Key West

[mriguy]

Headed to Key West in July with the family. Have any of you guys ever been? Also any suggested activities? Bringing the three kids, so family activity ideas would be great.

[CajunSaint]

Haven't been in a LONG time but Hemingways is a must! Maybe not for the kiddies though??

It's somewhat like New Orleans as for as atmosphere...

[LouisianaLonghorn]

Hemmingway's house is good...the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is good to. Also, we stopped at the Bass Pro Shops in Isla Marada (sp?), they have a replica of Hemmingway's boat that is pretty cool...Mallory Square is nice at sunset, but be careful what part of it you take the kids to...there is a lot of pot that gets smoked there right at sundown...Sloppy Joe's is a bar that Hemmingway went to all the time that's pretty interesting. During the day, I saw some people with their kids in there. And of course, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville restaurant is a place everyone goes, but bring plenty of money with you. Hope this helps some....LL

[mriguy]

Thanks guys

[Duck Butter]

We spent most of our time in Islamorada fishing, but just south of there you can feed the tarpon. You buy a bucket of bait and can either throw it out or let em come up and get it:eek: A 150 lb fish eating out of your hand is pretty cool. The 'keys' are not too far apart but the speed limit is very slow so it takes forever to travel around. You are not too far from 'alligator alley' in the Everglades, I know you have seen tons of alligators but its a cool drive. Depending how old the kids are, lots of snorkeling to do and lobster season maybe in at that time. Be forewarned that the community of Key West is not much unlike the community around Bourbon Street, so just a heads up

[mriguy]

The kids are 19, 16 and 13. Lobster season will be open and we have a friend with a big azz boat, so we will be diving and eating lobster.

[fishinpox]

Lots of homos in key west

[ShadMan]

Actually, Hemingway never hung out at the bar currently called Sloppy Joes. The old Sloppy Joes is now Captain Tony's Saloon. Hemingway had left Key West before the current Sloppy Joes was established using the old bar's name, though they certainly won't tell you that at Sloppy Joes. They capitalize on the incorrect notion that Hemingway hung out there, but a few minutes of research on the Internet will reveal the truth. ;)

Robbie's is the name of the place south of Islamorada where you can feed the tarpon and I HIGHLY recommend it. Order your breakfast and go feed them while you're waiting. Lay down on the dock and hang your arm over with the fish if you dare. We all had a great time there. Definitely one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

Don't go to The Keys looking for beaches. There is only one natural beach (Bahia Hondo) and it's only okay.

Have fun!

[Finfeatherfur]

Must visit beside the museum (with the kids) is "Irish Kevin's" (without the kids). Fun as hell, no nudity or anything like that, just a bar with some real cool entertainment. If you drive down, stop in Duck Key and visit Hawk's Kay to feed some tarpon and look at the dolphins. While at the museum, hit the pier to see the big cruise lines coming and going. We go for the 2 day mini lobster season, which is in June, but you can still get some after that so look into a SNUBA dive for the family (less training and shallow).

[Reefman]

All the above will be fun for sure. However, ya need to take the morning boat out of KW to Looe Key, a national park sanctuary, enjoy a great snorkeling trip over the reefs. Next don't miss the Fort Jefferson day trip, either by boat or sea plane, in the Dry Tortugas. Next, go fish some of the more obscure reefs between the Marquesas's and Key West.

[Finfeatherfur]

All the above will be fun for sure. However, ya need to take the morning boat out of KW to Looe Key, a national park sanctuary, enjoy a great snorkeling trip over the reefs. Next don't miss the Fort Jefferson day trip, either by boat or sea plane, in the Dry Tortugas. Next, go fish some of the more obscure reefs between the Marquesas's and Key West.
Absolutely!!!

[Matt G]

Dive, dive, dive!!!!