Key West Trip Report 2/28-3/4
 

My husband and I just returned from a second visit to Key West. Once again we stayed at the Gardens Hotel in a gardenview room. The grounds were a lot more grown in since last year and with Hurricane Wilma. The hotel still is excellent in service, location, amenities, room, etc.

We did do an afternoon snorkel sail on the Danger Charters. Highly recommend this outfit. The staff was very accommodating and most of all helpful. We snorkeled near the mangroves and saw a 4 ft. barracuda, a sting ray, lobsters and fish. The snorkeling is not as clear as the water in the caribbean but it was nice to see such a variety. They also took us kayaking to the mangroves. Wear bug repellent.

We also did the sunset sail on the Appledore. It was a great large schooner - very impressive when they raise the sails. In addition to enjoying the sunset, we were also able to see the lunar eclipse which we didn't except. Great time!

As far as restaurants, we went to the Conch Republic Seafood Company, Kelly's, Roof Top Cafe, Blue Heaven all good. As far as bars go, that's a long list. We did check out Captain Tony's which felt like authentic Key West. Willie T's was also enjoyable. The Westin, which used to be the Hilton now has a nice outdoor area for a drink at their bar. Be sure to order the "green thing", very good.

Mallory Square was pretty much the same as last year with street performers.

The weather was warmer this year - during the day it was humid and in the low 80s and sunny. At night it dropped to the mid 70s.

Now its back to winter and the cold (NJ). Great time once again in Key West. Hopefully we will be able to make a 3rd trip next year.

Be happy to answer any questions. - Susan

Susan,

Thank you for the report!

I'm glad your experience with Danger Charters was better than mine. It was too windy and the waves were running too high the day we did it.

We also encountered the bugs in the mangroves. Our guide acted like it was the first time it happened.

The bugs seemed to go after the women much more than the men.

Keith

Also feel free to check out the pictures of our trip (yes there are a lot).

http://community.webshots.com/user/ssypniewski

(Go to Key West March 2007)

We were lucky on the Danger Charters with the winds. Enjoy - Susan

Susan
Enjoyed reading your report. We took an afternoon sail on the Appledore. The winds were strong but the water pretty smooth making for a very good and fun sail. Pretty good heal for such a large boat.

susan: great to read your trip report. We leave a week from tomorrow for our first trip to Key West (husband, myself and two college-age sons). We are so looking forward to sun, surf and relaxation. Appreciated the tips on the sunset cruise and the snorkeling.

Also if you would like a nice breakfast in the sun and with the chickens, check out Rick's Blue Heaven. Best time to go is before 9:30 am between Monday and Thursday. On the weekends (including Fridays) it tends to get very busy and you can have over an hour wait! - Susan