World Famous Mountain Top Burns To The Ground

May 19, 2009

St. Thomas Mountain Top fire – Sad news from St. Thomas as world famous Mountain Top, home of the banana daiquiri and the St. Thomas Blog’s “Best View, 2008” award has apparently been completely destroyed in a 3 alarm fire.

“The whole place has just gone up,” said Police Commissioner James McCall, who said he had spoken with Chief Rodney Querrard, who was at the scene.

Gov. John deJongh Jr., speaking from the scene later, said, “It is definitely gone.” He continued, “They are just trying to control it at this point and to mitigate any damage to surrounding property.”

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The blaze started around 8:30 p.m., Greaux said. By 10 p.m. an eerie orange glow silhouetted the surrounding hills and could be seen from Peterborg and Hull Bay reports Shaun A. Pennington of the St. Thomas Source.

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This is certainly a blow to the dedicated employees and family of Mountain Top. Nicci and I send our thoughts and prayers out to them.

You can read more here.

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44 Comments »

May 19, 2009 @ 5:07 am

BIG Kahuna Said,

Via Facebook:

Tammy Boiko at 5:15am May 19
That’s unbelievable, I remember when mountain top was just a little shack they made banana daiquiris out of. Sad to see it gone.

Cristina Deliz at 5:40am May 19
It’s so sad. I live in Mandahl and could see it burning. It did not look real. Hope no one was hurt.

Sharon Riffle at 6:04am May 19
How awful…I was just there. Thanks for passing along the news–I feel for all of the vendors and their hard work that was destroyed.

Tammy Waltermyer Mitrow at 3:55pm May 19
This is a total surprise, I loved going up there to do a little R&R while looking at the magnificent view.
May 19, 2009 @ 5:07 am

Bailey Said,

Oh that’s terrible! Hands down the best view on the island. I wonder if they’re investigating arson…things like that always stink of insurance collection.
May 19, 2009 @ 6:13 am

Susan Edwards Said,

Mtn. Top in the 1960s was “island elegant.” They had a fabulous Sunday dinner buffet that matched the incomparable view. In the late sixties, Mtn Top was home to Montessori School’s Las Vegas Nite. Hotel rooms gave way to gift shops, perfume kiosks sprouted in the formerly grand entrance area and an art gallery sold original paintings by Larry Gluck. The banana daiquiris were made with real bananas! End of an era
May 19, 2009 @ 6:21 am

Leslie Said,

Very sad. Mountain Top was my first home on St. Thomas. Wonderful memories.
May 19, 2009 @ 6:56 am

BIG Kahuna Said,

Via Facebook:

Heather Banke at 7:21am May 19
That’s sad. That was our favorite place when we went 1 year ago in June! I guess I’m just grateful that I got to see it before this happened. Hopefully they will rebuild.

Michael Nicolini at 7:45am May 19
wow, I heard all the sirens last night but just assumed it was another shooting.

Melissa Short at 7:50am May 19
I sat on my deck and watched it burn.

Rae Olinsky at 8:12am May 19
very sad…I feel for all the businesses and to lose a landmark.

Gina Feddersen at 8:16am May 19
so sad!

Jayhar Rojas at 9:16am May 19
that is very sad news. i have to call a few people and tell then that thier plans on getting mountian top for their wedding is a no go.
May 19, 2009 @ 7:17 am

Corrine Said,

So sad ..great place to wonder around have a daiquiri and enjoy one of the best views of the Island..thought and prayers with those who worked there.
May 19, 2009 @ 7:41 am

Drew Alston Said,

Thanks to all the emergency crews and the water trucks for the great job you did in controling the fire. Everyone who lives up here appreciates it.
May 19, 2009 @ 8:13 am

scubadiverstt Said,

This is a sad day indeed. Ironically, one of the managers who was there for years and recently returned to the mainland passed away about 2 1/2 weeks ago…….a final epitaph to a long-standing, world-famous landmark.
May 19, 2009 @ 8:35 am

Karen Said,

It’s SAD to see one of the best V.I. landmarks go down like that.
Don’t worry it will be back…Bigger and Better
May 19, 2009 @ 9:15 am

Brian Said,

It is so sad to see this landmark destoyed! me and my family lived there in 96-97 and then we returned last year for a visit. The kids really enjoyed the views and it will be missed. Hopefully someone will rebuild.
May 19, 2009 @ 9:34 am

Dan Said,

Mountaintop, we’ll come back if you will!
May 19, 2009 @ 9:35 am

Ashley Photography Said,

Does anyone know how it started? Or is it still unknown? So sad. Glad they were able to control the fire.
May 19, 2009 @ 9:40 am

Jennae @ Hibiscus Creative Said,

That is SO sad! I haven’t been there since I was in high school, but I have fond memories of the view and the daiquiris. Hopefully there was no foul play involved and they plan to rebuild it.
May 19, 2009 @ 9:43 am

Jann Said,

I worked up at Mountain Top for several years after Hurricane Marilyn. this is really sad. It was such a beautiful place with a wonderful history. I hope it can come back in some form…
May 19, 2009 @ 9:52 am

arlee Said,

I’m so glad that my husband and I were there in March. What a beautiful spot and loved the banana daquiris! It’s sad.
May 19, 2009 @ 9:53 am

sayrah Said,

Any one heard about the cause? It seems strange that with all the rain and how wet MT usually is that a blaze that big could ignite unless it was electric. We are lucky it was contianed to the building.
May 19, 2009 @ 10:43 am

Larry @ Andrea Said,

Wow!

My wife and I were there last Tuesday (May 12) enjoying the view and buying the Rum.

Very, very sad to hear. I hope it’s rebuilt.
May 19, 2009 @ 10:48 am

Sea Joe Said,

When I pick my family and friends up at the airport, Mountain Top is the first place they want to go.
May 19, 2009 @ 11:01 am

Jeanette Said,

OMG….what can I say, we have been to the Mt. Top many times. We went with my daughter and her husband to the Mt. Top right after they were married at Megan’s Bay, because we love the place so much. We were just there in March of this year, again. We are in shock!…how sad!!
May 19, 2009 @ 2:01 pm

Malin Said,

My father-in-law worked there for over twenty years. We just lost him in February. Almost unbearable!
May 19, 2009 @ 4:22 pm

AnitaMarie Said,

This is so sad I pray for all involved. We were supposed to go there on May 26 2009 (next Tuesday) the with Sonny Liston, I was really looking forward to this. I wonder where he will take us now?
May 19, 2009 @ 4:34 pm

BIG Kahuna Said,

Paradise Point is fun on Wednesday nights for sunset.
May 19, 2009 @ 5:51 pm

Kraz_Eric Said,

OMG! NO! I loved that place…it was always a MUST VISIT!…..hell, if we did live there, I was so gonna hang out there…that sucks! I hope they will be able to rebuild, but it is good no one was hurt….
May 19, 2009 @ 5:52 pm

Kraz_Eric Said,

That was also my favorite view!
May 19, 2009 @ 7:17 pm

Lou Said,

i’m devastated!!!!!
never got tired of being up there…a little bit of heaven right here on earth..not to mention the breathtaking views!!!my prayers to all…and hope that you all can rebuild and be that much better…
May 20, 2009 @ 8:21 am

Stacey Said,

We were only there once, and it was back in 2005, but it was such a gorgeous view and neat place. Such sad news. Many positive thoughts for those on St. Thomas and those involved.
May 20, 2009 @ 9:59 am

Simon Said,

Very Sad. Famous for its Breath taking view & tranquil setting. It is very quiet there. Nice place to take Visitors & friends. Panoramic View it is best known for.
May 21, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

Jeannee Said,

WOW! I hope their planning to rebuild.
May 22, 2009 @ 1:07 pm

sherry bender Said,

every trip to st thomas had to include a visit to mountain top. i certainly hope they rebuild it. they rebuilt it after the hurricane, and the bahamas had to rebuild their historical and vital to the economy outdoor straw market after it burnt down. so i pray that they do restore mountaintop.
May 23, 2009 @ 11:54 pm

Kraz_Eric Said,

So…how was their insurance? How is their funds? Are they in need of donations, whatever?
May 24, 2009 @ 7:09 am

BIG Kahuna Said,

All unanswered questions right now.
May 25, 2009 @ 2:15 am

Kraz_Eric Said,

If you find out about whether they need or are taking donations….whatever…and there is a way to do so from the mainland…let me know…that place really meant a lot to me…that is where we decided we want to move there for sure….

Eric Steele on Facebook….
May 25, 2009 @ 2:23 am

BIG Kahuna Said,

I’ll let you know…
May 25, 2009 @ 3:18 pm

Rob Schlenker Said,

Mountaintop is here with me and I with it.
In some ways we never parted and I will look forward to hosting and having each and everyone of you toast with me…

“Here’s to the fire that burns with desire… Not the kind that burns down shanties.
But, the kind that pulls down panties!…”

I’m sure my brother would say this to you all.

Dave~
May 25, 2009 @ 5:54 pm

Dot Coe (Schlenker) Said,

Oh Dave,
You said it so eloquently. Thank you, that was awesome. We will all miss him so much.
Dot
May 26, 2009 @ 11:38 pm

RJ and Skyking Said,

To Hatchet, Dot, Red Dog, Teetime, Nails
We managed to rebuild Mt. Top after Marilyn tried to destroy her, and had the pleasure of working there together for many years. We wish the current owners the best of luck with rebuilding. In the meantime, Hatchet, keep the daquiries pouring.
RJ and Skyking
June 9, 2009 @ 12:42 pm

Carolyn Said,

That’s is truly sad. My husband and I have been there several times. We will be coming to St Thomas the end of the month. It will be difficult to not be able to go up on Mountain Top and have one of the best daiquirs in the world. I sure hope they rebuild.
July 10, 2009 @ 1:48 am

Jason Said,

Seriously mad now. I’m visiting St. Thomas in August and this is one of the places I looked forward to going then I saw this! x(!
July 12, 2009 @ 11:02 pm

Ken Said,

I was a bartender there for a year and have many fond memories, I am glad I got to take my family there before it was lost.
July 20, 2009 @ 4:42 pm

Richard Callwood Said,

You Can See Damage on YouTube

1)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xifE_kP26Z4

2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJZOAVRUbnw

3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb8UrXrE_bw
August 18, 2009 @ 9:37 pm

Cassie Said,

Well this sucks i am going to be up there in November 16-2009 does anyone know if it will be ready or rebuilt for when we get up there we were looking forward to seeing the famous mountain top and having a famous drink if anyones knows the info would be great thanks so much
August 19, 2009 @ 8:50 am

BIG Kahuna Said,

There is no chance it will be rebuilt by November. I’m not sure it will ever be rebuilt. Head up tp Paradise Point for a frozen drink…
August 19, 2009 @ 4:15 pm

Cassie Said,

Is that another good place to go and can you still buy the banana daiquiri liquor?
January 15, 2010 @ 9:24 am

kelly Said,

I heard the Greathouse Botanical Gardens would be offering the world famous banana daquiris. Any idea what their hours are and if the daquiri shop is open for business yet?