“Why did the chicken cross the road? – To get to the bar”. This scene is typical in Key West, often we see one crossing over the road to a Pizza shop, hanging out by the local bars as well as to the Courthouse.
Key West with a population of just over 25,000 is only about 8 square miles, and at one point, about ten percent of the city’s population were chickens! Why? Because they are protected by law in Key West!
Besides the local chicken or also known as Key West Gypsy Chickens, another creature roaming the streets is the Iguanas. The big ones aren’t afraid of humans, but the little one often scurries away when in contact.
I’m not sure about whether they are protected or not because some say you may kill it if it’s within your property, and others say in Florida you are allowed to hunt them down, but not in the Keys.
Aside from the animals in Key West, there are plenty of activities and sightseeing that can be done on this beautiful island.
Our party of four increased to nine now that Lona, Zach, Michelle, Trevor, and Cole joined us, and we had a whole lot of family fun time during our six-day and five-night stay in Key West.
We stayed in the new town, about 2.7km away from the historic district, and our mode of transport was either the hotel free shuttle, taxis ($4.50/pax), or Ubers, and we also tried the golf carts, which was fun — courtesy to Zach and family who rented the six-seater which cost $150 for a day.
Accommodation
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas – Two-Bedroom Suite Waterfront
When we first arrived at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, it was still early for check-in. Having nowhere to go, yet, we sat waiting at the poolside hotel restaurant, The Grove.
However, the waitress was a bit rude. She told us there weren’t many shaded seats in the restaurant, and if we did not order anything, we wouldn’t be allowed to sit there even though Mum and Dad ordered something.
Anyway, once Mike and I finished the welcome drink, we left the place to the nearby Overseas market.
The check-in time was 4 pm, but we got to our villa fifteen minutes early. It’s a corner unit, and precisely like the pictures we saw online, and better! We have two balconies, one in the master room and another one in the living room, which was on the same floor. However, there’s not much to see but other villas on the second balcony.
Mike and I took the room on the top floor, and we had a window facing the sea, which offered a great view of the waterfront. We couldn’t find fault in the villa; it was a fantastic choice. The bed was comfortable, big screens in the rooms and the living room, and most importantly, both bedrooms with bathrooms.
The bathroom amenities were what I liked the most; they stocked it with luxurious Lóccitane bath products. However, as they are 100% non-smoking hotel, smoking within the hotel grounds will be charged a fee of $250, and if you’re a smoker, it would be a hassle to get to the designated smoking area near the parking lot.
Amenities & Facilities
- Straw Beg with two flip flops, Iron + Ironing board, Sand Toy Bucket, Yoga Mat, Hair Dryer, Mini Bar, bathrobes, extra pillows, pillow mist, Coffee Tea, etc.
- Parking – $16.13 per night with valet service
- Gym and business centre – 7:00 am ~10:00 pm
- Lounge Chairs and Hammocks
- Free shuttle service to Smathers Beach and the town
- Four Pools – The Grove, The Gallery, The Oasis & The Sanctuary (Adult only)
Food & Drinks
Five Guys Burger
Although I didn’t see ‘five guys’ serving the food, it didn’t matter, because the Bacon cheeseburger we ordered was lovely. This place was more like a takeaway restaurant, and they had many choices of fizzy drinks you could choose from, but I wasn’t sure if it was refillable.
If it was refillable, what’s the point of selecting your cup size when you first order it then? If you have gotten the small cup, you can still drink to the amount of a big size cup!
Denny’s Restaurant
Enclosed in the Overseas Market, Dennys was the place where we had our breakfast twice. They served large portions, and it lasted until dinner! I also learned more about the type of eggs served, which was alien to me, especially the Over-easy and Sunny-Side-Up, silly me.
Lumberjack Slam @ $12.49, All Amer Slam @ $12.49, Grand Slam Slugger @ $10.99
Yellowfin Bar & Grill
Besides Denny’s, we also have our breakfast at Yellowfin Bar & Grill before getting on to the Pontoon boat at Key West Harbour. It was the only place that was open for breakfast in the area, and this bar belongs to Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West.
The service was excellent, and although we didn’t stay in the resort, upon knowing that it was Cole’s 8th birthday, he presented him with a cake, which was a nice gesture.
Hurricane Holes
We had the fish from the fishing trip cooked in this restaurant bar, and the battered was great. We also ordered some conch fritters, Iguana Draft, and Yuengling. The outdoor seating, which was next to the marina, was fabulous.
However, the mosquito was a nuisance. So, don’t forget to spray your leg with mosquito spray before coming to this place, or you may opt to sit inside.
Beer price: Draft Iguana @ $6.50 & Yuengling @ $5.50.
P/S: I had my Conch Fritters here, one of the ‘Must Eat’ foods while in Key West.
Shimp Daddys Sports Pub
A local pub located about 400 metres away from the hotel. We had our first night out drinking in this place. It was a smokey bar, where you could smoke freely inside the pub.
The server, Joe, was amiable. He welcomed us and made us feel comfortable. He also told us if we needed food, there was Big John’s Pizza opposite where we could order food and have it in the bar.
We ordered a pitcher of Budweiser and Yuengling cost $11 per jug, and later on, feasted on Buffalo and Meat Pizza as well as BBQ Chicken wings. On our way back, we saw bats swarming the sky overhead, and not long after we reached the hotel, it started to rain heavily.
Green Parrot Bar
This bar located on Whitehead Street opens seven days a week from 10 am to 4 am. It has a great atmosphere, live band, jukebox machine, exciting stuff such as the hanging bicycle (ET go home), and Elvis Presley Slapped Hemmingway plaque.
Don’t forget to look down on the walkway to catch these beautiful sentences, located opposite Green Parrot Bar.
The Bull
This bar located on Duval Street is an open bar concept and is open seven days a week from 10 am to 4 am.
What caught my attention was the beautiful hand-painted murals, and also live music happening on stage. However, the beer served in a plastic cup wasn’t a great deal, but great for takeaway, I guessed.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
I had my ID checked in this bar! The server wasn’t friendly, but the live band was entertaining. Again, the beer was served in a plastic cup, which wasn’t environmentally friendly!
In this bar, you can have meals, and purchase souvenirs, and gift cards, and it’s a famous bar in the area!
Sandbar Sports Grill
It’s an excellent place for gathering; we had our first reunion with the families in this bar. Great selection of beers and food, friendly servers, and plenty of flatscreens to catch your favourite sports matches, and play pool, as well as to watch the Gypsy chicken casually entering the bar, pecking at non-existent food on the floor.
Smallest Bar Inn Key West
We didn’t have any drinks here, but while walking along Duval Street, this bar caught our eyes. The name and appearance matched the bar’s name, which was so cool!
Built in between two establishments, this bar is about the size of a jail cell, measuring about 72 square feet.
While in the hot summer months, don’t forget to stop by any store selling drinks on the street. We bought Rasberry drink selling at $7 in a store along Duval Street.
El Siboney
A Cuban restaurant located in the Key West historic district. The food here was delicious but too bad I couldn’t recall the food name and the price for it. However, I remember the noisy group sitting at the corner.
P/S: I had my Key Lime Pie here, one of the ‘Must Eat’ foods while in Key West.
Old Town Mexican Café
Our last night here in Key West, and we had our dinner in this Mexican restaurant. It’s a lovely restaurant located on Duval Street with a great ambience, suitable for family gatherings, as well as for a birthday celebration – for Cole’s 8th birthday. The servers were attentive and friendly, and the food tasted amazing.
The food and drinks prices, not in particular order: Pork Chimi @ $16.50, Beef Quesadilla @$ 12.50, Carne Ajocoda @ $19.50, Salmon Fillet @ $20.00, Beef Burrito @ $15.00, Steak Fajita @ $17.50, Baja Tacos @ $16.50, Crazy Lady Draft @ $6.00, Especial Draft @ $6.00, Dos XX Lager @ $5.50 and Modelo Negro @ $6.00.
Attractions in Key West
Founded 1891 Souvenir shop – Former Wachovia Bank Founded In 1891
This building caught my eye when we first got off from our shuttle bus. Although it wasn’t something that you must see when you’re here, it’s still a lovely-looking building with its bright red bricks.
Duval Street
Named after William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida, Duval Street starts from the top of the island to the end in the span of a 2.01 km street.
We started our walk from the top – the Key West conch tour train, and along the street, we saw many bars, restaurants, boutiques, chickens crossing the road, cigar shops, churches, and historic houses. When we got to the end, we continued our walk to the Southernmost Point.
Oldest House Museum
While strolling along Duval Street, we stumbled into this oldest house museum. We didn’t go inside tho, but for those who are interested in old stuff, the admission fee for the house, including the garden, is $5.00 per person.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Again, we didn’t go inside the church, but it’s one of the most beautiful churches in Key West. This church, according to the website, will mark its 100th anniversary in February this year.
Strand Building
Strand building was the old Strand Theater that Walgreens renovated into a store several years ago but kept the exterior design and left some original parts inside as well. The historic Strand Theater was one of Key West’s great old-time movie houses, and today it’s a Walgreens pharmacy.
The Southernmost Point
This place was once part of the Spanish empire before John Simonton purchased the island on the 21st of December 1821 for $2,000. Located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, this landmark is one of the most visited places in Key West. Marking the distance of 90 miles to the next country, Cuba, the queue to have a picture taken in this spot was ridiculous!
Key West Lighthouse
It’s the first lighthouse built (1825) on this island near the Southernmost point. From the tower, visitors would be able to see a picturesque view of Key West and also learn the history of the Key West light station.
US1 – Mile Marker 0
Though it’s merely a marker, it’s still one of the famous landmarks in Key West. Depending on how you view it, this mile marker is the beginning/the end of the 2,390 miles of roads connecting the Keys to the northern terminus in Fort Kent, Maine.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Before I visited Key West, I did some research on this island and found out about this museum. One of the books that the famous author Ernest Hemingway wrote while he resided in this house was Green Hill of Africa, and although I didn’t visit the house, just walked past it, I read his book but didn’t like the content.
It wasn’t the author’s fault that I disliked the story; it was my own doing for reading the book that’s not in the circle of my usual genres. However, I did like the way he described the places and the people he met, it’s very detailed, and I could picture myself in his situation.
Mallory Square
A famous place where countless visitors gathered around to watch the sunset. This waterfront square with restaurants and stores, known for its nocturnal festivals, hosts shows with art, craft and food merchants, performers, and entertainers such as the famous Catman of Key West – Dominique Lefort.
Video of street views in Key West, the attractions, and Bars in Key West
The Conch Tour Train, Duval Street, The Oldest House Museum, The Southernmost Point, Key West Lighthouse, US1 – Mile Marker 0, Harry S Truman Little White House, Custom House, Dominique’s Circus Cats, Mallory Square Sunset, The Bull, Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Sandbar Sports Grill.
Activities
Fishing Trips
On our fourth day here, we went on a half-day (2 pm ~6 pm) fishing trip with Tortuga IV. It costs $45 for children and $65 for adults with licenses, bait, and fishing equipment. While waiting for our boat to arrive, we hung out around the marina, bought some food, and saw a big Tarpon swimming near the dock.
This 64-foot long x 24-foot party fishing boat departed from Conch Harbour. Onboard, they had snacks and cold drinks, including beers, two toilets, sundeck for the view, and in the cabin, was supposed to be air-conditioned, but it didn’t work during our trip.
At the start of our journey, the crew member briefed us on the safety rules before he let us wander around the boat. It took about forty minutes before we finally arrived at the destination chosen by our captain, and during the journey, we spotted dolphins swimming alongside the boat as well as while we were fishing.
Mike was the first one to lower down his line, and he immediately fought with a shark! He almost riled it up, but it managed to snap the line. Besides our party, there were other peoples on board too. Everyone who participated in the fishing caught some fish, well, except for me! I swear the fish hated me ☹
At the end of the day, when we got back to the dock, the crew filleted the fish for us to take back, and while waiting for him to complete the job, we stood by the pier and watched some bull sharks and tarpons eating the fish guts.
Pontoon Boat
On the 04th of August – the fifth day we were in Key West, we went out to the sea again for one last time before leaving this island the next day. It’s also Cole’s 8th birthday today, and we rented a 30-foot pontoon boat with captain Zach stirring it.
Equipped with GPS for navigation, a little changing room, two coolers boxes, and one slider, this double-decker pontoon boat also has sweet comfy seats and bean bags on the upper deck. We left Key West harbour at almost 12 noon.
Captain Zach took us to the sandbar, and we spent nearly two hours there. Our next stop was snorkelling but didn’t spend much time there because the water was a bit murky. Lona told us that she saw a coral shaped like a cup!
Our last activity was fishing, and it took up most of our time. Besides the Yellowtail caught by the boys, our captain Zach won the fishing award for his weird-looking fish, which later on we identified as a Lizardfish.
Oh, by the way, I finally caught something too, not fish tho, but sunburnt on my shoulder blades for hanging out on the sundeck without sunblock!
Travel Date: 31st July ~ 05th August 2019