Quote:
Originally Posted by ColDayMan
Awesome shots.
|
Thank you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayDay
I've only been once, and I *adore* Key West - so many favorite 'moments' from the trip:
1. I highly recommend the visit to the Hemingway House - the guides don't just show you around, they truly give you a sense of context.
2. Disregard any "Key Lime" joint - go to dinner at My Blue Heaven, and *then* get a slice of Key Lime Pie - it's been years but I still drool thinking of that meal.
3. "Over three hours from Miami driving out into the ocean." I'm sure we will be paying Key West another visit; if my partner ever suggests flying into Miami and then driving out to Key West instead of flying in direct from Atlanta, you've just given me ammo and I owe you a drink ![Cheers](images/smilies/cheers.gif)
|
Hahaha any beer will do. If you do it I hope you enjoy it. The first 1/3 of the way isn't all that interesting a drive through Key Largo to Islamorada. After that it becomes more scenic with the rail bridges, open water, places to stop and enjoy the view and distant keys. Get gas in Miami before going as filling up the tank on the way is more expensive in the Keys. Watch your speed though as it was one speed trap after another with speed limits of 45 to 55 with limited passing opportunities. It's a drive worth doing once.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioGuy
Love it! ![Thumbs up](images/smilies/tup.gif)
|
Thank you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AviationGuy
What a great tour. I looked at every photo and every caption. Learned a lot about this wonderful place. I go to Florida a lot, but have never ventured out to Key West.
|
Thank you for reading and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I found Key West to be unique from the rest of the state in a mostly good way. It is very relaxed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chef
This thread makes me relaxed and happy. It would be freaky driving over the ocean for so long.
|
Glad to read your reaction. Key West is just that, relaxing. It's not totally a drive over water. The first 1/3 of the way is through the center of the islands so you don't see much water. After that though, you see plenty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TallCoolOne
Great pics. I love KW, been twice in the last 5-6 years. It definitely a party town ...way out in the ocean. The Hemingway House is very cool, love the 6-toed cats. I do agree, that drive from Miami to KW can be brutal... especially if there is one accident... it's mostly a two lane highway for most of the drive so ...if one accident occurs... get ready to wait. I recommend driving that highway on a bright, sunny, summer day... the water is aqua, beautiful. There is one decent public beach, called Smathers Beach ..I think.
Ohh, and clothing is truly optional on the roof top of that New Orleans-esque bar; however, it's mostly all older men who are nude.
I have a KW album on my Flickr if anyone wants to explore more.
Thanks again.
![Cheers](images/smilies/cheers.gif)
|
Thank you and thanks for the tip on Smathers Beach. If I ever get that far down again I will check in and see it. RE: The clothing optional bar - I saw plenty of that crowd amongst others when I have visited Haulover Beach near Miami a couple of times in past years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by djbowen
Charming but that retail is vile. Chain stores, T-shirt shops, half-price tours...as someone who cares about urban planning the Keys are a good example of what not to do. And then you have Overseas Highway, which is in some of the most beautiful settings on Earth but which is lined with strip malls and trailer parks...basically central Long Island in paradise.
|
I agree that about a 1/3 of the drive from Key Largo to Islamorada reminded me of driving through any suburb anywhere in the U.S. That part of the drive surprised me. It was the typical fast food chains, big box stores and one traffic light after another.
Quote:
Originally Posted by brickell
You captured the experience pretty accurately.
For those driving down there's also a weekend migration out of Miami on Fridays and back on Sundays. If you're visiting, try to avoid those periods... or long weekends.
It always felt a more southern to me, but agree in principal. It's slowly changing as the old school keys rats are getting priced out.
|
Thank you. I made the drive early on a Monday before noon so traffic wasn't too bad. My main complaint was that it seemed to be one big speed trap. I've never seen so many cars pulled over along the way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SignalHillHiker
That was so much fun. ![Big grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif) Great commentary. God, I would LOVE to do that drive. And the similar one in Louisiana. I'd love it!
|
Thank you. If you ever get the opportunity it is worth seeing at least once. The old rail bridges have places you can get out and walk on and stare at the sea. I could do an entire photo thread just on the drive itself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by arkitekte
Nice tour! I'll have to add this to my list.
|
Thank you. I hope you enjoy it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by L41A
Thanks for sharing Sketching. I really enjoyed my brief stay in Key West. Your pics bring back memories of my trip. I want to visit again. It is beautiful, relaxing, interesting, fun place.
|
Thank you. Relaxing, laid-back, charming, quirky and fun with enough history and character to make it an interesting place.