Key West -- April 2004

An April 2004 trip to Key West by dmiltimo

Side Door Photo - Bourbon Street Pub Complex, Key West, Florida

Quote: Two active bears enjoying Key West for a week.

33 Photos

Heron House Court

Hotel | "Fleur de Key Guesthouse"

Quote:

This place is clean, bright, fresh, new, attractive, private, and quiet. I can't say enough good things about this location. Yes, while lots of gay men specifically go to Key West for multiple anonymous sexual encounters, this gay guesthouse is a new exception to the typical. If you want sexual encounters, go to Island House. If you would like just a nice, normal guesthouse to stay in, the Fleur de Key is the place. Fleur de Key received an Editor's Choice award from Out and About. The staff is friendly and helpful staff.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Heron House Court
412 Frances Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-4719

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Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Hotel | "Wyndham Casa Marina"

Quote:

This is a resort that is too big for its own good and has too many children. Save your money and stay in a smaller and more service-oriented bed and breakfast.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
1500 Reynolds Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-3535

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Schooner Wharf

Restaurant

Quote:

All of the locals will encourage you to go to this location, but save your time and money for places that are much better. (See my travel journal for Monty's.)

The bar/restaurant is probably for parrot-heads and I guess I'm just not one. The music was depressing, the food was lack lustre and half-hearted, and the service was almost nonexistent.

Once in a while, the locals will steer you right, but don't believe them about this one.

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on April 14, 2004

Schooner Wharf
202 William Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-9520

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Monte's Restaurant & Fish Market

Restaurant | "Monty's Raw Bar"

Quote:

The locals will never recommend this restaurant because they don't even know it's there. It's at the far end of the seaport, down where the port authority building is. Few tourists dare to walk that far.

It's a new, clean, interesting, and very enjoyable location -- and it's not crowded!! It is a great location WITH A POOL that you can jump in!! It's a beautiful location, fun, and I highly recommend it.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 14, 2004

Monte's Restaurant & Fish Market
1970 N Roosevelt Blvd
Key West, Florida $zip
(305) 754-3731

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Lighthouse Court Hotel

Hotel | "Lighthouse Court"

Quote:

For a reasonably priced lunch at an interesting location, Lighthouse Court offers a pleasant and tasty lunch menu by the pool (but not dinner). It's a very enjoyable, low key, clean, and inviting complex. It's across from the Hemmingway House.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Lighthouse Court Hotel
902 Whitehead Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(877) 294-9588

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New York Pizza & Pasta Garden

Restaurant | "New York (Deli) Pizza Cafe"

Quote:

This place is in the Duval Square complex. There’s pleasant outdoor dining under the local trees. The staff is friendly but somewhat disorganized. It’s very good food, in a very friendly and pleasant atmosphere.

The food portions are beyond description -- honestly, even two men can't finish any dish on their menu. The calzone is HUGE and the stromboli is even bigger. You just can't finish it. Take my word for it: buy one sandwich and share it.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

New York Pizza & Pasta Garden
1075 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-1991

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Thai Cuisine

Restaurant

Quote:

This restaurant is on the edge of Mallory Square, so in the evenings, it can get quite busy. The food is nice, clean, and tasty. There’s outdoor seating with really great opportunities for people watching (like the guy who walks by with a sign that says, "Why lie? Give me a dollar for beer."). Be light on using the hot Thai sauce, no matter how tasty you think it is.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Thai Cuisine
513 Greene Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-9494

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Hogs Breath Saloon

Restaurant | "Hog's Breath Saloon"

Quote:

To get to the restaurant, you have to fight your way through an over-stocked (and overpriced) gift shop. When you get there, it is such a disappointment. It is a Key West "institution," but they've obviously got stars in their eyes and don't really care about the restaurant.

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on April 16, 2004

Hogs Breath Saloon
400 Front Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-4222

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Crabby Dick's

Restaurant

Quote:

It is an interesting location that overlooks Duval Street. It's like being at the "place to be seen" kind of thing. We ordered a fish and asked the waiter if it could be prepared "blackened" and he had no idea what that meant. (I hear that the story is that they hire anyone to be waiters.) Go, be "seen" there... if that's what you're into.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 16, 2004

Crabby Dick's
712 Duval St
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-7229

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Bourbon Street Pub Complex

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:

Bourbon Street Pub Complex is a wild and diverse part of the Key West "Gay Triangle" region of Duval Street. One corner of the "Triangle" is anchored by the bar called "801". Bourbon Street Complex is one other corner of the triangle and the final corner is a club called "Aqua". Bourbon Street is truly a complex: restaurant, pizza, dancing, bar, nightclub, garden cabana, sunbathing, pool, hot tub, and courtyard. It is the largest and most comprehensive gay venue on the island. A must visit for any gay travelers. If you are from a moderately large city, you won't be impressed. But keep in mind that this is a two-mile by four-mile island and for it to have such a complex is rewarding to ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 13, 2004

Bourbon Street Pub Complex
724 Duval Street
Key West, Florida

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801

Attraction

Front of 801 Photo - 801, Key West, Florida

Quote:

801 is the front bar, but go through the swinging doors in the back and go to the "1 Saloon". That is the local leather/bear bar. 801 is OK, a typical gay bar. The 1 Saloon is for the leather and bear clients -- it's dark, with chains and sex porch. It's for a distinct type of gay traveler.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 13, 2004

801
801 Duval Street
Key West, Florida

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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Attraction | "Butterfly Conservatory"

Quote:

If you find yourself on that side of the island, don't miss the Butterfly Conservatory. It's one block north of the Southernmost Point monument. Don't miss the shopping area. And don't go in without the 10%-off coupon found everywhere.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 13, 2004

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1316 Duval
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-2988

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Blu Q

Attraction

Quote:

This is a two-hour evening cruise and harbor tour to chase the setting sun into the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. For the gay male traveler, there is no reason this should be missed. Make it worthwhile and show the person you're with that you love them: try not to go overboard on the free booze. This is the single most important activity any gay man could choose to participate in while in Key West. An ABSOLUTE must.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 13, 2004

Blu Q
201 William Street - Dock E
Key West, Florida

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Open Minded

Attraction

Quote:

There is another glass shoppe in Key West that is much more "high-end" priced. This is the shop you want to go to FIRST. Find highly regarded (and signed) artwork and glass at this store BEFORE you go anywhere else. We went three times! (305) 295-9595

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 13, 2004

Open Minded
703 Duval
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 295-9595

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Key West Cemetery

Attraction | "Key West Old Cemetery"

Quote:

At Key West Cemetery, see gravestones of people who lived to be 108 years old and served in the Spanish American War. See nature reclaiming the burial spaces of the great and powerful of their time. See the Cuban/Latin influence of the way the dead are treated and revered. See whole branches of families and men who have died at 23 with a wife and children. See the remarkable and unremarkable final resting places of the people of Key West.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Key West Cemetery
701 Passover Lane
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-8177

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Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Attraction | "Mallory Square"

Quote:

It ain't all it's cracked up to be. You'll be annoyed and panhandled to. Everyone on the island heads here about two hours before sunset and sits to wait for the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. BORING! Go on a sunset cruise instead! I would class Mallory Square as the main tourist trap of the whole island.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
1 Whitehead Street, Mallory Square
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-4557

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Glass Reunions

Attraction

Quote:

Glass Reunions sells interesting and unique glass artwork. Everything is moderately expensive, so if you're looking for glass artwork at good value, I'd recommend going to a shop called "Open Minded" (see my review). Glass Reunions does have lots of interesting things, but it's comparatively expensive. Shop the other place first.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Glass Reunions
825 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-1720

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Southernmost Point Key West

Attraction | "Southernmost Point Monument"

Quote:

Well, if you're into tourist traps, this is one of the bigger ones on the island. It's nice to stand there and think that you're the southernmost person in the US for a few seconds. Don't spend more than a few minutes in the area. In the area is a lot of interesting neighborhoods and basic shopping. Do it and go.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on April 15, 2004

Southernmost Point Key West
Whitehead And South Streets
Key West, Florida 33040

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Key West Gay and Lesbian Community & Visitor's Center

Story/Tip

Quote:

This is THE only place that is a MUST for any gay or lesbian traveler to the area. They know everything and are willing to spend as much time with you as you like. They know the specials, have the information and really can get you anything you need in Key West.

Everything I did and enjoyed in Key West followed information that I gained at the community center -- and everything was a HIT! BEST advice!! Go!

513 Truman Avenue Key West, FL 33040
(305) 305-294-4603 ~ (800) 535-7797
Email
Website

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Key West Airport

Story/Tip

Quote:

One might expect a sizeable airport in Key West, but one would be mistaken. It is the kind of airport where you disembark directly onto the tarmac and have to walk into the terminal. It is clean, pleasantly organized and almost quaint. It appears much as it did in 1960.

Ok, making a travel journal about an airport may be unusual, but the whole island is not like the rest of the country. You find beauty and interesting things everywhere.

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About the Writer

dmiltimo
Lakemoor, Illinois

"A mid-life guy who's come into a situation allowing a lot more travel than ever before in life. I'm..."
2 journals
33 photos
19 reviews

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