Tell me what to bring.
April 28, 2008 1:07 PM Subscribe
I'm going to Key West for the weekend on Thursday. What do I need to make sure I bring with me? Also looking for some good warm-weather clothing suggestions.
Good shoes. You can walk everywhere, but it's farther than you think, especially if your hotel isn't close to Duval. You want to wear sandals or flip-flops, but I was regretting it after a couple of days.
posted by smackfu at 1:43 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by smackfu at 1:43 PM on April 28, 2008
Seconding good shoes. If it's humid and hot, your feet will get sweaty and in the wrong shoe/sock combination, that can lead you straight to blister city.
On that note, I would also pack some band-aids, just in case.
posted by tastybrains at 1:45 PM on April 28, 2008
On that note, I would also pack some band-aids, just in case.
posted by tastybrains at 1:45 PM on April 28, 2008
Response by poster: Thanks for the blister advice - I ran a marathon saturday so they are already an issue.
posted by PFL at 1:47 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by PFL at 1:47 PM on April 28, 2008
Don't overpack - everyone (including me) takes too many clothes and ends up wearing the same shorts and t-shirt for 3 days. There's no such thing as too casual in Key West.
Rent bicycles; it makes getting around so much easier and less exhausting. (And less blister-y.) Your hotel or B&B can recommend a local place that will drop them off and pick them up wherever you're staying. Bikes are the best way to get to Fort Zach's, the cemetary, and El Siboney. (Do not miss El Siboney!)
For good times away from the asshats on Duval, stop by the Green Parrot.
posted by junkbox at 1:50 PM on April 28, 2008
Rent bicycles; it makes getting around so much easier and less exhausting. (And less blister-y.) Your hotel or B&B can recommend a local place that will drop them off and pick them up wherever you're staying. Bikes are the best way to get to Fort Zach's, the cemetary, and El Siboney. (Do not miss El Siboney!)
For good times away from the asshats on Duval, stop by the Green Parrot.
posted by junkbox at 1:50 PM on April 28, 2008
A water bottle that you like (you will be thirsty all the time), a shade hat, sunscreen, bamboo mat for the beach, comfortable flip flops or sandals, comfortable shorts, swim suit
posted by zia at 2:02 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by zia at 2:02 PM on April 28, 2008
Keep in mind that there's really no beach to speak of in KW. I think some of the hotels have tiny artificial ones, but to my knowledge, there's no real beach there. The Keys are (mostly) rocky and mangroves.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 2:23 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by jeff-o-matic at 2:23 PM on April 28, 2008
If you don't take some type of mosquito repellent, you will be very, very unhappy.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:11 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:11 PM on April 28, 2008
Don't go to the Hemingway House if you're allergic to cats.
posted by mtevis at 4:18 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by mtevis at 4:18 PM on April 28, 2008
there is a little place to eat (its more like a convenience store that also serves food) off Southard and Duval called Romeo's (well at least it was there 5 years ago). Go there in the morning when it quiet, and get the bacon egg and cheese on the fresh cuban bread. Sit out on the porch and just enjoy the morning.
posted by ShawnString at 5:49 PM on April 28, 2008
posted by ShawnString at 5:49 PM on April 28, 2008
I agree with everyone who mentioned good shoes... and it's Florida! of course you want to wear sandals. SO. I highly recommend a pair of Keens. They are like sandals and yet more like shoes. And they are "amphibious" so if you get the urge to play in the surf you can run right in and not need to remove the shoes. I wear mine constantly and the only draw back is the awesome stripey tan lines i now have on my feet.
I have the Newport H2 model, have had them for almost 2 years and I've worn the hell out of them. They are a bit pricey but it is an investment I promise. Mine still look and feel great only minimal signs of wear just starting to show up.
Sunglasses. The sun is bright enough and if you are near the water all day the glare will have you squinting like crazy and give you a massive headache. If you can't wear sunglasses, a hat or a visor at least.
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 6:33 PM on April 28, 2008
I have the Newport H2 model, have had them for almost 2 years and I've worn the hell out of them. They are a bit pricey but it is an investment I promise. Mine still look and feel great only minimal signs of wear just starting to show up.
Sunglasses. The sun is bright enough and if you are near the water all day the glare will have you squinting like crazy and give you a massive headache. If you can't wear sunglasses, a hat or a visor at least.
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 6:33 PM on April 28, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
Get off Duval street and explore the side streets. Find small local places, and avoid the noisy hell-holes. Once you get there, you'll know what I mean.
Just outside of Key West is Big Pine Key, with Looe Key snorkeling and diving. You can rent equipment there. Excellent coral reef with tons of fish. At least it was around 10 years ago.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 1:15 PM on April 28, 2008