Beady
Philosopher
I'm finally back home in Vermont. My check for the cabin has cleared the bank, and the only thing left is to come up with plane tickets (I figure I don't need a hotel, since all I have to do is get drunk at the Bon Voyage party and pass out under Linda's desk).
Anyway, we were in Key West, the ship's first port of call, only about five weeks ago. Given the cruise itinerary, and our own recent experiences, Jeff's suggested activities may need some amendment. For openers, and above all, take note of our schedule; we will be in Key West a total of seven hours, from 7 AM to 2 PM, and things don't even open for the tourists until 8 or 9 in the morning reducing touring time to five or six hours.
I'm not saying don't go, I'm just suggesting this be further down the list than Jeff has placed it, and you should think carefully before buying a ticket.
There's the Trolley, and there's the Conch Train. The trolley is more-or-less a narrated bus ride from one end of the island to the other. The Train is a chain of wagons which runs on a narrated 90-minute tour of Old Town, describing the history, people, architecture and odd local facts. The trains run continuously, and are, to my mind, the true "Must See" attraction. For newbies, I suggest you make this your first activity, with map in hand.
According to the Conch Train guides, the people who rent bikes and scooters are the major cause of accidents on the island. Key West is only 14 city blocks wide, and most of the attractions are at the harbor end; do everyone a favor and walk.
Didn't try this one, but it left the dock half an hour before the glass-bottom boat tour, and returned slightly later than we did. See my comments about time. I have no idea why it flies the Hard Rock Cafe flag.
The Hemingway house is truly interesting and amazingly fun. The guides are excellent and the grounds are gorgeous. Once you've paid your admission, you are also free to wander and linger at will. Check out the Hemingwayhome.com page. We spent a couple of hours here, and intend to go back.
The "local charm" is considerably alcoholic. I suggest limiting your imbibing to Sloppy Joe's, and perhaps Captain Tony's (both Hemingway haunts, although Captain Tony only moved in after Sloppy Joe moved the urinals to their present location, a few doors away and around the corner -- Hemingway followed the urinals).
I'm not into these. However, remember to take your watch.
Dunno about the "Bargains," a lot of Key West was pretty high-priced. It certainly is eclectic, however, with everything from Cuban flags to real gold doubloons being available.
Anyway, my own suggestion for a Key West itinerary (considering both our schedule and the probable weather at that season) is as follows:
PS: The 14-block walk down Duval quite literally takes you from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic.
Anyway, we were in Key West, the ship's first port of call, only about five weeks ago. Given the cruise itinerary, and our own recent experiences, Jeff's suggested activities may need some amendment. For openers, and above all, take note of our schedule; we will be in Key West a total of seven hours, from 7 AM to 2 PM, and things don't even open for the tourists until 8 or 9 in the morning reducing touring time to five or six hours.
The reef is ~6 miles off-shore, and the boat ride is 45 minutes each way, plus maybe half an hour on scene. That's two hours out of your seven (or five), not including the time waiting to get aboard (maybe another half hour). Plus, it runs on its own schedule, not yours, so this may well be the only activity you have time for. Additionally, your enjoyment is subject to the sea state, which can roil both your stomach and the sea bottom, either one of which can drastically reduce your view of the reef. Been there, done that.The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
Enjoy the pleasures of a glass-bottom boat on a unique and informative eco-tour of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.
I'm not saying don't go, I'm just suggesting this be further down the list than Jeff has placed it, and you should think carefully before buying a ticket.
There's the Trolley, and there's the Conch Train. The trolley is more-or-less a narrated bus ride from one end of the island to the other. The Train is a chain of wagons which runs on a narrated 90-minute tour of Old Town, describing the history, people, architecture and odd local facts. The trains run continuously, and are, to my mind, the true "Must See" attraction. For newbies, I suggest you make this your first activity, with map in hand.
According to the Conch Train guides, the people who rent bikes and scooters are the major cause of accidents on the island. Key West is only 14 city blocks wide, and most of the attractions are at the harbor end; do everyone a favor and walk.
Didn't try this one, but it left the dock half an hour before the glass-bottom boat tour, and returned slightly later than we did. See my comments about time. I have no idea why it flies the Hard Rock Cafe flag.
The Hemingway house is truly interesting and amazingly fun. The guides are excellent and the grounds are gorgeous. Once you've paid your admission, you are also free to wander and linger at will. Check out the Hemingwayhome.com page. We spent a couple of hours here, and intend to go back.
The "local charm" is considerably alcoholic. I suggest limiting your imbibing to Sloppy Joe's, and perhaps Captain Tony's (both Hemingway haunts, although Captain Tony only moved in after Sloppy Joe moved the urinals to their present location, a few doors away and around the corner -- Hemingway followed the urinals).
I'm not into these. However, remember to take your watch.
Shopping for BargainsShopping in Key West is like no other shopping experience in the world. Key West prides itself on an eclectic array of shops, including famous diamond stores, a cat and dog boutique, artists' markets, butterfly art, key-lime treats, luxurious aloe skin-care products, souvenirs that change color in the sun and pearls from around the world. While in Key West, shop for renowned jewelry from sunken treasures, unique clothing and a wide variety of souvenirs.
Dunno about the "Bargains," a lot of Key West was pretty high-priced. It certainly is eclectic, however, with everything from Cuban flags to real gold doubloons being available.
Anyway, my own suggestion for a Key West itinerary (considering both our schedule and the probable weather at that season) is as follows:
- From the ship, and map in hand for orientation, saunter the 14 blocks down Duval Street to the Southernmost Point and spend some time taking pictures of tourists taking pictures of other tourists standing next to the marker.
- Right around the corner is the Butterfly Conservatory, a huge greenhouse with thousands of free-flying butterflies. It's an amazing experience. Make sure your camera has macro focusing.
- There are a couple of "Mile 0" markers at the end of US 1, just a couple of blocks away. These are reputedly the most-stolen signs in the USA; the Conch Train guides can tell you the correct socket-wrench size, if you're feeling particularly brave.
- The Lighthouse and the Hemingway house are ~halfway back to the ship. The Hemingway gift shop has specially-imprinted copies of the books written on-site.
- Immediately upon returning to the north end of Duval Street, get on-board the Conch Train for the 90-minute tour.
PS: The 14-block walk down Duval quite literally takes you from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic.
, but still it would be fun.
