“Our Love Affair With Ivan’s Stress Free Bar”

As many of you in the No Shoes Nation, we here in the Sandbar love finding those “Bars at the End Of The World”. That one place where you go to escape reality and live in the moment. Over 8 years ago while visiting Jost Van Dyke in the BVI’s, Connie discovered “Ivan’s”. She spent an entire day there back in 2010. Her boat captain knew she loved Kenny Chesney, his music and lifestyle, so he wanted to surprise her by taking her to a special place. As soon as he lead her to the front of a rocky path she couldn’t help but become excited about what might lie ahead. Once at the bottom of the path, they walked along the most beautiful beach and came across the coolest bar. As she walked on the sandy floors, she noticed on the walls so much awesome memorabilia. A sweet older man sat at the bar, her boat captain introduced her to him. “Connie… this is Ivan, him and Kenny Chesney go way back”. At that point it hit her. Wow, she was standing in the same place that the No Shoes No Shirt video had been filmed. Ivan was extremely nice. They ordered a few pain killers and he began to take them from wall to wall showing them memories of all the wonderful friends that frequented his bar. He took them to a wall that seemed to be dedicated to Kenny, with pictures of him and Ivan with some special autographed items. The smile on his face as he spoke of his songwriting and friendship with Kenny Chesney was amazing. With many return trips to her favorite bar, hanging out with Ivan, swinging on the tire swing and even introducing it to many No Shoes Nation friends in 2016. She has enjoyed getting know the people of that special place. Even having her favorite bartender Darlene greet her with her favorite cold beer when she arrives. Making so many memories at one of her favorite places on earth. 

One of the 1st pictures to surface of the devastation that Ivan’s took from Irma was unimaginable. We got word that Ivan and his family survived and were off the island and regrouping. We just couldn’t believe the place we loved so much was basically gone. The flag, the pictures, our bar… just gone.                                                         

We have been staying in touch with many No Shoes Nation members that have made the trip to over to Jost to help. One special Sandbar girl Debbie spent a day cleaning up and helping Ivan’s make a comeback. Our buddy Skeeter replaced the No Shoes Nation flag too. Their updates have been so appreciated. We are ready to visit and have our March trip booked. Here is Debbie’s message:

 “There is a LOT of work to be done and there are really no supplies yet to begin rebuilding any of the cabins or the bar that were lost but Darlene tells me they plan to begin in Feb with cabins if they can get materials shipped in. We made a dent in the cleanup on the hillside (they want to clear debris before it all gets grown over) but there is plenty more to be done if anyone has a day or two to spare.
The bar is open, the drinks are cold, the smiles are genuine and the place is as beautiful as ever. Not the same, but still my favorite place on earth! Here’s a video of our time at Ivan’s”.