Key West - Suggestions?

[LaurenP]

Hi, DH and I are going to Key West the first week of March. Any food/fun suggestions? We were there about 3 years ago for just a couple of days but have about a week this time, will probably get a car so we can explore the upper keys a bit, is it worth it?

[vbak]

Lauren, I asked the same question maybe in January and got tons of recos. Do a search. We are going in late March and I can hardly wait. Have fun.

Vicky

[rburganmckinley]

Ohh! DH and I went there a couple summers ago. We loved it. Even though it is incredibly touristy. You must try some conch, they serve it pretty much everywhere. We took a snorkeling/kayaking cruise while we were there. I HIGHLY recommend it. The company was Danger charters. We had an absolute blast on that. We snorkeled around a sponge garden and kayaked around the mangroves. We also took a ferry to the Dry Tortugas (this is a national park on an island off key west). That was great too. I was there for a wedding, the wedding was at the casa marina (marriot) resort there, and the food for the reception was out of this world! I've never had such great food at a wedding reception. Oh to be in Key West now! Here's a link to that charter place

http://www.dangercharters.com/

And the dry tortugas

http://www.dry.tortugas.national-park.com/

Have fun!

[erin elizabeth]

I second the Dry Tortugas. It was really neat and fun. There are 2 companies that go and we took the cheaper one. It was fine.

We stayed at the Key West Bed and Breakfast and it was fabulous--a huge continental breakfast every morning with a ton of fruit, fresh-baked quick breads, bagels, fresh-squeezed orange juice. The staff was great with rec.s and very friendly. You can walk anywhere from its location--they are on the web (their nickname is The Popular House).

We had our best meal at a little shack. B.O.'s Fish Shack--or something like that--best fish sandwich we had and great fries. We also enjoyed our meal at Pepe's--supposedly the oldest restaurant in the Keys. Eat outside in their courtyard.

Hemingway's house is neat, as is the lighthouse.

Have fun!

[JenB]

Shop at Key West Aloe!!!! This is my favorite place for body care products. I love their Fresh Green body wash and lotion.

[lhall]

We like Pepe's too. Try their frozen concoction. They have a new one each night and Sunday is BBQ night.

As for renting a car. I'd only suggest that for the days you want to explore the upper keys. You can walk or ride a bike to most places on KW.

The sunset cruises are fun. We've done them from the Galleon (my dad has a spot there) and the Marriott Marina, although I think it's not the Marriot anymore.

Deep sea fishing can also be fun. We've gone out on the Mr. Z at the Galleon Marina, and the downstairs restaurant across the street cooked it for us for dinner. My brother caught a 28lb yellow fin tuna. YUM YUM! :D Keep in mind fishing is expensive.

Leigh

[vbak]

Lauren, I bumped up the Key West thread. Hope you find some delicious info there.

Vicky

[sarah2397]

We had a good italian meal (fresh pasta) at Mangia Mangia. I've recommended it to sevaral since and everyone says they had a great meal there. It's a little away from Duvall street but still within walking distance to the action spots.

[LaurenP]

Thank everyone, great suggestions, I can't wait to go!

[gabbyh]

Lauren,
Below is a posting I made earlier to someone going to Key West:

Lucky girl!

I just went and dug out my Key West 2004 folder:

For breakfast you MUST go to Croissants de France, for lunch we always hit Margaritaville at least once for a burger and a margarita, and their frozen key lime pie.

Dinner is usually at Bagatelle on Duval St. but all the eating places are truly wonderful!

Hit the Key West Winery if you get a chance. It's on Simonton St. which is near Mallory Square AND I got some great summer clothes bargains at Local Color, which is on Margaret St...GREAT different stuff here

My husband thinks it's the closest to his beloved Australia and we would love to live there if it weren't for the hurricanes

Get on your walking shoes and have fun exploring...we're planning another trip for April/May before hurricane season begins!

Have a wonderful trip!!!

~Gail

P.S. And we just scheduled another trip for the beginning of May
(before hurricane season begins:D )

I also wanted to add: FORGET the car, you will not want to leave Key West, and you'll have plenty to explore right there ;-}

[Schmee]

I second Croissants de France! I could not remember the name when I posted on the last Key West thread. I loved sitting outside in the morning and enjoyng breakfast and a cafe au lait there!
Have a great time!

[gabbyh]

I have really splurged today...just made reservations at the Ocean Key Resort for early May:

http://www.oceankey.com/i/photos/index.jpg

[acginkc]

When I went with some friends a few years back we ate at Pepe's 2 or 3 times. It is great and so fresh and authentic