Archive for November, 2007

posted by admin on Nov 29

key west
Gene Morgan asked:


Some folks have a real problem with secondhand smoke. Allergies, sinus problems, and being susceptible to upper respiratory infections make being in smoky environments very difficult. If you are also a person who enjoys seeing live musical performances, being a nonsmoker can really put a crimp into your fun. Smoky bars are often the best place to catch live acts. Frequently the only hope is outdoor events and festivals in the summer months.

A visit to Key West Florida can be a delightful experience for the nonsmoker. It is a town known for it’s bars and live music. But, the best part is being in a tropical climate where the definition of a bar often means a room with few or even no walls. Yes folks, you are pretty much outdoors. The cool tropical evening breezes and funky overhead fans usually keep that nasty smoke out of your face. You can just sit back and enjoy the entertainment.

If you have never been to Key West, you should know it is as far south as you can go in the continental United States. It is at the very southern tip of Florida, at the end of a string of interconnected islands known popularly as the Keys. A series of long bridges take you from island to island right over the ocean waves. For those of you who may have a fear of heights it is nice to know that even the longest of these bridges pretty much skim along only 20 feet or so from the waters surface. The almost 100 mile drive from the Florida mainland to Key West is a pure pleasure to enjoy.

The main street in Key West, Duval Street, is only one mile long from the ocean on the Atlantic side of the island to the Mallory Square Dock on the Gulf of Mexico side. It is a street made for fun. Cafes, restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, and best of all bars and beer gardens line both sides of the street for almost it’s total length. This is a place made for nightlife.

Most folks visit Key West in the winter months to escape harsh northern weather. You should be aware of the fact that this is the busiest time to visit. Rooms may be hard to come by and attractions may be very crowded. Late summer and fall is hurricane season. There are fewer people then, but it may be too much of an adventure some folks. That leaves the summer.

Summers are hot and humid in this sultry tropical paradise. Fortunately there is a simple plan you can follow to enjoy this less crowded time of year for your visit to Key West. Find a place to stay near Duval Street. On the Atlantic side of the island is best. It is less congested and affords the opportunity to walk the full length of this exciting street daily. The first and most important thing is to always sleep late. It’s vacation folks!

Sometime after 8 or 9 AM show your face to the world. You will have a couple of early day cooler hours to play tourist a bit. Hit one of the several nice museums, visit the Hemingway house, check out the aquarium, spend some money at one of the many gift shops, or any other touristy activity you can come up with. The important thing is to get back inside to some air conditioning by 11 AM. Eat some lunch, read a book, take a nap, cuddle with your honey, or just goof off.

By about 5 PM, head on down Duval and find some supper. Timing is important. You must be clear down Duval sitting in a dockside café in Mallory Square eating Key Lime pie and drinking Jamaican beer as the sun sets over the Gulf. You will not want to miss that. It is one of the top five sunsets in the world.

When it’s dark and much cooler it is time to slowly make your way back across the island. There is music everywhere. It echoes in the street and fills the mind with pleasure. There is jazz, blues, country, pop, island music, and funky lounge acts in every bar and sidewalk café along both sides of the street. And, since you are basically outside in the open air, smoke is not a problem. It is a nonsmoker’s paradise for sure. Take as long as you want strolling up Duval. You got all night. Tomorrow you are going to do it all over again. Remember to always sleep late. You are going to need all the sleep you can get.



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posted by admin on Nov 26

key west
Gabriel Adams asked:


Key West is one of the most beautiful places in America, and a trip there can be a trip of a lifetime. Key West offers many different attractions that can make your stay there unforgettable.

The only bad thing that I can see about Key West is that there are so many different things to do; if you do not make a game plan before you go you might be overwhelmed. However once you get an idea of the different activities that you can do during your stay, you should have no problem having a great time. Key West offers many different attractions including fishing, snorkeling, museums, shopping, and many different tours of the area.

Fishing in Key West is out of this world. Key West boasts many professional fishing tournaments every year, because of the many different species that thrive in this area. You can catch blue marlin, sail fish, many different species of shark, as well as red snapper or grouper. If you would rather swim with the fish instead of catching them, then snorkeling might be right up your alley. The beautiful crystal blue waters of Key West allow you to swim with more than 200 species of fish.

If you would rather go back in history then the museums in Key West will take you where you want to go. From the Curry Museum, to the Ernest Hemingway museum, you will get an insight into the life that was enjoyed by the people that lived here many years ago. Of course Key West would not be a great place to visit without great shopping. This area offers many great places to shop from wineries, to island shops, to wonderful hand made furniture stores. Everyone can find what they need or want during their stay in Key West.

If you feel like you just do not know where to start then you can always take one of the many different tours that are available in Key West. The tour guides here are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, and are more than willing to help make your stay a memorable one.



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posted by admin on Nov 11

key west
Jen W. asked:


For your next weeklong getaway, make your way to Key West, Florida so you can soak up the sun on some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Keys. This island, located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, offers more than most people imagine in the way of water and cultural activities, meaning there will never be a dull moment during your relaxing and enjoyable trip. Make Key West your home base for a Florida Keys excursion and experience the fun and excitement that simply oozes from this little piece of paradise.

Every Key West vacation is bound to be filled with a few essential ingredients such as plenty of shimmering sand, an abundance of watersports and sand activities, and numerous hours near the warm turquoise waters. Since most of the trip will certainly be spent in and around the waters surrounding this small island, then staying near the water is the best way to participate in every activity you have planned.

You can find Key West vacation rentals scattered throughout the island, but most individuals want to take advantage of the stunning water that appears almost too colorful and vibrant to be real. Ocean view vacation homes are not a rarity on Key West and are a great option for those who want to kick back and escape from the stresses of the world they left behind. Simply wander out to your balcony at your own leisure and soak in the calming sights and sounds of the waves rolling ashore as you take joy in the simple pleasures that surround you.

While having an unimpeded view of the water typically means you are fairly close to the sand and surf, staying directly on the beach makes it infinitely easier to enjoy the best of what Key West has to offer. Whether you want to spend the day out on the water on a jet ski or cozy up on a beach chair with your favorite book, everything you need to realize the perfect day is just a few steps away from your vacation home. Forget about packing every possible supply for the day before you leave and carrying it all a few blocks before hitting the sand. You can make frequent trips to your accommodations if need be since all your vacation supplies are just a few steps from your perch on the beach.

Staying near the water means you are going to come across numerous other beachcombers and tourists throughout the day as they walk past your vacation home. If you are looking for a more secluded option, then consider a rental that is ideally situated on the Key West Golf Course. The warm green hues surround you and invite you to relax on the comfortable back deck so you can listen to the gentle song of the birds flying around this tropical oasis. Leave the noise of the beach behind and retreat to this cozy home for an evening of peaceful serenity.

If you prefer the middle between these two extremes, then a private home that is located only one block from the beach can most likely meet your needs. While the ocean is only a short walk away, you can stroll out to the backyard for a private water experience as you dive into a large swimming pool complete with a trickling waterfall. Around the pool is a garden oasis complete with lush foliage, bright red bougainvillea vines, and towering palm trees that add to the tropical feel of the island.

Whether you are searching for a beachfront home, a secluded condo, or a tropical villa, there is an ideally located Key West vacation rental that has all the amenities you need for a memorable trip. Begin your search for a vacation home today and experience Key West in accommodations that allow you to realize the vacation of your dreams.



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posted by admin on Nov 4

key west
Scott Thompson asked:


When people think of a vacation in Key West, Florida they rarely realize that there is so much to do other than drinking and playing on the water. In fact, Key West is an old historic town that will appeal to anyone interested in history or architecture. Of course, there are still plenty of fun things to do on the water, but in the Florida Keys many of those activities are as unique as the islands.

With history comes ghost so while visiting Key West make sure to go on a ghost tour. This author has experienced one ghost tour in Key West and it was a blast. Our guide made the tour worth every penny. The stories were not only scary, but entertaining and informative as well. Of course, there is much more to do and see in Key West from historic tours to enjoying the natural environment.

The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful location stuck between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. If you don’t spend some time enjoying the water you have missed one of the highlights of the Florida Keys. One way to enjoy the ocean is with a dolphin eco tour. Swimming with dolphins in the Florida Keys is a rare event, so make sure to book a dolphin eco tour through a good company that has been in business for several years. Avoid any company that uses artificial methods, like feeding, to draw in the dolphins. There are many eco tours you can take while in the Keys, from kayaking to bird watching.

While in the city of Key West one of the best things to see and do is to simply walk around and explore. The old conch houses and buildings in Key West have a unique architecture that is all there own. The town has a fun history and the structures are current records of times past. Many of the old buildings are now restaurants, stores, and bars. You can tour many of these old homes and businesses. Favorites are Truman’s Little White House and the Hemingway Home.

A Few Top Attractions in Key West

Hemingway House – If you are a fan of the great American author Ernest Hemingway, or you are interested in viewing a beautiful Key West home from another era, you must visit this place. The tour is worth it just to see the six toed cats. 907 Whitehead St. This tour is worth the modest admission price.

Fort Taylor – This fort was started in 1845 and was adapted over the years before eventually being abandoned. It was restored in the 1960s and is now a state park. From this park you can watch the sunset or swim from the beach. When Florida decded from the Union on January 13, 1861 Federal troops immediately occupied this fort and held Key West for the Union making it the only city in the Confederacy to be held by the Federals.

Conch Train – If you can’t make the walk around Key West, or if you just want to get off of your feet for a while, the Conch Train is the best way to see the city. The tour guides are entertaining and informative.

Audubon House – The Audubon House has 28 original works from the artist John James Audubon. View the artwork and then tour the one acre garden.

To learn more about visiting Key West, Florida go to www.key-west-usa.com. Key West is a magical place that captures the hearts of thousands of people each year. Let your soul be wild and let your imagination go free in Key West.



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posted by admin on Nov 3

key west
Robert Cohen asked:


Ten Things You Must Do If You Want To Vacation In Key West

By Robert (Bob) Cohen

Planning a vacation in Key West can sometimes be a daunting task as there are so many things to do in Key West. The Key West Welcome Center can be your focal point for planning your vacation because they are in the service of assisting visitors with their vacation planning.

The Welcome Center can make all of your reservations for you so you do not have to stress over what to do, who to call or what to plan.

HOTELS, MOTELS, BED & BREAKFAST, VACATION RENTALS

Key West is a small island that is 1.5 by 4 miles in size with only 4,000 total hotel, motel, bed & breakfast and condominium rooms on the entire island. During special events and holiday weekends, there is usually a 3-nite minimum stay at the bed & breakfasts as well as some of the 4-star hotel resorts on the island and condominium resorts.

If you are coming in for just one night during the week, then you probably will not need advanced reservations for a hotel or motel room. Sometimes, we can get you into a nice bed & breakfast for just one night due to last minute cancellations. But, if you plan on staying for a few nights or longer, advanced reservations are definitely in order.

Working as a Concierge for a number of years, you see just when and where rooms are available for nightly rental. If you are looking for private homes for your vacation rental, then expect places that are only available for a minimum of one week. Some places are only available on a monthly basis.

On another note, if you are like me and have animal companions, they are a part of your family and do not like the idea of leaving them home when you are out having fun. Most accommodations, including the vacation rentals, are not pet friendly. The ones that have more pet friendly rooms are the bed & breakfasts. Contact the Key West Welcome Center to find out what is available that is pet friendly and they will make the reservations for you.

In the off-season (June 1 to December 15), accommodation rates start at about $89 for a basic room up to a 4-star resort starting at $200 a night. During high season (December 16 to May 31), rates can start at $169 per night.

FISHING THE KEYS

If you are an avid fisherman, coming to Key West is something you will never forget. There is no better fishing in the State of Florida than there is in Key West. Try your hand at game fish such as Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, Permit, Cobia, Wahoo or even Shark. More records have been broken here than anywhere else in the State of Florida.

There are three basic types of fishing:

1. Off-Shore

2. Back Country Light Tackle

3. Flats

OFF SHORE – Off-shore fishing is where you go for the big stuff such as Grouper, Sail Fish, Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, etc. The boats are usually a six-pack (maximum six passenger) and you take turns in the hot seat. The method of hooking the fish is by trolling. You can reserve by the seat (1/2 day $135; full day $185), or private charters (1/2 day starting at $600; full day starting at $800).

BACK COUNTRY LIGHT TACKLE – This type of fishing is using a spinning rod on boats that are never bigger than 28-feet with a maximum capacity of 4 passengers. This is usually sight casting and can use either lures or live bait. You will catch things such as Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Cobia, Permit, Bone Fish, etc. These are strictly private charter with 1/2 days starting at $450; full days starting at $650

FLATS FISHING – This is the ultimate challenge to a fisherman because you are in waters that are rarely deeper than 2 to 3 feet and you are using either 15 lb. test line on a spinning rod, or fly fishing. These boats are specifically designed for high speeds in very shallow waters. Here you can hook into Tarpon, Permit, Bone Fish, African Pompano, and sometimes even sharks. Imaging the thrill of catching a 90 lb. Tarpon on 15 lb. test line. It will be an exercise to see who tires first; you or the Tarpon (in many cases it will be you). These boats can only take a maximum of 2 passengers. Charters for 1/2 day start at $350; full day start at $550.

3. SNORKEL, SNUBA AND SCUBA DIVING

Over 80% of the visitors to Key West and the Florida Keys want to go either snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the abundant and colorful sea life one would see while on either a snorkeling or scuba diving experience. To Scuba Dive, one must be a certified diver (PADI, NAUI, etc) as they have anywhere from Open Water Certification to Master Diver.

If you have never done scuba diving before, there is something called SNUBA which gives you an experience similar to Scuba, but instead of having a tank strapped to your back, the regulator in your mouth is attached to a 20-foot long air hose attached to a compressor on the surface. This way you get the experience of being underwater without having to get certified.

If you want to see what it is like to Scuba Dive, you can take a Resort Course which gives you enough training to go out with an instructor on what is called a 2-tank dive in up to 45 feet of water.

Snorkel trips start at $35 per person, Snuba starts at $95 per person, Scuba starts at $90 per person and resort courses start at $155 per person.

FT. JEFFERSON AT THE DRY TORTUGAS

Day trips to the Dry Tortugas has to be the most popular excursion in Key West as you get to the Dry Tortugas by either a high speed catamaran or by seaplane.

The Catamarans take a little over two hours to go about 70 miles west of Key West and they give you about 4.5 hours at the Dry Tortugas. The Seaplane takes about 35 minutes to get there and they give you about 2.5 hours on the island.

Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas is 16 acres in size and it is the largest coastal fort in the United States. It just draws you into its history when the historian tells you about the place. This is a trip you do not want to miss.

Boat prices to the Dry Tortugas start at $110 to $129 depending on the boat, and the seaplane costs start at $189 per adult.

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT EXCURSIONS

The Glass bottom boats give you the experience of seeing the sea life at the Living Coral Reef. We call it a “Dry Snorkel” trip as it is like snorkeling without getting wet.

Large tropical fish, colorful coral await you at the reef. Prices start at $35 per person.

6. FINE DINING IN KEY WEST

Key West is privileged to have so many fine restaurants that it would be difficult to chose which ones to eat at.

We have everything from the fast food chains, all the way to 4 diamond quality restaurants. Other than a few minor exceptions, you do not have to make a reservation and you never ever have to dress up for dinner.

Key West has what we call, “Key West Casual” which means shirt, shorts and sandals and this is the code of dress for every place in Key West.

You can have something as simple as a good hamburger or Conch Fritters, to something as extravagant as Lobster Mango Tango (lobster sautéed in Brandy and covered with a Mango Salsa). The choice is yours in Key West.

DINNER CRUISES

Many people come to the Keys for its fabulous sunsets. Why not have your sunset and a 3-course gourmet dinner along with it. A sunset dinner cruise is the way to go.

On one of the dinner cruise boats, the chef will prepare your food while the captain of the dinner cruise takes you on a wonderful journey around the Key West Harbor and once you sample this wonderful cuisine on this dinner cruise, you will wonder how he does it for such a low price.

Formerly a chef at a 4 diamond restaurant, he will present you with mouth-watering options for your meals and it includes domestic and imported beers, wines and champagne.

Dinner cruise prices are from $65 to $75 per person not including tax and gratuity. Private Charters for the dinner cruise are available for special functions and weddings. The one we prefer for your dinner cruise has a maximum seating of 20 so this is ideal for a nice sunset wedding and dinner cruise.

AERIAL TOURS

Want to see Key West from the air?

Take a aerial tour in either a biplane or a helicopter to see Key West from the air. Aerial tour trip times vary depending on what you want to see. Biplane rides start at $120 for two people and helicopter rides start at $99 for 3 people to see the coral reef from the air.

KAYAK TOURS AND RENTALS

If you want to really see the coastline of the lower Keys and Key West, there is no better way to see it than on one of our wonderful Kayak Tours.

Take a trip with an environmental scientist or someone that was born and raised here and knows the mangroves like the back of their hand.

Visit some of the Marine and Bird Sanctuaries and see some of the life forms that you would never see otherwise.

Prices start at $40 per person for a tour.

SUNSET SAIL

One of the more popular things to do in Key West is to see the sunset from the water.

Take a sunset sail on either a sailing catamaran or a schooner.

Many of the younger crowd like the sunset sail on the sailing Catamarans because they can have a great party while on the sunset sail. This is very popular with the Spring Breakers during that time of year as it includes as much beer and wine one can consume in a 2 hour time frame.

A sunset sail on a schooner, however, is a lot more romantic as you can see the sails glistening when the colors of the sky change and you know that you helped to raise the sails on this sunset sail excursion.

During the months of November thru April, you can have your sunset sail and a buffet dinner all in one on one of the clipper ships that come in from Boston for these months.

Sunset sail pricing starts at $30 and goes up to $75 if you want the dinner cruise on the clipper ship.

In conclusion, by using the expert services of the Key West Welcome Center, you will save money, save time and be absolutely sure that you getting exactly what you want and not what someone else wants.

The Key West Welcome Center has been in business under the current ownership for over 10 years. The current manager of the Welcome Center has lived in the Keys for almost 16 years and knows the place like he has lived here all his life. If there is something you need to know about Key West, he is the person to ask.

Robert R. Cohen

General Manager

Listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who in America

I firmly believe that we have the best Reservations Service in the Key West area and we can make all your dreams come true. Use the Key West Welcome Center for all your reservations:

www.keywestwelcomecenter.com



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