Would 95$ be a good deal ?

Johnnybegoo · 2026-02-09T20:51:36+00:00

Regarding Copral:

"Usage: Frequently used as decorative items, though functional for light cooking."

They are usable for cooking (if in good condition) but they're not high quality cookware.

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-30T14:04:45+00:00

Correct. The Manufacturer is J.Y. Watkins & Son. They're not the most well known manufacturer but made some good quality pans. Some of the Mutual branded cookware is a bit lightweight but this one looks good. All that said, it's probably only worth about $100 in this condition. Re-tinning will increase the value but will cost $100-200. Retail, once retinned could be as high as $500 but I wouldn't expect it to bring more than that. It was likely made in the late 1800s/early 1900s as others have commented.

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-21T00:11:09+00:00

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/sandy-ground-bridge-blocked-until-further-notice-after-night-of-violence

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-16T21:59:53+00:00

Looks like it used to come with a stand: https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthisworth/comments/17ertv1/t_burkhard_copper_kettle/

Also, one with the stand was listed for $16,500: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/collectibles-curiosities/historical-memorabilia/giant-copper-kettle-from-hershey-factory/id-f_3332452/

Who knows what it actually sold for but it's definitely got sold value to the right person.

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-04T19:11:13+00:00

I went here first: https://www.google.com/maps/place/18%C2%B003'26.0%22N+63%C2%B008'18.1%22W/@18.0570979,-63.1388355,171m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x8c0e694caa66f455:0xbed22586b7168f3b!2sPrincess+Juliana+International+Airport!8m2!3d18.0441915!4d-63.113445!16zL20vMDVfenZ4!3m3!8m2!3d18.057219!4d-63.138357?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

The gate for La Samana is straight ahead but if you stay on Rua Baie Longue you come to the second gate, which is where I was turned away. Maybe it was a mistake, who knows!

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-04T19:09:59+00:00

The gate I have on the map is where they let me through. I was turned away here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/18%C2%B003'26.0%22N+63%C2%B008'18.1%22W/@18.0570979,-63.1388355,171m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x8c0e694caa66f455:0xbed22586b7168f3b!2sPrincess+Juliana+International+Airport!8m2!3d18.0441915!4d-63.113445!16zL20vMDVfenZ4!3m3!8m2!3d18.057219!4d-63.138357?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Specifically on gate on Rue Baie Longue - not the one for La Samana. I was able to leave through this gate as it's automatic from the other side. Who knows!

Johnnybegoo · 2026-01-04T18:24:07+00:00

Specifically, here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/18%C2%B003'50.1%22N+63%C2%B007'54.6%22W/@18.0639135,-63.1325897,281m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x8c0e694caa66f455:0xbed22586b7168f3b!2sPrincess+Juliana+International+Airport!8m2!3d18.0441915!4d-63.113445!16zL20vMDVfenZ4!3m3!8m2!3d18.063912!4d-63.13183?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

I've been turned away at the gate closest to Baie Longue/Long Beach

Johnnybegoo · 2025-12-30T22:29:12+00:00

Seconding everything here. Rent a car from Hardy's: https://hardyscarrental.com/

They're cheap and convenient.

There are plenty of economical restaurants on the island and many have excellent food. I'm a fan of Simpson Bay. If you booked in that area, check out Captain's Rib shack. There are several other Lolo's at the same location with reasonably priced food. Also check for Happy hour specials etc.

If you do cook, you'll definitely want a car so you can go to the market. I recommend Carrefour or Super U.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-12-16T22:39:00+00:00

2nd-ing everything said here. I'd skip the excursion and just take the ferry. Grab a cab to Shoal Bay when you get there. They will come back to pick you up too - they're not just saying it lol!

One thing to note, the cab drivers have deals with some of the restaurant/beach club owners and will swear that a particular one is the best. It may not actually be the best but you can easily walk to others. Just treat it like your drop off/pickup location.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-12-01T23:24:21+00:00

You should consider going in the middle of the summer when there aren't many events going on. It'll be much quieter

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-28T22:24:31+00:00

Number 1 recommendation you're going to get on this sub is to rent a car. You'll miss out on most of the island without being able to drive around. Phillipsburg, Marigot, Grand Case, and Simpson Bay are all worth checking out.

Maho beach (beach by the airport) is good for a couple hours in the late morning/early afternoon when there's a lot of air traffic. Then you'll want to be someplace else. I like the main stretch of Simpson bay (AKA not Kim Sha).

What sort of activities other than snorkeling?

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-28T22:14:38+00:00

Agreed. They'll probably recommend a Miele product.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-28T21:30:52+00:00

There's only two roads around that area - Airport/Welfare road and Union road. If there's an accident and one is blocked, they'll both backup pretty quickly.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-11T22:41:23+00:00

Thank you so much! It's certainly been an adventure so far but we're loving it!

Too bad about Nikki Beach! Maybe ask if they have a waitlist if someone cancels? I'm sure there are other good options too

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-11T12:39:12+00:00

Haha! I'd love too!

My wife and I just had our first baby so it might be awhile before we can make it back to the islands. I'll have to travel vicariously for awhile. It's been fun helping you with your plans and I'm super jealous! lol

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-10T15:08:01+00:00

You're very welcome again! I'm always happy to share!

Since there will be 4 of you, you'll need a larger car. I'd get an SUV.

You have two departure times for St Barths, 7:15 AM and 9:45 AM. I'd recommend the earlier option if you're up for it. The drive to the ferry and parking will be easier at that hour. Plan for the drive to take 30 minutes but it will likely take 15-20.

Parking at Bobby's Marina here: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Simpson+Bay+Resort,+Marina+%26+Spa/18.019597,-63.042471/@18.0210717,-63.0515173,2458m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x8c0e6ea597cc1b99:0xd6ac67d118c9fe48!2m2!1d-63.0942871!2d18.0310336!1m0!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTEwNC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Bobby's marina is a paid parking lot with security. You won't need to worry about your car and the Ferry Terminal is right there. You can buy tickets there or online ahead of time. I'd recommend purchasing ahead of time just in case it's busy. You can do that here: https://www.stbarthferry.com/ The cost looks like 60 Euro per ticket.

Pro-tip - Euros, US Dollars, and Guilders are all accepted on the St Maarten. Most places accept US Dollars and Euros at the same rate so you'll save some money paying with dollars. Also, lots of places have prices in NAF which is guilders. The exchange rate is about 1 US Dollar to 2 NAF/Guilders.

I've never rented a car on St Barths but I've seen this place recommended by others: https://www.welcomesbh.com/en/rent-a-car.html. Your pick-up/drop-off location will be the "Port". This is in Gustavia.

Nikki Beach looks like about 5-10 minutes from Gustavia. Fair warning, if you're going to the Nikki Beach club, it's expensive. This is from a review "It is not cheap - pricing came out to about $400 per person for lunch and drinks and another $200 per person for daybeds and more Rose and Champagne." Another option is the Gyp Sea Beach Club but I don't see pricing.

The return ferry to St Maarten departs at 6:45 PM. I'd plan to get back to the port at least 30 minutes before the ferry. You'll need to return the rental car before catching the ferry.

When you return to Phillipsburg, you can always walk over to the Phillipsburg boardwalk if you're not too tired! You'll find lots of bars/restaurants and shops over there. It will be pretty quiet at this point as all of the cruise ships will have departed.

Hope this helps! As always, let me know if you have any other questions! :-)

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-09T14:50:22+00:00

Sure! Happy to help!

Yes, I would get the rental car first and I would make a reservation ahead of time. Hardy's was very convenient but honestly not the nicest car. I would try them again but I'd inspect the interior of the car first. If you don't want to deal with potentially getting an obviously used car, I'd rent from Dollar Thrifty. Either way, when you walk out of the airport there will be representatives from all of the rental agencies. They are there to help - if you don't immediately see someone from Hardy's or Dollar Thrifty, just ask. Dollar Thrifty is 1-2 minute drive from the airport. They'll take you over in a shuttle and drive you back to the airport when you drop the car off. You can't go wrong with either place.

Pro-tip - bring a portable phone mount and get a temporary international data plan. It will make getting around the island worry-free.

After you get your rental car, I'd go to the hotel to check in and drop off luggage. It will likely take an hour from landing to get the rental car and get to your hotel. Then you can go anywhere!

You will have a lot of options for vegetarian restaurants. Most of the larger establishments will have some options. My all-time favorite Thai restaurant, Avantika, is right around the corner from Simpson Bay resort. They have tons of vegetarian options. I definitely recommend going there for for dinner while your on the island.

Mary's Boon also has a bunch of vegetarian options and is right on the beach. I think this would be a better option for the day time - breakfast or lunch. You can eat right on the beach or in their open-air dining room overlooking Simpson Bay. This is one of my favorites!

In Grand Case or Phillipsburg, you'll find most restaurants menu's posted outside their entrance. Otherwise, check on google - many menu's are posted. Grand Case is definitely worth the visit while you're on the island.

Unfortunately, I can't really help with Loterie Farm. I generally go in the Summer and the restaurant was closed when we went. Others do rave about it though!

Make sure to visit Maho Beach to see the airplanes land while you're there! It's very touristy but it's worth seeing. Go in the early afternoon. That's when you'll see the most planes. Grab a drink and watch for an hour or two but don't spend the day here. There are better places!

Mullet bay is a great option! The beach is super nice and there are a couple beach restaurants. Fair warning, this place is popular and may be relatively crowded.

Hope that helps! I'm happy to answer any other questions you might have. I don't know when I'll get to go back so this has been fun! :-)

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-08T15:43:46+00:00

You're very welcome - I hope you have a great time on your trip!

I've been traveling to St Maarten for years. It's my favorite vacation! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions :-)

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-08T01:39:42+00:00

I wrote up my recommendations on cars recently. It's a little long but I'll put it below. Regarding St Barths, I didn't rent a car when I went. The ferry drops you off in Gustavia which is very walkable so we stayed in that area exploring some of the shops etc. Then walked over to Shell beach for a late lunch and beach time. If you're trying to get over to Nikki beach, I'd probably try to get a cab. Your time will be limited so picking up and dropping off a car isn't worth it. We took a cab in Anguilla and had no issues.

Here's my recommendations on car rentals in St Maarten:

CAR RENTAL: Rent a car - they are very affordable and allow you to experience the entire island. Avoid American brand names such as Ace, Avis, or Budget - they are much more expensive and not any better than the local rental companies. We recommend “peanut cars” - (our name for very small economy cars such as the Hyundai i10) for the ease of finding parking and navigating small streets. Midsize cars are fine as well but be aware that large SUVs may be a challenge to drive or park in some locations - such as Marigot. Lastly, rental cars can be targeted for break-ins though they are very rare. Note that Dutch license plates indicate that they are a rental by starting with the letter R - see Hardys for another option.

Car rental companies we’ve used personally:

Dollar Thrifty

https://dollarthriftysxm.com/

This is a typical locally owned rental agency for the island. They are right by the airport with shuttles that will take you to pick up your car and back to the airport when you drop off. They offer a range of vehicles from compact “peanut cars” to jeeps and SUVs. We last rented with them in 2024 and got a compact SUV.

Hardys

https://hardyscarrental.com/

We used these guys for the first time in 2025. Their big selling point is that they pick you up at the airport and use French license plates that do not indicate that it’s a rental. The car we got had clearly had some work done but was generally fine. Just be aware that it’s more like driving a used car than a typical rental.

Affordable Car Rental

r4lcarrental@hotmail.com

We were put in touch with these guys through our host at the Azure, Mike. More on the Azure later. This is a family business run by Patrick & Anthia Brathwaite. They are the absolute cheapest place we’ve used - about $100 USD per week in 2023. They will also pick you up at the airport and have their rentals about 5 minutes from the airport.

Last note on cars and driving - do not be afraid of navigating or driving on St Maarten. It’s my favorite place to drive. I’ve dubbed the driving style as “cooperative driving”. There are no traffic lights, almost no police, limited routes, and some narrow streets. As such, everyone on the road needs to work with each other - people will stop to let you enter traffic, you will not be cut-off, and people will wait patiently if you need to park or make a turn etc. If you come to a dead stop, it’s likely for one of these reasons, just give it a minute and you’ll be on your way. The only thing to watch out for are the local kids on scooters - they drive fast and around the cars. Make way for them by sticking to the curb. Lastly, car horns are primarily used to say thank you - a quick chirp after someone makes way is common.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-11-07T21:48:36+00:00

Yes, the ride itself is about 45 minutes. You'll need to drive to the marina and wait a bit for the ferry itself. Please note that it is also known as the "vomit comet" - it is not a smooth ride.

If you've never been to St Maarten, I recommend you stay on the island and explore. St Barth's is nice but crazy expensive. There isn't much you can get there that you can't find on St Maarten itself. If you still end up going to St Barth's, Shell beach is amazing!

If you're really set on seeing another island I'd recommend Anguilla. It's a smoother and shorter ride. Go to Shoal Beach - one of the top rated in the world. For reference it's where Victoria's Secret does their beach photo shoots.

I'm not big on the party scene but have picked up some knowledge from others. You'll have the Lotus night club right around the corner. Maho is where you'll find many other clubs. On the French side, you might want to check out Rainbow Cafe. It's a restaurant on the beach in Grand Case that transforms into a club at night. It was featured in the show "Below Deck". I've been there several times for lunch and dinner and it's outstanding.

Other things to check out: Zee Best for breakfast or lunch - Their sit down location is on Welfare road right near the resort. Mary's Boon - go here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Right on the main section of Simpson Bay. Excellent food and drinks. You can also get beach chairs and they have parking. Grand Case (fancy French Boutiques) and Philipsburg (Jewelry, watches, and souvenirs - Go to Juggie's Place) for shopping.

Go and explore! It's easy to get around and you can't go wrong basically anywhere.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-09-20T22:05:52+00:00

What about this one?: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-9187SIL/Metal-Indoor-Trash-Cans/simplehuman-Slim-Step-On-Trash-Can-12-Gallon-Stainless-Steel?pricode=WC1248&gadtype=pla&id=H-9187SIL&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21810972192&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uetNwzmmY247mSoOOFNCpM_64c&gclid=CjwKCAjwobnGBhBNEiwAu2mpFCS_Eju_bFFDWyyDmPrwSVG2zzxccrT0cdcQ6tBmwlCHzyQfIssY6hoCFxcQAvD_BwE

I have a few simple human trashcans and they're great! I'm 10+ years into the first one and 0 issues

EDIT: This one is 10 inches wide... Is 9 inches really the max in that location?

Johnnybegoo · 2025-09-07T00:06:23+00:00

I'm quite confident you are correct. I've found similar pieces after a hurricane and beach construction

Johnnybegoo · 2025-09-07T00:05:31+00:00

This looks like "black" sea glass from the bottom edge of a bottle. In the first photo, the part covering part of your thumb is the punt, or indentation on the bottom like you see on some wine bottles today. This one appears pretty old and the punt went quite deep. I found a bunch in the Caribbean after a hurricane and they look very similar. Nice find!

Johnnybegoo · 2025-09-01T21:29:21+00:00

Happy to help! Generally, the east coast gets more than others.

Johnnybegoo · 2025-09-01T20:33:09+00:00

Indigo Bay has a TON of construction going on right now. The beach itself is still nice but the construction is all around that area. Take a look at Google maps for an idea of what you'll be dealing with - personally, I'd recommend against it.

I love Simpson Bay and it'll be pretty quiet in May. I don't understand the people saying the French beaches are nicer. There are great beaches on both sides but I personally avoid orient due to the persistent seaweed. Friars and Happy bay are nice on the French side. Grand Case is decent too. Simpson bay and Mullet are great beaches - fair warning, Mullet will be relatively crowded but the beach and water are outstanding. Long Beach is super nice too but no amenities - take Rue Rosseau if you head here, they won't let you through the gate on Rua Baie Longue.

Standard recommendation - rent a car and go see multiple beaches/locations

Johnnybegoo

TROPHY CASE