goombaby

Looking into surprising the wife with a long weekend trip to the keys next month for our anniversary. Probably fly in early Friday to Miami and head south She's never been to the Keys but has been talking about Islamorada non-stop since one of her friends took a trip a few months ago and told her all about it. The handful of times I've been down there I was spending all my money on good guides and cheap beer and staying in cheap hotels. Probably gonna need to reverse that for this trip! Not even looking to fish, just treat the wife to a nice weekend. We've got two kids under 4 and this will be our first trip away from them for more than a night since our oldest was born. I know a bunch of places took a big hit from Irma but I think I read Cheeca was back up and running. Any other suggestions from the locals would be much appreciated!

gtpvettte

As a local, try Chef Michael's and Ziggy and Mad Dogs (steaks are top notch) for dinner . You wont be disappointed. Make reservations for weekend nights.

LessImpressed

Look at the Islander as well. They got hammered by Irma and took the opportunity to rebuild. It is equally as nice as Cheeca. Postcard Inn is also open. Same boat. Heavy damage, nice repairs. Lots of big upgrades in this area since the storm.

River Hill

Here is your answer!!!!

beachbum43

clink

We were down in September and found a lot of places still under repair. We found reading reviews on Tripadvisor gave a pretty good indication of who was still in progress and who wasn't. Have a good trip.

louiefl

Flights from Mobile to Key West are around $200 round trip. You've got a short time window so spend more of it vacationing instead of driving from Miami to the Islamorada. Don't get me wrong, I like Islamorada, but for her first trip I'd pick Key West. Lots of threads here and in Florida section on places to stay and things to do.

stimpson.j.cat

Good advice here re: time management.

Even if Islamorada ends up being your destination, I'd much rather fly into EYW than MIA if prices are at all comparable. The drive up through the Keys is a lot nicer than that 1st stretch from MIA airport. Granted, you do miss Alabama Jack's on Card Sound Rd.

ReleaseMeMako

Second lorelli for sunset casual dining. Morada bay throws a full moon party that's hard to beat. They have excellent dining for the event as well. Entertainment is exciting. Snappers on key large is great for dining and usually has a live band on the weekends. Lazy days is also very good, and the local spot.

joe.giuliano

Cheeca, Chef Michaels, Ziggies for dinner (after dark who cares). Lunch upstairs at Bass Pro where there is a great view albeit mediocre food.

Lobstercatcher229

I second that recommendation. If you can handle the Cheeca Lodge prices you should be able to find something in Key West that works for you. When I go to the Keys I like to fish and dive and like Key Largo but the wife and kids will enjoy Key West a lot more since you said you weren't fishing.

I am wondering what was so cool in Islamorada that the wife's friends told her about? The fishing sure is out of this world but you aren't taking her down for the fishing.

rbhankins001

hawks cay also

joe.giuliano

Have you been there recently? I was there for Thanksgiving and my cousin was there for a corporate event in January and we both thought the service was terrible, I won't ever go back there.

JCM 1420

Wife and I did a very similar trip a couple of years ago. We flew into MIA and spent a few days exploring the keys. Islamorada was our favorite. Just had a great feel, nice places to stay, and good restaurants.

triplenet

flights look to be $500 from Mobile to KW..... Same Mobile to Miami ....

If no boat, then KW.... If you are going to rent a boat then Islamorada...

And someone mentioned the Islander in Ismaorada is as good as Cheeca ?

Not even close

Barker Bay looks interesting - I took the boat up there a few weeks before it opened and looks like some nice upgrades....

LITECATCH

louiefl, I don't know how you are flying from Mobile to Key West for 200 bucks!!! The cheapest I can find is right at 500 bucks. What is your secret?? I would love to be able to pop down there for a long weekend for 200 bucks!!

mikeloew

Glad some of you guys are having a good meal at Ziggies. Wife and I have tried it two times now, and the steaks were fair to poor both times. Don't think we will ever give them a third chance.

CurrentSea1

For a romantic weekend, I second the idea of flying into KW - so much to do and see there! Could be romantic enough that she sends you off on more fishing trips.

rbhankins001

just don't take pics of the navy base!

savedbygrace6868