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Just got back from Key West (instead of St John)
Just got back from Key West (instead of St John)
It was really boring. The beaches were rocky and uncomfortable. The bar scene was a bunch of lushes and college kids eyeballing my fiancée. Cover bands blew.
On one hand I regret not taking my May trip to St John, but I am glad I got to see the Florida Keys (I drove up and down US 1).
Anyone have a similar experience?
On one hand I regret not taking my May trip to St John, but I am glad I got to see the Florida Keys (I drove up and down US 1).
Anyone have a similar experience?
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paulandtracie
- Posts: 236
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:45 am
- Location: Michigan
We also just returned from Key West but we love it there. It is ironic really how many similarities there are in our experiences with St. John and Key West--both have wonderful laid back places where you can relax (Key West has beautiful botanical gardens, wonderful historical sites and peaceful quiet neighborhoods where we love to bike ride) and both can be taken over by loud raucous cruise ship groups only in for the day. Both have interesting groups of ex-pats who have such a sense of community, both have off-the-grid hang outs to kick back a few cold ones with friends, both have great diving and underwater experiences, fishing and boating, both have fantastic restaurants and great food, and both allow us to show up in our T-shirts and flip flops, relax and be ourselves. Key West beaches can't compare in any way to lovely St. John beaches but we don't spend much time on the beach in the Keys anyway. What can I say, love the Keys and love St. John!
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ShipwreckPat
- Posts: 139
- Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:03 am
- Location: St John
We went to Key West last year on a day trip down from Islamorada. We were there the day before Halloween, which I understand they take as seriously as Coral Bay does and found a bunch of fun nuts. Felt like home!
The best part was driving on a straight road for miles and miles with no switchbacks in sight and the words of the week were STONE CRABS. That was the only thing I would go back for. It was the first vacation where I lost weight because that was all I ate.If they become an endangered species, it was probably my fault.
The best part was driving on a straight road for miles and miles with no switchbacks in sight and the words of the week were STONE CRABS. That was the only thing I would go back for. It was the first vacation where I lost weight because that was all I ate.If they become an endangered species, it was probably my fault.
We went to the Keys several times a number of years ago when my mom was still alive. She lived in Daytona and we'd fly down there and then drive down to the Keys. Wonderful memories with her. The first time we went we got lost in Miami at night -my mom who was driving ended up just pulling over, getting out and telling one of us to drive that it was too much-it became one of our most fun memories to share. We made it to Homestead that night where we stayed at a really small motel. When we went to leave in the morning we asked the Middle Eastern/Indian appearing man who was working the desk, how to find the main road to continue to the keys. His comment was he didn't know because "they never let me leave here"..... 
Yikes. That too has become a memory in our family.
But the drive down is wonderful. I think I remember once flying into Miami and driving down and going by all these places with HUGE American flags, biggest ones I'd ever seen-each business trying to outdo the next. John Pennekamp (?) state park was nice too-we kayaked there I think. We'd stay down by Duck Key at Hawk's Cay and then drive down to Key West. The whole sunset festivities was fun. but this was 20 years ago so it might be a crazier scene now.
Just an outstanding drive and many good memories too.
Yikes. That too has become a memory in our family.But the drive down is wonderful. I think I remember once flying into Miami and driving down and going by all these places with HUGE American flags, biggest ones I'd ever seen-each business trying to outdo the next. John Pennekamp (?) state park was nice too-we kayaked there I think. We'd stay down by Duck Key at Hawk's Cay and then drive down to Key West. The whole sunset festivities was fun. but this was 20 years ago so it might be a crazier scene now.
Just an outstanding drive and many good memories too.
We went to Key West over Easter week and were very disappointed. Seems you can’t get to many of the beaches (since they belong to the resorts) and the beaches you can get on are rocky. We did walk down to the park at the end of Key West and intended to go swimming there. After we watched a local fisherman pull in three hammer head sharks we changed our plans and just walked around. The sunsets at Mallory Square were a real carnival with several cruise ships docked and were not enjoyable. I believe Key West is something we had to do (to get it off our bucket list) but now that we have done it, we will probably not do it again. All in all we were happy to return to the VI last week and just got back from a GREAT sail trip with Festiva Charters.
We go to Key West every year and always enjoy it. I wouldn't compare Key West to St. John because that would be like comparing apples to oranges.
Key West is not a beach destination. Its a great place to go to have fun, take a sail and snorkel, watch the sunset at Mallory Square, walk around the streets.
Its one of those places where you get it or you don't. Some people don't, but we do. We love Key West!!
Key West is not a beach destination. Its a great place to go to have fun, take a sail and snorkel, watch the sunset at Mallory Square, walk around the streets.
Its one of those places where you get it or you don't. Some people don't, but we do. We love Key West!!
I agree - Key West is definitely a "you get it" place or you don't. For us we love the architecture - the history - the interesting neighborhoods and local joints - the fun things going on, the extremely laid back environment and the bars too. It is so much fun to stay at a B and B, bike anywhere you want to go - from the beach to the bars, and then bike home again without ever needing or wanting a car. We would even consider (and have!!!) moving there to live. We love Key West and we love their beaches too but we don't compare them to St John - we just enjoy them for what they are - nice beaches to get away to in a very pleasant environment.
Heading to Key West for the first time over 4th of July. Taking wife and daughters (13 and 15). Staying at Waldorf Astoria on the beach. Looking forward to the drive down from Miami and the resort experience (used my Hilton points!). No bar-hopping since it's a family experience. I think we might do a dinner cruise on the 4th and watch fireworks from the ocean. Also do a dolphin encounter/snorkel trip for an excursion. Otherwise - sun, beach, and resort amenities should keep us happy!
Can't say that I'm totally enamored with Key West....just seems too "touristy" to me. Yea, yea, I know I'm a tourist, but I don't want to be reminded of that constantly. That's usually my complaint about places that totally depend on tourism....they almost seem to prostitute themselves and that bothers me. I don't feel that way on St John at all and I think that's why I enjoy it so much.
That is just so well put. Definitely how I feel after my trip to Key West. Can't wait to be back, actually relaxing on a real beach, in my beloved STJ.Lindy wrote:Can't say that I'm totally enamored with Key West....just seems too "touristy" to me. Yea, yea, I know I'm a tourist, but I don't want to be reminded of that constantly. That's usually my complaint about places that totally depend on tourism....they almost seem to prostitute themselves and that bothers me. I don't feel that way on St John at all and I think that's why I enjoy it so much.