Planning first visit to Key West-advice wanted

My wife and I (ages 40,38) are planning our first trip to the Keys in February 9-12, 2006. As of now we%26#39;re leaning toward staying at the BW Key Ambassador. We will be driving in from Ft Lauderdale. We would appreciate any suggestions on ';must-see ';attractions, events, anything at all. We would both enjoy snorkling, parasailing, sitting on the beach, and anything else. Also, is there a public transportation system to get around the island, other than cabs?

Thanks in advance.

Eddie

Planning first visit to Key West-advice wanted

For me now the #1 thing I look forward to doing is the Sebago Island T%26#39;ing, an all-day (10-4) combination of snorkeling, lunch and kayaking. They do a great job of keeping the customers amused and have a limit f 40 people. they charge 79.00/person plus tax but you can save 10.00 by booking on-line or usng a coupon for 5.00. They are at

http://www.keywestsebago.com/

Other good trips are Danger Charters, another snorkel,lunch,kayak, and the Stars %26amp; Stripes, snorkel,lunch,snorkel. If you do a 2nd trip, the combo snorkel and sunset is the best value IMO, and I like the Caribbean Spirit, but all of the boats do a good job.

Then, must do%26#39;s are Blue Heaven for lunch, BOs Fishwagon for fun, El Meson de Pepe for Cuban dancing, Crabby Bills for oysters, Pepes for breakfast, Sloppy Joe%26#39;s for Key West Sunset Ale, and all of the places on the Key West Bight for conch chowder (which you might need in Feb), shrimp, etc., etc.

Oh, and Kelly%26#39;s on Whitehead for margueritas and micro brews and chicken wings - cheap during happy hour, 4-7.

Pjk

Planning first visit to Key West-advice wanted

Just FYI there%26#39;s another Best Western in Key West - the BW Hibiscus - that%26#39;s in a MUCH more convenient location. If you%26#39;d be willing to give up the water view, you could stay within walking distance of virtually everything you%26#39;ll probably want to do. At the BW Ambassador you won%26#39;t be within walking distance of anything but the airport.

The Hibuscus is a MUCH better motel, and the location is great. Southernmost Motel is also a great place nearby. You can walk to all the attractions from either place, and just park your car.

Try a B %26amp; B. Avalon B %26amp; B is right next to the southernmost, on Duval St,probably the same price and breakfast is included.

I second the Danger Charters fully day trip advise. Excellent tour (Sail, snorkel, Kayak).

try taking a stroll trough the city cemetery.very quite and peaceful .try to take one of the tours if you can or some stores carry a self guide one

Best advice is learning the art of doing nothing...well, nothing laborious at least. Plot out a bar crawl or two. Check out Hemingway%26#39;s house (especially if you like Hemingway, history, interior design or cats). Catch the sunset festival the first night you%26#39;re there. If you like it, return. Renting bikes is a great way to get around... And spend an hour in Captain Tony%26#39;s saloon drinking the punch and finding an artifact (driver%26#39;s license, biz car, etc) nailed to the wall from your hometown. It%26#39;s hard to find a locale not represented at Capt. Tony%26#39;s. And if you want to meet some locals, head out early ... maybe 10 a.m. .. to the Green Parrot bar. If it%26#39;s not open yet, the convenience store ont he corner is...so grab a soda and sit on the bench. The bar will be open soon. Sit at the bar. They have drafts for under $1...and the last time we were there the locals were doing shots of some sickeningly sweet stuff. Forget what it was. But it%26#39;s great to people watch and listen in.. When Saddam Hussein was still on the loose, I swear I saw him playing pinball at the Green Parrot. A man who must be his double was there...and the machine was on tilt....

My first suggestion when I read that you are driving in from Ft. Lauderdale is not to get in any hurry when you are driving through The Keys. Get one of those maps that lists each and every Key. Your first experience of making that drive will be one that you will never forget. It is so beautiful with gorgeous blue water surrounding you from all sides. Stop and have lunch. Enjoy the scenery. With regard to your question about the transportation around the island, rent a scooter. You will laugh and giggle driving those little things until you cry. Some of the people who rent them will make a deal you can%26#39;t refuse, if you rent them for a few days. Bargain with them and see what they will do. Go out to the reef and snorkel. Definitely do not miss Blue Heaven. I go everytime I am there. The last time I was there, I went twice for dinner. I also really enjoy Hog%26#39;s Breath in the afternoons. They always have entertainment. It is just so relaxing. Hemingway House is fascinating. I had not gone to it on my previous trips. But, the last time I was there, I decided to go. Highly interesting and gives you a great perspective on the history of the island and what it was like to live there years ago.