• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Points of interest in Florida.

chris308

chris308

spam sniper
Well folks, I need a vacation and would like to get away from the bay area at least. Sad to say, i have lived in FLA since 1990 and have never really been around the state. :shrug01:

Anyone have any places you can recommend (non amusement park) type place to relax and have fun? I'll be with my girlfriend of course....

Just throw whatever out there any and all suggestions welcome! :thumbsup:

Thanks!

p.s. roads need to be vette friendly!! screw gas prices!!
 
That depends what you are looking for and how much you want to spend bud? Are you looking to get away completely, are you looking to party until the next afternoon or are you looking to catch a few sites, relax a little, do a little cruising and enjoy the breeze, etc.

I've been all over the state so I need a little more info and what your expectations are.
 
good catch, should have put that in there.

Neither my gf or myself really drink so not into the party clubs or getting sh1t-faced till morning!! LOL :D

Looking for maybe some nice resorts or beaches to relax on maybe do some scubba stuff like that, maybe check out some FL history stuff, crap like that i guess.

I've always wanted to go by key west area, maybe something to do down there or stay??

Thanks Guro :thumbsup:
 
chris308 said:
good catch, should have put that in there.

Neither my gf or myself really drink so not into the party clubs or getting sh1t-faced till morning!! LOL :D

Looking for maybe some nice resorts or beaches to relax on maybe do some scubba stuff like that, maybe check out some FL history stuff, crap like that i guess.

I've always wanted to go by key west area, maybe something to do down there or stay??

Thanks Guro :thumbsup:
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:lmao: You're first and last statement are total contradictions!!!! You don't want to party till your s#!tfaced but you want to go to Key West?! Again.....:lmao:

Key West is 8 sq. miles of nothing but crazy people who love to party and bulls#!t. If you want to catch some Florida history, then St. Augustine is your best bet. Remember, St. Augustine is the U.S.'s oldest city. It's older then dirt.....good stuff!

On the otherhand, Key West is the one place to go to get completely lost from any and all civilization. There is a reason the "conchs" (slang term for Key Westers) call it the "Conch Republic." It is the one place where it almost seems you are too far away from the rest of the country for them to really give a s#!t about. Kinda like Tatooine in Star Wars.

The scenary is beautiful. The eye candy is good too. However, while in Key West, if the eye candy gets too close, always, ALWAYS, poke it in the throat!!!!:lmao: Better to be safe then sorry. Even if you don't drink, you should still have a blast. There is lots of stuff to do. There is the Key West Aquarium. Their is the Shipwreck Museum. Mel Fisher's Museum for the Atocha. The East Martello Museum (I'll touch on it later). There's Ripley's Believe it or Not.

If you want to go fishing, Key West sucks! In Key West, the only good fishing is to take a charter to the Dry Tortugas. There is also a great tour to the Dry Tortugas that takes you to Fort Jefferson State Park. It's cool as cool can be and has primo snorkeling. And Key West's biggest attraction is it's beautiful sunset off of Malory Square. This is not only an exquisite sunset but there is lots of street performers doing all kinds of stunts for tips. If you do goto Key West, I recommend you take the Ghost Tour out of La Concha Resort.

They will tell you about Robert the Enchanted Doll. Do your own research on this one. Robert, can be seen in all his glory at the East Martello Museum. I consider myself very lucky because I'm one of so-called few to have photographed it and not only got a clean picture but hasn't had anything bad happen to him. You must remember to ask for permission to photograph. Again, do your own research.

Did I mention it is a requirement when visiting Key West to a) stop at Sloppy Joe's and have a Sloppy Joe Sandwich b) Visit the Blonde Giraffe and have a piece of the greatest Key Lime pie on the face of the universe and c) Eat fresh Conch Fritters from the Conch Fritter stand in front of the aquarium? Well, now you know.:thumbsup:
 
Go the back roads to St. Augustine and stay in the oldest city in the USA for a couple days. Then head down to Cape Canaveral and take a behind the scenes tour of the Space program. Then head down to the Keys and stay in Key West and visit Hemingways' home, great restaurants, musems with recovered coins, etc. The Key deer are really a sight to behold. They look like Bambi!! I also recommend eating some of the best Pizza in the USA at the No Name Pub in No Name Key which is adjacent to BIG Pine KEy about 45 miles from Key West. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
I will throw in Islamorada. Snorkeling,Scuba,Fishing,Food,Laidback or Out Late, Resort or Motel, Condo or House, pick your accomidations. It's not Key West but they don't wanna be.
 
98 softtail said:
I will throw in Islamorada. Snorkeling,Scuba,Fishing,Food,Laidback or Out Late, Resort or Motel, Condo or House, pick your accomidations. It's not Key West but they don't wanna be.
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Islamorada exists because a) It's the sports fishing capital of the world and b) the tiki bar. Outside of that:thumbsdown:

I'd still rather live there however, then hear.

I almost forgot, the Theatre of the Sea. It is worth seeing.
 
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Thanks for the posts so far guys! Much appreciated....

Guro, thanks man for the KW itinerary!! lol :thumbsup:
 
chris308 said:
Thanks for the posts so far guys! Much appreciated....

Guro, thanks man for the KW itinerary!! lol :thumbsup:
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Jou got it meng! Don't forget the single biggest and most popular photo op' in the C.R......and also free, the "Southern Most Point" buoy.:thumbsup:

No trip to Bone Key is complete without. Also, if you want to piss of the locals, make sure that you refer to Conchs as Conch or Conches not (Conks) as it's pronounced. However, when referring to La Concha Resort, make sure to call it La Conka. I know I'm being a bastard but it sure is funny to see the look on their faces!!!!:reddevil: Check out it's bar on the rooftop. It kicks ass and make sure you ask the bartender specifically for white wine. Check with the Ghost Tour people first but I'm sure it's white wine. This is only at the rooftop bar. You will laugh your a$s off at the look on the bartender's face and I promise you it'll be the only drink served to you in a plastic glass/cup and not glass. They will tell you why.

P.S. Two words you need to know for the Ghost Tour......"You're Doomed!":lmao:
 
chris308 said:
p.s. roads need to be vette friendly!! screw gas prices!!
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My sentiments EXACTLY! :thumbsup:

From what I've seen and heard, there are more things to do and places to see in Florida than you can shake TWO sticks at! It all depends on what you're looking for.
Been to Key West twice.......both times by car....the ride down thru the Keys is worth it if you've never been there before, and Key West itself is.....well........Key West. Once you've been there, you'll know!
I think that there is a ferry to Key West as well, and I think it leaves from Naples. Go to Naples, spend a day or two, take the ferry to Key West (parking in Key West is non-existant/pain-in-the-@$$), stay a few days, then return to Naples on the ferry. I know that there is one Corvette club that has done this trip before with the Vettes.
Two things that I want to do with my wife in the near future are 1) an air boat ride in the Everglades, and 2) parasailing preferably somewhere in the Keys. I took our 3 kids to Key Largo for a weeks vacation, and 2 of them went parasailing. I got a waterproof disposable camera and let them each take some pictures while they were up there, and the pictures are AWESOME! You can see both sides of the Keys while you're up there, and the view appears to be wonderful. I've never parasailed in my life, so it should be an experience.
Whatever you decide to do, just go at it with the attitude that you're gonna have fun, and you will :thumbsup:! Just remember to let us know what you decide to do, and how you liked it. Someone else here might try it based on your experience.
As another thought......you might tag along with one of the clubs represented on this forum for a cruise somewhere. Most of the people that I've spoken with are eager to welcome ANYONE with a Vette to their cruises whether you're a member or not. Check out the events section and see if there's anything in your area or anything that interests you. If you're looking for someone to go with you, post what you are planning here and see if anyone else is interrested! I'm sure that there will be others jumping in here with their thoughts as well. Whatever you decide, HAVE FUN!
Andy :wavey:
 
A little different slant...depending on your interests. I prefer North Fla. Visit historic Fernandina Beach, tour the quaint town and Ft. Clinch (Civil War), enjoy good seafood and stay at Amelia Island Plantation. Bicycling, hiking trails, deserted beaches, horseback riding, not to mention Tennis and Golf par excellance..!! No real partying there unless you bring it with you...the streets roll up early.:thumbsup:
 
We love St Augustine.......we try to get there at least twice a year. Lots of historical sites, info to partake in, great places to eat and some great b & b's. Check out the Inn on Charlotte advertisment on this thread I believe.....some of us got together last Dec and stayed there, it was a lot of fun.


Enjoy your vacation where ever you decide to go.
 
The keys are great if you havn't been there yet. I like Key Largo as its the first one you get to once off the mainland and they have a park state called John Penekampp or something like that. The park cost about $5-6 to get in since I was last there. There is a small beach area that is cool for snorkling, just bring some footwear for the water as I'm a tenderfoot and had an issue with walking on coral stone. There is a small store were you can buy drinks, clothes, book tours and showers and restrooms which were very clean. They have kyack rentals and even a marina that will rent you a real boat for the day,(expensive though). or go on the glass bottom boat tour which is pretty cool. The area also had the sun cruz casino boat off shore. I did the night trip for that one. They have a taxi boat that brings you out to the 3 mile limit and you board from a gang plank to the actual casino boat. What I remember the most was while topside for a break from the gambling you can see into the surrounding water due to the floodlights. We had a school of reef sharks around the entire perimiter of the boat that were in a feeding frenzy. There were so many of them that they were actually on top off each other fighting for the food. You could hear thier jaws snapping. It was kind a scarry but also funny as most off the people inside had no idea as to what was around the ship in those dark waters. When it was time to leave we had to board the water taxi back to shore. As we were going down the plank the sharks were still active and alot of people were oblivious until I said "don't slip and fall over or those guys will have a meal" 2 people behind me almost jumped out of thier skin when they looked over the side. It dosn't always happen as I did the trip a few times in the past and never saw that before. also do the airboat ride out into the everglades. Lots of gators to see up close and almost to personal for my taste though.
 
Hey 308,

Just a little more information on the ferry to KW. It is called the Key West Express and they have boats that sail out of Miami, Marco Island, and Ft. Myers Beach. The cost right now to go over from FM is $129 round trip. The price used to come down when the season ended, but that has not happened this year. I guess the price of gas has hit them also! From FM it is about a little less than four hours over to KW. Great ride, but you must get there early to get a good seat. Get there late, and you are riding in a seat on the top deck with no protection from the sun and no air conditioning. The key to getting a good seat is to buy your tickets and pick them up the day before your trip. That way, you are not waiting in a long line to do so and therefore eliminating any chance of having a good seat selection.

This is not a bad way to go over, but remember, if it is just you and your gf. So you have to ask yourself, can you look her in the face for almost four hours and just talk? If not, they do have closed circuit tv, take a book, or take a couple friends to bs with.

They do have two fenced parking lots for cars, but I don't know that I would be comfortable parking any of my Vettes there for multiple days. Just me I guess.

If you decide to do KW, I would recommend the Key West Innkeepers Association. They handle booking to most of the quality B&Bs and did a great job for my wife and I a few months ago. We stayed at a B&B called Westwinds. Very nice. We had a small cabin that opened up to one, of two pools. There grounds are small but very secluded with the tropical vegetation they have planted. Breakfast is a continental breakfast that is served pool side every morning. Parking may be an issue here. Since we went over by boat, we did not have a car, but I don't recall them having a bunch of parking. The Innkeepers association can help you with this.

There is a high rise (couple stories) parking garage just a block from where the KW Express docks. We were there during the last couple weeks of the season and the garage had plenty of open parking.

OR, have you every thought of just going on a road trip and see many locations. As an example, put the gf in the car and head south. Sarasota has a number of interesting things to visit. If you are into museum style art, then the Ringling facility is a must visit. Then you can travel down toward Ft. Myers. but make sure you stop at Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda. Beautiful view for lunch and some great little shops to satisfy the gf for an hour or two. Then go south to Sanibel/Captiva. Great laid back location for beach, shelling, etc. Very family oriented, which means not a ton of spring break type partying. Sunsets at the Mucky Duck are fabulous, and dinner at the Bubble Room is a must. Then you can venture down to Marco Island. If you planned something like this, you could also coordinate with the members of this board in each area to have a little group lunch or dinner at various spots along the way. :thumbsup: Unless, this is going to be a romantic voyage with the gf and then this might not be what she has in mind. :NoNo:.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you come up with. If I can be of help here in Ft. Myers, just let me know.

Rich
 
Rich427 said:
Hey 308,

Just a little more information on the ferry to KW. It is called the Key West Express and they have boats that sail out of Miami, Marco Island, and Ft. Myers Beach. The cost right now to go over from FM is $129 round trip. The price used to come down when the season ended, but that has not happened this year. I guess the price of gas has hit them also! From FM it is about a little less than four hours over to KW. Great ride, but you must get there early to get a good seat. Get there late, and you are riding in a seat on the top deck with no protection from the sun and no air conditioning. The key to getting a good seat is to buy your tickets and pick them up the day before your trip. That way, you are not waiting in a long line to do so and therefore eliminating any chance of having a good seat selection.

This is not a bad way to go over, but remember, if it is just you and your gf. So you have to ask yourself, can you look her in the face for almost four hours and just talk? If not, they do have closed circuit tv, take a book, or take a couple friends to bs with.

They do have two fenced parking lots for cars, but I don't know that I would be comfortable parking any of my Vettes there for multiple days. Just me I guess.

If you decide to do KW, I would recommend the Key West Innkeepers Association. They handle booking to most of the quality B&Bs and did a great job for my wife and I a few months ago. We stayed at a B&B called Westwinds. Very nice. We had a small cabin that opened up to one, of two pools. There grounds are small but very secluded with the tropical vegetation they have planted. Breakfast is a continental breakfast that is served pool side every morning. Parking may be an issue here. Since we went over by boat, we did not have a car, but I don't recall them having a bunch of parking. The Innkeepers association can help you with this.

There is a high rise (couple stories) parking garage just a block from where the KW Express docks. We were there during the last couple weeks of the season and the garage had plenty of open parking.

OR, have you every thought of just going on a road trip and see many locations. As an example, put the gf in the car and head south. Sarasota has a number of interesting things to visit. If you are into museum style art, then the Ringling facility is a must visit. Then you can travel down toward Ft. Myers. but make sure you stop at Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda. Beautiful view for lunch and some great little shops to satisfy the gf for an hour or two. Then go south to Sanibel/Captiva. Great laid back location for beach, shelling, etc. Very family oriented, which means not a ton of spring break type partying. Sunsets at the Mucky Duck are fabulous, and dinner at the Bubble Room is a must. Then you can venture down to Marco Island. If you planned something like this, you could also coordinate with the members of this board in each area to have a little group lunch or dinner at various spots along the way. :thumbsup: Unless, this is going to be a romantic voyage with the gf and then this might not be what she has in mind. :NoNo:.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you come up with. If I can be of help here in Ft. Myers, just let me know.

Rich
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I agree with a slow drive down the west coast.
Stayed in Captiva for a week and it was great. Everything you need is on Andy Rosse Lane and a short hop back to Sanibel.
Also a tour of the everglades, we went out of Everglades City, just south of Naples.
 
Take it from an avid scuba diver try capt slate in key largo , good prices and services and the keys is the place to go . Siesta key is also nice . And there is also St Agustine is you like a bit of History .
 
The ferry that leaves from Miami's Key Biscayne called the Key West Express Is a $98 round trip and you don't have to leave the same day.

However, I've never had a problem parking in Key West. People who do are usually tightwads!!!:D You will always find parking if you are willing to pay for it. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is in Key Largo. If you go, it is much more worth it paying s#!t I don't know what it costs now, but it's worth paying the premium to take the boat out to the protected coral reef to go snorkeling. It's absolutely magnificant. Key Largo also has the Jule's Undersea Lodge, which has a lagoon that is safer then that crappy beach at Pennekamp's. However the main attraction you have to be a certified S.C.U.B.A. diver for which is the undersea lodge itself 30ft. below.

The drive down the Overseas Highway aka U.S. 1, is great in and of itself especially the Seven Mile Bridge and seeing what is left of Flagler's old East Coast Railroad that was destroyed by the Hurricane of 1935. Make sure, that before you leave Miami-Dade Co., you fuel up. Florida City is the last stop in Miami-Dade before the long drive into Monroe Co. and once you get into Monroe, gas goes WAY WAY UP!!!!!! One cheap stop and one only is Tom Thumb's in Tavernier. It's the cheapest gas station in the Keys. So worse case, fuel there.:thumbsup:

However, if you opt to take a ferry, you can always rent a golf cart or a moped which is an extremely efficient mode of transportation in Bone Key.
 
C5Rick said:
I agree with a slow drive down the west coast.
Stayed in Captiva for a week and it was great. Everything you need is on Andy Rosse Lane and a short hop back to Sanibel.
Also a tour of the everglades, we went out of Everglades City, just south of Naples.
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You're right! I enjoyed that too.:thumbsup: Didn't realize there was so much poon on Fort Myers Beach!!!:crazy9: And, you don't even have to poke 'em in the throat like in Key West!!!!!!!!!:lmao:
 
TxMomma said:
We love St Augustine.......we try to get there at least twice a year. Lots of historical sites, info to partake in, great places to eat and some great b & b's. Check out the Inn on Charlotte advertisment on this thread I believe.....some of us got together last Dec and stayed there, it was a lot of fun.


Enjoy your vacation where ever you decide to go.
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Simply said, a great place to go
 
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