Heading to Key West with my husband at the end of August for a few days--first trip down. Any suggestions appreciated!!(We have already made hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn La Concha on Duval. Did I do OK with that?)

Mallory Dock one hour before sunset is a happenin' place. Sloppy Joe's Bar is worth a visit(s). Look around at hotels for next time (that's something we do on a first visit). Do the Hemmingway house tour; buy key lime pie, key west aloe products, and the newest FantasyFest t-shirt!

What about the Truman "Little White House" where Harry Truman vacationed?

Take a Conch (konk) Train tour (not the trolley)to learn the history of Key West and to see most of the island & pass by all the neat places to visit first. Sunset at Mallory Square is always fun. Rent a moped or bike and tour the back streets. Check with the Moped Hospital to see if the fellow still does the bike tours-we all enjoyed that. Eat at the Key West Conch Farm, Blue Heaven, El Siboney, Mangia, Mangia. The La Concha is on Duval and you can walk to everything--It was an old closed up hotel, but remodeled by Holiday Inn several years ago. Great view of KW from the roof top bar. check out www.keywest.com and the guest houses, B & B's and Inn's that are available. We've been going down for 22 years to see our daughter.

On my last trip, my wife and I took a seaplane ride to the Dry Tortugas, passing over various shipwreck sites on the way there. When you land, there is an immense Fort to see, run by the National Park Service, and great snorkeling. The gear is provided for you. although pricey, it was one of the most exciting things to do. Among other highlights are the Hemingway House, which really is an interesting tour. Visit the cemetery, which is an offbeat and interesting place (see the tombstone which says "I told you I was sick" and the Maine Memorial). There's a Haitian Art Gallery which has a fantastic collection of Haitian Art, I always visit it and have bought several paintings there. I thought the new Wreckers Museum was interesting. Avoid Sloppy Joe's.

Louie's Backyard...the best kept secret restaurant in the Key's...soo romantic...go just after sunset. You won't find it in any guides. You won't be disappointed!

I really liked the food at Mango's on Duval St. Also agree with the recommendation for Blue Heaven (especially for breakfast/brunch). A romantic spot is the restaurant that is part of the hotel on the Southernmost Point Beach (can't remember the name, but they have outdoor dining next to the water). The food was good (especially the Key Lime Pie) and the setting was lovely. I also liked that beach for sunbathing because it is small and not very crowded and you can rent lounge chairs and they have waitstaff who will bring you nice cold tropical drinks on the beach even if you're not staying at the hotel. Don't miss the Hemingway House. Kelly McGillis' restaurant has great coconut shrimp. I would recommend one of the boat trips to the coral reefs -- there are a lot to choose from -- you can go out snorkeling, sailing, take a glass-bottom boat tour, go to the Dry Tortugas, etc. Agree with the recommendation to take one of the tours of the island where you can get on and off at various attractions -- the best way to get oriented and see some of the sights and learn a little about the place. Definitely check out Mallory Square at sunset -- interesting people-watching.

I agree with much of what has been said. The FIRST thing I'd do is take the Conch Train Tour. It'll give you a good idea of the history of Key West and show you some other sites you'll want to investigate further. We loved the Hemingway House and thought the Truman White House was interesting but the guide was a little boring! Everyone must see Mallory Square for sunset at least once! Have fun...and don't worry about taking any of this advice. The true Key West way is to do exactly what you want when you want. Have fun!

norma,

stop by 'Fastbuck Freddies'...it's the 'Nordstroms' of Key West!