00 Rooster

Hello,
The wife and I are going to be in the Keys for a vacation and I wanted to get some local opinions on what we should do. We will be in Key Largo for 2 nights and Key West for 3. We land in Miami and will have a car for the entire trip. What should we do? Where should we eat?

It has been in the -20 to -30 F range here so we're looking forward to some significantly warmer weather we land at 6 pm on Feb. 4th.

thanks for all your suggestions

Pres712

While in Key West you have to eat at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritville! Get the catfish reuben. I know, why not the "cheeseburger in paradise?" Trust me, catfish reuben. Right next door is Fast Buck Freddies a find anything store; your wife will love it. If for nothing else, you have to stop in to Sloppy Joe's for a drink. Places to eat? There are so many up and down Duval Street it's a toss-up. Trouble is, they change hands every year or so, so it's hard to recommend any as my favorite (if I had one) is probably not there anymore. Another favorite is Hogs Breath Saloon, not bad food and you have to have a Hog's Breath t-shirt!! If you park on the street FEED THE METERS! They have a score of meter maids that are relentless! Key West is quite open about liquor laws, if you don't finish your drink they have to-go cups at the door, take one and feel free to walk on down the street. About Key Largo? I'm generally in a hurry to get to Key West that I've only stopped in Largo once or twice. Ask a local... Have fun!!! And watch your speed on the road down, it is patrolled quite heavy.

NewmanC6

I used to live in Big Pine Key which is Mile Marker 30. You will notice that if you ask people where things are they will refer every location by mile marker. Big Pine has the Endangered Key Deer so drive slow otherwise the small town police will gladly give you a ticket.

A good friend of mine who also lived down there created a great website called http://www.bestonkeywest.com/. Just go there and you will learn of most the keys have to offer.

00 Rooster

thanks for the tips! I will watch my speed for sure. can't wait to get into the sun!!!!!
Rob

Tally Ho

Send a PM to member 1989vert. Charlie has lived down there for a long time. He is in Islamorada. Nice guy.

Hadez

check out "Morada Bay" for a cool dinner with tikki lights and dinner tables are outside on white sand with plenty of space between you and others while watching the sunset on the Gulf Of Mexico...near Key Largo and if by chance your timing is during their full moon party's be sure to check that out too

00 Rooster

thanks and keep the ideas coming!!

Pres712

I thought of a few more things/places to do in Key West. Most importantly is sunset at Mallory Square. At the western end of Duval Street is Mallory Square. Every evening sunset is celebrated. There are acrobats, jugglers, tarot card readers, and others plus numerious vendors selling their wares. Not to be missed. Also a few blocks from Duval is the Conch Republic, good food and great mojitos! Don't drink too many as the last time I was there, they were $11.00 each!! Also near there are the "docks" and several other good restaurants. Turtle Kruall's is one and the Raw Bar is another. If I think of more, I'll write.

Goatdad

Just keep far away from "the garden of Eden" in key west

rdwiv

Hemingway home is interesting if you're a fan of his work (and 6-toed cats). This time of year the open air trolley tours are great. You get some idea of the history of the island.
Stop by Mangrove Mamma's (Sugarloaf key?) on the way down for awesome Key-lime pie. Also ask them for a "loaded" Corona or Landshark if you like beer.

Big Pine key has the Key Deer refuge - it's pretty neat if you like nature....just cruise around and see the pint sized deer.

Hope you have great time - just be aware Key West has LOTS of chickens and cats.

Ret.Horsecop13

Damn, me and the wife have to get to the keys one of these days! I say it every year but life gets in the way! Have fun!

Phanni

Also visit the Mel Fisher ship wreck museum.
The light hoiuse accross the street from Hemmingways's.
do not expect any exceptional beaches, they don't exist in the Keys.

Sabre34

Turtle Kraals is one of my favorite places to just hang out in Key West. For a nice dinner I like the Marquesa. It is a nice place to have a quiet dinner. For a hoot and good food checkout "tla ti da". The Roof Top is close to Mallory and the Mel Fisher Museum. The food and atmosphere are very "Key West". Man, I wish I was going.

Goatdad

Bahai Honda is truly an exceptional beach. It was voted best beach in America a few yrs back and they also have camping available as well as stilt houses for rent.

MikeBravo56

Do all the above, but skip Key Largo and also check out Capt. Tony's, the original Sloppy Joe's.

00 Rooster

well we're here and cant wait to get to checking out the Keys! thanks for all the tips!!

Goatdad

Looks like nice weather,
Enjoy yourselves and stay safe

thread baron

Wife and I just went last year for the first time and we also flew into Miami and drove down. I really enjoyed Captn Tony's great place to grab a beer during the day. In addition to all of the above on your way down we liked to eat at the Islamorada Fish Company. Nice place right by the water. For a little different tourist attraction up near Homestead early in the journey on the edge of the everglades is a place called "Robert is here". It's a neat (nationally known) fruit stand serving any kind of mikshake that you can dream up with tropical fruits. It's oviously different than the normal suggestions but a nice detour on the trip. Good luck!

Whisky

Seared Ahi Tuna at RedFish/BlueFish in Key West. Amazing.

Garden of Eden is interesting...