(Another) Post trip report to my TA friends

Just back (Sat) from 1st time trip to KW. Thought I%26#39;d share some ';newbie'; views....Went for a work related trip, then extended stay thru the weekend. Was billeted at Casa Marina Hotel for first 2 nites (on company dime). Best part about CM was the beach...from what we saw, the best in KW. As to the accommodations; not such a value. Nothing special about room or hotel. Grounds were very pretty, service friendly enough, but prices were pretty steep, even for KW. After we moved to our week rental, the CM lost hot water for the better part of 2 days = some pretty unhappy folks.

Moved to a property rented thru Key West Hideaways on Sat. They allowed us early check-in which was nice...I was able to get us moved from CM during a lunch break at one of my meetings. The rental was in the ';Tropical Village'; complex at Alberta %26amp; South. Originally we were in ';Tropical Retreat'; a 2 BR upstairs unit. It was an OK place, nothing special. We are not the ';out to dinner every nite'; type of folks, so the full kitchen was a plus in our rental search. On Monday, upon returning from my mtg., we discovered no water in our unit. Called KWH and were informed of a ';problem'; with the owner of that particular unit. We were moved to another property in the same complex, ';Southern Cross'; cottage for the remainder of our stay. Would highly recommend SC to anyone looking for a 2BR home. Clean, well appointed, not a single thing lacking. The difference in $$ between TR and SC is well worth it, even though we were not charged any additional.

The location of the complex, we found to be perfect for us. 2-3 blocks from ';the quiet end'; of Duval, close enough to walk to many beaches, easy bike ride to Fausto%26#39;s for groceries.

As to favorites: We loved the ';bike-ability'; of KW...rode more in a week than in 2 yrs. The Butterfly Conservatory was a highlight. For amateur photographers, this is a must...Early morning bike rides to Sandy%26#39;s or Jose%26#39;s for Cafe con Leche....Early EARLY morning rides to Higgs Beach/Reynolds St. Pier for sunrise while being serenaded by the KW Rooster Chorus....Grouper sandwich at B.O.%26#39;s.....Cuban Mixes from Sandy%26#39;s and Dreyfuss Deli (I liked Dreyfuss, wifey-poo preferred Sandy%26#39;s)...Dinner out 3 nites; A%26amp;B Lobster House, Blue Heaven, Fogerty%26#39;s. 3 very different experiences. A%26amp;B was very good, but nothing exceptional. (Being from Maryland I am a bit tougher on seafood restaurants than some, perhaps)..Loved Blue Heaven, as much for the atmosphere as the food..Fogerty%26#39;s was a ';last resort'; optioin on our first nite in KW...wifey-poo was beat from the trip and walking Duval. We happend to be in front of Fogerty%26#39;s when she threw in the towel, so we went in for a light bite. Think TGIFriday%26#39;s with outdoor seating and you%26#39;ve got Fogerty%26#39;s. It served the purpose, but wouldn%26#39;t need to go back.

Not a big party person, so can%26#39;t speak to too many of the watering holes in KW....loved Green Parrot...spent Sun. afternoon watching NFL at Big%26#39;uns...had a beer at Turtle Kraals....Did have a very entertaining and interesting evening at Aqua on Duval. (Be brave, give it a shot)...

Only went to Mallory Sq. once, just to take pics of the crowd/scene...found nicer sunset pic opps elsewhere.

Overall, the weather was great, KW was fun, would probably return if the opportunity arose. On the drive to/from Fort Lauderdale airport, passed several spots in the keys which seemed to have more appeal to me, personally. Tend to prefer a bit more laid-back, quiet, less crowded areas. For those that love KW, I can certainly understand the appeal...great weather with pretty much a non-stop party, and god bless those that can and do choose that for a vacation.

(Another) Post trip report to my TA friends

Thanks for this report. Sounds as if you had a great time.

(by the way, you beat us in blue crabs.....only. lol)

(Another) Post trip report to my TA friends

Nice report thanks for posting. Did you get out on the water?

PJ

THANKS for the great report. You gave a very honest report but showed you still had a good time. i appreciate that in these reports. The different ';atmospheres'; in KW is what makes it special in my opinion. We have enjoyed the sunrises and sunsets, and have enjoyed the times we couldn%26#39;t remember much of (or i least i think we enjoyed them...lol).

THANKS again

PJ:no water excursions...SWMBO* doesn%26#39;t do well on boasts. She is quite happy walking the beach finding shells. And, truth be told, a trip to KW for a week is cheaper than jewelery !!

* (She Who Must Be Obeyed)

Taxi: Maybe we can set up an annual Blue Crab for Grouper trade-off? btw, we%26#39;ve got you beat on the oysters hands down, too !!!! Sorry I didn%26#39;t think to look you up and buy you a cold adult beverage while in town.

Thanks for the report. Sounds like you had a good time.

No worries! Next time we%26#39;ll have a frosty one.

I%26#39;d love to do a trade but I became allergic to those wonderful jimmies! Used to eat them at Rehoboth all summer long as a kid.

Loved your report : ) Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

Debb

Great report. I feel the pain of SWMBO, I have been seasick on a pedalo (true).

We%26#39;re getting married in KW in February. Can you tell me where some of the other places were that you found better for sunset pics? Thanks.

Ft. Zach....Casa Marina Beach (just walk on like you own the joint)...the marina by key west bight..