USVI-On-Line

Hi all!

We scored cheap tickets from AC to FLL with the intention of a Key West destination, late Feb into March. We've been there before and know our way around, but does anyone have suggestions for off beat, unusual, different things to do, places to see,etc??? We will be staying close to MAllory Sq for a week. So ideas , please ?

did you do Hemingway or Little White House last time? we really enjoyed both!

Hi Carolyn,

How 'bout a trip out to the Dry Tortugas Nat'l Park??

You can snorkel, camp, check out the fort, etc. It's about 70 miles off the coast in the Gulf.

http://drytortugasinfo.com

Enjoy your trip...love Key West!!

Kathy

Several years ago, I took a seaplane ride to Fort Jefferson. It was fantantic! We flew low enough to see turtles and sharks along the way. Once there, we toured Fort Jefferson. It's history is interesting. After snorkling for quite a while it was time for the flight back. It was a great day trip!

MaryBeth, we tend to shy away from "touristy" places( for lack of a better word!!) but we have walked the grounds as much as you can at Truman's white house and it had beautiful grounds from what we saw. We have walked around also at the Hemmingway house but not gone inside. BUT... it sounds like you recommend both so that is encouraging. My husband is a big reader so has read some Hemmingway so perhaps this time we will check it out.

The other suggestions for either the fast boat or sea plane to Dry Tortuga's is tentatively on the list. I have read some opinions that the snorkeling is so-so and really better at the reef east of KW. Anyone done both? We once went out to Pennekamp PArk from Key Largo and the snorkeling was fantastic. I honestly believe it rivaled STJ!

THANKS...Keep the ideas coming!

If by "the reef east of KW" you mean Looe Key, then by all means check that out.

It's off of Ramrod Key, which is the one just before Key West as you're heading west on A1A South!

Thanks Augie...I have heard about Looe Key and have that on the snorkel list. Glad to hear someone recommending that. Anything you'd like to offer about going there? We will have a car so we can get there.

I have just learned that the sea planes that went out to the Dry Tortugas is out of business so it is a 2+ hour ride each way to get there...hmmm. My husband might not like that! We are really spoiled by walking from the beach to snorkel in ST John!

If you like STJ then you WILL like....

http://www.camilleskeywest.com/
http://www.pepescafe.net/
...Giz

Gizzmo, thanks for the Camilles tip. I am not familiar w/ that one, so we will check it out. Looks right up our alley from checking out their website. We have been to Pepe's a few times ... I remember the good bloody mary's w/ my yummy b'fast. Also stopped by there for an afternoon refresher or three.

If you have a car...and want to spluge. Head out to Little Palm Islands (Torch Key) for an elegant meal that is served right on the beach. You have to take the Little Palm Island ferry over there, which adds to the fun.

We did this for Sunday brunch a few years back, but I think you can go for dinner, too. Again, not cheap, but very special.

Little Palm Island is a very private (and expensive) resort.

As I recall, it is about 30 minutes from Key West. Their website is www.littlepalmisland.com