What should we do for a day? I know from this forum that you do not appreciate the cruise ships but we will arrive via a cruise for only one day in January. What would be your favorite activity if you had such a limited time? Thanks.

Take the tour conch tour train around town that will give you a feel for KW. Visit Hemmingway's House, go to the Southermost point and have your picture taken. Have cocktails at Louies, lunch at Blue Heaven, stroll Duval St. and take in Mallory Square's Sunset Celebration.

Whats the time frame? Some ships only stop there for a few hours and some for almost the entire day.

Terrific recommendations KeysLover! Every one of those, with the possible exception of Southernmost point, would be tops on my list as well! I loved the Hemingway tour (we bought our tickets from a Truman Capote look/sound alike, lending even more character to the visit), conch train will give a nice overview of the best sights, the views of Louie's patio are unbeatable, (but their food and attitude is), and Blue Heaven--what a terrific little restaurant--absolutely full of characther and great food to boot. Great list. Do what you can of these cd, and you'll have KW in a nutshell!

Thanks for the knowledgable suggestions. I will print this out and file it away. We will only be there five hours. 8am to 1pm

With that short a time span you might consider Blue Heaven for breakfast - it's really worth a visit and breakfast is delicious. If you go straight there from the ship you may possibly get seated promptly. There's often a wait for breakfast but when I've been there between 8 and 8:30 AM I was able to get seated immediately or with a very short wait.

I agree with Owen. Afterwards take the Conch Tour Train (its only about 1 1/2 hours and then stroll Duval Street and maybe have an early lunch at the Half Shell Raw bar.

On the list for sure is the Conch Tour, Hemmingway's house and walking Duval St. In the interest of time, I think we will probably have breakfast and lunch on board. But, what makes Blue Heaven special? Thanks everyone.

The combination of a laid back, funky (in a good artsy way) door setting with truly excellent food is what makes Blue Heaven special (for me). On my visits there the staff has been genuinely friendly and accomodating and the food terrific. There are some trees that tower over the outdoor courtyard where seating is located and some chickens/roosters that run loose - very unique atmosphere. I usually get their "made frome scratch" pancakes and believe me.... they are really good. I'd operated under the assumption that pancakes are pancakes and are pretty much the same everywhere. Theirs seem way better than any others I've tried. Perhaps it's just because I really enjoy the atmosphere? Possible but I think there's more to it. On my last visit my friend ordered fresh shrimp with grits and white Vermont cheddar - I was skeptical at best when I saw the description but it was incredibly tasty! They really have a nice touch with food and use good, fresh ingredients.

Thanks Owen - is it possible to just have an afternoon drink? Any specialities? It's funny that you mention the chickens, when in Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea we noticed that chickens and roosters are free roaming...had never seen that before.