Key West Questions

[Lhagerty]

Everyone wants to do something different in Key West so I'm trying to figure out how to fit in as much as possible. About how long does it take to tour Ripley's and Hemingway's House? How long does it take to get to the sourthern most point from the dock?

Thanks for the help.

LuAnne

 

[DKH01701]

I've never done Ripley's, but the Hemmingway House is about an hour.
It's a brisk 20-30 minute (Adult) walk from the pier to the Southernmost Point. It's about a mile and a quarter.

Don't miss the lighthouse, across the street from the Hemmingway House.

 

[kctwinmommy]

Yeah, the previous poster is pretty right on. When we docked with my parents, my DH and I went to the southern point and then did the Hemmingway house, plus some strolling around, all before eating and early lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise! And, KW was our last stop on the cruise we did, but also the first stop back in the states, so the ship had to clear customs. I think we got off around 9ish and like I said, did those 2 things and were at lunch well before noon.

We really enjoyed Hemmingway's house! Very interesting stuff there. Have fun! I've been dying to go back there on an actual vacation since our cruise there 5 years ago! My parents have been there probably 7-8 times in the last 6-7 years! And they're going again in June with my niece. It's her 8th grade graduation gift! Lucky her!!!

 

[jhannah]

Isn't there a local transit bus that goes to the Southernmost Point? If so, where can you catch it?

 

[snelsonbrown]

Good morning,
So what do you really want to know about Key West LuAnne? This is Shirley and I was born and raised in Key West hummmm just a few years ago ;-).
Key West is a 2x4 island with the main streets in "old town" being Whitehead, Duval, and Simonton Street - being there were no methods of transportation in Key West at one time except maybe bikes and local buses, we walked everywhere regardless where we were going - now if you are going during the hot summer months, I tell you, you will have problems with the high humidity - its doesn't bother me, but those that are not use to it, it can really take a toll. I suggest you use the trolley that is offered there as to where you can ride to where you want, get off and then get on again.
Mr. Hemingway's house is on the corner of Olivia and Whitehead Street. I visited his house for the very first time in my whole life last year and really was impressed. Now being that I was born just a few blocks from him and my grandparents taught Pauline how to write and speak Spanish, I had an insight to the type of person he was. I found the house so interesting since he had the first wrough iron fence in Key West and we were not allowed to see the beauty of his yard or play with his cats which have long been a thing of the past since the cats were neutered/spayed and never reproduced.
Very much worth the visit and it is a about an hour long. Then the lighthouse accross the street - I first visited it maybe about 10 years ago since it was closed for years - the land it sits on once held the only tennis court in Key West and this was closed, I believe in the 20's or so. Southermost Point is also an interesting place - at one time it carried communications between Key West and Cuba for the Spanish families - even though Norm, my hubby and also a Key Wester, was not involved in the act or at least he says he wasn't (and he is pretty truthful) the cable was cut by the teen boys who swam there for lobsters, stone crabs etc. It created quite a problem - also at this corner, there were a local family who's income was selling to the locals and tourist conchs and the conch shell and crafts made from different type of shells - Albert, the son, took over when his dad passed on - this family made it into many postcards and just right super nice.
When Norm and I married, Albert (the son), played the wedding march on the conch shell right there at the Southermost corner. There is many memories of so many good times there for the conchs. It was not "discovered" as an interest to the tourist until many years later.
I believe and know Key West is so full of history and I also know someday it will just be an island known as a party town and I know all the hotels will soon become condos and on its way there - Key West was a paradise to have grown up in - we always lived and worked on Key West time - our mainland was 150 miles away and news did get to us either through Cuba or folks coming in - telephones were very few and far between and transportation was even less. Everyone knew everyone and for most part everyone either came from the Bahamas, Cuba and we became "conchs" said as konk.
Relax and enjoy, but remember you are no longer dealing with ol' conchs who's word was just a handshake. When you get there, just throw a kiss to the winds for Norm and I.
Thanks for letting me share
Always
Shirley and Norm
2 ol' conchs

 

[mbw12]

Just subscribing to this htread. wow, Shirley.....I would love to hear more about key West from you!!!!!

Any recommendatiosn on where to catch a good lunch with the kids?

also, becasue I am lazy and don't know where to look....we are going on the May 5th Western....does anyone know what time the ship docks on Key West and leaves/ Just wondering how much time we will have in key West to sightsee and eat??

 

[snelsonbrown]

Just subscribing to this htread. wow, Shirley.....I would love to hear more about key West from you!!!!!

Any recommendatiosn on where to catch a good lunch with the kids?

also, becasue I am lazy and don't know where to look....we are going on the May 5th Western....does anyone know what time the ship docks on Key West and leaves/ Just wondering how much time we will have in key West to sightsee and eat??

There are a number of great places to eat - you have BO's restaurant close to the port (Mallory Square) and run by a super duper conch Buddy Owens - he and my sister went all through scool together - you have 2 Friends Restaurant again close to Mallory Square that once was the talk of the town since this is where all the young sailors would go to "wet their whistle" and have their fights, the local girls were not allowed pass Greene Street since we would be entering "questionable" areas and now this part of town is where all the actions is. Rooftop Restaurant accross from Mallory Square is pretty neat, Hotel Laconcha which is further down on Duval Street, you have Jimmy Buffett's Margaretville though quite expensive. If you close to eat with the locals, you can take a ride on to White Street and go to Jose's Cantina on the corner of Petronia and White Street - then how can we forget The Blue Heaven which has the chickens running all over and you eat outside - this is located in what is known as Bahama Village - it once was a place of "questionable" morals - it has made the 5 star restaurant - its no longer owned by locals. It is close to Hemingway house - go to www.keynoter.com and you will get all the daily news of Key West and what is new.
Norm and I were suppose to go "home" this weekend, but he is still not up to par so we are hoping to go something next month.
Glad to help.
Always
Shirley

 

[mmouse37]

I've been dying to go back there on an actual vacation since our cruise there 5 years ago!

I know what you mean.....we had been to Key West several times on cruises and I always wanted to do a "land" vacation there. Last January we stayed there for 5 nights and had a great time but felt our hotel was to far from the "action"....in July we are going back for a full week and staying at the Westin right where the cruise ships dock....can't wait!!! Can walk to most everything. I just wish I could see the Magic this summer while there but she will be in the Med!!!

 

[scillacc]

Hi all
I am on the w.b. repo cruise next May, but this June 20th, me and my soon to be hubby are getting married at the Key West Garden Club. We are staying for 9 days and will be doing all sorts of sight seeing, snorkeling, sunset sails, etc. We are staying in a B & B.


If you have any questions, I might be able to find out for you, but frankly, I think Shirley has it over everybody.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi all
I am on the w.b. repo cruise next May, but this June 20th, me and my soon to be hubby are getting married at the Key West Garden Club. We are staying for 9 days and will be doing all sorts of sight seeing, snorkeling, sunset sails, etc. We are staying in a B & B.


If you have any questions, I might be able to find out for you, but frankly, I think Shirley has it over everybody.

OMG - how awesome to have 9 days in Key West and the best part getting married at the KW Garden Club - what a beautiful place and has been around for so many years - What B&B are you staying at? Is it on Eaton Street or Fleming Street? Remember Key West is VERY warm especially during the summer so be prepared if you sunburn easy. If you get the chance, go to a little small hole in the wall cafe and sandwich shop on the corner of the 3000 block of Flagler Avenue - its owned by Norman"s godchild Ralphie - all the locals go there and hang out - it will give you an insight as to how things were way back when - Just tell Ralphie and Marla you are friends of our throught this board - they will make you feel very welcomed - you can not miss it. I believe its on the corner of McMillian and Flagler Avenue.
If you are out biking go by 1126 Virginia Street and that is the small home I was raised in during my teen years - sure didn't look like that in my time
One thing you need to do is take the tour of the cemetery - its is so interesting and the tour is well worth the $10.00.
Anyhow good luck and have a wonderful time.
Always
Shirley

 

[DKH01701]

I almost forgot about the cemetery tour. That was a hoot. You should get that one into your schedule.

My DW took me down for FantasyFest on my 4oth birthday, several years ago. We stayed at The Southernmost Hotel for a week, which was very nice.

We stopped again on a cruise in 10/05, (See pic) and my how Mallory Square had changed in that short time. Poster below is very right about how it'll soon be all condo's. Too bad, I think. But still a great place to visit!

 

[snelsonbrown]

I almost forgot about the cemetery tour. That was a hoot. You should get that one into your schedule.

My DW took me down for FantasyFest on my 4oth birthday, several years ago. We stayed at The Southernmost Hotel for a week, which was very nice.

We stopped again on a cruise in 10/05, (See pic) and my how Mallory Square had changed in that short time. Poster below is very right about how it'll soon be all condo's. Too bad, I think. But still a great place to visit!

The cemetery tour is pretty good and you will see some real conchie headstones with "I told you I was sick" and her sister put "I am just checking my eyelids for leaks" or "at least I know where he is sleeping tonight" or about Elena's first resting place, the young lady who's body was stolen and kept for 7 years by the dr who tried to save her when she was 17 yrs old -
I believe it is run by an old conch named Russell - mine family plot down there would have been kinda fun since my uncle had 32 "nicknames" put on his and the family was so furious with him, he had it turned around and always told us "well at least I will be the only one enjoying all the nicknames"
when I go. Our family plot is on the East side of the cemetery and not hard to find - I believe its 7th street it is on.

So you stayed at the Southermost House huh? That is owned by a friend of Norm and I. Charlie Ramos went to school with us and that was his inhertiance plus the house in front of it - he has leased out the Southermost House for a number of years since his health isn't too good. At one time, all the political rallies were held there and was really a fun place to go for all the parties.

Well now that I have given you some more tidbits about Key West, I am out of here for a little while.
Always
Shirley

 

[pppiglet]

Just subscribing to this htread. wow, Shirley.....I would love to hear more about key West from you!!!!!

Any recommendatiosn on where to catch a good lunch with the kids?

also, becasue I am lazy and don't know where to look....we are going on the May 5th Western....does anyone know what time the ship docks on Key West and leaves/ Just wondering how much time we will have in key West to sightsee and eat??

I believe we get there at 12:30pm and leave around 10pm.
We are planning to stop by the Blue Heaven, but not planning to eat much as our Palo brunch is at 10:30 that morning!

 

[snelsonbrown]

I believe we get there at 12:30pm and leave around 10pm.
We are planning to stop by the Blue Heaven, but not planning to eat much as our Palo brunch is at 10:30 that morning!

I really love the Blue Heaven - guess it brings back so many memories for me as a kid as far as the chickens go and as for the Blue Heaven, it was so funny cause if someone brought up the subject of the Blue Heaven, when I would enter the room, it got so quiet - I didn't learn until many years later of exalty what the place was. My dad was a patrolman in and around Bahama Village for many years and was very loved, but sometimes he would have to just put his foot down when things got out of hand like the games of dominios the men played, were getting too rough and loud. Boy have times changes in some things.
Anyhow enjoy your stay
Always
Shirley

 

[pppiglet]

Thanks Shirley! I'm corrected....I think we leave at 7:30pm. Found two different times posted.