We left Perdido Key and headed to Key West (KW) via South Haven, Mississippi. I know, we were going the wrong way... Our boating friends, Derek and Dianne, put down roots there. We were unable to see them on our way to Florida back in January because it was snowing there, and we wanted warmer weather.
Derek and Dianne have a beautiful home and we appreciated their hospitality. While there we did a little exploring, played some games, had fabulous homecooked meals with a few restaurants in between.
Derek took us to his place of work and we were able to see the corporate jet he flys.
Now time for a ride!
There were difficulties boarding the plane, so we were unable to leave the hangar. However we did get to sit in the cockpit.
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| Captain Rob! |
Beale Street, Tennessee
While the boys played mechanic the girls went shopping.
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| Magnolia Shop |
A few random pictures:
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| I guess she didn't like Derek giving her the cold shoulder |
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| The Girls got the Boys to play cards |
The Benda's were gracious hosts! Thank you very much but it was time to move on, so we headed to Ozark, AL for a night and then Brooksville, FL. We chose Brooksville because we were meeting Andrew & Virginia (the new owners of the boat we previously owned) for lunch in Zephyrhills, Florida. The boat's new name is Cygnus formerly known as Ka'Why Knot. They are the third owners in less than two years.
Clewiston was our last stop before finally heading to KW. Someone (me) had this bright idea to stop in Moore Haven at our storage unit and take all of our "winter clothing" out of the 4Runner and pick up our scooters to ride while in the Keys.
So are you may be wondering what our reasons were for hightailing it from Brooksville, FL to Key West instead of enjoying the Gulf Coast. Well... mainly cost. Hotels and AirBnB's were ridiculously priced and staying on base in KW was way cheaper.
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| Andy and Virginia |
We spent 25 days in Key West hanging out and spending time with Friends. Yes we have a few!
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| Amy, Tony, Doug, Dana, Sharon, Michelle, & Bruce |
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| We met ? at Martin's. We have mutual friends from Herrington Harbour |
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| Michelle & I enjoying pina coladas |
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| Tony, Michelle & I |
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| Alex & Heather - we met them at the Galleon Resort years ago |
The Drunken Princess, owned by Rich & Pam who use to be our boat neighbor at Herrington Harbour, was docked at the City Marina. So we finally got to see their beautiful yacht. We even got a dinghy ride for sunset.
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| This poor guy's jet ski was sinking and Rich towed him |
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| Then took him back out to retrieve his gear (Watch the video below) |
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| I was jelly of Pam's Galley |
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| Rob was jelly of Rich's Engine Room |
For St Patty's Day we got our spot out front of Rick's. Our friends, Rick and Theresa, were already there camped out. We met them four years ago in the exact same spot and this was the third St. Patty's Day hanging with them.
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| Our shirts were gifts from Dianne |
The Helicopter Linemen were interesting to watch. Rob would definitely not have had that job.
A few funnies:
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There are always Sunsets 🌇 in Key West
Where did we eat?
Georgia Blue - Southaven, MS
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| Tray made out of license plates |
Tom's Barbecue - Memphis, TN - As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
El Agave Mexican - Southaven, MS
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| I guess I wasn't much of a date! |
Rodeo Mexican Restaurant - Ozark, AL
Next Corner Tapas & Bar - Clewiston, FL - A little tapas joint, worth visiting if in the area.
Key West - We tried a few new places this trip and Tony and Michelle invited us to their boat ⛵️ for several home cooked meals (sorry only one picture) and they were all delicious 😋. The Hobbs' (Doug & Dana) had the whole crew over for a cookout. That was a fun day!
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| Dinner on Patricia Marie |
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| Boat cookout on Rock Chalk |
Two Friends Patio - has a pretty good happy hour and their refillable cups. You pay a fee upfront for the cup and refills are currently $6 regardless of your drink.
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| Steamed Shrimp |
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| Lobster 🦞 Bisque |
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| $6 Bloody Mary's |
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| Eggs Benedict |
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| Heurvo Rancheros |
Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Paradise
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| Spicy Tuna |
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| Rainbow 🌈 Dragon 🐉 Roll |
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| Tom Yum |
First Flight
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| House Smoked Fish Dip |
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| Pretzel Bites |
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| Beef Brisket Mac & Cheese |
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| The Whole Enchilada! |
Rams Head - You have to love a Maryland bar.
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| Stuffed Avocados 🥑 |
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| Tuna |
VFW - Sorry about the picture "Ms. Phone Eats First" forgot to take a picture. Pretty good burger for $7 and they are open to the public.
Sandy's Cafe - A great cuban sandwich
Onlywood's - We enjoy the location on Caroline St versus the Duvall St location (plus the happy hour is better).
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| Old Fashion |
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| Espresso Martini |
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| Meatballs |
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| Margherita Pizza |
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| Berry Lemonade |
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| Chicken Wings |
Goldman's Deli - We discovered this place has an early bird breakfast special. $6.95 for two eggs, grits or home fries, bagel or toast & coffee. The bagels alone are worth the breakfast.
We also tried them for lunch.
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| Reuben |
Boathouse - This is our favorite happy hour bar and the bar tenders are phenomenal.
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| Caprese |
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| Mojito |
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| Bread of the Day |
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| Kebabs |
Bagatelle's - Our last time here was several years ago so we thought we'd try them again. We were not overly impressed and probably will not go back again.
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| Lobster Mac & Cheese Where's the lobstah! |
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| Pork Tostada |
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| Brussels |
Hurricane Hole is an old favorite and believe it or not they have the best chicken tenders.
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| Ceasar Salad |
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| Chicken Tenders |
Mangia Mangia - We were not overly impressed but maybe because of our orders.
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| Mahi Piccata |
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| Pollo Parmesano |
Alonso's
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| Fish Taco's |
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| Fish Dip |
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| Oysters |
Martin's Our new favorite happy hour! Get there a few minutes before they open at 4.
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| Dirty & Chocolate Martini |
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| Lobster Bisque |
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| Calamari Ceviche too die for |
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| Tuna Tataki |
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| Crab Cakes Definitely not Maryland Crabcakes 😑 |
El Sibonay - Rob's favorite place for lunch
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| Rob & his #1 - Roasted Pork |
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| Cuban Bread 🍞 😋 |
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| Chicken |
OMG we have been eating out a lot!
Where did we stay?
One night at Ozark's Hampton Inn
We spent one night at Holiday Inn Brooksville. Go figure... how many Holiday Inns can Brookeville, FL have? Yes, there is more than one and we stopped at the incorrect one first.
One night at Holiday Inn Clewiston, FL. We chose Clewiston because we made a stop at our storage unit to drop off "stuff" and to grab our scooters.
The first part of our stay in Key West we had eight nights at Key West Truman Annex Lodging.
The remaining seventeen nights we stayed at the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites.
When did we visit? 29 February through 1 April, 2024
According to little Ms. Google in February we traveled over 1440 miles by walking and driving which just about all of it was driving.
According to little Ms. Google in March we traveled over 1240 miles by walking and driving. We visited over 27 places for food and drink.
We love Key West and will definitely be back in June.
"May you never be too busy to stop and breathe under a palm tree."
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