I was there last weekend and don't recall seeing vegetarian restaurants but the fact that you eat dairy will simplify things. Some restaurants have a dish or two listed as vegetarian and most, especially those with an Italian menue, will have a few pasta dishes that have no meat or fish and don't use meat based stock in the sauce. I've eaten at Johnson's - they have Southern and Caribbean dishes. It's a takeout place but they do have a few pcinic table son the porch. Mostly meat dishes but they have good rice n' peas and excellent collard greens. Just double check on the collard greens - some folks make them with smoked neck bones but IIRC theirs are just plain greens with no meat.

Another vote for Blue Heaven,,,ate there twice last week,,,dinner and breakfast(banana pancakes are superb),,and it was fabulous.

Great casual, outdoor, setting

Try the Key West Innkeepers Association. I'm not sure of number or website - it has been posted here before. They were very helpful when we were planning our trip. You can call and give them your dates and price range and they will tell you what BB's have rooms. The woman I spoke to had been in all the BB's and could describe the rooms. You can also access the BB's websites from the association website.

http://www.keywestinns.com/

I suggest this website for a better view of Key West Restaurants.

http://www.gottalovekeywest.com/Restaurants/Restaurants%202.htm

Here are some more B&B websites if you want to do some searching on

http://www.bbonline.com/ http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ http://www.travelguides.com

Excellent! Thank you all so much for your help. A decision on lodging is forthcoming. It's tough deciding when you know you're chosing between all good options.

I had a hunch we wouldn't starve in KW. Thanks too for all the great "veggie" suggestions.

If anyone who was so generous with their time and advice is going to be in KW the first week in January, my wife and I owe you a drink!

Steve

Come on Steve, come back again in February so some of us can collect on that drink. Better IDEA: Your first drink there, just toast to Fodors friends. Happy Holidays

Just returned from 3 days in Key West during the 2nd week of December. We didn't have reservations and stopped at the information center just as you come into Key West. They found us a 3 bedroom, 2 bath suite with 2 kitchens for $109 per night (there were six of us)- we almost fainted. Don't count on getting that type of rate now, but the place we stayed was the Courtyard (www.courtyardkeywest.com). It was 2 blocks from Duval, quiet, VERY clean. No pool, but we had use of another resort pool up the street, plus the management provided free passes to the state park beach nearby. It was very slow during the week we were there - but definitely worth the trip!

Well....we finally bit the bullet and booked a room at the Hyatt. We just couldn't settle on a B&B and we figured the Hyatt was a "sure thing."

Now just keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

And we'll certainly lift a glass - or two - to all you who provided such good help and insights into vacationing in KW.

Look for a follow-up post around mid-January. I'll let you all know how things went.

Happy hollidays and safe travel to all of you!

Steve

Steve,
Have a great time and let us know how your trip went.

Steve - you'll love the Hyatt! It was the first place we stayed in Key West and we've stayed there several times since. Be sure and take either a sunset cruise or a snorkel with Floridays...they dock at the Hyatt. You'll be in a perfect location in a great hotel. Have fun!

If you enjoy the vibe and laidback atmosphere of KW as so many of us do you'll undoubtedly want to return. If you can squeeze it in you might do what I have done on a few trips - visit a few of the guesthouses on your (wonder what it's really like" list and intro yourself to manager/proprietor, asking to see a rom for future reference. You'll generally be received very warmly and it's agreat way to check out the facility and location.

You can't go wrong with Key West. It's a very enjoyable vacation experience. Our family has gone every year for the past six and we start planning the next trip immediately upon our return home each year.

ttt

Fran

ttt

tt

Topping for recent reports. Just booked 3 days in September.

3 days where?

Just booked the airfare. Have yet to book accomodations...hence the top.