I know I poked fun at the fact that Key West is now quite touristy, but, please don’t judge. We totally did the tourist thing today.
We walked around exploring shops, bar hopped, walked a little more, had another beverage… You get the idea.
Fun fact: If you think you’re going to find an authentic Key West conch shell to purchase and bring home, good luck. Most sold are imported.
We stopped by to check out Brent and Jill’s hotel, The historic Simonton Court Inn and Cottages. Once a cigar factory, the owner’s mansion, and cottages for the factory workers, it is now a luxury hotel with different buildings, rooms, lush courtyards, and private pools, all within walking distance to Duval Street and the most popular areas near the docks.
Noticed just down the street from their hotel:
“ON THIS SITE IN 1897 NOTHING HAPPENED”
Cool door from the distant past.
We went to Sloppy Joes a couple of times. Live music, large place, and even though there’s plenty of seating, you may just have to stalk a table that appears to be leaving to snag it before someone else does. Especially if there’s a cruise ship in port. I’d say this is probably the most family friendly bar in town, we saw people of all ages each time we were here.
Cheers to our vacation bombers!
Yes, we picked up a t-shirt, or two.
A very common sight in Key West. Roosters, hens, and chicks roam freely.
We were absolutely parched after all the walking around and shopping, so, of course, we stopped for some refreshments at Sunset Pier. We were too early for sunset on this day, but the views are just as special. Just across from Sunset Pier one can see private islands, and watch all sorts of watercraft go by.
The back of the stage at Sunset Pier. I almost said “back of the bandstand”, but I’m not that old. Oh wait, I am!
This pose is becoming a (hic!) habit.
Taking a moment to be present, and just take it all in.
How great are these two?
Our kids noticed the opposite spouses’ matching outfits. Aw shucks, aren’t we adorable?
We had a pretty nice table, especially considering this place fills up fairly early with people arriving to watch a spectacular sunset.
These guys jammed with a playlist that really made us feel we were enjoying an island getaway.
Private Islands visible from the pier.
Oh, look! Another stacked sign!
Seven different types of watercraft. I may be a little too excited to have captured this shot. Now, only if those wave runners would have stuck around…
The parking structure of a nearby hotel. So cool under these vines, and the feeling was anything but a parking lot.
I should have found out the name of this iconic building. If you know, please share it in the comments.
Blocks and blocks of walking (not to mention a little day drinking, too) sure works up an appetite. We found the perfect place to unwind over a nice meal, The Rooftop Cafe. We had a seasoned server shadowing a new girl, so we each took turns peppering the new one with harmless sarcasm to help her out. It’s the least we could do. She didn’t run away and leave us to fend for ourselves, so we think she’s going to do just fine in this business. Hey, the seasoned server joined in on the fun, so it’s all good.
Entering the upstairs area of the restaurant. the expanse of light gives the feeling of a fancy greenhouse.
All kidding aside, the service spot on, the setting unique, and the food was fabulous. I passed by the kitchen on my way to the ladies room, so I took the opportunity to express my appreciation for their hard work and creativity.
If I had the fortitude, I’d love to spend some time in a commercial kitchen. I’m too much of a wimp. I may love to cook, but I couldn’t handle the long hours, high pressure, and extreme heat of an upscale restaurant kitchen. Hats of to those who can.
On our stroll back to the hotel, we encountered some interesting characters. Two of which we will tell you about privately when we see you. Here’s a couple parting shots wrapping up our day:
Nothing surprises me in the Keys.
This one’s for her grandson, Jack.
Keep looking up!