Going to the Keys.... - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

09/02/2009 10:49:10 AM · #1

I'm going to go to the Keys next Monday...any suggestions that I shouldn't over look? It has been 17+ years since I was there last. And we are hoping that we don't get hit by the next storm...think it is Erika that we are watching out for...

We are camping at Long Key State Park...Thanks guys

dagaleaa

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

09/02/2009 11:08:55 AM · #2

I love the Florida Keys....I grew up in Miami,( near Homestead) and it was nothing to hop in the car as young adults and head to the Keys to party. It had been 18 plus years for me seeing the Keys in 2001, and although it had changed some---I was suprised by the fact that the place still had the same feel to me after all those years. Key West had really grown a lot, but I still enjoyed that too. I really like Lorelei for food and drinks located in Islamorada....great seafood, and atmosphere outside---one of my favorite stops!! I know you will find many great photography opportunities...

Tammster

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

09/02/2009 11:28:21 AM · #3

Watch out for the Key Deer! They're very cute and everywhere down there.

Also, if you have time in Key West, there is a nice butterfly garden there.

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

09/02/2009 01:44:52 PM · #4

oh, I need to add that we are going to be traveling with our dog with us (Lab)...are there many "dog friendly" places there..it used to be...but not sure if that has changed

dagaleaa

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

09/02/2009 02:56:12 PM · #5

I think most of the Keys is very dog friendly...I know Key West is! If you can sit outside and eat--- your dog can be with you. I know dogs are allowed on most beaches too. In Key West you can see dogs in many of the stores and bars.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

09/02/2009 03:02:14 PM · #6

I wanna go...Can you pack me in your suitcase...lol I really need a vacation and the beach sounds good.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/02/2009 04:03:13 PM · #7

Originally posted by cowboy221977:

I wanna go...Can you pack me in your suitcase...lol I really need a vacation and the beach sounds good.

beach is relative in the Keys...most of the "beach area" is extremely rocky as I remember it...I know that Bahia Honda has "some" sand...but not much...and there is some in Key West as well. but for the most part it is quite "rocky" we are just going to be "hanging out" most of the time...I wouldn't need to pack you in my suitcase either...you could go in my camper....

ericwoo

Nikon Z7II

09/02/2009 05:23:20 PM · #8

We went on a DPC GTG a couple of years ago, and it was an amazing trip. I put a bunch of the photos up HERE. The Wild Bird Center was awesome at afternoon feeding time. The Dolphin Research Center was also great. Make sure you stop at Robbie's Marina and feed the tarpon. My wife was much braver than I was when it came to holding the feeder fish. The best key lime pie I have ever eaten was at the Barracuda Grill in Marathon. The group watched me down 4 pieces AND take 3 for the road. That was along with 6 or 8 Anchor Steams as well. Bahia Honda State Park is worth a stop, and make sure you attend the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. The Hemingway house was ok, but I can't really say I'd recommend it unless you are a huge fan of his. If you have the time, the boat ride out to the Dry Tortugas is worth the sea sickness. The ride was rough, to say the least, but the fort was wonderful, as was the snorkeling. There was an alligator center/farm just before we headed out to the keys that was also a lot of fun. There was one really cute girl that wrestled the reptiles. H O T!!!

Anyway, that was the trail we took. Not sure how long you'll be there or how much riding time you'll put in, but I would absolutely recommend the trail we took. Have a blast and post some pics so I can be jealous enough to start planning my next trip there.

E

09/02/2009 07:22:34 PM · #9

Originally posted by ericwoo:

well, we have a storm coming to us (near) so that should make for some very vibrant sunsets/sunrises and we are camping right on the Atlantic side...our camper will be backing up to the water at Long Key SP. Not to mention some waves...although I would love to go to the Dry Tortuga's but we have our dog with us and can not leave him in the camper for that long...but I will look into it as it is something I would love to do...I have made note of your recommendations and will probably ck out most if not all of them.....not sure about the HOT babe....although Rick my husband would appreciate anything in that area. and rest assured I will be posting pictures...