Back From Key West
 

We're back from our Key West vacation and we had a great time. It was our first visit and we've already begun talking about when we'll be able to return.<BR><BR>Those of you who recommended the Hyatt were absolutely right. It is a great hotel, excellent location, with a friendly, informative and helpful staff. When we checked in our original room was overlooking "vagrant beach." When I asked if there was a room with a better view, the front desk staff was more than ready and willing to give us an upgraded room overlooking the pool and the Gulf. <BR><BR>The one drawback to our trip was the weather, which was terrible. Record low temperatures at night and some days that didn't even break sixty degrees. Though the weather did keep us from some activities - most notably snorkeling and sunbathing - it didn't stop us from having a great time.<BR><BR>We ate twice at the Blue Heaven which we both loved. The first time we ate there, for breakfast, we were seated next to two of the guys from the band "The Smashing Pumpkins" (though in all honesty my wife had to point them out to me). <BR><BR>Both my wife and I are vegetarians and had no trouble at all finding non-meat options at restaurants. We had a terrific meal and bottle of wine at Mangoes and then returned the next night to have some of their wonderful margaritas at the bar. We also had a great meal at La Trattoria. <BR><BR>The only restaurant that we were disappointed in was the Old Town Mexican Caf&eacute;. They had lots of veggie options on their menu but the quality of food was mediocre at best. <BR><BR>Most mornings we started our day at Croissant de France on Duval. They have wonderful baked goods and coffee, and their croissants were some of the best we've had outside of France. It is also a good place to people-watch while you eat your breakfast.<BR><BR>Other than eat and drink - which we did a lot of - we took the Conch tour train which was a great way to see the sights and hear about the diverse and interesting history of the Key West. We spent most sunsets at Mallory Square taking in the carnival-like atmosphere of it all. Our favorites were Dominique and his flying cats and the guys with his trained dogs. <BR><BR>We also walked around Fort Taylor Park and generally spent a lot of time on foot. We did rent a scooter for a few days and found it a great way to explore all the different parts of Key West (and we managed to not kill ourselves or anyone else!). <BR><BR>We also took a very cold sunset sail with Floridays (with captain Roger who was great), saw a family of dolphins along with a memorable sunset. <BR><BR>That's pretty much the highlights of our trip. It really was wonderful and aside from the weather, we had a great time. My wife was continually amazed at my "connections" in Key West and for that I owe you all a very big thank you. All your advice and good words contributed to a memorable vacation. And now we have to return to see the place when it is warm! <BR>

Steve - thanks for your great trip report. All of us who love Key West will be happy we have a new convert. You're doing exactly what my husband and I did after our first trip to Key West...plan the second!

Great report! Sounds like you are hooked.

We stayed at Hyatt as well and are hooked. I will only stay in Old Town next time we might try the Hilton though that also looked nice.

Steve, you mentioned the margarita's at Mangoes.......I happen to think that TK the (tall bartender with ponytail) there makes the BEST margatia's in town.....I'll be there in 3 weeks and can't wait......thnaks for the trip report<BR><BR>Lonepalm757

Steve did you go to any of the other keys?

Robert, you are right about TK. He makes great margaritas and seems like a hell of a nice guy too. We enjoyed sitting at his bar and chatting with him. <BR><BR>Wendy, the only other place we spent any significant time was Key Largo. Otherwise we just drove through the other Keys on our way to and from Key West. I thought Key West was much more fun, interesting, and worthwhile than Key Largo. Like they used to say about Los Angeles, in Key Largo "there is no there there."<BR><BR>My opinion anyway. <BR><BR>Finally, yes, I admit it. I am hooked, I am a convert!! No doubt about it. We're now planning our next trip down. <BR><BR>One thing I forgot to write in my report. The folks who we met who actually live in Key West were so incredibly nice and friendly to us it was really amazing. So often there is a real antagonism between the locals and the tourists but I didn't find that or feel that at all in Key West. That only added to our enjoyment of the trip. <BR><BR>Steve

I feel I must give credit where credit is due.....it was "Grglnswsh" that first turned me onto TK at Mangoes..when I posted a question 2 yrs ago asking "where to go for the best margarita's in Key West ???"....Thanks again "G"<BR><BR>Lonepalm757<BR>Robert

Thanks. TK is really a great guy and very well loved in the communitee. He helps with fund raisers and volunteers much of his time towards them.