Category Archives: Florida

A Stop in Sarasota with Shawna

It was a bit of a late night with Bill, but knowing that I would be leaving for Miami with Shawna, I was well rested and ready to make our drive to South Beach.  Skipping breakfast for a head start, we decided that Sarasota would be a great place for lunch.

We said goodbye to the Don Cesar, made a couple of stops before crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.   Nearing Sarasota, we were crazy hungry and ready for a break to stretch our legs. We found a lovely restaurant to have lunch along the intercoastal.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous for lunch along the intercoastal.  The menu was absolutely amazing and we each ordered a drink while taking in our surroundings.  I could have stayed here instead of driving the three-and-a-half hour drive to Miami-Dade.

The bacon and blue cheese salad was incredible.  Seagulls stared back at us from the walkway posts as Shawna and I decided the quickest route.  I’m not sure if eating was the best option as both of us were now ready for a nap.  If we wanted to miss afternoon traffic, we would need to leave within the hour.

We decided on one last beverage before hitting the road, so I opted for a non-alcoholic fruity drink as I would be the first to drive.  Besides, knowing Melissa, she will have already scheduled out our day and I wouldn’t want to ruin her plans.  It was always an adventure with Melissa.

Have you had a fun day on a road trip?  What did you do? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for readying about my adventure in Florida and wishing you many happy travels!

Bill and Shawna in Oldsmar

I had been waiting for my friend, and former boss, Bill to call when I checked into the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Bill and I worked together at the Tampa International Airport and he was from Hendersonville, Tennessee.  Everyone loved Bill not only because of his southern accent, but although ten years older than most of us, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hang out with us.

I dropped off my luggage and hurried to the beach for a moment to take in the Gulf of Mexico.  It was a full day of travel and I was so excited to pick up Shawna from the airport.  I was hoping that she would be up  for hanging out, but tomorrow, we would make the drive back to Miami to spend more time with her cousin and my best friend, Melissa.

Sitting at a table with a Mojito in hand, Shawna had called to let me know she had arrived but was waiting to in baggage claim as her luggage had not arrived.  I finished my drink and began the short drive to the St. Pete-Clearwater Beach airport.  Shawna had her second wind and wanted to find a place for dinner.

So excited to see Shawna, we found  Jack Willie’s Bar and Grill in Oldsmar and ordered our dinner of wings and a salad.  We caught up on how she was doing at the Montessori, reminisced about our girl’s trip to Turkey and discussed what we may want to do when we reached Miami.

I loved spending time with Shawna.  She is intelligent, funny, spontaneous and a wonderful mother to her two girls and son.  Never a dull moment with this girl and her positive spirit just gravitates you towards her.

After a long day of travel, Shawna was extremely tired and was not up for a night of karaoke, a favorite past time for Bill.  She agreed to drop me off at nearby Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery so I could follow up with Bill and reminisce about our time in Tampa.  He agreed to bring me back to the hotel, so she left within minutes to rest for the night.

Bill was full of energy and could not wait to meet up again and catch up about all of our friends that we worked with at the airport.  He was always such a support of my singing and so karaoke was such a fun pastime that we shared.  If it wasn’t for Bill, I would not have had the opportunity to sing with a band that performed each week at the PGA Sawgrass. What an amazing experience.  Bill and I had such a great time at Busch Gardens and Peggy O’Neill’s.  We spent a couple of hours singing our favorite songs until it was time for the bar to close (of course).  It was a lovely night that I will never forget.

Little did I know that it would be the last time I would spend with Bill Harper.  A couple of years later, Bill passed away and it was such an incredibly sad day.  A man that loved life and was the life of the party, he would surely be missed by all who had ever known him.

Have you experienced such a memorable event that you will never forget?  Whether it was the last time to spend with a friend, a breathtaking view or an experience that would be etched in your mind forever, I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my favorite people and our reconnections.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery
13910 W Hillsborough Ave
Oldsmar, FL  33635
Telephone:  813 749 7192

Where to Stay:

The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, Florida  33706
Telephone:  844 338 1501

Where to Eat:

Jack Willie’s
1013 St. Petersburg Drive West
Oldsmar, FL  34677
Telephone:  813 749 7932

 

A Visit to Pinellas County, Florida and Busch Gardens

I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami.  In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.

The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West.  Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.

Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa.  We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM.  Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster.  We still laugh about it to this day. 

The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond.  Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee.  The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of  North Redington Beach.   I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.

I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens.  We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park.  When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.

One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.

I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993.  There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.

The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops.  The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour.  There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.

The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed.  The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge.  It is the longest roller coaster at the park.

One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.

Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million.  From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.

The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!

Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa?  What was your favorite activity at the park?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone:  1 813 884 4FUN (4386)

  • Admission Fee:  There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day.  The website outlines each option along pricing.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
  • Amenities:  Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
  • Length of Visit:  With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes.  Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season.  Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)

Where to Stay:

Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL  33706
Telephone:  884 338 1501

Where to Eat:

The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone:  727 392 4117

What to Read:

  • The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
  • St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks

Photo Guide:

  • The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
  • The Pinellas County Beaches
  • Busch Gardens
  • Don Cesar Hotel

A Day with Melissa in Miami Beach

Melissa and I met while working at the Tampa International Airport.  I would eventually move to Ohio and she to Miami, but we always managed to stay in touch.  I loved staying with her in Miami and our visits always revolved around incredible restaurants, last minute outings and late night stops at the grocery.

My flight arrived early Friday, so I would have a long weekend before leaving for Ohio on Monday morning.  When I arrived at the airport, Melissa met me at the gate and since she had another hour to work, I waited in the United Airlines Club.  Raquel would also be joining us after stopping at home to change before going out.

Mel was excited to show me around the art space of Wynwood with its 20 foot murals and collages.  We shopped at several of the retail stores and strolled through the art galleries before lunch.

A small group had begun to form outside of Wynwood Bar & Kitchen but within minutes we were seated and looking over the menu.  Known for its small plates, USA Today ranked the restaurant as one of the 10 Best in Miami.  Executive Chef Joseph Forest has created an innovative menu, while the walls are adorned with artwork from Shepherd Fairey and Christian Awe.

Along with our specialty drinks, Mel ordered the ceviche, Raquel,  the Spanish charcuterie and I decided on the pork belly with a side of bok choy.  We knew we would be going out later that night but this would tie us over until then.

We arrived at Mel’s condo on Miami Beach, I grabbed my suitcase out of the back seat of the Porsche and we dropped off the car with the valet.  As soon as we walked in the door of the condo, I dropped off my bags in the guest room and went straight for the balcony.  The view is incredible from up here and there was a nice breeze coming in through the sliding glass door.   Melissa brought out a couple of cocktails and we waited for Raquel, Sam and a few other friends of Mel’s before we went out.

Once everyone arrived we decided on dinner at Mila’s on Lincoln Road for a party of eight. It was the perfect night with a light breeze and beautiful, clear sky.  We ordered several dishes to share and a few drinks before going back to the condo.  We made a quick stop at the W Hotel to catch up with the locals and after about an hour, we decided to go back upstairs.

I honestly can’t get enough of this incredible view….

Have you visited South Beach? Miami?  Where did you go?  I would love to hear about your visit to South Florida if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my weekend in South Beach / Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay:

The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL  33139
Phone:  305 938 3000

Where to Eat:

Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL  33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362

Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone:   786 673 8374

What to Read:

  • Miami, by Joan Didion
  • Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
  • Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
  • Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
  • Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
  • 15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz

Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:

    • Art Deco Historic District:  The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
    • Big Pink
    • Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
    • Cape Florida Lighthouse
    • Casa Florida
    • Eden Roc Hotel
    • Fontainebleau Hotel
    • Gianni Versace Mansion
    • Life guard stand at South Beach
    • Lincoln Theater
    • Miami Skyline
    • Museum Garage
    • Nikki Beach
    • Ocean Drive:  The Traffic and Palm Trees
    • SOBE sculpture
    • The Delano Hotel
    • The Garden House Restaurant
    • The Standard Hotel and Spa
    • The Views from Juvia
    • The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
    • Venetian Pool
    • Wynwood Art

 

Harry Potter at Universal Studios

It was a beautiful July day in Orlando and we decided to visit Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section of the park.  Here  are several photos from our little adventure.  See if you recognize some of these attractions from the park or from the movie.

Visiting Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –  Diagon Alley was an entertaining way to spend the day.  From Diagon Alley to Hogwart’s Express, you’ll feel as though you walked onto the movie set.

What to See and What to Do:

Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 363 8000

  • Hours of Operation:  9AM to 9PM, but check their website for any changes and updates.
  • Admission:  Visit their website for discount tickets and multi-day passes.
    • Universal Studios:  $119
    • Islands of Adventure: $119
    • Volcano Bay: $80
  • Tips:  Arrive as early as possible to make the most of your visit.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Purchase your tickets prior to arrival as you will find better deals when buying your tickets in advance.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal
5855 American Way
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 996 8888

Where to Eat:

Butterbeer
Universal Studios Orlando
407 363 8000

What to Eat:

  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Egg, Leak and Mushroom Pasty
  • Traditional English Breakfast
  • Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
  • Fish & Chips
  • Great Feast
  • Loaded Jacket Potato

What to Read:

All of the Harry Potter Books!

Universal Studios Florida

It was a beautiful July day in Orlando and we decided to visit Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section of the park and continued to check out additional sections of the park as well.  Here  are several photos from our little adventure.

Visiting Universal Studios, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –  Diagon Alley was an entertaining way to spend the day.  From Diagon Alley to Hogwart’s Express, you’ll feel as though you walked onto the movie set.  You can also relive the funny moments of The Simpson’s at the park as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 363 8000

  • Hours of Operation:  9AM to 9PM, but check their website for any changes and updates.
  • Admission:  Visit their website for discount tickets and multi-day passes.
    • Universal Studios:  $119
    • Islands of Adventure: $119
    • Volcano Bay: $80
  • Tips:  Arrive as early as possible to make the most of your visit.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Purchase your tickets prior to arrival as you will find better deals when buying your tickets in advance.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal
5855 American Way
Orlando, FL  32819
Telephone:  407 996 8888

Where to Eat:

Butterbeer
Universal Studios Orlando
407 363 8000

What to Eat:

  • Frozen Butterbeer
  • Egg, Leak and Mushroom Pasty
  • Traditional English Breakfast
  • Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
  • Fish & Chips
  • Great Feast
  • Loaded Jacket Potato

What to Read:

All of the Harry Potter Books!

The Mutineer Restaurant Before Reaching Key Largo

Escaping to the Florida Keys, life seems much simpler and relaxing from the everyday minutia of living in Tampa.  It’s a much slower pace where the speed limit is a maximum of 35 miles per hour along US 1.  Scenic sleepy towns and sailboats pop up along the islands with views of the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean until we reach our final destination of Key West.

Staying overnight in Miami, we packed up our belongings in pursuit of the Keys.  Leaving Miami, we made our first stop at The Mutineer Restaurant in Florida City.  Just past the southernmost end of the turnpike, we would order a drink before tackling the two and a half hour drive to Key West, with a few “Key” stops along the way.

The restaurant was built in the 1980’s and was a last stop for many travelers before reaching the southernmost part of the United States.  Built in the shape of a ship, the restaurant offered primarily seafood options on its menu, most notably grouper and yellowfin tuna.  The restaurant was quite nostalgic for us as it seemed as though its interior had not been updated since the day it opened.

With its rustic interior and creepy pirate greeting us at the door, we would enter the kitschy restaurant and make a beeline to the huge bar in the center of the restaurant, known by locals as the Wharf Lounge.  Melissa and I would always order a fruity drink to kick off our Florida Keys road trip and then off to our next stop, Key Largo.

Depending on the traffic, we could reach Key Largo in less than 40 minutes, but we always made a stop for another beverage and pit stop.  My favorite part of visiting the Caribbean Club was the homage to Humphrey Bogart, who starred in the film “Key Largo”, which was filmed at this location.

The Club was opened in 1938 and is the oldest bar within the Upper Keys.  The location is perfect for watching the spectacular sunsets while dancing to the music of local musicians.

Known for its Key Lime Punch, we loved taking a seat outside to enjoy the Atlantic Coast before making our way towards Islamorada.

Dragging ourselves away from this spectacular view, we would soon reach Islamorada in about 25 minutes, ready for a hearty seafood lunch at Robbie’s on Mile Marker 77.5.

Have you stopped by the Mutineer or the Caribbean Club at Key Largo?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for ready about my quick stop in Key Largo and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Mutineer Restaurant
11 SE 1st Avenue
Florida City, FL  33034
Telephone: 305 245 3377

The Caribbean Club
104080 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL  33037
Telephone: 305 451 4466

Where to Stay:

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  305 664 4651

Where to Eat:

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone: 305 664 8070

What to Eat: 

  • Conch Fritters
  • Crunch Grouper Sandwich
  • Florida Keys Stone Crab Claws
  • Lobster Bisque
  • Manhattan Clam Chowder
  • Sesame Seed Ahi Tuna
  • Wahoo Ceviche

What to Read: 

  • Four Days with Hemingway’s Ghost, by Tom Winton
  • Principles of Navigation, by Peter W. Fong
  • Tropical Depression, by Lawrence Shames
  • Salvage Diver, by Zachary Ball

 

Lunch Stop and Tarpon Feeding at Robbie’s in Islamorada

Hopping into our car, we leave the Caribbean Club with our windows rolled down taking in the salt air of the islands.  Over the course of our drive we will cross 42 bridges connecting more than 100 miles to our destination of Key West.

Miles of ocean surrounded us on both sides of the Overseas Highway as we drove southbound towards Islamorada.  Mesmerized by the never-ending shades of blue, I dreamt of a day of sailing through the Keys.

Within a few miles from Islamorada, my stomach was beginning to growl, thinking about the seafood selection on the menu at The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant.

We found an amazing table with  shade away from the 84 degree weather and our server arrived within minutes to take our drink order.  I couldn’t resist the Trailer Trash Bloody Mary, which is a top-seller at the restaurant.

I was surprised that there were not as many seafood selections on the menu, so I selected the Cuban Press, with ham seasoned pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo & pickles on Cuban bread.  When my sandwich arrived, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to bite into it.

We all decided to order their chips and salsa because the table beside us had ordered them and they looked amazing.  Once we had finished, we decided to settle our bill and visit the pier to feed the tarpon.

Approaching the pier, I could hear the splashing of the tarpon and noticed a large crowd gathered around, looking down into the clear waters.  With bait in their hands, they waited in line to feed the tarpon, a tradition which began about thirty years ago.

One day, while Robbie was close to the water’s edge, he noticed a tarpon struggling to free itself from the shallow water of the bank.  Trying to save the Silver King, he lifted it up out of the water and noticed that its right jaw was injured.  Reaching out to Doc Roach, the doctor stitched up the injured tarpon and Robbie decided to name the fish, Scarface.  After six months of nursing him back to health, he released the tarpon back into the wild.  Scarface returned, eventually bringing several of his “friends” and Robbie would feed them when they would visit and the rest is history.  Schools of tarpon arrive to the dock each day while visitors pay a small fee to feed them bait and the tradition continues.

Sun-drenched and stuffed to the gills, we continued our drive towards Key West with about two-thirds of the drive to complete.  Soon we would be checking into our hotel with plenty of time to reach Mallory Square to watch the magnificent sunset.

Have you fed the tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada?  Or stopped by for lunch at the Hungry Tarpon?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the  comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Robbie’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Robbie’s of Islamorada
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  833 913 1842

Where to Stay:

Islander Resort
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  833 913 1842

Where to Eat:

The Hungry Tarpon
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: 833 913 1842

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • Islamorada, by Howard Hunt

 

A Key West Sunset on Mallory Square

My friends and I met up together on Duval Street agreeing to watch the sunset at Mallory Square.  Knowing it would be crowded, we decided to leave a couple of hours before dusk to find the perfect location.   The square was already starting to fill up as entertainers played the steel drums, walked on stilts and performed magic tricks.  We found a front row seat to enjoy the main attraction, sipping on rum punches and mai tais.

A sunset cruise would have been another great option for watching the sun setting over Sunset Key.

From our location, we could capture great sunsets as sailboats and catamarans provided the perfect addition to our photos.

The sailboats seemed so small as the sun was slipping past the horizon.

Even the birds could not stay away from this beautiful scene.

With so many great photos and minutes before the sun would eventually disappear, we decided to leave the square before the crowd decided to do the same.  First stop, Irish Kevin’s.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mallory Square in Key West?  Do you have a favorite place to watch the sunset?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my photos of the Key West sunset and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mallory Square for the Sunset

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • Sunset at Mallory Square
  • The Strand

The Nightlife in Key West

Key West was a stop on our cruise ship itinerary while working for the cruise lines.  With a day off, we would stroll through Duval Street ending with our last few moments watching the sunset over Mallory Square. Unfortunately, the ship would leave before the nightlife began and I had always wondered if it was as fun as I had always imagined.

For a long weekend, I packed my bags with a couple of my favorite bar-hopping friends to check out the night scene, starting at the infamous Irish Kevin’s.   With the motto, “I came, I drank, I don’t remember”, the southernmost Irish bar is a favorite among visitors to the Conch Republic.

Music was a big part of Kevin’s life as his father was an American Folk musician.  His only dream was to entertain and today he is living his dream.  Offering live music all day, there is a schedule of entertainers that perform, each with their unique talent.  The place is packed by nightfall and well into the time the place closes each night.  With fun singalongs and funny jokes, Irish Kevin’s keep Key West tourists entertained.

A visit to Key West wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Sloppy Joe’s and it is one of my favorite places, made famous by Ernest Hemingway.  My go-to drink is the Sloppy Rita made of Tequila, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Soda and as squeeze of lime.

Sitting at the bar, I struck up a conversation with the bar tender and learned that the current location is not the original Sloppy Joe’s, so I headed over to Captain Tony’s for a drink and a little history lesson.

Captain Tony’s Saloon is one of the most historic bars in Key West as the first and original Sloppy Joe’s bar in the early 1930s.  I pulled up Sean Connery’s chair at the bar and took a seat.  Inside are license plates hanging from the ceiling and dollar bills pinned up throughout the walls.  Interesting characters and celebrities have passed through these doors, not to mention the fascinating owner of this long-standing dive bar, Tony Tarracino.

First constructed in 1852, this location was once an ice house, a morgue, a cigar factory, a bordello and speakeasy before becoming the original Sloppy Joe’s, first opened by Josie Russell.  In 1968, Captain Tony purchased the bar and by the early 1970’s, Jimmy Buffett would make his debut, writing and singing his popular island tunes.

The Hog’s Breath Saloon was a short walk to try their Key Lime Shooter.  The bar was easy to find as we followed t-shirts with the famous slogan, “Hog’s Breath is Better than No Breath at All”. While the Original Hog’s Breath was first opened in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, owner Jerry Dorminy was looking for a sunnier location and headed to Key West as far south as one could go.

If I wasn’t paying attention, I would have easily passed by “The Smallest Bar in the US.” Measuring the size of a small jail cell, it is one of the busiest bars in Key West.  We each ordered another Key Lime shot and decided to start our walk back to the hotel for the night.   Walking southeast along Duval Street, I recognized the Bull and Whistle and since it was on our way, we wanted a view of Duval from the second story balcony.

The lower level bar is The Bull, the second floor is The Whistle, while the top floor is the Garden of Eden, an adults-only bar.  From the second story, I could see that the night was slowing down and I wanted to take a photo of the Bull on Caroline Street (see the original bull from my second blog post, Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989, dated, January 19, 2014).

We had finally reached the Huron House and realized that we were more tired than we had thought.  With a couple of days of vacation ahead, we agreed to more rest so that we could explore the next day.

Have you visited the bars on Key West on Duval Street?  Do you have a favorite?  I would love to hear about your visit to Key West if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my full day in Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Irish Kevin’s 
211 Duval Street
Key West, FL 22040
Telephone:  305 292 1262

Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval Street
Key West, FL  22040
Telephone:  305 294 5717

Captain Tony’s Saloon
428 Greene Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1838

Hog’s Breath Saloon
400 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4222

The Smallest Bar Inn
124 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone: 305 240 0860

The Bull and Whistle
224 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4545

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand