RV Trip too the Keys - Page 2

macojoe · #11 12-11-2009, 07:42 PM

I am no help but will be in Miami on the 9th for my curz and in the keys on th 10th, will also be there in Feb for some fishing and then in Gulf port Miss in March

Have fun!!

Franco · #12 12-11-2009, 08:42 PM

If you come thru Sebastian (You'll almost have to by taking 95) stop in and say hi!
Franco

bradford · #13 12-11-2009, 11:32 PM

Try Craig's restuarant in Tavernier--good fish sandwich and conch fritters. Nothing fancy, nice local place. Snappers in Key largo is cool for atmosphere, you can feed the tarpon right off the deck. I agree with Ferm on Bahia Honda state park. Can't remember the names, but a couple cool places to check out in Islamorada--the "sport fishing capital of the world". You'll know them when you see them. Key West is a waste of time I think. Insane traffic, high prices, uber-liberal/queer/swinger/drug user mentality prevails with the occasional mid-life crisis who wishes he was Ernest Hemingway or Jimmy Buffett, instead of some loser cheating on his wife and kids.

rb437 · #14 12-12-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

Key West is a waste of time I think. Insane traffic, high prices, uber-liberal/queer/swinger/drug user mentality prevails with the occasional mid-life crisis who wishes he was Ernest Hemingway or Jimmy Buffett, instead of some loser cheating on his wife and kids.

Well said. That's what I like about this site. Ask a question and get a straight answer. I suppose Key West is OK if that's your thing. I would not take my kids there.

Seacrets · #15 12-12-2009, 12:09 PM

Robbie's for tarpon feeding mm77.5 bayside. Stop at Holiday Isle (about mm82) and see the sights.

Seacrets · #16 12-12-2009, 12:10 PM

Remember, once in the keys, you're still over 100 miles from Key West. Long haul with alot of two lane driving, but worth the drive.

phatdaddy · #17 12-12-2009, 12:54 PM

sure key west is a tourist trap, but so is 90% of florida. we figured out about 75 years ago it is easier to pick tourist than cotton & oranges...
i was working in the keys in the mid 80's and ask a local why so many "colorful" inhabitants were in one place. he said florida was the sediment bowl of the nation and key west was the bottom of the bowl..
we usually go for an afternoon for the girls to shop we go to sloppy joes for a beer & root beer the boys, then head north before the sun sets.

besides when else are you gonna be any closer?

willy · #18 12-12-2009, 01:49 PM

Randleman I have been to the Keys three times and love them more each time I go. For family stuff the middle Keys are great.
And yes Key West is definetly a colorful place. But I would not hesitate bringing my kids there unless it was one of their freak weeks when they all come out to play in their gaudiest I am queer outfits.
The majority of people in the Keys and just as much so in Key West are just regular peeps who like a laid back lifestyle.
If you go to most resort cities you will find the same wacs running around, ask Mj about his favorite, Provincetown and or several others up there. Or in delaware Rehobooth Beach or NY 's Fire Island. You think you got some extraterrestials in Key West, you have not seen a thing yet.
Isle Morada is fabulous, stop in one of the best fishing/shopping spots there, a great Bass pro Shop, your wife and kids can walk around and enjoy both inside and outside. Great spot for a lunch right near there but I cannot remember the name, its right on the water and good service and food. Got a mermaid hangin on the sign.
Marathon is gorgeous and would be one of my top ten places to live if I could convince the CEO to move. H@ll they are all beautiful down there.
Bahia Honda state park is beautiful, reserve in advance if you can. The CEO and I drove around the park and it is great if you got a rig like yours, don't remember seeing any in there when we were there so check size restrictions. I think you are good though.
Just pick some spots to check out both on the way down and back up to break up the ride. But you should do Key West if you can. Better with just you and the wife but pretty darn cool for a family too.
If you want a really good meal and the best Mojitos on the island for fair prices and great atmosphere eat one night in Le Meson De Pepe, just off Duval and try to eat in the outdoor courtyard. You will think you are in Cuba without the drawbacks.
Enjoy the trip, wish I was going with ya

randlemanboater · #19 12-12-2009, 09:03 PM

Thanks again for all the input.

I can't drive all the way to the Keys and not get my picture taken in front of the "southern most point". But I fully understand that night time is not the best for kids, so we will probably just spend a daylight day there. We won't have a lot of time anyway, we have 8 days and it will take 4 days travel.

I'm hoping that I can get one of the "first come" spots at the different state parks, apparently you have to reserve spots 9 monthes in advance during the winter, and I didn't.

We are all very excited about the trip.

THEFERMANATOR · #20 12-12-2009, 09:37 PM

Just before you get to the BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK, there is another campground that is pretty big and is normally got empty spots. It is more money than the state park though. You also may be able to find a spot at the KOA on CUDJOE or there is 2 good sized parks on BIG PINE KEY which is all right there in that same general area. I would reccomend getting a rental car though for your trip as pretty much everything is not RV friendly to get into down there.