Originally Posted by sandybill2 (Post 808670)

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.

Originally Posted by sandybill2 (Post 808745)

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) .

Originally Posted by Bay Kid (Post 809268)

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

Originally Posted by ajbrown (Post 808155)

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/...ps768c46bf.jpg

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/...ps29f6919e.jpg

Originally Posted by sandybill2 (Post 809280)

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."

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee (Post 808173)

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.