Here is a way to get information about Key West

[snelsonbrown]

If you are taking the western Cruise, you may want to call the Key West Welcome Center at 800-284-4482 and ask for brochures on interesting things to do and see while in Key West - There is also a Key West information Center located at 320 Duval Street phone number 305-293-6633 which is not too far from the docking. I still say to see the beauty of KW, go to the top of the LaConcha Hotel (which is now a Holiday Inn) and really get the beauty of it all - also those interested in renting bikes or scooters, Norm's son works at the Moped Hospital located at Truman and Simonton - if you decide to do this, ask for Charlie - there are rules and regulations of course but it is a great way to go everywhere and not be hindered.
If I can help, please just call the shop at 800-950-4559 or write me at snelsonbrown@aol.com
Take care and keep the excitement going.
Always
Shirley

 

[AnnMorin]

Hi Shirley, Do you know if key west's welcomme center has an email address or webstite to order brochures from? I find that I never have time to use the phone anymore and an email is easier. thanks Ann

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Ann,
I am sure that they do - let me try and find out tomorrow and will post it here if I find it ------if not I am sure my family will help in this -
Take care
Always
Shirley

 

[KimDisFan]

I tried the 1st 1-800 # and they referred me to 1-800-LAST-KEY. Should have info in 5-10 business days.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Kim - called today and they said "no email address" but that is KW for most part - anyhow let me know if I can help anyway.
Always
shirley

 

[vstitt]

Hi Shirley,

We (DH, DD & DS) are going to be on the June 8th Western Cruise. Mom & Dad like gourmet dining and wanted to try a romantic meal onshore sans kids. I did some research and came up with Louise's Backyard for great food and views. Since your a local, would you agree?

Thanks,
VS

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Vs,
Louie's Backyard is great - expensive, but I myself think its worth it - history about Louie - I knew Louis back in the 50's - he was a hairdresser and worked out of his home - everyone would sit out back and have such a wonderful view of the ocean - Louie was a great person and his personality still lingers on in the home - now I know Louie doesn't own it any longer - it went as anything else, but the last time I went it was the best place to go for a romantic dinner etc - email address is www.louisbackyard.com - I was trying to think of another place but other than the Casa Marina - I like Louie's better - let me know how you make out -
Check out the "backyard" - can you believe that we actually use to sit out there on SAND when Louie had the house - you will love it Tell them an old conch recommended you - if they ask you who - just say the Abreu's

Shirley

 

[legs22]

I ate at Louie's Backyard about 12 yrs ago. Great food, great atmosphere. Great place to have a romantic dinner. Definitely eat outside in the "backyard". I have no idea if it is still good now???

Thanks, Shirley, for the history of the restaurant. I've been to Key West many times and it is nice to hear the history of places that I've been to.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Leggs
How are you doing? Hope all is well in your world - Louie's backyard was so neat many years ago - alot has been added to this place - when I would go have my hair done there - Louie always had something to eat or drink for his customers - the "backyard" had a lot of sand and the edge of the water was back enough where you could go out and just sit with your feet in the water or go swimming if you wanted - we would keep bathing suits at Louie's in case we want to do so while waiting for our appointments - as always everything was done on " KW time". Louie wasnt a salt water conch, but he had lived there long enough to be a part of the changing of KW - Waddell Street is an old part of town of KW which of course is where the restaurant is located - knowing a little about the history of somewhere you are going is always so neat - being a 4 generation conch of KW - I learned quite a bit growing up there - saw all the changes - some I like and some I don't but that is progress - anyhow have a great week - keep in touch with me snelsonbrown@aol.com
Take care and God bless you and yours.
Always
Shirley

 

[vstitt]

Thanks Shirley and legs22. We made a resv. a few weeks ago and now, based on your comments, I feel like we've made a good choice. I had seen good dining review on Louie's Backyard, but I didn't know it had such a charming history. Knowing the history will make the dinner even more special.

Thanks,
VS

 

[snelsonbrown]

Vs,
I don't think you will regret taking the steps you did - don't miss the "backyard" - the view is awesome - the breeze off the ocean is unbelieveable - as I said been there done that and will go back as soon as I get a chance to visit KW as a tourist - usually when I go it is to visit family and friends - am there such a short time do not get to the places I would like to revisit - usually stay where the locals are - I tell you one of the neatest places to visit if there was time (which there isn't really) is the Key West Cementary - the headstones are so comical on so many - my spanish uncle has 26 names on his - all the names he was ever nicknamed in KW. Also Maria Elena whom was taken after she passed away by her doctor and kept in hiding for over 7 years - my mom took me to see her in the early 40's after she was recovered and then reburied - funerals in KW were different - the black community really put on the best and can never be replaced with the modern time - Ernest Hemingway - i didn't like him - he always kept a bag of stones by his front door to throw at us children that dared walk on his sidewalk - President Truman was made an honorary conch in the late 40's - as I said KW is full of so much to do and so much to see in such a short time.
Write and tell me when you get back about your cruise.
Always
Shirley