KEY WEST

Can I please get a big Texas “HELL YEAH” for the Florida Keys!! I mean what is there NOT to love about this charming seaside community?

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Last Christmas I received a surprise phone call from my girlfriend inviting me and Mr. Chicken Fry on a couples trip to The Keys! Can we just say BEST CHRISTMAS IN JULY GIFT EVER! Our long time friends invited us and two other couples for five fun filled days of shenanigans at their beach house in Sugarloaf Key.

Quick side note, Key West is a family friendly destination or a couples get away!

For starters, it’s located in the the good old US of A, it’s beautiful, it’s super chill , it’s tropical and there is plenty to do. Whatsmore, our travel was super simple from Texas. We booked a direct flight on American Airlines to EVW, aka, Key West, Florida! About 35 min before landing, all you see is beautiful ocean topography and clear water.

Travel day outfit inspo click here for the vital light weight joggers!

We were basically chauffeured around like kings and queens as we took in all of their favorite sites and sounds.

First stop Geiger Key Marina for an early dinner and drinks! This laid back venue hit perfectly after ordering watermelon and coconut margs setting the pace and mood. We mowed on the signature apps like oysters, conch and fish tacos.

Second stop, Sugarloaf Key which is 15 miles East of Key West. Our friends have a jaw dropping 3.5 acre compound on Sugarloaf Key. Don’t be jealous but their seven bedroom home also has a pool, private beach and boat house.

Our first full day, the guys left for off shore fishing while the ladies enjoyed a lazy morning and long lunch! Like the ladies we are, we hit the outdoor patio for champagne at the famous, Louie’s Backyard.

Louie’s is located on the water in Key West. This historical restaurant is a 5 star dining experience for lunch or dinner. Indoor or outdoor seating facing the open water. Free people dupe pink top!!!

During our trip, my girlfriends introduced me to a new highly addictive game called Rummikub. I immeditely ordered my own set. We played in the pool, on the beach, over coffee and into the wee hours of the morning over multiple nighcaps.

Day two we loaded up the boat, and I do mean loaded it up, with ice, drinks and snacks for a long booze cruise to Boca Grande Key. A beautiful spot to anchor, drink, tan and float. Just seconds before dropping anchor we spotted two baraccuda chasing each other. With zero hesitation, my girlfriends hubby cast a line and caught it in nano seconds. Check out the video.

Black bikini linked here !

Our ride back toward the marina we saw a school of dolphins playing and jumping. To me, there is nothing better than seeing dolphins in the wild. It almost made me cry.

After a long salty boat day, we loaded up on hot pizzas from Roostica. A perfect hefty dinner to cap off a glorious day on the ocean.

Day three and the weather forcasted spotty rain showers so we all agreed on a fieldtrip to Key West Proper. We rented an 8 passenger golf cart for tooling around Key West. Hydro-Thunder of Key West hooked us up with the golf cart. We hit the highlights such as the Southernmost Point which is a big tourist photo opp.

Key West, in a way, has a New Orleans kind of feel, but it’s clean and on the water.
The streets are buzzing with folks shopping, eating, touring and having a great time. There is a cruise ship drop point for people to come see the sites which makes for excellent people watching.

Directly in front of the Monroe County Courthouse is a sign which signifies the beginning of that iconic highway which runs 2,370 miles with Mile Marker 0. Mile 0 & Mile 1!

CELEBRITY SITING

We just happened to be in Key West on Earnest Hemingway’s, the famous author, 126th birthday. And as luck would have it, we ran into Mariel Hemingway, grand daughter to Earnest at a local dive bar called Sloppy Joe’s. She was with her boyfriend Bobby Williams who is the spitting image of a young JFK junior.

Here is a list of the hot spots and must stops while in KEY WEST!

Mary Ellen’s for the best Irish coffee you can drink. It’s so thick you have to eat it with a spoon!

Rick’s & Durty Harry Bar is a dusty day drinking stop with the best bartendress in the area. Ask for Erin…she will pour or shake you up a tall strong cold drink.

Hogs Breath Saloon and worth mentioning this college-esk bar has the cleanest bathrooms in all of Key West. We had burgers, fries and nachos. It’s located right across the street for the in-famous Sloppy Joe’s.

Green Parrot Bar

Quiet Storm gift shop

We had a fantastic dinner at The Bent Prop Bar & Grill. Don’t let the name fool you because this is a swanky water front restaurant in the marina.

If you want a casual breakfast or stiff cup of coffee head over to the The Morning Joint on Sugarloaf Key. They have mimosas, bloodys and breakfast sandwhiches for dining in or take out. There is fun art, a cute gift shop and the food is festive.

Day four had slipped up on me way to fast. However, for whatever reason, time seems to stop on the ocean. Time for another sunny boat ride but this time to Snipe Point Key. Inhale, exhale because it’s a picturesque sand bar. The tide comes and goes filtering soft white sand and hues of blue green shallow water. You can walk, float or anchor for hours on end. There are some tree swings on land for fun pics.

My pink python swimsuit linked here!!

South of the Seven is on Sugarloaf Key. It’s a super casual bar and restaurant with signature fish and drinks.

There is nothing more entertaining than traveling with friends! The constant laughing and chatting is what life is all about.

We sipped coffee, we sat in the sun, we played countless games, we swam in the pool, we slept in, we got up early, we toured, we ate and drank and most of all, we made memories !

Special thanks, hugs and high fives to our friends for their ultra generous hospitality. It was a Summer getaway to remember.