From the archives: Kayaking Adventure in Key West - Part 6 of 6

3/15/10 
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Here we are at the close of our posts from Key West.  We spent a total of 6 days in South Florida on this trip.  It was my second trip down there, my wife grew up there.  We had our Innova inflatable kayaks packed in our checked airline bags (each bag weighed 49 1/2 lbs after the kayaks, paddles (4-part aluminum), pump, and waterproof bags).  Our trip was in February, the weather was a little cooler than normal, but still pretty nice coming from Seattle.  Important: if you attempt this trip in the summer your hotel may be cheaper but it will be really, really, hot.
As our final post about the trip, we're leaving you with links to where we stayed, ate, and paddled.  

Lodging

1) The Merlin Guesthouse, Key West
Great atmosphere and location (a couple blocks off of the main drag - close but not too close), we actually found parking pretty easily (but didn't drive that much).  Our only complaint was that the walls are a little thin - baby next door the first night, lots of TV the second.  They have a few room choices so this could be eliminated with a little planning (and $).

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2) The Gardens Hotel, Key West
We'd didn't stay here but I'd like to try it next time...A sweet layout and tropical gardens surrounding the place.  The rooms look equally nice from their website...a good 50% more expensive than the Merlin Guesthouse however...

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RESTAURANTS we dined at:

Coffee & Pastries: Croissants de France
A Key West classic...get a "con leche"...mmm so good - espresso, hot milk, and sugar to taste.  I drink my coffee black in Seattle but fully loaded in South Florida! 

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Sushi: Origami Japanese 
Amber's basically a local so we avoid Margaritaville:) Nice secluded-off the main drag with outdoor seating (like almost everywhere in the Keys). Good sushi, parrot next door.

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Italian:  La Trattoria
So good.  How does a nice looking Italian restaurant with great service and delicious food sound?  Imagine that with a lot cheaper price tag than you'd expect.  Make a reservation by phone the day you plan to dine.

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Sandwich Shop: Waterfront Market
The best sandwiches in the world! Just mark down what you want on your sandwich and they make it fresh...it seems like the more you add the cheaper it gets (a.k.a. don't chose the pre-planned sandwiches, take the time to chose your own ingredients). 

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OTHERS:
Mexican: Salsa Loca
Pony up to the bar for some tacos and cervezas...Hey, the Times liked it.

Breakfast: Pepe's Cafe
A legend that's been in Key West for 100 years.  Tasty.

Dessert: Better-Than-Sex - A Dessert Restaurant
This place looked awesome, we were too full...we'll hit it up next time.

KAYAKING SPOTS we visited on the trip:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Key Largo $8/vehicle

Bahia Honda State Park $8/vehicle

Key Biscayne: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park $8/vehicle

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Kayaking book for the Keys: 
Florida Keys Paddling Guide: From Key Largo to Key West

Well, that's about it everyone.  Go to the Keys - it's the best spot in Florida for sure!  Check back to the blog soon - the posts return to the Northwest for a little while...

~Paul  E.T.C.