FL Keys / Key West

[aeroparrot]

Interesting ideas. I'm actually thinking of doing a last minute trip to Key West since my plans shifted a little after the concert in Ft. Lauderdale.

[catsway]

Another reason to love Key West is the 2010 Conch Shell Blowing Contest:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... gD9E9DVLO3

[aeroparrot]

Ok. Already planning on going to Key West in January. Giving a fair warning to those who would like to go but need to save up (like me). PM me if anyone would like to meet up down there then.

[C-Dawg]

Ok. Already planning on going to Key West in January. Giving a fair warning to those who would like to go but need to save up (like me). PM me if anyone would like to meet up down there then.

We're going to MoTM...will be in KW in Nov....in January we're doing Orlando, Marilyn has a conference there.

[aeroparrot]

Ok. Already planning on going to Key West in January. Giving a fair warning to those who would like to go but need to save up (like me). PM me if anyone would like to meet up down there then.

We're going to MoTM...will be in KW in Nov....in January we're doing Orlando, Marilyn has a conference there.

Cool. If you guys have the time either before or after the conference and are down there, PM me when it is, maybe we can meet up but not sure.

[KruzinParrots]

Has anyone stayed at Ocean Key Resort? If so what did you think of it. Have friends who just asked me about it. I know we like the place. The location is great. Just wondered what your experiences were.

[greatheart]

My wife and I just returned from an amazing trip to Key West. We were there for 5 days and 4 nights. It was our first time there. We stayed at the Hyatt Key West Resort. The accomodations were fantastic as was the staff. It was a great place and conveniently located close to Duval but right on the water by Key West Bight and the boarwalk. Here are some of the places we went because of hearing about them through books and songlines....

Louie's Back yard - we loved it. The view was absolutely amazing. I was a little worried based on a recent post on these boards by someone who had a bad experience there. We hung out on the After Deck and the bartenders couldn't have been more friendlier. It was a nice sized crowd and we had no problem getting a table right next to the water on the After Deck. The drink prices were in line with the rest of KW, maybe slightly cheaper. I had margaritas and mojitos. We ended up going back twice because our side of the island was a little too windy. We got great tans sitting on the After Deck enjoying the view. We also ordered the calamari appetizer which was wonderful. Loui'e was great. Of course, we checked out the building next door where Jimmy lived for a while.

Blue Heaven - we had to try it and we sure are glad we did. My wife had the lobster eggs benedict and I had the shrimp and grits. We got there a little after 9:00am and we got a table right away. However, by the time we left people were lined up waiting. It was everything you hear about it. We only went once because we prefer lunch over breakfast.

B.O.'s Fishwagon - we ate lunch there twice. It was a neat little place that we wouldn't have known about otherwise. The fish sandwiches were great as were the conch fritters. The staff is very friendly too.

Chart Room Bar - this was located at the Pier House right next to our hotel. YOu could tell that this place was very different than the rest of the hotel. It was worth seeing that's for sure. We had a few beers and peanuts and chatted with the bartender. He told us some of the history of the bar and the people that frequented it. It's hard to believe that Jimmy started in Key West from this bar. Even cooler are that holes drilled into the bar with the name plaques under them. Inside the holes are some of the ashes of the person with the name on the plaque. Mel Fisher's are in there. If the hole isn't plugged up yet, the person is still alive. Some people never wanted to leave the bar.

Margaritaville - of course we made a few trips here. We've been to the Vegas one a few times but not the KW one. My main goal was to try the new Margaritaville Rum. I was not disappointed. I first just tried a little sample of the dark rum. It was very good and seemed to be pretty good quality. The bartender said it is being made by Appleton in Jamaica. I next tried a glass of the dark rum mixed with tonic and a lime. It was very good as was the Rum Runner which had all of the rums in it if I am correct. They had all of the new rums there. The bartender wasn't sure when they would be for sale. NOTE - the KW airport bar also has the rums. I'm not sure if the upstairs one does but the bar that is located by the gates after you have gone through security has the new rums. I was sure to get a glass before leaving.

Shrimpboat Sound - it was right next to Conch Republic Seafood Company (which had great food). I can't believe Jimmy is able to get in and out of there without so many people seeing him. It is located in a very public area.

We of course made our way to the other usual places...Captain Tony's, Sloppy Joes, Hogs Breath, Pat Croce's Rum Barrel, Irish Kevin's, Schooner Wharf Bar, Fat Tuesday and a few more. I wanted to just tell about our experiences at the Buffett related places.

It was a great trip and we are already planning a return trip this time next year.

[Bfan53again]

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

[Carolinadreamin']

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

Not only is "Keys disease" not treatable.......it's terminal!!!!! Just reading this thread is causing a flare up.......

[Bfan53again]

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

Not only is "Keys disease" not treatable.......it's terminal!!!!! Just reading this thread is causing a flare up.......

If you got to go, well, Keys disease isn't a bad way to do it........

[tigzoe]

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

As I often say, the only cure for the KW Disease, is more KW. Heading down for FF and can't wait. Next time we will head for MOTM.

Not only is "Keys disease" not treatable.......it's terminal!!!!! Just reading this thread is causing a flare up.......

[Bfan53again]

This thread has been a bit quiet here of late........

Must be a combination of hurricane season and waiting for MOTM........

[C-Dawg]

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

As I often say, the only cure for the KW Disease, is more KW. Heading down for FF and can't wait. Next time we will head for MOTM.

Not only is "Keys disease" not treatable.......it's terminal!!!!! Just reading this thread is causing a flare up.......

Dude, of course it's treatable....go back to the Keys and all symptoms disappear

[tigzoe]

Like greatheart, my wife and I just returned from another visit to the Keys. We stayed with friends at their retirement home on Ramrod Key for 3 nights. Toured the Turtle Rescue facility and Dolphin Research Center in the middle Keys and really enjoyed both. Spent some time shelling on Coco Plum Beach on Marathon and just chillin'.....

Spent our last 2 nights in Key West at the Doubletree Grand Resort near the airport (our 2nd time there, very nice accomodations & staff, good shuttle service to downtown). Had lunch at B. O.'s, dinner at Conch Seafood Republic, and stopped into Margaritaville more than once....imagine that! Toured Mel Fisher's museum for the first time. It's basically a self-guided tour that chronicles his treasure hunting efforts of ship wrecks in the Keys. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Some fascinating strories and history in there.....even a reference to Jimmy Buffett if you read closely.

This was our first visit down since the KW airport was renovated. Now you actually have a rest room behind security! Thanks to C-Dawg for the tip about Air Tran flights from Orlando to KW. Until now larger jets could not land there. We did the usual American flight into Miami, then took the puddle jumper into KW. Upon landing I saw several larger 737s and thought "Why am I on this thing?"

We're already planning another trip down....."Keys disease" is not treatable, is it?????
P. S. As we drove into KW I had Radio Margaritaville playing in the rental car and Jimmy's song "I Have Found Me A Home" came on. Priceless......

Island, Barometer Soup, and OPH always makes me think of KW. 62 more days!

[Bfan53again]

Wish my wife and I could make MOTM this year.......

Maybe 2011??????

[popcornjack]

keys disease means something waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay different down here. I've seen ads for jobs and room mates that have said "no keys diseased people"

[SchoolGirlHeart]

I watched sunset in RI tonight and was *seriously* wishing I was at Mallory Square instead!

[tigzoe]

I watched sunset in RI tonight and was *seriously* wishing I was at Mallory Square instead!

I hear that SGH. I have a picture I took of sunset at mallory Sq. as my wallpaper on my cell phone.

[Bfan53again]

I watched sunset in RI tonight and was *seriously* wishing I was at Mallory Square instead!

Hey SGH. at least you have a body of water like Narragansett Bay to watch the sun set......here in central PA, well, I have my backyard bird bath!

[ragtopW]

Geez Penny....that was just the easy part....aren't you going to take all the relevant stuff out of all of the threads and make a huge sticky about the Keys?

are you volunteering for that?

Ok, I'll start and take the first thread on Penny's list

Recommended Restaurants, Pubs & Bars
Alabama Jacks- Key Largo
Fish House- Key Largo
No Name Pub - Big Pine Key
The Pilot House - Key West
Island City Fish Market and Eatery - Marathon
Cabots - Marathon

Dive Shops
Ocean Divers - Key Largo
Abyss Divers - Marathon

Places Of Interest
none so far

Ok, who's taking the next thread and adding it to this list?

Red Garter
Teazers


just say'n