Florida bound

[RossP]

Well the wife just had me book a flight to Florida this September. We are flying into Orlando then heading down to Sunrise for a business meeting then the next 8 days it is off to the Keys for some fun. Any suggestions for good food is welcome. Also looking for spots in the Keys that I can go swing my fly rod. Going to bring at least one with me probably the 8wt. We will be there from the 3rd of September until the 13th.

Ross

[ghost9mm]

Ross...when you get to Key West most of really busy places are on Duval Street, lots to see and yes somewhat of a tourist trap, but some really great places to eat...one place we grab lunch at when there is Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville...and be sure to be down on the beach at sundown and take your camera..Sun rise is great too..and have fun..

[squirtthecat]

We were there for my 40th bday...   Let me dig up the places we ate at. (most off of the beaten track - away from Duval)

It's quirky, but a really neat area to visit.

[SnellySmokesEm]

Key West is one of my favorite places to visit!
Margaritaville, Irish Kevin's, Sloppy Joes, Cowboy Bills, Capt. Tony's, Half Shell Raw bar, Green Parrot  is a must!
Breakfast at Pepe's   http://pepescafe.net/ and lunch at Blue Heavan http://www.blueheavenkw.com/
and for dinner.... whatever your catch!
Go to Mallory Square at sunset.  http://www.mallorysquare.com/
Make sure you go snorkeling in the Dry Tortuga's  http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm or http://www.furycat.com/
Ernest Hemingways House  http://www.hemingwayhome.com/

Make sure you rent scooter's to get around!  (My favorite part that doesnt involve drinking... lol)
Eat Key Lime Pie

On the way....
John Pennekamp National Park  http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/
Islamorada  http://www.fla-keys.com/islamorada/  Is the spot to fish

Items to pack... flip flops, t-shirts, shorts.  Leave the cell phone and watch behind!

If you decide to drive down the west coast of florida look me up.  I'm in Sarasota.  An hour south of Tampa!
If I think of anything else I'll let ya know!

[SouthernSmoked]

Here is another one to check out.

http://www.flyfishingthekeys.com/

Have fun!

[RossP]

Thanks for all the suggestions, the wife saw the list of place and she honed in on Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Once we get there I think I might have trouble getting her out of there. Last time she was in Floria before I met her she did not want to come home, if hurricane Andrew had not forced her to evacuate she would probably still be there.  ;) Looking forward to the trip.

Ross

[Ka Honu]

In Key West, make sure you go "down to Captain Tony's to get out of the heat."  It's a "rite of passage" or "bucket list" thing.

If you get to Islamorada, make sure to hit Lorelei's (bar & grill - good fish sandwiches) and up by Key Largo, don't miss Alabama Jack's (a classic roadhouse bar open daytime only).

[Smokin Soon]

don't miss Alabama Jack's (a classic roadhouse bar open daytime only

That's a place I would love to live close to. What a nice mix of a crowd, Locals, Bikers, Tourists, Kids. No problems, some beer you will not find anywhere, some conch thingies and more.
What I like is they announce last call at 6:45pm. But then again I'm old!

[Ka Honu]

... they announce last call at 6:45pm.

They do it because they're the only bar for miles around and they want to avoid any problems with sending drunk drivers/riders off into the night on a remote winding road.

[Smokin Soon]

I have only been there by boat, just a bit of a stumble to the dock. I really had no idea it was a bit remote via road, much less winding.

[smoker pete]

I was in Key West for 18 months back in 1970 - 1971 when I was in the Navy going to Sonar School.  Sounds like it's grown up a bit!!  I might have spent a few hours a time or two in one or more of their famous watering holes  ;D ;D

Hopefully you'll get a chance to use your fly rod and hook into a little Tarpon or two  :o :)