Red Hook [1] is an increasingly popular place to shop. There are no jewelry or watch stores here; shops at American Yacht Harbor, the big waterfront building near the ferry dock, specialize in things like island-style clothing, footwear, unique handmade jewelry, and art. Keep Left (340/775-9964) has hats, sunglasses, backpacks, sandals, and all sorts of “active lifestyle” accessories. Lifestyles (340/775-4646) has furniture and housewares.
Located in Estate Tutu, near the shopping mall that houses Kmart and other attractions, Tillett Gardens (Anna’s Retreat, 340/779-1929, www.tillettgardens.com [2]) is an arts community named for its founder, silkscreen artist Jim Tillett. Tillett founded the arts center on an old Danish farm in the 1960s. Today, the surrounding area has morphed into a busy shopping district, but Tillett Gardens is still a quiet oasis. It is home to a half dozen artists’ studios and galleries, including Ridvan Studio (340/776-0901), a working clay studio specializing in raku wall sculptures; Carla Merino (786/325-2159), a jewelry studio; and Art & Soul (340/224-0403), which specializes in work with a spiritual element.
Tillett is a nice place to stop and explore during a drive around the island. Even the wall surrounding the complex has been turned into a canvas for art: Colorful murals stand out from the surroundings.
On Route 38, near the turnoff to Coki Point [3], is Kilnworks Pottery and Art Gallery (6029 Estate Smith Bay Rd., 340/775-3979), which produces unique island-style pottery.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/st-thomas/sights/red-hook-and-the-east-end
[2] http://www.tillettgardens.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/st-thomas/sights/red-hook-and-the-east-end/coki-point-beach