The best camping in Christiansted National Historic Site, VI

Your trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands probably includes swaying in a hammock on a tropical beach. When you are done relaxing, spend a bit of time getting to know Colonial architecture in one of the few urban parks in the Caribbean.

You can't miss Christiansted, in St. Croix, even if you want to. The bright yellow facade sticks out against the lush green trees and the blue water. Red roofs are like beacons in the sun.

Museums at Fort Christianvaern show you a day in the life of a soldier. Danish soldiers got a tropical destination for their duty station. Their job was to protect the economic interests on the islands. Soldiers and sailors spent most of their time guarding precious cargo being loaded and unloaded from ships.

Don't miss Scale House. It has an amazing dining room with ocean views. Colonial traders could keep an eye on the action in port while taking high tea.

The economic importance of the West Indies was not lost on the island's inhabitants. Incoming ships from Europe and Africa exchanged goods and raw materials. Human trafficking also occurred on the islands. It was a tragic side effect of the plantation economy growing in the New World.

After 150 years, the economic clout of St. Croix changed. Now it's a vibrant tourist destination filled with exotic locales.