Bob: I had to Google "Paradise Properties". It is actually at Sapphire Village, not Sapphire Beach, although they seem to have units at Crystal Cove/aka Sapphire West. That whole area is confusing because there are multiple condo properties with Sapphire in the name or that advertise as on Sapphire beach. As an aside, some of the condo associations allow individuals to rent via VRBO, etc. Some have allowed different management companies to rent units within one property. This appears to be a group managing a number of units. I can't tell how many. It does appear that check-in is at Crystal Cove. Sapphire Bar and Grill is open, along with, by the time you get here, Off the Grid, a BBQ truck at the entrance to Sapphire Village.

The east end is pretty much the same as you remember with a couple of changes. Lindquist Beach is now part of the Magens Bay Authority and has brand new facilities,although I haven't been there yet to see. The market you remember in Red Hook is long gone, but Moe's Fresh Market just opened in the same spot- completely redone inside, but same lousy parking outside. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Parking is better at Food Center, down the road a piece from Red Hook.

Red Hook still has a variety of eateries and drinkeries. We have been discussing these on a thread here.

I know people like to take their cars to St. John. One thing to think about is that the last barge is like 7 o'clock? If you want to stay for dinner, you either have to leave your car there, or take the people ferry over.