Where to stay/what to do in the Keys

[Beth Y]

DH and I are thinking of heading to the Keys in early May for our anniversary. He has a meeting in Miami, where I would meet him and then we are thinking of renting a car and driving down. I have camped in the State parks in college and stayed in Key West as an adult. I really don't want the craziness of Key West, but am looking for somewhere to stay a little more remote, quiet, nice. It doesn't have to be too fancy, a little funky would also be good. Any body have a great place they have stayed?

Also, anyone done any really cool outdoor things in the Keys? Kayaking? Hiking? I am an experienced diver, although I have never heard anyone rave about diving in the Keys, so may not put it as a priority. I have heard Pennekamp and other dive spots are pretty beat up. Since I think there is much better diving other places, I would appreciate hearing of some places to explore that are unique to the Keys.

[cherylopal]

I was down in 97 so that was omg 10 years ago!

I liked snorkling/diving John Pennekamp (but that was 10 years ago!) and there is another closer to Key West that was excellent too. Pennekamp was great- not deep so you felt such a part of it. It was also my first snorkling exp and it convined dh and i to get certified in scuba.

i'll try to find the name of the other place- it was deeper and you snorkled/dove between fingers of coral. that was pretty amazing too.

we stayed in key largo at a boat yacht place and then in the key west. neither sound like what you are looking for but were quieter and worked for us. the key west place was cool though- it was a cabana at a b&b- and just off the beaten path enough to be quiet but still close. we ate a cuban place rec by a police officer called sybony -excuse the really bad spelling there. there was also a great off the beaten path place that had the best oysters. i'll dig out my photo album and pick dh's memory when he gets back. he went to a basketball game to see the tallest basketball player. tg the neighbor is as sports crazy as he is!

there is also a short hike walk to a lake i think its on pine key that was great. i would pass on the dolphin center but i did like the bird man place. again i'll try to get you the names and more specific info. I was just telling dh that i've been wanting to go back and our 15th is this summer and that would be a great excuse!

[cookieee]

I have the perfect place. It is called "Popp's Motel" It is on the Gulf side, MM 95.5. We haven't been there in a few years, but they have lots of palm trees, hammocks, tiki huts, sand, boat ramp, and my favorite part, they have their own little dock. We used to sit out there at night and fish and crab. We would be the only ones. It was our little piece of heaven. So nice and quiet. The last time we were there, they put a halt on the fishing and crabbing for awhile. Don't know if they are allowing it again. They have a web site. #9 is the best room. On the end, facing the gulf, with a kitchen. Their ph. # is 305-852-5201. If you go, please let me know how it was. Hope you enjoy your trip no matter where you stay;)

ETA Here is their website www.popps.com Remember, nothing fancy:D

[cherylopal]

cookiee, i'll say thank you for that- sounds great and i've really got the heebie jeebies to go back!

[dearamy]

DH & I loved our stay (6 years ago) at The Moorings Resort in Islamorada. The resort has a great restaurant too--worthy of a special occasion for sure. Happy Anniversary!

[cookieee]

cookiee, i'll say thank you for that- sounds great and i've really got the heebie jeebies to go back!

When you do, look me up:D

[Kevlar]

We went in the eighties! What I remember most is that everywhere we went, we had banana daiquiries and key lime pie. Big fun!:D

[testkitchen45]

For quiet, elegance, parasailing, little huts, scuba diving, relaxing, we went to Little Palm Island for an ann'y 14 years ago. Very restful! Not too funky, though--unless you count the little airport at Key West. ;)

[ErinM]

I loved Key West! I especially enjoyed the Sundown Festival...Madison has started one of their own during the summer months at the Terrace. And the Hog's Breath Saloon...and the place where clothing is optional...and the place that's plastered in business cards (mine's there somewhere!) I wish I could remember the names, but I know exactly where they are. I can't wait to go back someday!

[erin elizabeth]

See this thread for more details.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=70379&highlight=West

The B&B was nice and slightly off the beaten path so quiet, but close enough that we walked everywhere. They had a lovely breakfast in the morning and a hot tub sort of thing out back. The people were very friendly and helpful, but not annoying :)

Really, if you have time, check out the Tortugas trip--it was an experience unlike any other that I have had. Make sure to walk the fort's wall all the way around if you go.

[pointerhaven]

Try www.keywestrentals.com

We go every year in Oct. Rent a house, shared with friends and spend a week. This year we have a smaller house on Bahama Street, right across from Falsto's Grocery, where they have prepared food in the deli and some wonderful sushi.

I also like Islamorada. In fact we are doing the Fire Department on Marathon and Islamorada and also hope to get the contract for the new airport on KW. We have just finished the Conferance center on KW also.

The drive from Miami to KW is beautiful. And on Marathon, there is this great sandwich place that has awesome Cuban Sandwiches, but can't remember the name.

If you go as far as KW, make sure you go out on the Sebago, the large Cattamran for the sunset cruise

[Beth Y]

Thanks for all the responses! Just a reminder, I REALLY don't want to go to Key West. Been there three times already and every time it gets more crowded and touristy. Just not my thing. We are really looking for a more remote spot, more outdoors things to do.

I kinda like the Pops motel, although it may be a little too funky.:p It is still in the running, and I will be checking out the Moorings. Thanks!

[MISSINDI]

We spent two days in Key West last year - loved it. Make sure you visit the sunset festivities. If you like Cuban food, El Meson de Pepe was excellent.

[cookieee]

Thanks for all the responses! Just a reminder, I REALLY don't want to go to Key West. Been there three times already and every time it gets more crowded and touristy. Just not my thing. We are really looking for a more remote spot, more outdoors things to do.

I kinda like the Pops motel, although it may be a little too funky.:p It is still in the running, and I will be checking out the Moorings. Thanks!

:D :D Please don't judge it by the pictures. Granted, it's not your typical Holiday Inn. It is a little more "rustic" but it is very nice and clean. It is called Popps after the owners. It has been in their family a long time. I don't know why they don't post pictues of the outside. That is really the best part.

ETA They really do have people from all over the world stay there and come back often. DH and I have been there many many times and have met them.

[Beth Y]

Cookiee, I was wondering why they didn't post outside pictures too! If a place is clean and functional, and fabulous otherwise, I can handle it. I assume we are not going to be hanging out in the room anyway. How is the area surrounding this place? Built up or is it pretty lazy, quiet? I have heard about some of these places in the keys are getting surrounded by high rises! Hopefully, this is not true of Pops! Just for future reference, how do you think it would be with kids?