Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A REALLY Fun Day in Key West

Florida Keys (high 84, low 73)

We made the 38 mile drive down to Key West yesterday.  We found a parking garage and started walking down towards Duval Street.

There are tons of shops and some beautiful art galleries.  You can find some extremely pricey stuff in Key West.  One thing about living in a motor home, you aren’t tempted to purchase anything.

We took an hour tour bus around the city.

Key West

We learned some interesting history about the island.  For instance, Duval Street is the main street where all the action is.  It is 14 blocks long and has 150 bars!   Pan Am Airways got it’s start in Key West with the first flight going to Cuba.  There are many beautiful old houses that have been turned into Bed and Breakfasts.

IMG_1905

Half of Key West wasn’t there before 1942.  The navy base needed more space, so they filled in the island, and doubled the size of the island.  There are a lot of houses on Key West but nobody has a yard.  There is a minimum of space between houses (maybe 5-8 feet).   It sounds tacky, but it’s not.  It’s actually very pretty because there are lush plants all around.  It just looks “Key Westy.”  This is a tiny island and people want to live here because it’s such a wonderful place.  Space is at a premium.  There are some beautiful homes which start at 3 million and condo’s across the street starting at $500,000. 

People are buried above ground, like New Orleans.

Key West cemetary

There is a deep water port which will accommodate the largest of ships.

Key West

Key West

Lots of beautiful yachts.  Notice the one below has a jet ski, motor scooter and small boat on deck.

Key West

Key West

Beautiful flowers.

Key West

Key West

We walked, and walked, and walked.  Unfortunately we didn’t see anywhere near of what we wanted to see, so we need to go back. Smile

We decided to have a quick drink before sunset.

Key West

We went to the Sunset Pier bar.  There is a long pier right along the waterfront. It’s part of a nice hotel.  They had live music and a beautiful view.   Unfortunately they didn’t offer happy hour drink prices.  One beer and a mixed drink was $12.   I guess we were paying for the beautiful view and entertainment.  It was okay, as it turned out it was worth every penny.

sunset pier at sunset in key west

 

Key West

Before sunset, many ships come out through the channel, so we had a great view.

Key West

Key West

IMG_1957

Key West

We met a nice young couple from northern France.  Here is Michelle and Jordan.  They have rented a car and are touring Florida.  They are off to Naples today.

Michelle and Jordon (from France)

We really didn’t want to drive home at dark but we were having such a good time that we stayed longer than we planned and did indeed get home at dark.  Our main concern was having to drive through Big Pine Key, which is the home to the cute little Key Deer.  We surely didn’t want t his one of those guys.   (and we didn’t)

We had such a good time that we intend to go back today.  We can use our tour tickets again today.  Its one of those tours where you can hop off and on all day.  It will give us a chance to explore the cemetery,  Hemingway house and a few other interesting places.  I think we’re going to try to take the Florida Keys bus.  It’s only $.50 for seniors.

karen and al at sunset pier, key west

sunset pier at sunset in key west

Things were getting a little crazy as we walked back to our car. 

sunset in key west

One of the many nightly ghost tours.

sunset in key west

Yes, it was a very good day!   Key West is a really fun town.

Sherry, to answer your question.  Yes, our neighbors stay here all winter.  They stay 5 months for $7800.  There are a LOT of people who winter here in the Keys…and I can understand why.  I really don’t think there is any better place to winter, at least in this country.  The place is addictive,  and we intend to spend as much time as possible here as we can next winter.

10 comments:

  1. If it wasn't for the expense, we would stay in the Keys all winter, too! There's just nothing like it....the scenery, the atmosphere of Key West, you've really captured it.

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  2. It looks and sounds like an awesome day. I think the idea of riding around on a train rather a big bus is wonderful.
    The thing that just gets me is when they charge such high prices for drinks or food and say it is because of the view. The restaurant doesn't own the view. And if you are outside, how much overhead do they actually have? I don't get it.
    We would love to visit Key West one day but we will have to do some investigating on prices. No way we would pay over $1000/month.
    Hope your second day is as much fun as your first.

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  3. looks like a great time and I can understand why you're going back today!!!

    I have a question also... Hubs always says he doesn't want to park the coach near the ocean for any length of time because of the salt water condensation getting on it. Is that something that actually occurs and something that you guys take into consideration?

    Have fun!!!

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  4. Great tour. Now I'm really looking forward to our tour today. I can't imagine spending that much money though to stay there. Well, unless I win the lottery.

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  5. Thanks for the pricing info Karen. That's about $1550 a month for 5 months. Out of my price range but could I hire you to figure out how to spend the winter there for less? :-)

    Sounds like such a fun day and such a fun place. Great pictures. Looking forward to Part 2.

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  6. What a nice day & as usual, great pics!

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  7. Looks like a great place to enjoy the sunset. Lovely boats passing by, cold adult beverage, great company... what's not to love?
    Syl

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  8. 150 bars in 14 blocks? Wow - no wonder everyone looks so happy in the photos!

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  9. a gorgeous area for sure...my Rick has been there but I haven't as of yet..but it is on our bucket list...without the Rv we'll drive down for a few days and B & B it i think next winter....enjoy your time there it certainly seems like paradise

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  10. Glad you both enjoyed KW. Next yime be sure to have a meal at Hogfish Bar & Grill on the old marina. Glsd you got some good sunset pictures. You should see my sunset picture from Mallory Square!

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