Posted on 05/31/2014 6:01:24 PM PDT by AbolishCSEU
Five years ago we took a cruise that stopped at Key West. Enjoyed our few hours there...At the time they had golf carts to rent, which we had planned to do, but then it started raining, so we went into a bar and had some conch fritters, and something to drink. Conch fritters were not all that great, but my son sure enjoyed them. They do, apparently, have the smallest bar around.
October? Watch out for Fantasy Fest (unless you’re into that sort of thing). It gives the gay pride parades in NOLA and San Francisco a real run for their money. You’ll see people (of both sexes) running around in not much more than body paint, a few feathers and a smile. That said, the food and mojitos at the Conch Republic Seafood Co. are great and don’t miss breakfast at the Blue Heaven or Pepe’s. The others are right — KW (Duval Street, anyway) is pretty much all about drinking. I’d stay away from the t-shirt shops on Duval Street — they’ll offer you some sort of deal that will end up costing you double or triple. Margaritaville is an exception — their t-shirts are good quality, if a little pricey (but they’re more than just a t-shirt shop). If you’re there 10/29 - 11/2, the parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans) will be having their annual convention there, and there are some pretty good drink specials all over the place. There will be live troprock music in most of the bars, probably a street fest on Friday, and possibly Jimmy will show up (he has in the past, but no one really knows until he does). It’s loads of fun — like a giant pre-concert parking lot party with 3500 of your closest friends. Oh, yeah, don’t miss the pizza slices at Angelina’s on Duval ... yum.
Early October? I’d avoid Halloween at all costs if you’re taking kids.
I was actually married in Key West. Of course that might not work for you if you plan to take your husband;)
We found many interesting artsy-craftsy little shops and galleries; Fast Buck Freddies on Duval was wonderful, but now closed. I did enjoy the tour of Hemingway’s house.
Sunsets are spectacular, but I don’t advise joining the crowd at Mallory Square. We enjoyed watching the sun go down from the Pier House Resort, which has a pier where you can order drinks and perhaps even food.
Enjoy!
If you are driving down, make sure you stop at the Key deer refuge on Big Pine Key.
Best way to get around Key West itself is by bicycle, by far. The sunset celebration at Mallory Square dock is a must - once, at least, it is crowded and noisy but immense fun. Just don’t carry a wallet and make sure you have a fair number of singles on you for the performers. And for the Lord’s sake - make sure you pay attention to the actual sunset!
There is a GREAT all you can eat seafood restaurant on Duval Street. I believe it is 212 Duval. If not it is very close to that address.
The drive down was very flat and it was hard to see beyond the vegetation to the ocean and the Gulf. We were there for Fantasy Fest, too. Didn’t know it was happening. The gays have taken over Halloween. I have a picture of my ex giving the “devil” a light. Did not find a place with a good key lime pie, which was my goal. There’s a park with canons; nice for a walk. I don’t remember a sandy beach. I saw kids in the bars. My souvenir was a giant beach towel, which I still have.
Recommended soundtrack: “Stepped on a pop top. Blew out my flip flop... in Margaritaville.”
Watch out for sexual deviants and diseases.
Find someone who has a boat so you can snorkel the reefs.
Paseo Restaurant
Add to trip
1000 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6925
Because the Keys are essentially coral islands, their beaches aren't the greatest and they've had to import sand. Smathers Beach and a couple of others on the south side of Key West are about the extent of it.
Keep your eyes open and let us know if you see
James William Buffett amongst your rounds.
Best Restaurant: Santiago's Bodega (Not on Duval Street - Happy Hour 3 to 6 pm)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34345-d552921-Reviews-Santiago_s_Bodega-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html
Best Day or Half Day Trip if you like history OR snorkeling: Dry Tortugas National Park
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34345-Activities-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html
Lots a fags there. If you drop your wallet, kick it to Miami before you bend over to pick it up.
There’s a huge seashell shop in the center of town (you’ll know it immediately) that has some incredible stuff in it. Other than that, it’s no great shakes, if you ask me.
Want to see the real Key West? Well, it has been a while but:
See the Wrecker’s Museum(the major industry at one time making Key West the richest town per capita, was salvaging— and sometime causing- shipwrecks on the reefs).
See Stephen Mallory’s home (the Sec. of the CSA Navy) aka as Hemingway’s House (at the time the most expensive one on the island).
There is also a private tropical palm botanical garden in the area of Calvin Klein’s home (it may have been destroyed- but it was a project by a lady who employed only recovering alcoholics—and was a fantastic garden of major and obscure tropical palms and plants).
The Gato House which was a Cuban cigar magnate’s home. Learn about the cigar rollers in the factories in Key West, who were read daily newspapers by a lector.
Chandler’s Museum, The Custom House and of course Mel Fisher’s Museum of the treasure of the galleon, Nuestra de Senora Atocha.
Martello Towers. Fort Taylor Park.
Take a boat (not plane) to the Dry Tortugas 40 sea miles with Fort Jefferson there— which is a full day trip- and the best snorkeling. The fort which held Dr. Mudd (of the Lincoln Conspiracy). Also along the way— maybe one of the 1800’s era open ocean lighthouse towers.
Do your laundry at a Cuban/American launderette with an Espresso and Cuban sandwich bar included. Cafe con Leche.
Avoid anything with Buffett on it. Jimmy or Warren (cause neither of them was ever from Key West).
Lor-E-Lei’ should be the next Freepers road trip. We should all show up in our bikes and sidecars. And maybe someone can sweet talk the restaurant into giving their key lime pie recipe. I hear that it is froze with a mango sauce.
Thank-you for clarifying why it was hard to find a sandy beach.
your new-found gay friends in KW will love it.
Here is a PBS video on the Hemingway House featuring the precious kitties!
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