georges

[QUOTE=KLAATU
If you don't drive in the first time , you won't know what a special place you are in . [/QUOTE]


Probably the best description of what it feels like that I have ever heard!
I still look forward to this drive every year, and I have done it since 1994!

dhlaw

Yeah, its like driving through 90 miles of trailerparks with a beautiful view!!!

bouyhunter

OK - I'm SOLD!!!!!

Driving is the way to go!
I don't have any problem getting back to Miami - I plan on staying in KW until Tues/Weds after the races.
I already set up my vacation time at work to leave weds the week of the races, and took off through the following weds - which will get me home for Turkeyday, and roll right into a long weekend at home. This is a much needed break, it will be nice to have a week and 1/2 away from work.

I guessed the drive would be nice (scenery, relaxing veiws...) but I didn't think about things "to do" while driving down. Feeding the Tarpon could be fun.

I really want to enjoy this trip, and take it slow, I don't want this to turn into a "QUEST FOR WALLEYWORLD" type vacation.
and of course, the drive back to Miami - why would I be in a hurry to leave?

Thanks for the advice.

dhlaw

You gotta stop at the WorldWide Sportsman in Islamorada, see Hemingways sportfishing boat inside the building, grab a bite at the Islamorada Fish company next door and then continue on. It sets a good tone for the rest of the drive!!

Ms PatriYacht

We have done that several times, it breaks up the trip and Islamorado is a fun place, we stayed at a hotel next to Holiday Isle, Pelican Bay?? not as many kids & a little nicer, but we did hang out at their tiki bars. The other side of the island is nice, we have had several sunsets at Lorelei's (sp?) hopefully that place is still there. When we come out this year we will also probably drive from Miami also, you just have more flight options.

bouyhunter

What else is there to see on the way there??

The wife and I work 12-13 hours 5-6 days a week WE REALLY NEED THIS VACATION!!!!!!

I'm trying to treat her to a nice little get away (selfish that includes the world races...)(but she also loves boat racing too).
But I really want her to have a nice time, and I don't want to be in a rush to be anywhere - just a leisurly island vacation.
She needs the time away from work even more than me, and I want to create this to make it relaxing for her - she DESERVES IT!

Should I stop somewhere between MIA and Key West - just for a place to relax and hang out for a day? or drive straight through?
I've looked into a few flights, - I did find one that drops me in MIA around 3:00p.m. - sounds like a perfect time for the 3-4 hr. drive down..should be able to drive into a sunset on the islands.

I look forward to meeting up with everyone at the races, but I also look forward to spending some quiet time on the beach with my wife.

Still working on a place to stay - any advice on the B&B's?? I don't want to stay at a "chain" hotel.

Also, how much driving would I actually do there? - the island is only 3x5 miles - should I just rent a cheap little car to get me there and taxi the rest of the time? ( probably safer w/drinks....)

bouyhunter

alright - I caved...

The wife want's to fly straight into Key West - saves money on rental cars, (not to mentiopn I'll prbly be drunk the whole time - don't need a DUI).

We just booked a flight w/Delta, under $500 for both of us round trip - not bad.

Also booked a room on Duval - hope that is a good part of town...

georges

It's a good part of town to party, it's not the quietest either!

georges

Know this:
You don't need a car in KW, especially if you are staying on Duval st, there is no place to park, it is a very crowded little town.
Do like most others do, rent a scooter, you'll have a blast!

bouyhunter

oh, good god,...
don't tell me I'm staying in the gay district.

I don't really care - I just want a nice vacation and want to see some fast boats, and party a little. Really, I just want some time away for me and my lady.

anybody heard of Duval house?
considering it.