Hazy Arc
join:2006-04-10
Greenwood, SC
 ·Embarq
 ·Verizon Wireless B..
 ·Northland Cable Te..
 ·Dish Network
|  [Travel] Key West/Miami Trip--Things To Do?
Hi All,
My wife and I along with another couple will be going to Key West in June for a week's vacation. We are staying at the Parrot Key Resort (»www.parrotkeyresort.com/). I've been to Key West once before, but I'm still a newbie when it comes to places to visit.
What are the best bars/restaurants/shops? What places should we avoid?
We plan on doing some snorkeling as well, and heard that Fort Jefferson was a great place for this...that being said, which charter is the best to take to get out there?
In addition, we are flying into Miami and staying one night there, so what are some must-sees in the Miami/South Beach area?
Thanks in advance! |
|
lilhurricane
Crunchin' For Cures
Premium,Mod
join:2003-01-11
Purple Zone
clubs: 
·Comcast
Host:
TV over IP
Software
RCN
Inside Insight
Team Discovery
| Key West! Make sure you hit this restaurant..it's amazin'
»Southeast Forum FAQ »Great value in Key West
Take the time to drift up & down Duval Street, see the Butterfly Museum..and catch Dominique's and his Flying Cats along with the sunset at the pier.
»www.catmankeywest.com/
»www.keywestbutterfly.com/
It's an eclectic, fun wonderful place. You be sure & snap some pics for us here 
Hayward  could probably add more, he lives there
--
~Safe Hex~ Team Discovery ~ Project Hope ~ Like A Hurricane~ |
|
MrsFixitSC
IvVe Got A License To Chill
Premium
join:2001-12-09
Moncks Corner, SC
| reply to Hazy Arc
Sunday afternoon...Schooner Wharf Bar....listening to Michael McCloud...
Irish Kevin's
Top of the La Concha for sunset
Mallory Square for sunset celebration (Look for Dominique-the Catman of Key West... "Hurry up, Take your time...")
Hog's Breath Saloon
Green Parrot Bar
El Meson de Pepe for some wonderful Cuban Cuisine
Louie's Backyard
The Bull/The Whistle and The Garden of Eden (all 3 are same building...Garden is on the roof-but is clothing optional)
Sloppy Joes
Capt Tony's Saloon
And, only because I'm a parrothead...Margaritaville...
--
~~~RCL Liberty of the Seas-Nov 2008~~~
~~~A bad day of vacation, still beats a good day at work~~~
~^~^~Proud Parrothead~^~^~
|
|
Hazy Arc
join:2006-04-10
Greenwood, SC | reply to lilhurricane
Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. |
|
boognish
Premium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
clubs:
| reply to Hazy Arc
I also enjoyed the Schooner Wharf Bar. I will be back in Key West in exactly two weeks. I am looking forward to getting away from here for a while. I have some friends in Marathon that will hopefully keep my busy fishing.
--
don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy |
|
boognish
Premium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
clubs: | reply to lilhurricane
That cat thing is freaking me out.
--
don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy |
|
lilhurricane
Crunchin' For Cures
Premium,Mod
join:2003-01-11
Purple Zone
clubs: | Dominique..is unique 
The show rocks! |
|
boognish
Premium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
clubs:
| reply to Hazy Arc
I believe we have decided to do a day fishing trip with »www.keywestfishtales.com/ and a day snorkeling with someone else and I can't recall the name right now. I will let you know how that goes. Less than a week until I am relaxing with beer in hand.
--
don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy |
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
3 edits | reply to lilhurricane
said by lilhurricane : Hayward could probably add more, he lives there I am out here and watching but as this is a June trip (4 mo off) and they seem to have the Hotel satisfactorally nailed down.... just seeing what others suggest before I put my yeah or neah 2 cents in on, having lived here 15 years.... and visiting on and off for 35 (20 before).
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
4 edits | reply to MrsFixitSC
said by MrsFixitSC :Irish Kevin's You HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!! I have yet to hear Irish Music coming out of there!!! Just LOUD, obnoxious macho testosterone crap, if not just plain misogynist or homophobic BS. Essentially in a sexual sense is racist crap, but they seek it seemingly, and get enough rednecks and biker (did she fall off?) babes to supported it.
I suppose it a good place to go if you have no desire to talk with the person you are with.... because even walking by on the sidewalk it is deafiningly loud always.
You want Irish environment other than a sign on the wall, try Finnegan's Wake or Bogart's... infinately better... Bogarts mostly the staff, Finnegans actually get in TRUE Irish bands, and more truly Irish/UK beers than you can shake a stick at.
If it says anything.... I do wander into Sloppy's now and then... I have NEVER set foot in NOT Irish Kevin's EVER... and BTW way between the two (Slop and Kev) is a really cool bar (you will actually even find locals in) called Lazy Ghecko.
And I know Lil (our mod) would also agree a few blocks up Willie T's is a worthwile stop for happy hour or night they have entertainment going on... where you can both enjoy AND hear yourself think
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
4 edits | reply to lilhurricane
said by lilhurricane :Dominique..is unique The show rocks! Couldn't get the camera out fast enough to get a pic... but saw him. headed home after sunset the other night....
Leaves all the gear at the Westin I imagine.... but him on scooter.... one cage under his feet... and two or three other cat carriers piled up on the rear rack of the scooter, quite the sight.
But yes of the Mallory Sq performers to see Will Sotto the tightrope peformer (has been there like going on 30 years), and Catman are THE TWO for sure to catch.
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
4 edits | reply to Hazy Arc
said by Hazy Arc :What are the best bars/restaurants/shops? What places should we avoid? This of course depends on tastes and expectations... you need to be more specific... there is everything from over comersialized never there Buffet to Strip Bars... and a LOT of good stuff in between. quote:
We plan on doing some snorkeling as well, and heard that Fort Jefferson was a great place for this...that being said, which charter is the best to take to get out there?
There are only two... Yankee Freedom and Fast Cat. I would suggest YF, and if you are AT ALL prone to sea sickness, they say it may be a bit ruough... reschedule. The seas between Ft Jeff and KW can be quite something.
My last outing there coming back (with that might be a bit rough warning) was 8-12ft seas in places... many non boat people with barf bags... I was fine on that count I just couldn't physically (risking slammed to the deck) get from seat 20 ft to the bar for a beer. 
quote:
In addition, we are flying into Miami and staying one night there, so what are some must-sees in the Miami/South Beach area?
Thanks in advance!
good time choice... yeah go "see" So Beach at late afternoon and night...then LEAVE.
People say KW is EXPENSIVE... don't spend more than one night on SOBE...and be sure you are dressed properly... and carrying lots of green (esp at night)... vs KW neat/clean T and shorts are fine Anywhere/Anytime, and no lines or cover nonsense anywhere but the 3 strip places... lots of great local and touring music too. You could likely party all week in KW for what a night in MIA So. Beach could easily cost ya.
And actually since that might mean, you will be driving to Key West ...
A TAKE YOUR TIME DOING IT and enjoy taking you time winding down vs racing to a laid back place. (Sadly many local fatalities on US 1 are and the hands of tourists in such a hurry to get to nowhere to do nothing )
Also I'd suggets skipping MIA all together and maybe make a stop in the upper Keys.. Islamorada area is very nice area... and actually in some ways an even better sport fishing area than KW, depending on what you are after...KW is more deep sea... the bay/flats stuff is better up there.
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
lilhurricane
Crunchin' For Cures
Premium,Mod
join:2003-01-11
Purple Zone
clubs:
·Comcast
Host:
TV over IP
Software
RCN
Inside Insight
Team Discovery
| reply to Hayward
said by Hayward : And I know Lil (our mod) would also agree a few blocks up Willie T's is a worthwile stop for happy hour or night they have entertainment going on... where you can both enjoy AND hear yourself think Aye.
--
~Safe Hex~ Team Discovery ~ Project Hope ~ Like A Hurricane~ |
|
boognish
Premium
join:2001-09-26
Baton Rouge, LA
clubs:
| reply to Hazy Arc
If you are doing strip clubs stick to the Miami/South Beach ones. As for bars I enjoyed the Schooner Warf and Green Parrot the best in Key West this time. We spent a lot of time in Sloppy's and Capt Tony's also. We chartered a boat for a day. It was fun except for 2 of the 5 of us spent the whole time puking. It was pretty rough out there compared to other times I have been fishing. It was still pretty entertaining to make fun of them and I felt a little bad for them to have to be out there all day like that. We caught some Mahi and a bunch of bonitas. The Mahi made for some good eatin for a few day. I really wanted a Tuna and Sailfish. I went to Mel Fishers museum because I wanted to check out last time I was there and never got a chance. It was pretty interesting. I did go to Mallory Square, but I never saw the tightrope or Catman. It was a fun trip all in all. I met up with a couple of guys I haven't seen since college that live in Miami now and then a couple of friends from here. The layover from Miami to New Orleans sucked and I didn't get in until about 3 AM last night and had to be at work at 7 AM so I am not thinking straight. I may think of some other stuff in a day or two when the head clears.
--
don't get 2 close 2 my fantasy |
|
Hazy Arc
join:2006-04-10
Greenwood, SC | reply to Hayward
I'm just curious...why did you suggest YF over FastCat? I'm looking at both and was wondering if there were any major differences. Thanks! |
|
Hazy Arc
join:2006-04-10
Greenwood, SC
·Embarq
·Verizon Wireless B..
·Northland Cable Te..
·Dish Network
| reply to lilhurricane
said by lilhurricane :It's an eclectic, fun wonderful place. You be sure & snap some pics for us here Most definitely! I recently bought a waterproof camera...so I plan on taking some videos while we are out snorkeling. |
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
| reply to Hazy Arc
said by Hazy Arc :I'm just curious...why did you suggest YF over FastCat? I'm looking at both and was wondering if there were any major differences. Thanks! For one thing YF is a much larger boat... this is a 2.5+ hour trip... more moving around space. Also the much older company.
Honestly have never been on the Fast Cat... but everyone I know that has done both say Yankee Freedom. Also it is not much faster... maybe 15 min...and they leave back earlier, so your on Ft Jeff, is at least the same or longer on the YF..
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
| reply to lilhurricane
As a residident I will second that vote
Very good and moderate cost... also nice asthetic location... .not on the water or anything but for where it is a VERY pleasant space.
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
3 edits | reply to boognish
said by boognish :If you are doing strip clubs stick to the Miami/South Beach ones. As for bars I enjoyed the Schooner Warf and Green Parrot the best in Key West this time. Guess you just never got out enough or couldn't wander more than a block from Duval or beyong the 500 block.
How about...
Hogs Breath
Island Dogs
Lazy Geekco (especially for Red Sox Fans) but good music too at a tolerable level... unlike next door (NOT Irish) Kevins
You want True IRISH go to Finnegans Wake (Grinnell and James St)... around the corner from the parking Garage. Real IRISH entertainment, food and beers (Though many UK too)
The Bull can be very entertaining depending on whats there.
Whistle bar on the second floor is a great place to sit on the balcony and street watch the world go by.
I will agree on the Parrot (still local oriented and often GREAT music).... but Schooner has become extremly touristy and oriented.
I'll mention Willie T's again.... and you want to voyage to the other end the Southernmost Beach Cafe is great in late afternoon... beautiful ocen view literally on the beach... and good happy hour 4-7pm Also now great dinner menu.
Also Up that way is the Bottle Cap bar... very laid back place often with entertainment, and now a great little Cafe/Deli. Catherine and Simonton St... and right across the street for a bigger meal is one of Key West's longtime and local favorite restaurant Camile's.
Another really little place is at Margaret & Caroline.... called the Art Bar.... combo of Art Gallery and Beer/Wine bar... now even has a pool table... they show movies on Thursdays and Wine Tastings on Fridays amounst other things.
And while in that area, Turtle Krawls and Half Shell Raw Bar are worth checking out.
The Sothernmost Hotels little Tiki bar inside by the pool (not the one by the Beach Cafe) is a cool little place too, and oddly enough many locals go there late in the day/evening.
Also down that end is Louie's Back Yard... Pricy for dinner, but the Afterdeck Bard right on the water is again a beautiful end of the day spot. Especially in the winter when sunset can be seen on that side of the island. (hitting the water wise)
If on muct got see Sloppy's, and all that nonsense... but my suggestion to anyone visiting Key West is EXPLORE.
There is just SO MUCH besides Mallory Sq and the first two blocks of Duval St.
Heck even just bars and restaurants... there are over 300 on a 1.5x 4 mile island!!!
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
|
|
lilhurricane
Crunchin' For Cures
Premium,Mod
join:2003-01-11
Purple Zone
clubs:
·Comcast
Host:
TV over IP
Software
RCN
Inside Insight
Team Discovery
| said by Hayward :I'll mention Willie T's again.... and you want to voyage to the other end the Southernmost Beach Cafe is great in late afternoon... beautiful ocen view literally on the beach... and good happy hour 4-7pm Also now great dinner menu. Ok, Hayward..time to do some reviews for our FAQ
Southeast Forum Recommended Restaurants
Just click here:
»Southeast Forum FAQ
(use the "drop down" menu to section 2.6)
Preview & submit.. I'll review it and edit as necessary
--
~Safe Hex~ Team Discovery ~ Project Hope ~ Like A Hurricane~ |
|
