Key West, Fla — Lesley W Graham

*the* *kimpton properties in Key West* *were DARLING!*

Last week we went with some of our best friends to the Florida Keys. We had planned a trip a year in advance to the Dominican Republic and had to cancel less than 24 hours before due to Hurricane Fiona. After a dizzying round and round convo about where to go that would have the same level of fun, we decided on Key West. None of us had been and we had little expectations which is always my favorite!

We found a killer deal at Havana Cabana (which I discovered on Tiktok!) for $109 per night. This was for Georgia and Alabama residents I believe. They were in the middle of construction on their pool so that may be why we got a steep discount. Not sure but we loved the service, the food truck, drinks on arrival, churros every day at 3, games for the kids, and the rooms were very comfortable!

The only cons were that this is closer to Stock Island (which we loved!) but about a 10 min golf ride to Old Town which is where most of the action is. We LOVED our 8 person golf cart ride and the hotel also offered shuttles downtown as well as to the airport and the complimentary pool access at Ocean’s Edge resort (this hotel was incredible but felt very adult just fyi) while the pool is getting finished on site. The entire island is literally 10 min long so you cannot go wrong!

Favorite things about the keys: the overall vibe is very fun and anything goes, loved the roosters and chickens that run around everywhere, the iguanas were so fun too! Great access to boating, fun restaurants, and plenty to do. The whole group loved the Butterfly conservatory (magical and has way more than butterflies). Your ticket gets you all day access. I will say we did not see a lot of kids but it was the off season. While Duval St reminds me of Bourbon St in New Orleans, you can easily avoid it.

*best spot for souvenirs:* *Mac’s Sea Garden*

We were told my a lot of people to visit the original Cuban Coffee Queen on Margaret St which is right next to Mac’s Sea Garden. The caramel iced coffee was insane and such a fun spot. You can also grab food here.

*i got the iced coffee and the ice cubs are coffee too!*

While Key West is not known for their beaches, we had a blast at Fort Zachary Taylor Park. We took our loaded golf cart (we stopped at Publix for snacks and drinks), paid $5 to park and then rented chairs and umbrellas. There is a cafe there with fun drinks and foods and restrooms. The kids had a blast playing on the rocky shore. Would recommend water shoes for this beach.

The first day we got there the boys booked the golf cart as well as an eco adventure tour with Sebago. We did this exact tour which is about 6 hours. We planned this for our second to last day which I think was perfect. The tour included: continental breakfast (muffins, juice, fruit), water all day, kayaking in the mangroves, boating past Sunset Key (if you can make a reservation to Latitudes which will give you access to the private island), we boated for a while and had lunch which was delicious (chicken fingers, bbq Hawaiian sandwiches, chicken salad, etc), then we went snorkeling followed by beer and wine and soft drinks for the kids, and then back to Key West with warm cookies as we exited the boat. 100% worth the money! Be sure to bring cash for tip.