FordhamsIsland Retreat
"Only 20 minutes to Key West"
Key West
Parking:
There is no free parking
..... Police will tow your car. ..which is a real inconvenience, and several
years ago cost about $180 (I know). Besides the $Parking lots, I can usually
find a metered space ( $1/hr.). Keep quarters in the car for parking.
Duval Street:
actually runs north and south... US1 crosses Duval St.
where you'll find lots of shops, restaurants, bars etc. Don't miss: Fast Buck Freddy's,
Sloppy Joe's, and Wyland Galleries, just to mention a few. Suggestion: park (legally)
somewhere around Fast Buck Freddy's and walk North toward Sloppy Joe's and back. Next time you're
downtown, park in the same area and walk the other way.
Duval St. - South end:
You'll find the Southernmost
Home.... This magnificent mansion has been restored beyond
perfection. It's now
available for touring, so check it out. One block West is the Southernmost
Point...another great photo-op. Check out Alan Maltz Gallery, the homemade ice
cream place, and Fletcher's (unique furniture store.) Don't miss Wings of
Imagination, an butter fly experience.
Mallory Square at Sunset:
Don't miss the FREE nightly Mallory
Sunset experience at the North end of Duval Street. There is a parking lot if
you get there early enough. Plenty of interesting entertainment, and "What a
sunset!" Also, try a less crowded
sunset from the Hilton Hotel, which is now connected to Mallory Square. There is
covered parking in the Hilton, and the shops and waterfront are beautiful. On
another day, try a sunset cruise on one of the big catamarans.
Food:
There are great restaurants everywhere. If you
want "something special," there is none better than: Blue Heaven (729
Thomas St. ph# 296-8666) or Seven Fish (632 Olivia St. Ph#296-2777) ....both are worth finding.
Of course, the dress at both restaurants ...as
elsewhere in the Keys, ranges from tropical elegance to "come as you are"...
your choice. Try the steak and eggs at Pepe's for breakfast. Hard to
believe but people were waiting to be seated when I took this picture. Want
to save money? The open air restaurant, Bo's Fish Wagon, on the corner is a
great place for a sandwich and a drink. Let us know if YOU find a great
restaurant, so we can try it.
The Conch Train:
Hop aboard at the North End of Duval. . It will take you on a historical tour of
Key West... lots of interesting trivia! You can get off at any stop (do some
shopping or walking) and get back on the next train to finish the tour. It is a great way to find
things you might want to go back and visit later, plus hear many of the
interesting stories of Key West and its past. Key West has been the richest city
in the country and also the poorest at various points in its history.
Bicycle or walking tours:
are also available either with a
printed guide or a live one. Key West also has Ghost Tours. This place has a
fascinating history featuring a quite colorful cast of characters.
The Last Legal High:
Find a coffee house and get a "Buchi"
(expresso with double sugar) or Cafe Con Leche/Cappuccino (expresso with milk).
Have you tried one of the new energy drinks like RED BULL or ENERGY? Try a Red
Bull with a shot of Vodka! You can walk hours and maybe even find new fun in shopping!
Adventure:
Explore
Hemingway's House, the City Cemetery (find the headstone "I told
you I was Sick," "Our Little Hippie," or "At
least I know where you're sleeping tonight.") Check out the view from the bar at
the top of La Concha (Holiday Inn on Duval) or the Light House on
Whitehead, and/or go shopping/bar hopping on Duval.
Gardens:
"Nancy's Secret Garden"
(downtown on Schoolhouse Lane) is full of exotic palms and other tropicals,
fully identified. Things you've never seen before, I'll betcha.
Plant Nurseries:
Check out "Seacloud Orchids"
for all sorts of
reasonably priced beautiful tropical plants in a setting conducive to just
wandering through for a look-see. (Big Coppitt). The Garden Shop at Sears
in Key West is also worth a visit (amazing but true).
Diving/ Snorkeling/Fishing/Boating:
Don't leave the Keys without
experiencing the wonderful clear turquoise water first
hand...one way or
another.
The Duval Crawl:
This term can mean a lot of
things... Driving slowly down Duval, people watching, or walking as you window
shop and venture thru any doorway that looks inviting to you.
For the Bizarre:
Check out the 801 Bar (801 Duval).
Transvestites "put on a show"
in front (usually starting at 10pm). Atlantic Shores Beach Bar
(Clothing optional) The Upstairs (All Nudie Bar) (Above Rick's on Duval)
Top of The Bull (Duval) (sunbathing or moon bathing area & bar, clothing
optional).
Safety:
This is a very diverse
community, but we have never felt uncomfortable in Key West. However, use your
head, as in any town, to avoid problems.
Safety:
This is a
very diverse community, but we have never felt uncomfortable in Key
West. However, use your head, as in any town, to avoid problems.
Go To: Sightseeing
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