Miami and the Keys

I'm anxious to hear others' views and suggestions. Mine, on the other hand, would be negative. And I'm not usually negative about travel anywhere, especially somewhere that is warm and tropical.

But once I hear positive comments, I might even consider a return visit one day.

We loved Key West but I don't think I personally would spend all my time there, as we loved Islamorada just much. I would love to stay at Hawk's Cay. Also I have always wanted to stay at the Cheeca Lodge and Spa.

We had dinner there at Atlantic's Edge Restaurant and it was fabulous, but did not stay at the resort. We did the glass bottom boat tour over the National Park and that was wonderful.

In Key West I want to stay at the Sunset Key Island Cottages.

The Hard Rock Cafe at Key West was our favorite of any we have visited. We took the Conch Train tour which is a very good way to familarize yourself with the area and decide what you want to see and do. If it rains they stop the train and give everyone a Conch Train rain poncho, it was kinda funny for some odd reason. Mainly because it was not raining when the driver stopped. But just as the last person got their poncho on, it began to pour. We still have ours.

Of course you have to go Mallory Square for the Sunset celebration We watched at the Hilton Pier so we could see Dominique the Cat Man. I don't think I will ever forget his juggling cats routine.

OK, it's official, we're going in March. Flights and lodging are booked, but I want some more input before I carve it in stone. I am willing to pay a fee and change my reservations if necessary. Keep in mind, I have never been to either Miami or the Keys, Mr. Pod has never been to the Keys. Our plan is to take an early flight into Miami, take the day to drive through the Keys, end up at Key West and spend 4 nights. On the last day, get up, make the drive back, spend the day and night in Miami, go home the next day. So...good plan? Need another night in Miami? Stay a night on a different Key? Discuss.

I believe Chickpea used to live in Miami. She was able to give me some good suggestions for South Beach. I'd try sending her a PM with questions.

I have never been, but would love to. Sounds like a funn trip. I hope you have a wonderful time, and make sure you take notes, we want a full trip report when you get back. Will this be a Mr. and Mrs. Pea trip, or are the little peas going as well?

sounds like an excellent plan percy!

franny and mr. franny may have some suggestions....

FRANNY?

I believe Chickpea used to live in Miami. She was able to give me some good suggestions for South Beach. I'd try sending her a PM with questions.

I have never been, but would love to. Sounds like a funn trip. I hope you have a wonderful time, and make sure you take notes, we want a full trip report when you get back. Will this be a Mr. and Mrs. Pea trip, or are the little peas going as well?

sounds like an excellent plan percy!

franny and mr. franny may have some suggestions....

FRANNY?

I meant to add the disclaimer that some Sowal sources have already been tapped, including Chickpea and Franny.
Darlene, no L'il Peas allowed!

I meant to add the disclaimer that some Sowal sources have already been tapped, including Chickpea and Franny.
Darlene, no L'il Peas allowed!

Well, in that case...you might be making some more little Peas. ;-)

Well, in that case...you might be making some more little Peas. ;-)

I'll tell you what I just told steele mama in another thread: medical miracle.

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Lunch Stop on Islamorda: Lorelei Cabana Bar (Mile Marker 82) http://www.loreleifloridakeys.com/

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I've got nothing on South Beach (oddly enough).

However, in Key West I recommend the following:

Louie's Backyard, this is one of Jimmy Buffet's actual hangouts and has amazing food and service.

Grand Vin, wine bar located on Duval street. You buy by the bottle and can sit on the open air porch. Very relaxing.

Hemmingway House and The Light House, both are very neat and a refresher from the touristy areas.

Southern Most Point, this goes without saying as no trip is complete without a picture in front of it.

Salsa Loco, on Duval Street it is very reasonably priced mexican food.

While the conch train will get you around and show you alot of the sights it is on the pricey hokey side.

No matter where you go in the Keys when you get to Marathon just hit the gas and don't stop until your on the next bridge.

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Lunch Stop on Islamorda: Lorelei Cabana Bar (Mile Marker 82) http://www.loreleifloridakeys.com/

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Food is patchy there
Go to the Zane Grey at the Bass Pros shop building or the Islamorada fish co same place right on the water
Both are around mm 81

OK, it's official, we're going in March. Flights and lodging are booked, but I want some more input before I carve it in stone. I am willing to pay a fee and change my reservations if necessary. Keep in mind, I have never been to either Miami or the Keys, Mr. Pod has never been to the Keys. Our plan is to take an early flight into Miami, take the day to drive through the Keys, end up at Key West and spend 4 nights. On the last day, get up, make the drive back, spend the day and night in Miami, go home the next day. So...good plan? Need another night in Miami? Stay a night on a different Key? Discuss.

Yes good plan
Miami is getting scary and impossible to get around in under 6 hours anymore

Stopping in Islamorada is ok for a short time but unless throwing a line in the water that will be about the extent of it.
Go feed the 200 lb Tarpon at Robbies MM 77

Other than Woodys (a bar with a strip club in it ) yes you heard me
the sidewalks roll up at 10pm so the captains can get up early next day

Good places to stay in Key West
(google them)
Le te da
Speakeasy Inn
Duval House
Curry House (also Curry Mansion but thats serious $$)
DUVAL GARDENS
DUVAL INN
KEY LIME INN * KEY WEST
MANGO TREE INN
SOUTHERNMOST POINT GUEST HOUSE

Like anything down there it is all relative to budget and expectations.
Its hard to swallow $200 a night for a room
but if you want down town thats the deal.
Speakeasy is cheap and cheerful

Personally, I like to avoid the touristy spots like the Tee Shirt shop that sells Sysco food (Hard Rock)
Mallory Sq is worth it to do one sunset and see the circus but honestly the actual sunset is way better here
MUST see is the drag shows at Aqua and 801 they are soo much fun

Good places to eat

Louies Backyard
Lunch on the Afterdeck
- Martins
Lamb Osso Boccho YUM
- Opera
Yum
La Trattoria Italian
Mangos See TK at the Bar

drinks -
Hogs Breath ask for Brian or Alain at the bar
look for sowal sticker !!
Gran Vin (helen, Ray, Sean, ellie, Dan)
La Te Da, (Mark, April, Mindy, Sassy)

Tell em REDD
Queen of Fantasy Fest 2005 sent you !!!
www.reddforqueen.com

Yes, please alert us of any missing sowal stickers. We can always make an emergency trip.

....and you absolutely can't forget to stop by the Key Lime Shoppe and try my very favorite dessert ever ....Frozen Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie on a Stick!! It's to die for! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

PP.. I mean Peapod check this site out keystravelnews@fla-keys.com. I get their newsletter frequently with all the upcoming events for all the keys. This might be helpful.

When we went, we stayed one night in Coconut Grove (which was nice/pedestrian friendly). Got a great deal on Priceline for a funky hotel (like $75/night). Hotel was great - Gaudi-esque.

I wouldn't spend 4 nights in KW. I'd go check out the other keys. Unless you are snorkeling/fishing/diving, there's just not that much to do down there. We went snorkeling one whole day and 3 days was plenty. Our snorkeling trip was an eco-trip with light kayaking and snorkeling. It was a small trip and not one of those big catamarans.

I would say DON'T go to AJ's right on the Marina. It was marginal but expensive (for what you got).

I wish we had taken the time to check out Pennekamp (sp?) State Park where the reef is. I also wish we had checked out the Dry Tortugas.

just my two cents...

Make room to have one evening in South Beach to stroll all the shops and just people watch. Amazing all the crazies that come out after dark. Entertaining folks looking for a buck, lotsa music and trinket shops. We never felt like we weren't safe except maybe dark side streets, but watching all the different people in their own little worlds was one of my good memories. We took or time doing the drive over the bridges to KW and took in lunch in one of the hole-in-the-wall places. It had a pet duck out front greeting folks. Great Grouper Sandwich. I can't remember the name of the place.
Fun time