Key West 

Article January 2016

Although I had traveled to Florida several times I had never been to the Florida Keys.   For some reason “I” always assumed that The Florida Keys was Key West. Making the journey first hand I now know that there are many different Keys that make up The Florida Keys with Key West being the last and one of the most popular destinations.

Highway 1 in Florida runs through the beautiful Florida Keys. Travelling in a large Motorhome you want to be sure and carefully map out your route to ensure you don’t end up like we did and drive though Miami because we missed the loop.   We also travelled on Christmas Day and the week between Christmas and New Year’s is a busy time so that impacted traffic as well.   As you travel on Highway 1 you will also want to plan your gas stops since many of the stations may not have the space for you to turn around if you are travelling by RV.

I had a unique opportunity to stay at a quaint little RV park just outside of Key West that was sitting right on the water. Once there, we had a chance to visit quite a few of the “hole in the wall type places” while in The Keys and loved each and every one.         Something about eating a meal or having a drink while sitting out by the water just makes it all seem more fun. This is also a great area for Deep Sea Fishing for those of you that have a love for being on the water.

If you find yourself experiencing this area for the first time here are some ideas for fun things to do.     If travelling by RV be sure and call ahead to ensure you have reservations in advance and if you did not tow a vehicle you will want to rent a car to make the drive into Key West.

Some of the Cool Things to Do While Visiting Key West~

BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK

Bahia Honda State Park is located in Bahia Honda Key as you travel towards Key West on Highway 1. When we first drove into the park in the rent car our intention was to take a quick peak.   We were greeted by a lady who asked for $9. We let her know we just wanted a quick peak when she responded “well you can sure do that once you pay your $9”.   Smart Lady who must have known that once you drive in you will want to stay because it is so beautiful. The one thing I noticed most about being in The Florida Keys was that most of us there seemed to be tourists. If you start looking at license plates or talking with people you will find there are visitors travelling in from everywhere! Inside the park there were people from New York, Virginia, Canada ~everywhere…. all piling into a small sandy beach area.

As we approached the scenic beach I had to do a quick 360 because an 8 year old boy was holding a big grass snake with both hands!   All I hear is the word snaaaaaakeeee and I’m “out of there”.     After about 5 minutes I seem to be the only person concerned about this grass snake that probably wouldn’t hurt a fly….      So I take a deep breath and go to walk down the small grassy path when BOOM that sneaky snake comes flying across the path directly in front of my feet!   I nearly dropped my camera and gave the crowd quite a scare from my screaming and running away.   I love nature but snakes not so much.

The beach was pretty crowded and we were unprepared with no swim suits so we decided to check out the various nature trails. Note to self (and any of you who may visit one day) wear good walking shoes! If you love nature trails and beautiful scenery then a trip to the park would be worth it. This is a great place for families with children, couples, friends ~ anyone looking to just relax and take in the nature, scenery and just maybe the occasional grass snake.

SLOPPY JOE'S

If you have not heard of Sloppy Joe's than you definitely want to make a stop there. This was my first time and I loved the atmosphere.   Our bartender could make a Mojito that was the bomb.    Many years ago the famous Ernest Hemmingway was a regular there so they host a “Big Papa” contest every year. When the occasion calls for it they ring a big bell that is sitting in the bar next to the stage which happened to be where we were sitting.   One of the “rings” was for a couple that was also sitting at the bar. We got to talking with them and found out that they had just arrived in Key West because they were about to get married.   How exciting is that! They had arrived early and were waiting on their large group of family and friends that were coming into town for their wedding. So like us… just killing time at the bar enjoying the band.    We found out that they were from Louisiana so we had to ask them if they had ever been to one of the Mud Parks that we traveled to often which was also located in Louisiana.     Although they had not been to that particular ATV PARK she told me that she LOVED riding ATV’s and even took time to show me some four wheeler mud pics that she had on her phone.     I asked her what her ride of choice was Side-by-Side (Buggies) “or” Four Wheelers and she let me know real quick that it was hands down Four Wheelers.   She said that is what she grew up with and felt more comfortable driving.    We love having a chance to meet such nice people so CONGRATULATIONS you two and hopefully you will come out and ride with us soon next time we are in Louisiana!

HOG'S BREATH

Hog’s Breath was another really cool place to go.    As we walked about I first noticed their gift shop which had a large selection of tank tops. We could hear the “music” and decided to check out the entertainer that was playing songs on request for tips. I went up with my LACS hat on and told him I would give him $50 if he could play be a LACS song ~ he said well I have never heard of them but sounds like I need to look them up.   He sang another great song instead which made for a good time. While we were sitting with a small group of friends the guy sitting next to us offered to buy us a round of some sweet pineapple shots.       He gestured to his buddy who was also at the bar and told us that they had just arrived on one of the Cruise Ships.   I LOVE boats but have actually never opted to go on a cruise so was fascinated that these two were actually entertainers on one of the ships!     He was the DJ Entertainment and his buddy was the Comedian ~ how cool is that.   We were able to make some more new friends.    Talk about meeting some great people in the smallest destinations.

DUVALL STREET

Duvall Street seems to be the most popular street and no matter which way we went we seemed to keep ending up there.      During any events, holidays and such this is where all the action is.    There are tons of tourist type shops so we started on one end of the street and just worked our way down. I ended up with a Harley Davidson ball cap and a black t-shirt with a Key West Rooster on it ~I love the Roosters!   When we stopped at a gas station on our way into Key West I had seen a beautiful bride slowly chasing a Rooster around a gas station which had me thinking that is something you don’t see every day “but” soon discovered if you take a walk down Duvall Street or anywhere in Key West you will see that the Roosters are protected and allowed to roam freely. They were beautiful.

On Duvall Street you will see everything from an occasional adult club to historical sites, bed and breakfasts, tons of places to shop and various art galleries with many unique finds. There are small restaurants and bars located along the way which make for a great time to bar hop and meet new people along the way.   You will see people riding bikes, walking and driving scooters or golf carts around.    If you walk be sure you have on comfortable shoes.

MALLORY SQUARE

Young or old you should take time to walk around Mallory Square.   There are all types of shops and interesting things going on in the square. The weather was beautiful and in the square there were various vendors and performers set up ready to feed and entertain the large crowds of people.    We had a chance to see a show that featured a pig that was smarter than my dogs as well as a man who told jokes while balancing on a tight rope. If you are an Aquarium fan like me then you will want to check out the one that is located just off the square. They have everything from sharks to seahorses!

SOUTHERN MOST POINT

We rented a car to drive up to Key West and had absolutely no clue where we were going once we drove in.   All we knew for sure was that there was one way in and one way out. When you drive into Key West on Highway 1 you can either go towards the left or towards the right…. Overall it is one big loop.     First trip in we drove towards the left and decided to park in the only parking spot we could find open that seemed to be closest to the large crowds of people and food vendors. Parking was $20 for 10 hours in the area that we found.    We got out of the car super excited because this was our first trip to Key West and noticed that right past our car people were admiring one of the great tourist attractions in Key West known as the SOUTHERN MOST POINT.   Everyone seemed to be taking in the beautiful view, posing for selfie pics so it seemed like the place to also take a quick peak and take in the view. We walked right up and also started taking some pics.      As we walked away I looked over to the right (opposite the direction that we came in from) and there is a line that has probably 50 tourists all WAITING patiently to get their pics made.   OOPS! In our defense when you drive up from the direction with the vendors you can’t see the line that seems to be naturally forming.     So if you make the trip be sure and look out for a possible line, I know we will next time!

Making the Trip? Which is best Car or Scooter?

There are several places you can rent a scooter for the day which is a great way to be able to see Key West.   If you travel by car you will most likely end up paying for parking so this was a great way to be able simply leave your car and have a scooter that is a popular way to cover much more ground. They also have storage compartments if you plan to do much shopping.

My only regret was not having enough time to see many more of the great places to eat and shop while in Key West. I also heard about some great ATV Parks in Florida so looking forward to the next trip!

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