Udall is at the east end of St. Croix in the VI. Easternmost point (by travel, not longitude) of the United States. First “Piece of Land” to greet the morning sunrise in the U.S. each day.

Yes… Marie is still sleeping.

48 hours left on Island, we’re hoping to finish strong!

When we travel, together we usually enjoy hiking, kayaking and snorkeling at least once during our trip. Whereas, I will typically cycle and golf, solo. It’s always fun later each evening, to view the pics and wax nostalgic over dinner and cocktails when discussing the day’s experiences versus other trips and excursions.

Hey Marie - Remember that catamaran sail in Sint Maarten? Was that our very first time? We didn’t know anything. Man, that was fun!

Of course, Marie (always!) seems to remember the details with more clarity and precision than I. Perhaps it’s my journalist ‘artistic license’?

Our last VI beach day is 85 and sunny. Island breezes summoned a local sailing club who took to the sea right in front of our resort white lounge chairs. Yup. None of us Seniors budged an inch. Oh to be young and fit…..

Nicole (bartender) blows the conch shell. Beach bar is now open for bid-ness. Our very own Island “Cheers”. Everyday you meet different folks with different stories, homes and past lives. Hardest thing is remembering the names! Gets tougher as the rounds get deeper.

Time moves slowly at here Chenay Bay. The slow pace is welcomed by all.

Occasionally a patron will call or face-time a relative back home on the Mainland. Usually by the second or third round. Nicole just rolls her eyes. She can probably write a book!

“Dude. What are you doing? Check this out. You need to come down. Now. It’s how cold up there? It’s 85 here.”

Life is easy here. Quick swim. Actually it’s more of a wade into the water, up to mid-torso. Quick snooze. Walk to bar. Grab a drink. Repeat.

If you ever make it down here, make sure you say hello to Nicole. She’s the best!

Marie is making serious progress on her book. I am not. She tells me she’s claiming “First Shower.” Dinner in Christiansted. Our last meal at Savant. Looking forward to my last taste of Wahoo and white (wine).

Young kids just returned from their sail. Still looking young and fit. Actually more so. How is that possible? Ughhhh. I remain glued to my beach chair. Do I really have to leave……

Tomorrow we head home. We’re ready. The cold and snow, not so much!

Marie - “Where is my Patagonia puffer jacket? Is that Mount Laurel weekend weather correct? High 24. Low 6. Can we start making Painkillers when we get home. Please. I’m going to need something to cope with these Jersey temps!”

When we got home from 2 weeks in Hawaii (2007), Marie started buying and preparing mangoes from Shop Rite. It had become our daily breakfast staple every morning in Maui. Our mainland routine lasted about 3 weeks back home in Moorestown, NJ. Too funny!

I’m very excited to celebrate ‘Jump Up’ with the locals tonight. More to come about this unique Island celebration.

~Scott & Marie

“It's the only place he knows. Where it always happens. Same place every year. I come down and talk to me. When the coast is clear.” (JB)

02/15/2026

Thursday found us heading to Buck Island. More specifically Buck Island Reef National Monument. Designated a National Monument by JFK in 1961, you can only access this untouched pristine paradise by boat. An elkhorn coral barrier reef encircling nearly two-thirds of the island, containing abundant sea life: blue tangs, parrotfish, turtles, reef sharks and barracudas.

We enjoyed two snorkel stops Turtle Beach and Coral Reef sanctuary. It was even more fun breaking in our new snorkeling gear!

Afterwards, we sailed to a deserted beach area on the North Shore for an old school beach BBQ and optional beach walk before heading back to Christiansted.

Back on the mainland, Marie and I toasted our Love & Luck with Painkillers at Rum Runners - Deck Bar on the Christiansted boardwalk.

We returned to the resort to witness a glorious sunset over Chenay Bay.

Our February vacation calendar shows 48 hours remaining before we head home as old and new clients text, call and email.

Soon it will be time to make some money to fund our next great escape. I’ve got some ideas….

“Everybody needs a little good luck charm. A little gris-gris keeps you safe from harm. Rub yours on me and I'll rub mine on you. Luckiest couple on the avenue.” (JB)

Absolutely agree, Jimmy.

02/14/2026

Hump day on the Island. Mid week. It comes up quick. Always does! You know that vacay feeling when you’re (finally) starting to get the ‘lay of the land’ in a foreign destination? Building out a daily routine. Roads once strange suddenly look familiar. Calm is replacing anxiety. Stress and heart rate are slowed. We’re both really feeling “Life in the Slow Lane” here in St. Croix. Marie enjoyed a glorious beach day, while I enjoyed a private late morning cycling tour in Frederiksted. Coastal route in the West End which was part history, part fitness, all fun. Last stop was Prosperity Farm Distillery. Enjoyed tasting experience at Farm to Table - working farm and distillery. Lunch: Red Stripe (beer) and the perfect Cheeseburger in Paradise. Wednesday concluded with a sunset dinner overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Rhythms at Rainbow Beach: Fresh Mahi and Wahoo, delicious drinks and decadent Key Lime Pie with nothing left to do but watch the evening sky turn from orange and pink to gray and black. And (most of all) the unspoken feelings of gratitude and love for both of us making it this far - together. 40+ years! Cue up that 10000 Maniacs 90s song - These Are Days. Blessed and lucky, indeed! Tomorrow we take to the Sea.

02/13/2026

Escaping the brutal cold and snow from back home in New Jersey. Starting to find our Island rhythms and slower paced vibes here in USVI. Remember to drive on the left hand side!

02/12/2026

“I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific Ocean is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.” ~ Red.

Anyone remember the 1994 movie - Shawshank Redemption based on the Stephen King novella starring Tim Robbins (Andy Dufesne) and Morgan Freeman (Red)?

Today, Marie and I explored the West End, specifically the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (beach) where the movie’s final scene was filmed. In the movie, the scene takes place in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, but it was actually shot in St. Croix. Locals and tourists alike seek out these unbelievable turquoise blue waters set against pristine golden sandy beaches. A natural habitat for sea turtles.

We stare mesmerized, unable to turn away from the aqua blue colored waters that almost defy human description crashing against the pristine shoreline. Folks wade in the shallow surf, many with beers in hand toasting the beauty of this sandy atoll. We stroll alongside the surf. Smiles are everywhere.

Marie and I are finally starting to relax. Yesterday’s hectic travel day is suddenly in our rear view mirror. We are slowing down the “hamster wheel”. Temporarily quieting our active brain filled with its never ending lists of ‘things to do’ in order (it seems) to solely justify our human existence. None of that matters today.

Today walking on this beach, we find ourselves conversing with good folks from Virginia, North Dakota, Oklahoma, upstate New York, etc…..all of us looking to enjoy Mother Ocean. Sharing stories about where we’re from and why we’re here. Escaping the cold, the hectic, the over stimulation of ‘back home’. Attempting to chill out. Seeking out a much needed reset in our respective Universe.

It appears we have found our Island (tribe) here in USVI.

Back at our cottage, the week’s first bottle of white is nearly empty. Goodnight from St. Croix.

“Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’” ~ Red. True dat.

01/05/2026

If you logged-off that damn work laptop for the final “Out of Office”…..some epic trips to help you celebrate your Encore Career 2.0. Do now before health and mobility become your biggest challenges.

Whether you want rest or excitement, solitude or crowds, low cost or luxury, these are the best retirement travel ideas.

12/31/2025

This morning, I’m replacing my 2025 office wall calendar with the new 2026 calendar. Scrolling through my phone, smiling at the photos captured. In the moment; sometimes silly, sometimes inspiring. I’m grateful for the new experiences and destinations traveled these past 12 months. But more importantly the friends and family that accompanied me on these epic trips. Oh boy, the stories we now get to share! Wishing everyone here a healthy and adventurous 2026. Hope you all get to experience the places that still remain unexplored.

2025: Grand Cayman, Netherlands, Belgium, Montreal, Boston, Quebec City, Catskills (NY), Toronto, France, Monaco, Luxembourg and Germany.

Discover Lonely Planet’s top travel destinations for 2026. Explore expertly curated adventures worldwide, from top cities to unforgettable experiences.

10/22/2025

Another annual Guys Fall Golf Trip ( ) is in the books. Golf in our 60s: Advil, pre-round yoga stretches, knee sleeves, sport creams, transfusions (golf drink) and hybrid clubs. Change of scenery (destination) this year. White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington, DE and Wyncote Golf Club in Oxford, PA (2 rounds). Warmup rounds for the Big Trip in 2026. And the Birds won!

10/21/2025

Tramps like us……Born to Run @ 50. Fun gorgeous sunny day spent down the Shore viewing the Springsteen exhibit in Long Branch followed by lunch on the Asbury Park boardwalk. These are the kinds of days/things I thought we would do in retirement when time was ours and ours alone. Next week the Springsteen movie - Deliver Me From Nowhere drops. Feeling a bit early Bruce years ‘youthful’ inspired nostalgia….Magic Rat & Barefoot Girl Era.

10/20/2025

On our last day in Germany, we headed south from Munich to the Bavarian Alps very close to the Austrian border. Taking trains from Munich > Buchloe > Fussen. Fussen is part of the tourist route known as the Romantic Road. The town was settled in 1294.

While at Fussen, we explored by foot the Neuschwanstein Castle (built 1869) and Hohenschwangau Castle (built 1837). The former castle is said to be the inspiration Walt Disney used to create Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World.

Yes it was cold in the Alps. Elevation ~ 3200 feet.

In the afternoon, we returned back to Munich to explore the iconic Marienplatz (Plaza) containing some structures dating back to 1158. The most famous buildings include the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its famous Glockenspiel.

Tomorrow dad and daughter head back to the States, while Jackie’s family head back to Italy.

But first….one last German meal raising our beer steins toasting travel, adventure, and family!

Next stop - Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Thanks for following along….

Dad & Daughter
10/5/25


Another 17k steps logged and 7.6 miles explored. Bringing our 10 day totals: 141k steps and 60 miles trekked!

10/19/2025

Dude…..Where’s my Lederhosen?
Four days before our Oktoberfest date, while in Luxembourg, I received a STEP email notification “alert” from the U.S. Department of State - Oktoberfest will be closed due to a bomb threat.

Two days before while in Berlin, a cyber attack nearly crippled the German airport. Our flight to Munich was delayed multiple times, and although we finally safely arrived in Munich, Lufthansa lost my luggage. Suddenly, I had no lederhosen. (Note: My luggage was finally delivered to the hotel 8 hours before our flight home on 10/6).

Frantically walking around the unfamiliar streets of Munich, a kiosk vendor informed Lauren that a shop around the corner near our hotel sells/rents lederhosen, however it closes at 6pm. Our meetup time was 10am the next day. It was do or die time. Arriving ten minutes before the store’s closing I was asked if I had an appointment. No?

The young German man looked at me, then looked at my daughter, paused ever so slightly, let me in and closed the door for the night. Through the glass, the other 10 folks in line looked at us in disbelief. In about 20 minutes I was fitted with my replacement lederhosen.

To celebrate at the checkout counter I did shots of Jägermeister with the Staff. All of us relived this day had finally come to close.

So began my (our) Oktoberfest memories!

As a bonus, Marie’s niece Jackie and her family had arrived from Italy two days before as we planned to spend these next 3 days in Munich with them before they returned to Italy.

When our group arrived at the Oktoberfest meetup point the next day, we met our Tour Guide (Kate) along two guys as well as with two girls all close in age to Lauren.

After the first round of beers, we all thought they were two couples. Turns out the guys (Neil & Matt) were childhood friends from Boston, while the girls (Amy & Morgan) were childhood friends from Chicago. This assumption on our part lead to a big laugh from everyone. Suddenly we were Team Oktoberfest!

The guys were ‘gifted’ the trip from a third friend (and his wife) as the wife had become pregnant (surprise baby) and could no longer travel. The girls like many had this trip on their Bucket List since graduating college.

In fact, at some point we all made a video sending our drunken congratulations to the newly expecting couple back home. Neil after hearing my lederhosen story (above) had complained about not getting an outfit at home before the trip.

Halfway through the event, I noticed Neil was suddenly wearing lederhosen. He told me he traded his jeans for Shawn’s (Jackie’s husband) lederhosen and pheasant hat under the table. The fun was only beginning……

After our 4 hour Oktoberfest Tent Experience session ended, we all agreed to meet up at the Ferris Wheel. Nearly 40 minutes later, when we arrived at the meetup point, much to our surprise they had waited!

We rode the ride, exited the park but not before Morgan twerked over a passed out gentleman at the exit. Amy told us Morgan loves to dance.

That’s when the rain started. We scrambled to find the nearest bar. Of course, it was full to capacity. Within 10 minutes Neil texted Jackie. They had snuck in a back service door entrance and secured us a table to keep the party going!

Jackpot! However the German man at the Front Desk was none too pleased with our tactics. Shawn and the little man went off into the corner. It did not look good. Would we be arrested in Munich?

We stayed. We drank. We hugged. We tipped (big). We were not arrested.

Evening had arrived. We texted pics, traded digits and disappeared into the Munich night.

Lauren and I now have open invites to Boston & Chicago. Our Texas family extended the same invitations to our new friends. Amy and Lauren may hook up in Philly in three weeks. She will be in town visiting friends in Paoli.

Did today really happen?

I noticed Sunday morning, I had photos of strangers (now friends) on my phone, so maybe it did indeed happen as I remembered it from above.

Or maybe just maybe……we all got to experience the magic of Oktoberfest together!

Oktoberfest ✅
Dad & Daughter (and friends and family)
10/4/25