Tell me about Key West

LeesheBee

So, the vacation post just got me thinking...

My last business trip qualified me for a Southwest ticket so I need to take a vacation within a year.

Key West is intriguing to me.  Please tell me about it (recommendations too)!

Thanks!

Mrs.MJP

Here's my take on Key West - keep in mind that I went there a ton when I lived in Florida during my college years and then one other time a few years ago.  Key West isn't the place for relaxing on the beach, etc.  There aren't really many "beaches" so to speak.  It's more of a "lifestyle" relaxing place where you walk around, eat, drink, relax, etc...

happygirl277

Sorry I don't have any recs, we stopped there on a cruise once and it seems like a fun place to visit.  There are lots of shops and bars.  The beach was beautiful.  I would check it out.

mga0306

Its FUN!  the are beaches...you just have to go a bit away from down town.  the bars are great.  Be aware of some hotels/bars...some are clothing optional and/or gay (please don't flame...its a fact). 

there is one bar, called Hogs Breath, which is a lot of fun.  There's another one on the dock (can't remember the name) that has an awesome magician there at night.  

if you know any locals, hook up with them! The town tanks care of its locals!!!  My DH lived down there for 7 months.  I went down twice and had a blast! 

SaraKathryn

I loved it when I went in college and then DH and I went there a couple years ago and I didn't like it at all.  In my opinion it is a party town and fun when you are young.  I prefer to stay on another Key- we like Islamorada.

Mrs.MJP

SaraKathryn:

I loved it when I went in college and then DH and I went there a couple years ago and I didn't like it at all.  In my opinion it is a party town and fun when you are young.  I prefer to stay on another Key- we like Islamorada.

I totally agree with SaraKathryn - I liked it much more when I was in college - hence the reason for visiting so much then.  After we went back as "adults" I didn't care for it as much.  I'd prefer to stay on another Key as well - I've heard great things about Islamorada!

SaraKathryn

This place on Islamorada is great:

 

http://www.cheeca.com/

mga0306

i haven't been back since i was in college, so i may feel the same as the pps.  (although, DH and i still love to live it up...so who knows!).  The suggestion of stay on another key is a good idea...then you can drive to key west and check it out for a short day trip.

LeesheBee

Thanks ladies!  It was mentioned a few times in the other vacation post, so I was curious.  Islamorada may be a better option for us.  I'll check that out.

SaraKathryn

yeah, we flew into Miami (or you can fly into FLL).  It was about 80 miles to Cheeca.