Christmas in Key West

From Naples to Key West ~ a quick get away for 3 during the Christmas week.

It's the day after Thanksgiving ~ so Xmas is only 26 days away and 82% of the hotels are already booked. 

It's only 15 minutes more going the old Hwy 41 ~ instead of Alligator Alley and I75 ~ therefore a total driving time of 5 hours and 15 minutes if all goes well.  

If we take the Ferry Shuttle from Ft Myers ~ that's an hour to get there and park ~ another 3 hours on the ferry ~ also parking fees.  Then we would have to kennel the dogs or pay extra for them on the boat.  Total of about $570.  It seems more sensible to drive when there is 3 of us and 2 dogs. 

Key West Express

So if we drive let's find a place to stop because check in is not until 4 pm. 

Depart about 8:30 ~ get to Miami area about 10:30 and on to Key Largo about noon.  Stay an hour for lunch ~ takes us to 1pm and another 1.5 hours ~ gets us there at 2:30pm.  Gives us time to explore before checking in. 

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PLACES TO STOP ON THE WAY

Obligatory Shake Stop: Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

A trip through Homestead is nearly impossible without a stop at Robert Is Here (19200 SW 344th St, Homestead). He started out with a little card table, a few cucumbers and a sign proclaiming “Robert Is Here” and now, more than 50 years later, everyone has beat a path to Robert’s door. Grab some tropical fruit to go and a shake before hitting the road. Flavors change constantly depending on the season, but no matter what shake is ordered, it’s hard to go wrong.

Scenic Route Snack: Alabama Jack’s

Card Sound Road may have a $1 toll, but it’s worth it for the more scenic views and to make a pit stop at Alabama Jack’s (58000 Card Sound Rd, Homestead). It’s a divey spot known for its conch fritters, live music and breezy atmosphere. Stopping at Alabama Jack’s is rite of passage for anyone’s first trip to the Keys — along with an order of its smoked fish spread.

Frozen Cocktails: Tiki Bar at Holiday Isle

A stop at the Tiki Bar (84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada) means the trip has lasted long enough and it’s time for a fruity frozen beverage. Sit right on the ocean while sipping one of its “World Famous Frozen Rum Runners” and listen to live music, or try out a Miami Vice made with half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada. Drinks aren’t the only thing on the menu, which features fish sandwiches made either fried, grilled or blackened along with dishes like fish tacos, and peel ‘n eat shrimp.

3 hours and 20 minutes

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Key Largo's Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo) is always a classic stop once in the Upper Keys. Surrounded by down home décor of license plates hanging on the walls along with historical mementos and pictures, it serves classic American dishes with a Keys twist like lobster bites and conch salad, plus an extensive breakfast menu featuring a must-try caramel bacon French toast.

Lunch is over and on to Duval Street.
We have another 1.5 hours to drive. 

I'm searching for a hotel:

* Within walking distance to Duval

* Pet Friendly

* 2 rooms

* Parking

* Breakfast doesn't matter. 

Depart Sunday Dec 22nd and return Wednesday Dec 25.  

We can linger half the day still in Town - no need to rush back.  The roads should be quiet. 

Restaurants taking reservations for Christmas Dinner:

Hot Tin Roof

The Hot Tin Roof is offering a 4 course Christmas Special pre-fix menu only for $69 per person. For reservation, call 305-296-7701, or go onto OpenTable.com.

A&B Lobster House  – 700 Front Street – 305-294-5880

Antonia’s – 615 Duval St – 305-294-6565

Azur– 425 Grinnell St – 305-292-2987

Bagatelle – 115 Duval St – 305-296-6609

Banana Cafe – 1215 Duval St – 305-294-7227

Benihana – 3591 S Roosevelt Blvd – 305-294-6400

Bistro 245 at the Margaritaville Resort – 245 Front Street – 305-292-4320

Bliss – 411 Petronia St – 305-240-1281

The Boat House – 700 Front St. –

Cafe Marquesa – 600 Fleming St – 305-292-1244

Cafe Sole – 1029 Southard St – 305-294-1230

The Commodore – 700 Front St. –

Duffy’s – 1007 Simonton St. – 305-296-4900

First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery – 301 Whitehead Street – 305-293-8484

Hot Tin Roof  – 0 Duval St – 305-296-7701

Lagerhead’s Beach Bar — Simonton Street

Latitudes — Sunset Key — Open Table

La Te Da – 1125 Duval Street – 305-296-6706

La Trattoria Oceanside – 3591 S Roosevelt Blvd – 305-295-6789

La Trattoria Old Town – 524 Duval St – 305-296-1075

Mangoes – 700 Duval Street – 305-294-8002

Martin’s – 917 Duval St – 305-295-011

Nine One Five – 915 Duval St – 305-296-0669

One Duval Street at the Pier House Resort – 1 Duval St – 305-296-4600

Prime Steakhouse – 951 Caroline St – 305-296-4000

Rooftop Cafe – 308 Front St – 305-294-2042

SHOR Seafood at the Hyatt Centric Resort – 601 Front St – 305-809-4025

Southernmost Beach Cafe at the Southernmost Beach Resort – 1405 Duval St – 305-295-6550

Spencer’s by the Sea at the Reach Resort – 1435 Simonton St – 305-296-5000

Sun Sun at the Casa Marina Resort – 1500 Reynolds St – 305-296-3535

Waterfront Brewery

GREAT PLACES TO EAT

HOTEL
Margaritaville Key West

One Bedroom Standard Suite, Two Queen Beds, Balcony, and Kitchenette

Separate living room with sofa bed.

Kitchenette

Balcony.

Non-smoking.

750 ft² / 70 m²

Easy Walking distance to Duval street. 

Things to do:

Duval Street at night

Ernest Hemingway Home & Cats

Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

By: Lazy Dog Adventures  $50 each

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

Harry Truman's Little White House

Bike around the island - can get them at the hotel

Mallroy Square ~ US 1 Marker ~ Southernmost Point ~ White Street Pier ~ Key West Cemetary
Tour $45 each

Sunday Arrival check in 4pm ~ Little White House and Hemingway
Monday All Day - Biking and .....
Tuesday All Day - National Park and .....
Wednesday is Xmas.  ~ Last Day on Duval Street