Straight on Key West still equals fun right?
 

I don't mean that to offend I knew I had to post to get a response that was border line I'm sure.

My father in law is pitching a fit and saying Key West is gay only.

Since when?

I know we don't have a ton of drinkers coming down. But, surely there is plenty to do for a few days. Am I wrong? Did I miss this in the guide book?

There is tons to do. Just do a search on this board. Key West does have a gay section (just like many other towns) but it is a melting pot for all!

Where are the beaches where people can go and hang out? I can't find anything.

If you are primarily after beaches, then Key West isn't for you.

Key West is more of a "hang around the pool" kind of place.

There are a lot of straight people in Key West.

I hope your FIL doesn't "pitch a fit" when he WANTS something from a gay person which I suspect is more often than he'd care to admit.

Here is a map showing the beaches http://keywest.com/newbigmap.gif but Key West is not a beach destination. All of the beaches are man made (except one at the Reach resort) so they are small and rocky. If you are looking for a beach place with soft sand and big beaches I suggest you look somewhere else.

Or rather a hang around the bars on Duval street kind of place. There are many straight people having a great time in Key West.

Ask your f-i-l if he thinks that there are any straight people in San Francisco.

Keith

I agree if great stretches of beaches is what your father in law loves, then to look elsewhere - if you are looking in Florida, there are plenty of destinations that would fit that bill -
but here is a tiny url link to sites in key west if any of these would appeal to him for a few days visit - or if you add what he likes to do (fishing, boating) then people could help with ideas.

Key West is a place where people "let their hair down". That goes for straights who may drink and "cut up" more than usual, and for gays who may let loose and become very flambouyant. If your FIL is bothered by such behavior as seeing two guys holding hands as they stroll along the street or even kissing while watching sunset, then again, he might be more comfortable elsewhere.

I think you have two potential problems...

Certainly there are straight people in Key West, but as Patrick nicely puts it above, if even *seeing* obvious gay people is going to be a problem... well you've likely got a problem.

Second is the lack of terrific beaches. Key West is the very end of a spit of land (look at a map) not really a long wide stretches white sandy beach kind of place.

Actually, man gay people feel Key West has become "too straight" and is no longer the desirable gay destination it once was. That should reassure your FIL.

My mother and father live in Key West part time and neither is gay and my mother is a teetotaler.

They are somehow able to overcome those obstacles and still have a blast.

GoTravel, if I may ask, what do your parents like about Key West?

Take your FIL to the 801 Bar and let him talk to the "girls" standing outside.

Why does that last post remind of the transvestite hookers I heard about in Waikiki...

My husband and I went to Key West last year and it is a great place. It's not the so called "gay" place you may have heard. It's really a laid back, friendly, clean, and nice place. What do people care that others are gay? It's a place of all peoples and your post was not offensive.Go, have fun, let fil take pictures.

Like the old New Orleans, Key West is a party destination, not a beach destination (and certainly not limited to homosexuals).

Duval Street is like Bourbon Street, but with a Jamaica-esque vibe thrown into the mix.

If you're looking for a party with beaches, South Beach (Miami) is the place.

Swaying Palms, they like the fact that it is 81 degrees right now and the rest of the US is is frozen, they like the fishing and water sports, they like the wonderful dining, they like the festivals, they like the outdoor living, they like their friends and neighbors, they like the fact that we all come to visit this time of year, they like the laid back keys atmosphere, they like the colorful locals.....do you need me to continue?

Most gays do not enjoy Key West anymore....we have hit Fort Lauderdale! If the F-I-L does not want to see gay people maybe he should go to...lets say Iowa...oh wait they have gay people.....ummm maybe Bend, Oregon...oh wait they have gays there too....ummm......every city in this country has gay people even if people do not want to admit. Tell me why you want to vacation with this man??

I started reading this thread out of curiosity (couldn't resist - LOL) and I am ready to get on a plane. Today has been an esspecially trying day and Key West sounds perfect.

Correa, I had a great time there in December.

Only thing was, after about 3 days, I felt like I should be entered in detox.

Keith

Thanks GoT, I certainly understand. I did not mean to imply that all of those weren't good reasons, I was just curious.

Hmmm...last time I was there Duval Street was one long "drag main" lineup of pick-up trucks and other traffic. Everyone was having a good time, even the straight people in their Volvos.

And none taken.

They just really enjoy hanging out there right now and watching the parade of life go by.

I don't get a choice. FIL has to come for the ceremony. I know my thoughts exactly. He is such a jack a$$

Reach Resort must be sold out or still under renovations.

frenchtoile,
I did not mean to imply that the beach at The Reach is a great beach. It too is very small. The Reach can also get over run with children.

Anymore, the most obvious gay presence in Key West is the gay oriented activites which are advertised along with the other versions of these activites. There is a gay Conch tour. A women's only Sebago sailing trip. A pre-dominintly male snorkeling trip on the Blu-Q. You will see some same-sex hand-holding and smooching, and even some same-sex couples cruising Duval on a motorcycle. (And there is always a lot of laughing and what sounds like some slap-and-tickle and loud music behind that fence at the New Orleans House on Petronia, but the chinks in the fence aren't big enough for me to get a peek at what's going on).

It's nothing like it was 15 years ago. (When I was 6, or so)

Pjk

Key West has a strong heterosexual contingent. I know there is a painting of the breasts event for women on Key West. I've seen it on the internet.

George, women patrons are also encouraged to come onstage and flash at Irish Kevins.

We were so shocked that we went back the next day:-)

Keith

Keith, I'd be drinking with ya'.

The "event" for body painting happens over Fantasy Fest. There is also a bar on top of the Bull and Whistle that offers it.

I was there in early August and it was fine. Yes, there are some gay people and you do notice it. To think it is "all" gay is absurd, though. I found plenty to do and I had a great time without feeling like I was in an "all gay" city. There is no reason to worry over this and it would be a shame to skip out on such an incredible place out of fear it may look gay. I am straight as an arrow and absolutely loved it... can't wait to go back.

The great thing about Key West is that it is a sort of "melting pot". Every walk of life is there-straights, gays and in betweens. Rich, poor and in the middle. And everyone is having a good time. Hey,if yer father in law wants to see gays all over the place go to Provncetown MA