Yes, Louie's was damaged, but it reopened the beginning of November. We ate there soon after the hurricane and the food and service were both great!

We were in Key WEst several years ago and loved it! Restuarants & bars change so I won't recommend those but what stands out in our minds are---

Mallory Square at sunset. Agree with the other poster that it's not for everyone but well worth one time because it is so unique!

Float plane to the Dry Tortegas...one of our favorites! Beautiful & so removed from the commercialism of KW and while the snorkeling was not up to expectations, it's very beautiful & tranquil & well worth a visit.

A sunset sail on the skooner America. Don't know if it's even docked there anymore but it was a lovely evening & we highly recommend it or something similar, if available.

We also did the tour train & especially liked the stop at Hemingway's home...very unique & enjoyable.

For me, the beauty of KW is in the people & how unique & diverse it is. Just embrace it & have a wonderful time!!

We had key lime pie at a little place across the street from Little Switzerland. OK, they probably have ten locations, right? Seems like it was just as you came into town. Darn I wish I had written down the name of the place. Friends took us there and they don't remember the name of it either. Best key lime ever. And tasted real good about 11 a.m. after our Conch tour. Have a ball. Cool place with lots to explore.

I was there in October and had a great cheeseburger at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant. Now everytime I hear the song I remember the great day I had in Key West. If you're from Ct. you'll love the place.

does that little switzerland jeweler have a website or phone number? i bought some stuff from there years ago...

Totally agree with all the suggestions except 1: As a parrot head, you'll want to browse thru Margaritaville, but I would recommend a drink at the bar & skip the cheeseburgers. I've been there twice; my burger (yesterday) was pretty mediocre & lacked any flavor; not even a toasted bun. Plus it's always crowded.
I would also encourage you to visit the Kennedy Gallery to check out artwork (across Duval from Marg'ville) -- I bought several beautiful prints there a few years ago that I enjoy every day. (They will ship.)
I prefer sunset at the tiki bar at the hotel at the end of Duval closest to Mallory square to get the view without the crowd.
One last thing I came across yesterday: When you find Sloppy Joe's, remember that the original SJ's is called Captain Tony's & is just around the corner off Duval. (CapT's is very dark, smokey, GRITTY.) Cross the street from CapT's & between the bldgs is a market center with a sandal shop -- got a pair of amazingly comfortable sandals for $9, made right there in the shop. They have several styles & colors. I'll be back soon to get a pair in another color.

thanks again for all of the tips. Its finally getting closer. Being that we are going the beginninng of March, is it recommended to make reservations for dinner or can we just show up? Thanks again - Susan

This is all great info. for the trip I am planning for 6 of us in 2007.We are all bringing our motorcycles for our 1st annual " Keys Ride"....can't wait!

SSki- call the hotel three weeks ahead and tell them your dinner choices...they should be able to line up your reservations for you... be sure to be specific and tip the concierge when you check-in ... the Gardens is a great Key West experience... also consider The Marquesa Restaurant... the food is excellent...

The Dry Tortugas is a great suggestion. The floatplane is nice, however, the high speed catamarran was ideal. The PanAmerican building is a great place to go for cocktails. Renting bikes is a good idea if you are going to be drinking, and parking can be a challenge. I would caution you that this area has been hit by several hurricanes this past year. Lodgeing can really be a challenge. There are many workers and families living in hotels. Be sure to have a reservation before your trip down there. It is a lovely place with a very warm local population. I would recommend you to be cautios while you are there. It is a great place, but they do have crime.

Take a sunset sail on a Fury Catamaran (beer and champagne included).

Have at least one meal at Alice's...the food is reasonably priced, super fresh, and creatively prepared. They have the best key lime pie on the island...the graham cracker crust is painted with chocolate ganache before the key lime curd is poured on. Fabu!

My husband and I were in Key West last summer without the kids. Going to Blue Heaven for breakfast is a MUST. It feels like it's tucked away in someone's backyard and it kinda is! We enjoyed an early dinner at Commodore's, overlooking the marina. We really liked our key lime pie at the Blonde Giraffe on Duval Street. We ate on the little porch and people-watched for a while. (Always interesting in Key West!) You can buy "single serve" (makes one pie) key lime juice at some of the larger gift stores, if you can get past the tourist trinkets. Enjoy your stay there!