Tillett Gardens is a unique property with an eclectic vibe. It is home to Mystic Brew Coffee & Tea Bar for early breakfast, coffee and freshly baked goods, Downisland Que BBQ, Caribbean Crust Pizza, Rock City Tacos, hosting live music almost every night, Mystic Valley VI Gift Shop & Smoke Shop, The Art Explorium with weekly paint and sip art classes, Rhainnon's Hair Salon, and so much more! Staying here is a true cultural experience and a great opportunity to meet new people and make lifelong friends! This property is 420 friendly with multiple outdoor smoking lounges.
The history of Tillett Gardens dates back to 1959 when newlyweds Rhoda and Jim Tillett moved to St. Thomas, purchased an abandoned Danish dairy farm in Anna’s Retreat, and designed it to be “… an old-world retreat from the stresses of life, centered around the arts & music.”
For nearly six decades, the complex served as home to Jim Tillett’s silkscreen studio. Several popular eateries served patrons at Tillett Gardens with El Papagayo Mexican restaurant taking the lead from the late 1960s to the ’80s.
In 1980, in an effort to place a spotlight on local artists, Rhoda organized the first Arts Alive fair. Warmly received by residents and visitors, festivities were held three times a year for almost two decades and still continues today. The boutique closed in 1988 and in its place, Tillett Gallery was established to showcase Jim Tillett’s silkscreen art as well as works by other talented islanders. Today Mystic Valley VI still showcases Jim Tillett original art works as well as art from many local artists.
Rhoda also introduced Classics in the Garden concert series in 1987. She was responsible for booking world-renowned talent that performed up to and including the year of her passing in 2003. Her husband preceded her in death in 1996. Tillett Gardens still to this day hosts local musical talent as well as artist from all over the globe.
The couple left a legacy dedicated to uplifting the arts — and students of the arts.
Jim and Rhoda Tillett passed on Tillett Gardens to their son Eric who makes it top priority to continue the legacy his parents built and continues to keep Tillett Gardens a must visit attraction for travelers and locals alike. Keeping it real since 1959.