Key West

[Bay Kid]

I would like to visit Key West by car. Never been past Miami. Is it a long drive from TV? Where would be a good place to stay? Any suggestions?

[dewilson58]

I would like to visit Key West by car. Never been past Miami. Is it a long drive from TV? Where would be a good place to stay? Any suggestions?

Three hour drive (past Miami).............it's beautiful.

We stay at Casa Marina Beach.......pricey, but out-of-the-ballpark place. They actually had missiles on the beach during the Cuba opportunity.

Places we love to eat: Blue Heaven; Schooner's Wharf; El Siboney; Better Than Sex (for dessert.....amazing)

Enjoy

[CFrance]

Pier House is lovely too. It's a bit of a hike from here to KW. It takes us around 7 hours to get to Islamorada (MM 80 or thereabouts). Once you get to Homestead, FL, it takes three hours, depending on day of the week and traffic, to get to Key West.

Try to time your arrival mid week, as there are many people from the mainland who have weekend places down the Keys, and Friday/Saturday traffic is bad.

[dewilson58]

:coolsmiley:

[ajbrown]

We just drove home yesterday from Key West. It took just under 8 hours (maybe 7:45?), from Mallory Square to Mallory Square :clap2:.

We used the Florida Turnpike and saw no traffic. We left Key West around 8:15 AM. I averaged about 5-7 MPH over the posted limit on the Turnpike (and I was not the fastest by any means).

It took longer than I thought from Key West to the Turnpike on Route 1, but it is a very pretty drive.

My expertise ends there. It was our first visit and we were only there two days. As Arnold would say "I will be back....". We stayed at the Pier House in what is called a Lanai Room.

This is the view from our second story room. I only had a phone to take pictures with, but you get the jist. Through the trees you can almost make out the pool area.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/20140105_101554_zps768c46bf.jpg (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/media/totv/20140105_101554_zps768c46bf.jpg.html)

The Pier House is right on the water. If you have more money than me, this picture is from a deck right under some rooms. I suspect they are the dock side suites? How about this view as you read the paper on your balcony?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/20140105_100208_zps29f6919e.jpg (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/media/totv/20140105_100208_zps29f6919e.jpg.html)

[CFrance]

Your phone takes lovely pictures.

Sigh... I love that place.

[candjmac1]

It is about 8 hours from tv. Worth the drive once you start down through the keys. Can be slow going as some of the road is one lane no passing. We stay at the crown royal as it is right on duval st. And you can walk to everything.

[Madelaine Amee]

We prefer to be close to Mallory Square, so we stay at La Concha which is a Crowne Royal Key West hotel right on Duval Street. It's the hotel where Hemingway frequently stayed, very elegant and old worldy. Lots of big leather furniture and dark wood - very Cuban in style. When we are in Key West we like the night life, so we like to be right in the mix of what is happening and just walk from the hotel to everything. We also fly from Orlando to Key West, we have driven, but you lose a day to driving whereas flying is just an hour, and it is really inexpensive. But, as we always say, to each his own. Drive this year to see just what it is like.

[graciegirl]

Your phone takes lovely pictures.

Sigh... I love that place.



But Cyndy. Do you have to run around with your naked body painted if you live there?




I had better say "JUST KIDDING" before I get reported.

[baustgen]

Look at the website for Simonton Court. Away from the commercialized but close enough to all activities to walk. Pack a lunch and stop at Baha Honda about halfway down for a picnic. Go to Little Palm Island for lunch, dinner if you can afford it. Blue Heaven for bananas foster.

[howardandsheila]

And the Hog Fish saloon on Stock Island is great!!! Meet some of the locals that stay away from Duval St.

I second the vote for Casa Marina Resort (a Waldorf Astoria property). A great place for that special occasion trip!!

[CFrance]

But Cyndy. Do you have to run around with your naked body painted if you live there?




I had better say "JUST KIDDING" before I get reported.

Only in October!

[CFrance]

For a Keysian feel, The Eden House is a great place. It's more like a compound of buildings, offering everything from European-style share a bath to private rooms with bath, cottage, suites, all surrounding a swimming pool. It's been around forever, in the 1100 block of Fleming St. Quieter than directly downtown, but no water view.

Here is a shot of the cottage we rented for 6 winters--2br/2bth, wraparound picket fence, great for the dog. Wraparound covered porch, great for humans and the dog. It's at the quieter end of Old Town, one mile from Duval. Good for a working gal and her dog.

Also a shot of sunset at White St. Pier, which was walking distance from the house. Every evening they have a sunset party there with dogs having the run of the pier.

The only place in the US I'd rather be than TV is KW.

[JohnM]

Has anyone gotten to Key West by driving to Fort Myers and then taking the ferry to Key West?

John

[CFrance]

Has anyone gotten to Key West by driving to Fort Myers and then taking the ferry to Key West?

John

We had friends who did it. Actually, they tried to do it twice, but the first time, the sea was too choppy or the winds too high, and the sailing was canceled. So it's kind of iffy.

The second time they had no problem.

[JC and John]

We drove down this past September. On our way down we stopped at a Holiday Inn Express in Boca Raton over night so that we were fresh and had time to visit and explore some of the Keys on the way down. We stayed at the Sheraton which is on the Atlantic side of KW. They had a wonderful free shuttle into the main Duval and Mallory square area with excellent drop off and pick up times. We also used the trolley to get to the other attractions. The trolley also does a pick up at the hotel and a drop off. The combination of the two, eliminated having to use the car and parking was free. Parking in Key West is very tight, some garages for the hotels right down in Mallory Square area charge $20 a day. We drove straight back and it took us about 7 1/2 hours with a stop for lunch. We will try the KW express from Ft. Meyers if we go again. BTW, a sunset champagne catamaran sail is a must do. Have fun when you go!

[CFrance]

Parking is horrendous in the high season. Well, not only that, the streets are tiny and parked solidly on both sides. So every stop sign is a nightmare. You must creep your way out into the tiny intersection to see, and hope the cyclists and drivers are not texting!

One winter I stupidly brought my husband's Dodge Magnum, which is about 50 feet long. Trying to get around anywhere in the downtown area in that boat was a colossal PIA. One year I brought our son's Xterra--only slightly better. One year we brought a little Audi 4A. Like Goldilocks and the three Bears, that was just right. However, the dog didn't like it so much...

But getting around by bike, even from the Atlantic side, is pretty easy.

[Madelaine Amee]

Has anyone gotten to Key West by driving to Fort Myers and then taking the ferry to Key West?

John

We did it with a group of TVers through AAA. It was a nightmare, I had not realized until then how much old people whine about everything ...... and I do mean everything. However, the boat trip was interesting because people were turning every shade of green imaginable. We were fine, but so many people were really ill, it must have spoiled their trip.

[CFrance]

We did it with a group of TVers through AAA. It was a nightmare, I had not realized until then how much old people whine about everything ...... and I do mean everything. However, the boat trip was interesting because people were turning every shade of green imaginable. We were fine, but so many people were really ill, it must have spoiled their trip.

Did you mean spoiled their trip, or soiled their trip!:MOJE_whot:

[Madelaine Amee]

[/B]

Did you mean spoiled their trip, or soiled their trip!:MOJE_whot:

Good one .............. ya got me!

[CFrance]

We did it with a group of TVers through AAA. It was a nightmare, I had not realized until then how much old people whine about everything ...... and I do mean everything. However, the boat trip was interesting because people were turning every shade of green imaginable. We were fine, but so many people were really ill, it must have spoiled their trip.

Also, I think driving around Fort Myers in the winter season would be horrendous. Driving to the Keys is a cakewalk, as you're on big highways till you get to the top of the Keys, and then it slows, but the drive is gorgeous.

Off topic... We're going down in March with another couple who also have a golden, to a place called Sands of Islamorada. Very old Keys (clean but old), on the ocean, dog friendly and easy to take the dogs swimming.

[DonH57]

We did it with a group of TVers through AAA. It was a nightmare, I had not realized until then how much old people whine about everything ...... and I do mean everything. However, the boat trip was interesting because people were turning every shade of green imaginable. We were fine, but so many people were really ill, it must have spoiled their trip.

I can only imagine what that must have been like!

[Finfan]

The Keys is great a 8 hour drive not bad going. Afrer a week of the Keys a rough drive home. Have fun it is beautiful.

[CFrance]

At least when you're driving back from the Keys, you're coming back to someplace warm and sunny, as opposed to those who are hopping a plane to fly back to the tundra.

I would definitely avoid driving down or back over the weekend.

[Bay Kid]

Sounds like a midweek, 2 day trip would be a blast. Thank you for all the advice for me and others that read this.

[collie1228]

We've done Key West twice now, and enjoyed the experience. Our most recent trip was in September, and we decided that the eight hour drive was a little bit too long, so we stopped for the night in Key Largo, saving the last 90 miles for the next day. We stayed both times at the Hyatt Resort as I had Hyatt points, making the price perfect (free). The Hyatt is a great hotel, and it's only two blocks off Duval St. and right around the corner from Mallory Square. The drive home was 7 hours and 45 minutes with a couple of short stops on the way. We love the bars and restaurants - and highly recommend dinner at Turtle Kraals.

[sandybill2]

We have vacationed in the Keys numerous times while living in Virginia---towed our center console boat to use while there. Love the Offshore Boat Races that take place in November. Rented a beautiful condo in Truman Annex (Foundry Building) through At Home in Key West---with another couple in 2012 and have it rented again this year for the races. We drove down--8 hours as stated--friends flew from Va. Other than to get groceries, we did not use our car. We were within walking distance of DuVal Street and all of the race activities, etc.

[Bay Kid]

We have vacationed in the Keys numerous times while living in Virginia---towed our center console boat to use while there. Love the Offshore Boat Races that take place in November. Rented a beautiful condo in Truman Annex (Foundry Building) through At Home in Key West---with another couple in 2012 and have it rented again this year for the races. We drove down--8 hours as stated--friends flew from Va. Other than to get groceries, we did not use our car. We were within walking distance of DuVal Street and all of the race activities, etc.

What part of Virginia? I am from the Northern Neck on the Chesapeake Bay/Indian Creek.

[dewilson58]

Live Duval Street Web Cam in Key West, Florida :: Sloppy Joe's Bar :: (http://www.liveduvalstreet.com/)

[sandybill2]

What part of Virginia? I am from the Northern Neck on the Chesapeake Bay/Indian Creek.

Richmond, Virginia. Had a weekend cottage - Rappahannock River ((Deltaville-(Wake), Va. )) --Have been to Kilmarnock-Irvington, etc. by boat and car numerous times. Husband's brothers still in Virginia---one in Deltaville on Sturgeon Creek and another in Mathews County on Davis Creek (near New Point Light) .

[CFrance]

We have vacationed in the Keys numerous times while living in Virginia---towed our center console boat to use while there. Love the Offshore Boat Races that take place in November. Rented a beautiful condo in Truman Annex (Foundry Building) through At Home in Key West---with another couple in 2012 and have it rented again this year for the races. We drove down--8 hours as stated--friends flew from Va. Other than to get groceries, we did not use our car. We were within walking distance of DuVal Street and all of the race activities, etc.

You're really within walking or cycling distance of a high-end grocery store, Fausto's, 522 Fleming, as well. It's like Fresh Market only smaller. Been in KW for over 85 years.

The Foundry Building is very nice. Some of the Truman Annex's 2br rentals are a bit on the ratty side. My friend's rental was in dire need of maintenance and upgrading... and a good cleaning!

[Madelaine Amee]

Thanks, but I'm kinda pleased to see it's a miserable day there too ...............

[Bay Kid]

Richmond, Virginia. Had a weekend cottage - Rappahannock River ((Deltaville-(Wake), Va. )) --Have been to Kilmarnock-Irvington, etc. by boat and car numerous times. Husband's brothers still in Virginia---one in Deltaville on Sturgeon Creek and another in Mathews County on Davis Creek (near New Point Light) .

I was born in Mathews County. I have real estate offices in Mathews, Deltaville, Urbanna and White Stone. Small world!

[sandybill2]

I was born in Mathews County. I have real estate offices in Mathews, Deltaville, Urbanna and White Stone. Small world!

Yes it is---Did you have "Bay Kid" as a license plate? My husband thinks he remembers a plate like this. We had RIVAAAH on our Grand Caravan. We now have the plate on our golf cart. If you see us---please say "hello."

[JE Greenwood]

We just drove home yesterday from Key West. It took just under 8 hours (maybe 7:45?), from Mallory Square to Mallory Square :clap2:.

We used the Florida Turnpike and saw no traffic. We left Key West around 8:15 AM. I averaged about 5-7 MPH over the posted limit on the Turnpike (and I was not the fastest by any means).

It took longer than I thought from Key West to the Turnpike on Route 1, but it is a very pretty drive.

My expertise ends there. It was our first visit and we were only there two days. As Arnold would say "I will be back....". We stayed at the Pier House in what is called a Lanai Room.

This is the view from our second story room. I only had a phone to take pictures with, but you get the jist. Through the trees you can almost make out the pool area.

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/20140105_101554_zps768c46bf.jpg (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/media/totv/20140105_101554_zps768c46bf.jpg.html)

The Pier House is right on the water. If you have more money than me, this picture is from a deck right under some rooms. I suspect they are the dock side suites? How about this view as you read the paper on your balcony?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/totv/20140105_100208_zps29f6919e.jpg (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/media/totv/20140105_100208_zps29f6919e.jpg.html)

Looks beautiful! Thanks for posting the pictures!

[Bay Kid]

Yes it is---Did you have "Bay Kid" as a license plate? My husband thinks he remembers a plate like this. We had RIVAAAH on our Grand Caravan. We now have the plate on our golf cart. If you see us---please say "hello."

Yes I do! A dark blue 10th AV Miata. It is a small world. I will be looking as around.

[JE Greenwood]

We prefer to be close to Mallory Square, so we stay at La Concha which is a Crowne Royal Key West hotel right on Duval Street. It's the hotel where Hemingway frequently stayed, very elegant and old worldy. Lots of big leather furniture and dark wood - very Cuban in style. When we are in Key West we like the night life, so we like to be right in the mix of what is happening and just walk from the hotel to everything. We also fly from Orlando to Key West, we have driven, but you lose a day to driving whereas flying is just an hour, and it is really inexpensive. But, as we always say, to each his own. Drive this year to see just what it is like.

We love La Concha too! Its right in the heart of the fun, but not overly noisy, it has a nice pool too. You can walk to Mallory Square and Hemingway's house. Lots to do!