We will be travelling to Key West for DH's birthday in late August - I know hot and humid but we are from South Carolina so not much different. We will be travelling with our dog, a very well mannered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

I have heard that Key West is very dog friendly, which is part of the reason we are staying there. We have booked the hotel and flight so no problem there. Questions:

- Does anybody know of any restaurants and bars that are dog friendly, or on the flip side that you know would not allow the Cavalier?

- Does anyone know of any boat or train tours that would allow a small dog to attend?

- Does anyone know of any beaches that allow dogs?

- My kids went on a walking ghost tour that they really enjoyed when they were in KW. I would like to do this and am hoping, since it is a walking tour, that the Cavalier could go too. Does anyone know of the company that does the walking ghost tour?

Thanks in advance for any info you have.

Anyone familiar with Key West?

Almost any bar at the Key West Bight is dog friendly...

Half Shell Raw Bar, Turtle Kraals, the Schooner Wharf Bar (SWB), and the Conch Republic Seafood CO. *And* The White Tarpon. The others are somewhat more upscale and probably would not let the pooch in; Alonzos and the A&B Lobster House.

Look into walking to Dog Beach, which is at the end of Alberta St. on the south side, not too far from Duval. Walk east on South Street.

http://www.hauntedtours.com/

Taking the pooch on the ghost tour is no problem, but I don't know if a dog is allowed on either the Conch Train or the trolly.

Pjk

A flying question, are you flying Delta from ATL? Otherwise the dog will not be able to be carried on luggage.

Check out www.courtneysplacekeywest.com. For a complete list just try www.keywest.com.

Peter: Thank you for all of the really great suggestions. I had heard that Key West was fairly dog friendly and your response seems to confirm that. I had not heard of Dog Beach but we will absolutely check it out. I am also glad to hear that the Cavalier can go on the ghost tour as my son had a great time when he did it and we are looking forward to it as well.

GoTravel: We are flying United from Charlotte to Miami and then on to Key West. We have already reserved a spot for the Cav in the cabin, which has been confirmed for in the cabin. I would never put her in the cargo hold as I feel that is too dangerous.

dowab and SAnParis: We have already made reservations at the romantic retreat at Key West Vacation Rentals, who seem quite happy to allow the Cav to stay as well. We have never been to Key West but hope that this will turn out to be a nice place to stay. I will certainly keep your recommendations on file for future trips to KW if we enjoy our stay this time.

I appreciate all of the replies I have received and am looking forward to our trip to Key West. I will be sure to post a report when we get back. Thank you.

Here is one of the "locals" at the SWB...

http://babette.smugmug.com/photos/24964087-L-1.jpg

Pjk

Gotcha. Some people don't realize how small the plane is that flies from MIA to Key West.

Peter: I love the picture and am looking forward to my visit. Thank you.

GoTravel:I know the plane is small from Miami to KW. I did call the airline and confirmed for an in cabin pet for both legs of the trip. Are you saying that you don't think they will allow her on the plane between Miami and KW even after confirming? I hope that isn't the case as it didn't appear to be a problem when we called the airline and reserved a place for her. If that is the case I guess we would just rent a car and drive from Miami. I would no more put my Cav in the cargo hold than I would a small child, I just don't think it is safe. Do you know how long the drive between Miami and KW would take?