Key West, FL...Anyone been? What to do???

[moviewithnotitle]

Hi all,
The wife and I are going to Key West, FL for New Years. I have done a little research about KW, but was hoping to get more intimate details of what to do, places to see, cigar shops to visit? Any info is appreciated as I haven't picked up the latest Fodor's guide on KW yet.

Thanks

ps - I tried the search function, but the 4 letter limit don't work with the phrase "Key West". (anyone want to chime in on this too, I am all ears)

[Conch Republican]

Originally Posted by moviewithnotitle

Hi all,
The wife and I are going to Key West, FL for New Years. I have done a little research about KW, but was hoping to get more intimate details of what to do, places to see, cigar shops to visit? Any info is appreciated as I haven't picked up the latest Fodor's guide on KW yet.

Thanks

ps - I tried the search function, but the 4 letter limit don't work with the phrase "Key West". (anyone want to chime in on this too, I am all ears)

This may sound bad - please dont take it as such...there are some great shops in Mallory Square area and all over...but I usually take what I like with me. KW is a tourist trap and everything is at a premium. My suggestion: take plenty of your own sticks, and while you are there...wander into a shop, or visit a strret roller (all the CC's there are fake btw) and have one made for yourself if you like.

Also - if you get a chance - have a dinner at El Cibboney and definately enjoy at sunset on the pier at Mallory Square!!

[DriftyGypsy]

Ahhh... Key West, I think we actaly have a member who lives there...

I generally bring my smokes to Key West because most of the Cigar shops cater to tourists and charge tourist town prices.

Are you driving down, if so stop at the Island Smoke Shop in Key Largo, great place run by a great BOTL.

In Key West, breakfast at Blue Heaven, Lunch at BO's, Dinner at Louies Back Yard. For Cuban food El Siboney. Best mojitos Conch Republic Seafood Company, best rum list Rum Barrel.

Take the Conch Train Tour lots of Info...

I am sure others will pipe in

[Darb85]

I go every year. Im going on the 27th and Wont be back till the 2nd. Its a great place.

Make sure you go to the sunset deck just outside the westin. Just get there early so you can get some food.

The schooner warf bar is awesome be sure to check that out. Its a bet more local too. There is a cigar roller there that makes amazing cigars. Just make sure to buy the one he rolls, they are the best, he has a few that he doesnt and they seem nasty. but Hell roll you one of any size right in front of you and its pretty cool

Depending on your budget, there is a great steak and lobster place close to the schooner warf. I believe its called the AandT or something to that effect. Great food but very pricy.

Hogs breath is a must go to. Scott kirby will be there all the whole time and if you like jimmy buffet, you will enjoy him.

Duval is a fun walk, Great shops and you can find some awesome deals.

There is a jewlery shop call neptunus that has very unique jewlery and will custom make anything you want for every good prices, check that out. My mom leaves with something every year.

Mallory square is great, lots of street performers show up around dinner time and there are some vendors with folk art and such. The shows are pretty good too.

A good picture stop is the 90 miles to Cuba bouy on the east side of the island.

Its a small island but I would reccomend either parking your car somewhere and renting a bike or moped. Its way easier to get around.

Enjoy your time Depending on my folks, maybe meet up for a mini herf.

[Darb85]

and the guy at the schooner warf bar rolling cigars keeps em pretty moderate.

[DriftyGypsy]

Originally Posted by Darb85

Hogs breath is a must go to. Scott kirby will be there all the whole time and if you like jimmy buffet, you will enjoy him.

If Scott is there you have to see him, heck even if you don't like Buffett you will like Scott... when you see him, tell him Drifty says hi...

[Blueface]

My responses in bold.

Originally Posted by DriftyGypsy

Ahhh... Key West, I think we actaly have a member who lives there...

I generally bring my smokes to Key West because most of the Cigar shops cater to tourists and charge tourist town prices.

Ditto

Are you driving down, if so stop at the Island Smoke Shop in Key Largo, great place run by a great BOTL.

Ditto - Bill, Madurofan

In Key West, breakfast at Blue Heaven, Lunch at BO's, Dinner at Louies Back Yard. For Cuban food El Siboney. Best mojitos Conch Republic Seafood Company, best rum list Rum Barrel.

Ahhh.......Louie's Back Yard - only those of us that go there lots would know that fine establishment. Trying to remember, is BO's the run down fish joint that is so, so, so good? I never remember the name, just where it is. Couldn't agree more with the Conch Republic. For a nice steak, I absolutely love the Commodore Steak House right next door.

Take the Conch Train Tour lots of Info...

I am sure others will pipe in

[Conch Republican]

Originally Posted by Blueface

My responses in bold.

Yup - that's BO's!

Hog's Breath is better than no Breath al all!!

[Darb85]

Originally Posted by DriftyGypsy

If Scott is there you have to see him, heck even if you don't like Buffett you will like Scott... when you see him, tell him Drifty says hi...

agreed drifty. Hes there 27th through i believe the 3rd or something like that.

[Blueface]

More of my two cents.

Originally Posted by Darb85

I go every year. Im going on the 27th and Wont be back till the 2nd. Its a great place.

Make sure you go to the sunset deck just outside the westin. Just get there early so you can get some food.

The schooner warf bar is awesome be sure to check that out. Its a bet more local too. There is a cigar roller there that makes amazing cigars. Just make sure to buy the one he rolls, they are the best, he has a few that he doesnt and they seem nasty. but Hell roll you one of any size right in front of you and its pretty cool

Depending on your budget, there is a great steak and lobster place close to the schooner warf. I believe its called the AandT or something to that effect. Great food but very pricy.

I think it is A & B, right next to Conch Republic and Commodore Steak House. Hmmm, hmmm good!!!

Hogs breath is a must go to. Scott kirby will be there all the whole time and if you like jimmy buffet, you will enjoy him.

Any of the bars on Duval, most with piano bars or bands.
Great time to be had at all.

Duval is a fun walk, Great shops and you can find some awesome deals.

There is a jewlery shop call neptunus that has very unique jewlery and will custom make anything you want for every good prices, check that out. My mom leaves with something every year.

Mallory square is great, lots of street performers show up around dinner time and there are some vendors with folk art and such. The shows are pretty good too.

A good picture stop is the 90 miles to Cuba bouy on the east side of the island.

Its a small island but I would reccomend either parking your car somewhere and renting a bike or moped. Its way easier to get around.

MOPEDS RULE!!! Stay away from the "bad" side at night. Hotel can guide you as to where it is.

Enjoy your time Depending on my folks, maybe meet up for a mini herf.

[Blueface]

One more thing.
P L E A S E don't ruin it for the rest, specially us Floridians and Keys folks like Bill.
P L E A S E don't dress well.
It is a world of its own.
Relaxed.
Slow.
Extremely, extremely casual.
So, lets keep it that way.

Guys, what is the name of the freaking (pun intended) place on Duval that I have to admit I love so much.
$10 cover charge gets you one f...ng funny show put on by guys dressed in drag. It is hilarious. It is clean and couples beware as they will pick on the guy in a couple, specially if seated in sight. Well worth it as they are truly entertaining. Had my boss and co-workers there this past July and they wet their pants laughing.

[DriftyGypsy]

Originally Posted by Blueface

One more thing.
P L E A S E don't ruin it for the rest, specially us Floridians and Keys folks like Bill.
P L E A S E don't dress well.
It is a world of its own.
Relaxed.
Slow.
Extremely, extremely casual.
So, lets keep it that way.

Guys, what is the name of the freaking (pun intended) place on Duval that I have to admit I love so much.
$10 cover charge gets you one f...ng funny show put on by guys dressed in drag. It is hilarious. It is clean and couples beware as they will pick on the guy in a couple, specially if seated in sight. Well worth it as they are truly entertaining. Had my boss and co-workers there this past July and they wet their pants laughing.

In other words no ties, no socks, and no watches...

Carlos I am not sure, La-Ti-Da maybe...

[SMcGregor]

Great information gang! The family and I are taking a 10 day vaction down there since coming June! I'm super excited about it! I'll be sure to keep my eye on this thread and note all the good places to visit!

Shawn

[Darb85]

Originally Posted by DriftyGypsy

In other words no ties, no socks, and no watches...

Carlos I am not sure, La-Ti-Da maybe...

exacly. though i wear a watch all the time no matter what but meh. drives my dad nuts when we are down there. Shorts and tees a pair of burks or worn out flip flops and im good lol.

Its an easy going place that I wish i could live someday.

[moviewithnotitle]

Originally Posted by Conch Republican

This may sound bad - please dont take it as such...there are some great shops in Mallory Square area and all over...but I usually take what I like with me. KW is a tourist trap and everything is at a premium. My suggestion: take plenty of your own sticks, and while you are there...wander into a shop, or visit a strret roller (all the CC's there are fake btw) and have one made for yourself if you like.

Also - if you get a chance - have a dinner at El Cibboney and definately enjoy at sunset on the pier at Mallory Square!!

Good info, and have read this many times, so it just adds to the warning. Thank you. I will be bringing a bunch of my own sticks. It's a vaca so I'll have some favorites.

Originally Posted by Blueface

One more thing.
P L E A S E don't ruin it for the rest, specially us Floridians and Keys folks like Bill.
P L E A S E don't dress well.
It is a world of its own.
Relaxed.
Slow.
Extremely, extremely casual.
So, lets keep it that way.

I am all about Island Time!


I will end up taking a boat load of pics so I'll post a link to my smugmug page when I return. We are friends with Matt Quinton who plays at Irish Kevin's frequently so we will be there a few nights. The Commadore came recommended from a close friend (the Yellow Snapper dish) and were right off Duval 2 blocks from Front St...so were gonna rent bikes for the most part.

Keep the ideas and recommendations coming. I do appreciate them.
MWNT