[mquintana]

I used to live in Marathon and went to Key west every night. There is always something to do-go to Duval street, charter fishing boats, rent little mopeds-tourist thing-it's great. Not a waste of a trip, that's for sure!

[At1WithNature]

Key West is banging! so is Miami.

I went to both for a combined 5 days. It was great. I love latinas. Cubans, Domincans, Argentinans, Venuzuelans, you name it and Key West/Miami is perfect for that. Chicago sucks in comparison. The women are on another plateau. Anyways, it's important (or not) that you hit the 800 block north to avoid the Gay section of Duval. Right around Truman then head North. I went to Prana Spa...great massage. Although for the price, like anything on that island, it was over-priced. The beach at the Casa Marina is just what the doctor ordered. i got a nice tan now. bull and whistle (garden of eden), sleepy gecko, an irish pub, and teaser's is where I spent most of my time. They had a Steve Marley, i think, festival on the friday night that I was there. It was like 30 bucks to get in but a great atmosphere. to sum it up, I think I am going to move to Miami ASAP. I had wanted to move from Chicago to a southern state but I want to ensure my proper dosage of Latinas so Miami would foot that bill, don't you think?

I met a lot of interesting people. Most were from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Orlando, or other Florida cities. They were kind of surprised that I traveled so far, or at least that was my impression. Speaking of impressions, there's nothing like first impressions. Maybe I'm just tired of Chicago, but my spirit felt alive and enthused in southern florida/keys. I think those kind of people are my kinds of people. Love the fact that people don't hide beneath tons of layers of clothing for half the year aka lots of hot bodies. One thing I noticed was the first day I was too hard for that little island. Most people I encountered were free spirits, laid back, islander types and here comes this south side chicago product dropped off. I was used to encountering gang bangers on a daily basis and watching my back but this little island is such a safe haven that I was able to shed my Chicago Armor after a day or two.

[33458]

Olde Key West is wonderful...the guest houses are charming. Walk, eat, drink, relax.

I have little use for Duval Street or the more commercial areas - too 'Spring Break' for me.

Tip:

Pepe's for breakfast. B.O.'s for lunch. Michael's for dinner.

[mgmuirhead]

All of the positive things in this thread are true . . . and there's more: some great museums and art galleries, it's a great biking and walking town--every little lane in Old Town is worth an early morning bike ride with your camera and cup of coffee in your basket (careful!). There is a character and a story on every barstool in town, the scents of grilled seafood and flowers in the air, a mix of cursing and poetry in the ambient conversation. I am from Minnesota but go to KW three times a year to restore my soul. It is kinky, odd, beautiful . . . but you need to relax and get to know the place slowly, not a a usual tourists pace. You might check out my guidebook - Key West Explained - on Amazon.

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Key West is banging! so is Miami.

I went to both for a combined 5 days. It was great. I love latinas. Cubans, Domincans, Argentinans, Venuzuelans, you name it and Key West/Miami is perfect for that. Chicago sucks in comparison. The women are on another plateau. Anyways, it's important (or not) that you hit the 800 block north to avoid the Gay section of Duval. Right around Truman then head North. I went to Prana Spa...great massage. Although for the price, like anything on that island, it was over-priced. The beach at the Casa Marina is just what the doctor ordered. i got a nice tan now. bull and whistle (garden of eden), sleepy gecko, an irish pub, and teaser's is where I spent most of my time. They had a Steve Marley, i think, festival on the friday night that I was there. It was like 30 bucks to get in but a great atmosphere. to sum it up, I think I am going to move to Miami ASAP. I had wanted to move from Chicago to a southern state but I want to ensure my proper dosage of Latinas so Miami would foot that bill, don't you think?

I met a lot of interesting people. Most were from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Orlando, or other Florida cities. They were kind of surprised that I traveled so far, or at least that was my impression. Speaking of impressions, there's nothing like first impressions. Maybe I'm just tired of Chicago, but my spirit felt alive and enthused in southern florida/keys. I think those kind of people are my kinds of people. Love the fact that people don't hide beneath tons of layers of clothing for half the year aka lots of hot bodies. One thing I noticed was the first day I was too hard for that little island. Most people I encountered were free spirits, laid back, islander types and here comes this south side chicago product dropped off. I was used to encountering gang bangers on a daily basis and watching my back but this little island is such a safe haven that I was able to shed my Chicago Armor after a day or two.

SEE?? We TOLD you you didn't need to worry about crime!

[wranglerguy]

"Anyways, it's important (or not) that you hit the 800 block north to avoid the Gay section of Duval." WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Key West is banging! so is Miami.

I went to both for a combined 5 days. It was great. I love latinas. Cubans, Domincans, Argentinans, Venuzuelans, you name it and Key West/Miami is perfect for that. Chicago sucks in comparison. The women are on another plateau. Anyways, it's important (or not) that you hit the 800 block north to avoid the Gay section of Duval. Right around Truman then head North. I went to Prana Spa...great massage. Although for the price, like anything on that island, it was over-priced. The beach at the Casa Marina is just what the doctor ordered. i got a nice tan now. bull and whistle (garden of eden), sleepy gecko, an irish pub, and teaser's is where I spent most of my time. They had a Steve Marley, i think, festival on the friday night that I was there. It was like 30 bucks to get in but a great atmosphere. to sum it up, I think I am going to move to Miami ASAP. I had wanted to move from Chicago to a southern state but I want to ensure my proper dosage of Latinas so Miami would foot that bill, don't you think?

I met a lot of interesting people. Most were from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Orlando, or other Florida cities. They were kind of surprised that I traveled so far, or at least that was my impression. Speaking of impressions, there's nothing like first impressions. Maybe I'm just tired of Chicago, but my spirit felt alive and enthused in southern florida/keys. I think those kind of people are my kinds of people. Love the fact that people don't hide beneath tons of layers of clothing for half the year aka lots of hot bodies. One thing I noticed was the first day I was too hard for that little island. Most people I encountered were free spirits, laid back, islander types and here comes this south side chicago product dropped off. I was used to encountering gang bangers on a daily basis and watching my back but this little island is such a safe haven that I was able to shed my Chicago Armor after a day or two.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by janetvj

Key West is one of my favorite places to be. I can honestly say I've been a lot of things in Key West but bored is not one of them. Certainly the bars are a big draw, but if you get tired of that scene there are tons of other things to do. Snorkeling, fishing, swimming, biking, touring, kayaking, boating, and shopping, to name a few. Plus - the museums, the aquarium, nice restaurants...you can cruise or fly out to the Dry Tortugas for the day, or just sit on Duval Street and watch the people. You've got to do the sunset party on Mallory Square and maybe do a ghost tour and get in touch with the spirits that reside outside of the bars. My favorite bar is Cap'n Tony's, and I was devastated to hear the Captain died last year. But I'm sure he is still there in spirit - perhaps another visit on the ghost tour?

Wow, now I can't wait to get back down there again!

Oh wow I didn't know Captain Tony died...

That's still my favorite bar in Key West.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

hey, i'll be in key west this friday for several days. I'm going to chill by the pool (casa marina) by day and catch some sun rays. when it is time for the sunset, i'm going to mallory square. i'll do a shot of tequilla and then look for some tourist chicks who are searching for a good time. at night, i'm going to the garden of eden.

You are going to need more than on shot of tequila, I think.

[rdambroso]

Just went there 6 weeks ago for a day trip..We were staying in Tavernier. We had a wonderful time. The parking was very expensive..I heard it's cheaper to park in the city garage just onto the island and take a shuttle to Duval st. Everyone we met was very friendly. The 2 dollar cigars were excellent and the beer was cold! Had one of Jimmy Buffets Land Shark brews at Sloppy Joe's...it was ok. At 5.00 a pop, I'll stick to Bud light :-). We have a house in Galveston (recently flooded and remodelled thanks to Ike). Duval st reminds me of the Strand area of Galveston only bigger and a LOT more diverse. And probably more upscale.
My wife and I like to people watch, and KW is a GREAT place to see some really interesting folks:-) and the surroundings are beautiful.
We usually stay in the upper keys and drive down. Next time, we will try to stay in Key west and do more exploring. I'd wager that the more you get off the beaten path, the more highly unusual and entertaining things you will see! We enjoy really funky areas as long as they are not downright dangerous. Can't wait to go back