Husband REALLY wants to see Key West. Got a few questions before I dig in!
Mar 17th, 2009, 06:37 AM
#41
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One thing I noticed about Key West was that accommodation prices were high right around New Years Eve when I went. My schedule was not flexible, but if yours is, I remarked that the prices tended to drop off considerably shortly after New Years Day (for the B&B I stayed, the price was considerably less by January 4th or so if I remember correctly). Just a thought if you want to travel in the "peak" season.
Best wishes, Daniel
Best wishes, Daniel
Mar 17th, 2009, 05:26 PM
#44
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cocontom, I don't understand your statement about not leaving your room MOTM week. Why?
I'm beginning to feel that Key West is like New Orleans with a tiny beach and a Big funky (and twisted) heart! More
Jost Van Dyke than Florida.. anyone want to agree? disagree? Throw a parrot or Hemingway book at my head? LOL
I've read all about the bars in the Caribbean, and Soggy Dollar Bar always pops up!
Thanksgiving, not read to give up all tradition and head to
Key West, maybe when I'm 60 and rent a Harley. (not a scooter!).
I'm beginning to feel that Key West is like New Orleans with a tiny beach and a Big funky (and twisted) heart! More
Jost Van Dyke than Florida.. anyone want to agree? disagree? Throw a parrot or Hemingway book at my head? LOL
I've read all about the bars in the Caribbean, and Soggy Dollar Bar always pops up!
Thanksgiving, not read to give up all tradition and head to
Key West, maybe when I'm 60 and rent a Harley. (not a scooter!).
Mar 17th, 2009, 05:53 PM
#45
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Key West can be anything you want it to be. We have been there so many times with so many different people and have had a completely different experiences.
While the beaches are not abundant in the Keys, Fort Zachary Taylor has a nice beach and a beautiful view of the sunset. Also 37.5 miles north of Key West is Bahia Honda State Park and they have a nice beach.
Most people go to Key West for the nightlife. You can walk on the streets with drinks in hand day or night. You can see almost anything and everything during your stay there.
But some people go there because they know it will be warm and they are tired of northern winters. A friend of mine and her husband, who are very conservative, don't drink, don't care for crowds and don't like seafood..strange right?? They went to Key West and had a wonderful time. They rented bikes and rode all around, took tours of the historic homes and the lighthouse and snorkeled around the rocks at Fort Zachary Taylor. To hear them describe their trip, you wouldn't think they had been at Key West but rather at some historic Florida town.
So don't go with too many pre-conceived notions about Key West. Just go check it out and do the things that appeal to you. There is plenty to see, do and experience, and I bet you and your husband will have a great time.
While the beaches are not abundant in the Keys, Fort Zachary Taylor has a nice beach and a beautiful view of the sunset. Also 37.5 miles north of Key West is Bahia Honda State Park and they have a nice beach.
Most people go to Key West for the nightlife. You can walk on the streets with drinks in hand day or night. You can see almost anything and everything during your stay there.
But some people go there because they know it will be warm and they are tired of northern winters. A friend of mine and her husband, who are very conservative, don't drink, don't care for crowds and don't like seafood..strange right?? They went to Key West and had a wonderful time. They rented bikes and rode all around, took tours of the historic homes and the lighthouse and snorkeled around the rocks at Fort Zachary Taylor. To hear them describe their trip, you wouldn't think they had been at Key West but rather at some historic Florida town.
So don't go with too many pre-conceived notions about Key West. Just go check it out and do the things that appeal to you. There is plenty to see, do and experience, and I bet you and your husband will have a great time.
Mar 18th, 2009, 04:48 AM
#46
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I go primarily to sit on the small beach at the hotel I stay at, the Pier House at 1 Duval Street...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/336556091_VsApS-M.jpg
I always go out on the Danger Charters all day snorkel / kayak trip. They now have three boats all of which are limited to 20 people per trip, the Danger, Danger's Prize, and the Sarah, all of which are similar...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337374506_tLKGC-M.jpg
Unless you do one of these types of trips you will not appreciate how beautiful the water is. This was a rare day since we went to Woman Key to kayak. The small beach there allowed us to beach the kayaks and wander around...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337364155_sYUDW-M.jpg
And I go out on the Sebago Island T'Ing, a similar trip (with a better breakfast) on a larger catamaran. They take 40 people but off-season you might be on this boat with half that number...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/306542728_Y7Fzo-M.jpg
I try to have breakfast and maybe a dinner at Blue Heaven
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/302305142_in4is-M.jpg
and hit the various happy hours at the Key West Bight - Alonzo's, the SWB,, the Conch Republic and the Half Shell...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/177515460_nsjVY-M.jpg
Gotta hit El Meson de Pepe just off Front Street to listen to the band and have a bottle of Hatuey beer - good Cuban beer brewed in Wisconsin...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/177517273_mim9u-M.jpg
And a sunset or two...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/306536204_7gWuj-M.jpg
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337364145_iLPwF-M.jpg
And if youu are really really lucky, one day you might even see what Hemingway called the Great Blue River...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/147111667_aqSN2-M.jpg
...the Gulf Stream.
Pjk
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/336556091_VsApS-M.jpg
I always go out on the Danger Charters all day snorkel / kayak trip. They now have three boats all of which are limited to 20 people per trip, the Danger, Danger's Prize, and the Sarah, all of which are similar...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337374506_tLKGC-M.jpg
Unless you do one of these types of trips you will not appreciate how beautiful the water is. This was a rare day since we went to Woman Key to kayak. The small beach there allowed us to beach the kayaks and wander around...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337364155_sYUDW-M.jpg
And I go out on the Sebago Island T'Ing, a similar trip (with a better breakfast) on a larger catamaran. They take 40 people but off-season you might be on this boat with half that number...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/306542728_Y7Fzo-M.jpg
I try to have breakfast and maybe a dinner at Blue Heaven
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/302305142_in4is-M.jpg
and hit the various happy hours at the Key West Bight - Alonzo's, the SWB,, the Conch Republic and the Half Shell...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/177515460_nsjVY-M.jpg
Gotta hit El Meson de Pepe just off Front Street to listen to the band and have a bottle of Hatuey beer - good Cuban beer brewed in Wisconsin...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/177517273_mim9u-M.jpg
And a sunset or two...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/306536204_7gWuj-M.jpg
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/337364145_iLPwF-M.jpg
And if youu are really really lucky, one day you might even see what Hemingway called the Great Blue River...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/147111667_aqSN2-M.jpg
...the Gulf Stream.
Pjk
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:13 AM
#47
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'I try to have breakfast and maybe a dinner at Blue Heaven'
'Gotta hit El Meson de Pepe just off Front Street to listen to the band and have a bottle of Hatuey beer - good Cuban beer brewed in Wisconsin...'
These are two of our favorites also. Blue Heaven has the best sweet tea around. We love sitting @ El Meson de Pepe before the sunset show and listen to the band and watch the people.
Do you like to eat at B.O.s? We try to hit it at least once when we are there.
'Gotta hit El Meson de Pepe just off Front Street to listen to the band and have a bottle of Hatuey beer - good Cuban beer brewed in Wisconsin...'
These are two of our favorites also. Blue Heaven has the best sweet tea around. We love sitting @ El Meson de Pepe before the sunset show and listen to the band and watch the people.
Do you like to eat at B.O.s? We try to hit it at least once when we are there.
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:44 AM
#48
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Key West does share some similarities wNOLA, no doubt. But it is a much more laid back vibe & as mentioned prior, something you need to experience yourself. Peter is a frequent visitor, he won't lead you astray. We (small kids incl.) love it there...No reason you can't start a new tradition for Thanksgiving, something to be said for having lobster, for Thanksgiving dinner.
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:45 AM
#49
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Baha'i Honda is also a great place to visit www.bahiahondapark.com
Mar 18th, 2009, 06:23 AM
#50
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When we "discovered" Key West we thought it reminded us of New Orleans with water. They're both unique and funky, but I agree with SAnParis2 that Key West is MUCH more laid back.
We go for R&R. Yes, the party atmosphere is plentiful, but the most exciting thing we do at night is occasionally watch karaoke in a nearby restaurant (which is hysterical, I might add).
There are tons of water excursions (take a sunset sail!) and lots of other tourist activities available. Just pick and choose what suits you and go with the flow.
We go for R&R. Yes, the party atmosphere is plentiful, but the most exciting thing we do at night is occasionally watch karaoke in a nearby restaurant (which is hysterical, I might add).
There are tons of water excursions (take a sunset sail!) and lots of other tourist activities available. Just pick and choose what suits you and go with the flow.
Mar 18th, 2009, 07:10 AM
#51
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Almost forgot about this place, one of my DDs faves - www.keywestbutterfly.com
Mar 18th, 2009, 07:38 AM
#52
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Oh sure...listening to Barry 'Cuda and the band at B.O.'s Fishwagon...
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/159448570_8JnRw-M.jpg
A basket of fish & chips and a Corona.
Pjk
http://pjk.smugmug.com/photos/159448570_8JnRw-M.jpg
A basket of fish & chips and a Corona.
Pjk
Mar 18th, 2009, 09:07 AM
#53
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My husband and I have been to Key West several times (just got back - stayed the first week in March) and always stay at the Gardens Hotel. If you can live without a water view stay here. It is perfected located to walk around where a rental car is not needed. The grounds and rooms are beautiful. I totally agree with Pjk regarding Blue Heaven. This is a great place to have breakfast. If you go on a weekend, try to arrive before 9am to avoid the long wait. And if you have to wait, no worries, order a bloody mary or mamosa at the bar! We also had a great dinner at the rooftop cafe. http://rooftopcafekeywest.com/
For a great margarita, be sure to check out Kelly's on Caroline St. for happy hour:
http://www.kellyskeywest.com
We also have done the Danger Charters half day snorkel and kayak sail - definitely recommend as well as their wind and wine sail.
For a great sunset sail try the Western Union Schooner and/or the Appledore. These are our favorites!
www.schoonerwesternunion.com
http://www.keywestsebago.com/schooner-appledore.php
Also if you would like to go out for a sail and do some dolphin watching and snorkeling check out: http://www.keywestsebago.com/dolphinecho.php
And finally, if you want to just hang out and stare out at the water with a drink in your hand, I recommend the Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key Resort.
Yes Key West is nothing like Hawaii, but it is truly one of a kind. You'll have a blast!
-Susan
For a great margarita, be sure to check out Kelly's on Caroline St. for happy hour:
http://www.kellyskeywest.com
We also have done the Danger Charters half day snorkel and kayak sail - definitely recommend as well as their wind and wine sail.
For a great sunset sail try the Western Union Schooner and/or the Appledore. These are our favorites!
www.schoonerwesternunion.com
http://www.keywestsebago.com/schooner-appledore.php
Also if you would like to go out for a sail and do some dolphin watching and snorkeling check out: http://www.keywestsebago.com/dolphinecho.php
And finally, if you want to just hang out and stare out at the water with a drink in your hand, I recommend the Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key Resort.
Yes Key West is nothing like Hawaii, but it is truly one of a kind. You'll have a blast!
-Susan
Mar 18th, 2009, 11:36 AM
#55
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You can book sunset sails the day you want to go. And depending on the departure time, you can also book snorkel trips the same day, too. I haven't kayaked, so I'm not sure of that procedure for booking.
Mar 18th, 2009, 12:33 PM
#56
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The two snorkle / kayak tours, Danger Charters and the Sebago Island T'Ing depend on the season. For high season I've seen people be turned away when trying to just walk over on the morning of the trip. For low season you could do this but you can usually get a discount by booking at least one day ahead. If you are down for several days, check the weather forecast for the next couple of days and pre-book by a day for one that looks good. You might want to book early in your stay and, if you like this type of trip, book the other for later in your stay.
hth
Pjk
hth
Pjk
Mar 18th, 2009, 03:18 PM
#57
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WOW WOW! You all just planned my trip! Thanks everyone
for all of the EXCELLENT advice! I can almost taste the
margarita and smell of saltwater and shrimp frying.
We leave tomorrow for a much much different Florida
experience: Treasure Island, FL for spring break with
a 6 & 4 year old! I am not even really planning much.
Go with the flow when nieces are that age!
for all of the EXCELLENT advice! I can almost taste the
margarita and smell of saltwater and shrimp frying.
We leave tomorrow for a much much different Florida
experience: Treasure Island, FL for spring break with
a 6 & 4 year old! I am not even really planning much.
Go with the flow when nieces are that age!
Mar 24th, 2009, 01:45 PM
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Just got back from Key West on Saturday. I've been down there six times and am already trying to figure out when we can go back. If you are looking for a beach, I would recommend the Pier House. The location is great, it has a nice beach bar, nice views and a small, clean beach with a swim out float. The rooms were recently renovated and the grounds are beautiful. Key West is all about meeting people and having fun. My husband and I have been there alone and with other couples and we always meet people from around the country. People are so willing to talk, share a beer and their story...it's great. I have been to Hawaii once and it is very beautiful but there is no place like Key West. At the very least you have to experience it once. There are also many good restaurants. Have fun no matter where you end up.
