Florida keys`

I was wondering if anyone had any insights/opinions/recommenedations or anything else about KW? My wife really wants to go there or somewhere in the keys as shes never been. I've started the research and have some literature on the way but still in the intial discovery stage.I love gathering ALL the info and researching that i can before going to a new place,to me, thats half the fun of actually going there(russ,quit eating the family truckster,thank you audrey).

We'll be going in the summer sometime,very flex on when.Looking for somewhat laid back time,thinking some good seafood,few cold beverages,not busting the budget,checking out the local scene,typical touristy stuff for a coupla 40ish types.

Any input would be mucho appreciated.

JOHN

And i know all about google,trip advisor and other search/info places,just asking here as i feel i know most here and would appreciate any help. Thanks

way too hot in the summer.

Yep it will be hot and muggy. My friends are in KW now they go every February for the whole month. I can check with them when they return to see what is new this year. I enjoyed the trolley ride it was very informative. I also enjoyed the touristy stuff hogs breath etc. Mallory square for sunset. Usually someone walking around with a pet rat or iguana to take your picture with.

They are going to La Te Da a female impersonator club tonight I understand it is very good.

Go before June, before Hurricane season officially starts. Drive from Miami (the Florida Keys Overseas Highway), Watch the sunset at Mallory square ( a must!) Buy your wife a cute pair of sandals at Kino Sandal Factory, visit the Southenrnmost point of the United States, tour Hemingway's house and see his six toed cats, eat a slice of heavenly Key Lime pie, have a drink at Sloppy Joe's, crawl Duval Street, visit the cemetary, kayak through the mangroves, and sun your buns (au naturale) at Boca Chica for a little adventure. Have a great time and wear lots of sunscreen

I've been down there a few times. The one thing I was disappointed in was how shallow the water was. You could walk out a quarter of a mile and the water still wouldn't even be up to your chest. There is a nice bar called the Rum Runner that is owned by a former owner of the Phila. 76ers. Great food. You can also visit the Mel Fisher Museum. He's the one that recovered all the gold and silver from the Atochia which sank in a hurricane off the Florida coast. We always stayed at the Sheraton and it was very nice. You might even be able to bargain with the manager about getting a good price. All rooms are suites, and is right across the street from one of the beaches.

I wouldn't worry about the heat and humidity because it's that was all over the east coast that time of year.

The end of Sept in 2011 my husband and I went and stayed at Key Largo for our 10 year anniversary/hubby's birthday. We stayed at Kona Kai. Gorgeous cottages on the beach, and we were upgraded to a suite since we went Mon-Thurs(they told us this at check in-great way to start the trip)--a fantastic room. Cottages on the beach front(and they only have 12 cottages at this resort) and only 2 other couples were staying on the property. So it was like having the place to ourselves. We were told this was off season. I had no idea since neither of us had ever been to Key Largo before. Prices were cheaper and not many tourists.

Weather was in the mid to upper 80s every day and beautiful. Laid at the pool with a drink in our hands (we were the only people at the pool which was awesome). Napped in a hammock. Got up with the sunrise to take pictures, ate only in local seafood restaurants which were all outstanding. (The concierge recommened only local places, and that's what we wanted) Actually used the resort's paddle boats out in the Florida Bay and got to see manatees swim right under us. Very, very cool. But couldn't get to the camera fast enough! And the sunsets were spectacular.

Rented an Indian motorcycle (for hubby's birthday-he'd always wanted to ride one)and rode down to Key West one day. It was an experience to ride over the seven mile bridge on a bike. Stopped at Bahi Honda State park (which was gorgeous), walked around Key West. On a Wed it was still super busy but very laid back attitude. Saw roosters running around town and a man with a cat that had pink sunglasses on that was riding on the man's shoulder! Bizzare but cool. It was 90 degrees plus that day so a little hotter down there. Saw the most southern point in the US and had a very memorable trip. Since I had been to Key West before in my early 20s, I knew that it could get just a little more wild than we wanted(at least today, 20 years ago it was awesome) so that's why we chose to stay in Key Largo.

Stopped in Marathon on our way back (suggested by the guy who rented us the motorcycle) at the Sunset Grille and had dinner watching the sun go down. There was a pool at the bar that if you wanted to go swimming, you could.

It was a super relaxing trip. We took tons of pictures and every picture was fantastic. Tons of things to do and we look forward when we go again which will probably be the fall. The folks at the resort we stayed said Aug and Sept were their slowest months.

Hope this helps!

The Florida Keys & Key West can be a wonderful vacation experience. From old run down motels to expensive luxury accomodations catering to your every whim and desire. And some truly terrific B&B's if you're so inclined.

Driving from Miami, IMHO, should be leisurely, and begin in early morning to you'll have plenty of time to stop and explore along the way.

John Pennekamp Park, you can find Jesus. Underwater. Snorkeling and diving delight.
Fishing "everywhere", from the bridges, beaches, and boats.
Many places even include a "small" boat with your rental, of course you pay for gas.
There is easy access to the Atlantic, and the Gulf.
There is the Coral Castle, a place a man built, by himself in tribute to his girlfriend. Truly interesting.
There is Monkey Jungle. Enough said.
There is a casino boat, Sun Cruz, about marker 88. It stays "out" all day, and a water taxi shuttle customers every hour or so. (Free) So that could be fun for you. Or not. No advantage play there, but I may have some "coupons" if I can find them (fsp or match play). PM me and I'll look.
Key West has too much to do in a laid back way. And characters. If you are homophobic, that may throttle your fun. Great place for people watching, don't forget a camera.
Wild chickens and roosters about throughout the keys. It is illegal to trap them, don't know about feeding them, although there is a "rooster catcher" in KW.
Deer Key has, you guessed it, Mini Deer. The size of a dog.

You'll be well served to google the Florida Keys, and read as much as you can, and than eliminate the things that don't interest you.

And, it can be thrifty or expensive. But either way, it's enjoyable.

Me? I "visit" several times per year to fish from some bridges. My "secret" spots for certain species. If you enjoy fishing, you should be able to catch lunch or dinner daily. And many restaurants will prepare your catch for you.

I've spent many weekends fishing from, and sleeping on bridges. Most have protection from motorists specifically for anglers. And you do not need a "big" reel/rod to hook 'em, and with the help of others who probably have a net or bridge gaff, land them. A spool of line, a hook or two, some bait, and you're fishing!!

My wife and I go every year. We stay at Hawk's Cay, which is on Duck Key near Marathon. Beautiful resort that has it's own private lagoon. Day trip to Key West once or twice per stay. Favorite restaurants are Parrotdise, The Island, Key's Fisheries, and like Bagiant said if you want to try some exotic rums, go to The Rum Barrel(actual name).

Bullshit. South Florida in summer is PUNISHING.

What difference does it make if you are in Florida or New Jersey when it gets that hot? 88 degees with 88% humidity is the same no matter where you go. Why should there be a difference between Fla or Joisey?