KH, it sounds like we rented the same place. Peter has been very helpful and extremely open with regard to our concerns. I feel very comfortable after the numerous conversations that my wife and I have had with him. We are now looking forward to our trip in a few weeks. I'll tell you about it when we get back.

Maybe we will see you there, Paul! We'll be there Feb. 13-20th.

New Englander, we'll just miss each other. We're flying in on the 22nd.

We've been told that we have to go to Latitude 18 for dinner and/or drinks. We've been told that it's a great place. I don't see much about it on many sites. Does anyone have any experiences with Latitude 18. Would you recommend it?

Latitude 18 is a neat little restaurant/bar that is way out on the point by Vessup beach. It's a frequent haunt of sailors coming off the boats docked at the little marina there, or dinghying in from American Yacht Harbor. The food is pretty good, but its the salty atmosphere that is the best. It's especially good on weekend nights when there is live music and dancing. This time of year you can usually catch Dick Solberg, a fiddler, and his band on Friday night and that is a great, great show. Latitude 18 is more fun because it's off the typical tourist routes, lots of locals hang out there, and it's nice that it's right by the water. Give it a try!

Hi, Karen... I have also rented the beach front condo from Peter for a week in Sept. So far, my dealings with him have been very good. I would love to hear from you when you get back. Have a blast! Joan from Florida

Lattitude 18 is great...if you can find it. Also the road out to it it trecherous...some cabbies won't even drive it Try to go on "open mike night" it's a lot of fun.

Yeah....that road is awfully challenging. I tried it, but turned around because I was so sure I must have been on the wrong road. I couldn't imaging that road leading to anywhere. Sure enough...it was the road to Lat 18.

Best of luck to anyone trying to get there. That place SURE LOOKS FUN when I see if from the ferry to STJ at night.

Can anyone give me directions to there from Secret Harbour? Is the road just curvy or pot holes or what makes it so bad? Can our mid-sized rental car get us there without damaging it of course?

MG, SH is SUPER close to Lat18. Of course, I don't know the names of any roads - ha ha. But, if you are on that main road that runs through Red Hook, you would make a left to go up the hill to get to the entry road to Secret Harbour. Ok, instead of making that right to get to SH, you would go left to get onto the road to Lat 18. Again, I don't know the specific names of the roads....someone else might know. The road is really small and VERY rugged - I don't recall it being curvy or hilly....just treacherous from holes and rocks .....like something you need a 4WD for. Reminds me of the road to the Maho Bay camp, but not as steep.

If someone can get you the name of the road, you'll find it easily and, like I said, it is SOOOO close to SH....just over the small hill.

Thanks Bluwater-
I'm wondering if we should try it in our car, or if we should get a taxi for that. I definitely want to eat there one night.

Our friends who rented a catamaran for 10 days and all they talk about Lat 18. This visit we're definetly going.

Bluie: Now, if the road HAD a name, people around here wouldn't know it anyway! LOL. It is the road to Latitude 18. Actually the signs say Montessori School (which is right at the corner) and Latitude. From your directions (from Red Hook) it is the first left after you get on the main Nazareth road. Stay left when it splits. At one point it is paved on only one lane, then that stops and it gets VERY potholey.

ha ha -s so the road is known as "the Road to Lat 18" - sounds about right!

The fact that it is the first left off of Nazareth Road makes it easy. I guess taxis go down there. Not sure. It is a shame to have to spend money for a taxi for something soooo close to your hotel. Youd could walk if you were going during the day.

Blu - I thought about that - walking - but figured it wouldn't be good to be walking along a narrow road, after dark, with a few drinks in us.

We'll probably drive it and just be very slow and careful.

Thanks for the directions!!

Mountain: From Secret Harbour you need to drive. Too far, too remote, etc.

Paul:

Highly recommend it. We were there 4 times last month (January). We especially like Tuesday night's "Open Mike". They get performers from around the island.

Both the food and drinks are reasonable.

F.I.

Latitude is a local place I haven't found the food to be super but they have some very good live music and a nice view of Red Hook harbor. I would like to say a few things about Sapphire. I have been there twice in the last year and am going back in May. I like everyone else love the Ritz but do not have the budget for that. So ,I figure I the most important thing for me is the beach and access to the ferry and stores. The beach at Sapphire is great. The snorkeling is ok (not like Coki but better than other resorts I can think of). When I was there in June I encountered 5 sea turtles no more than 20-30 yds. off the beach. The water is calm and clear. I like that it is quiet there if I want noise and lots of people I'll go to the beach here in Rhode Island. The key to staying at Sapphire is renting a condo from someone who actually owns one. DO NOT rent from the resort if you can help it. You will get charged more and most of the people who own take pride in their properties. There are also the condos on the hill at Sapphire Village for those who want to spend a little less $. Crystal Cove is also very nice but most are a little more $. Again, the condition of the condo depends on the owner. I can refer you to a couple of very nice people for both the Village and Beach. I haven't stayed at Crystal Cove yet though. Have a blast and DON'T MISS Cinnamon Bay St. John OR White Bay JOST. If you go nowhere else go there. Best of luck, Leticia