flygirl

Hello

Considering Key West this month. Never been. Is two nights enough? I would be spending time in other parts of Florida and would probably fly into Key West and home from another Florida airport TBD.

I want to visit Hemingway's house and at least one thing re: Jimmy Buffett. That's about it, I guess...?

Thanks.

flygirl

Ps. and is January peak season?

starrs

Yes and yes.

jayne1973

We stayed two nights in November and it was just right. We walked everywhere and had time to do the Hemingway House, a couple of famous bars, sunset at Mallory Square, some great restaurants and lots of popping in and out of various shops.
There was some kind of Jimmy Buffet fest going on, and I wonder if there's always something like that happening there. Fun place.

volcanogirl

We've stayed three or four nights on our trips, but we pack in tons of things to do including sailing and snorkeling trips. I would feel rushed with only two nights, but if you just want to visit the Hemingway House and a Buffett thing then two nights would work for you. The Ocean Key Resort is a great place to stay if you're looking for one. We were able to walk everywhere and enjoyed eating at the Sunset Pier.

SusieQQ

No, two nights are not enough. I've spent 10 days there and was busy the whole time. Many people are not aware that besides the bars there are three live production theaters, concerts, lectures, etc. And boat trips....And house tours. And spending some time lolling around a pool...

smetz1

You could certinaly spend more, but you can pack a lot into two days in Key West. I'd do it if I had the opportunity.

NeoPatrick

Key West is not for everyone. I've been and stayed there many times going from "nearby" Naples and I like it for what it is -- kind of hard to describe.
But SusieQQ I'm a theatre nut and I've only ever seen one production playing there during one of many stays. ( I don't call comedy clubs theatre). That was a production of A Streetcar Named Desire that I thought intermission would never come so I could leave. I can't imagine planning on theatre being a significant reason for going to Key West. I say do two nights. If you love it, you'll go back.

flpab

I have been going since the early 70's and never get bored. We are going the end of the month which is the Wine and food fest. Not going for that but just the week we got the dog sitter and a reservation. We were trying to decide what new places we are going to eat at this trip. We get in a rut. Our favorite place was bought by Backspace Kitchen and bar. They have a place in New Orleans and hope they will be open since they have totally renovated Finnegan's wake. The Hemingway house, the cemetery which is on the highest point of the island, the Truman White house in the Truman annex, the Audubon House, Tennessee William's house which is free to visit. A sunset sail is a must imo. Get off of Duval and explore. We take our bikes and ride everywhere. Two nights? Not enough but enjoy and hold on when you land in Key West, very short runway and you come in hard.

SusieQQ

Patrick, there are two professional theaters in Key West. The Water Front Theater and the Red Barn Theater. And then there is the Tennessee Williams Theater which has music and dance concerts and live theater.

NeoPatrick

SusieQQ, yes I'm well aware of that. But my point was that the two theatres are often dark -- they are not always doing shows. And the Tennessee Williams Center rarely (if ever?) does theatre.

Let's assume someone is going to Key West for a week -- Sunday to Sunday, January 25 till February 1 this year (should be prime winter season). There are NO theatre productions playing in Key West -- both theatres are closed, and the Tennessee Williams Center only has a show tunes concert on Friday night that week. No theatre.

My point was simply that one would not go to Key West and stay longer for the purpose of seeing theatre.

And since quality of theatre is a matter of taste, I'll refrain from saying more than my ONLY theatre experience in Key West (at the Red Barn) was nothing short of painful.

SusieQQ

My point was that there is a lot to do in Key West besides the bars, Sunset Celebration, Historic houses,etc. The last time I was there I saw shows, free concerts at the church on Duval, lectures at the library, a house tour, an art show, a cemetery tour, boat to Tortugas, great seafood and more. I could easily spend a month there or winter (as many non-partying people do). There was plenty to do to occupy my time.

Key West has something for everyone.

BTW, one point not mentioned was that to get a feel of the "real" Key West, I suggest not staying in one of the large hotels. There are lots of lovely Inns and Guest Houses. I prefer the Island City House.

starrs

I can spend a week in Islamorada and some folks never stop.

I doubt the OP wants to spend a month in Key West since she wants to see more of Florida.

Two nights is more than enough time to see Hemingway's house and go to Margaritaville. She can enjoy some of the other things KW has to offer and can always return for a later trip. Three days and two nights in Key West is a nice amount of time to spend for a first visit.

flygirl

Thank you everyone... I didn't mean to impugn Key West, just that if I go I will have limited time (in order to visit other things) and won't be able to tarry.

Ackislander

The question then becomes, "Are two nights in Key West better than no nights in Key West?"

Yes.

flpab

Yes. Two nights are better than no nights. You can rent bikes at eatons to get around on. Alonzo's is a fav happy hour place.

starrs

Renting a scooter is fun too!

volcanogirl

If you get a chance, I'd recommend getting out on the water - we enjoyed Sebago and Danger Charters. The sunset sails are really nice.