We just finalized our plans to spend New Year's Eve in Key West. While we've visited quite a few times before, we've never been here for the holiday. Just wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions on where the best spot to ring the new year might be. Also, any suggestions for new or different venues or activities to check out, as we will be here for 5 days. Thanks!

MJ

Can't believe this hasn't gotten any replies...hmmmm.

Don't know what you want to know. You already made your plans.
Where are you staying?
We love http://www.louiesbackyard.com/. They are probably doing something. Mallory Square?
What?
irina

We made our plans to spend NYE in Key West. Nothing specific, just have the air and room booked (Pilot House). Was just inquiring about the best place to ring in the new year or any "not to be missed" suggestions. We have visited KW before, just never for the holiday. If you have any good ideas to share, that' fine. Otherwise, no worries. We'll figure it out and are sure to have good time.

What Ever.
Nice attitude.

Likewise, Irina. All I asked was a simple question. If you had information to share, fine - if not, like I said, no worries. Sounds to me like your response had the "attitude".

SXMCPL, We have only been to Key West one time, much less than you. It wasn't NYE. We are looking forward to next trip to Key West. Loved Sloppy Joes, their band, big stage, etc. I would think on NYE, Sloppy Joes would be a great place to be. It will be interesting to hear what you think after you spend NYE in Key West. Also, seeing your username, we will be in St. Martin 12/6-12/16. Can't wait.

Trip advisors Key West board will have a lot more info. I think anywhere up and down Duval will be fun, fun, fun!

OK, we have been there over News Years. The best (and most crowded)place to be is in front of Sloppy Joes to watch the conch shell drop at midnight. Never been to Times Square but probably is similar on a much smaller scale. The entire city is one big party so you will not have any trouble finding fun. Probably a good idea to get in the Mallory Square area early because it does get pretty crowded. Great place to bring in the New Year with several of you newest drunken friends!!!! Wish I could be there with you.

Trip report please <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> our weather was fabulous until today <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> not bad though, could be shoveling snow <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

cold and rainy here.....
cheers
irina

But New Years Eve was such a nice evening and weather was wonderful
Yesterday & today raining, cloudy, then sunny & hot..cold front is coming. That is not a bad thing, get to wear a sweater <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

We just got home today due to air traffic and weather delays - originally scheduled to be home last Saturday. Will do a brief trip report in a few days.

MJ

Key West Trip Report December 30, 2013 – January 7, 2014

We flew Delta from Akron-Canton, through Atlanta directly into Key West. No flight issues on our way down. Coming home was another story. Briefly, our flight home was cancelled due to storms and the bitterly cold weather up north. This resulted in our “having” to stay an extra 3 nights. One was at an airport hotel (which was fine as they did have laundry facilities), the next at the CoCo Plum Inn, where we have stayed previously, and the last at a Ft. Lauderdale airport hotel, after a 4 hour shuttle ride. This was our quickest option to get home. Not a bad place to get stuck, and once we made our arrangements we enjoyed the extra few days.

On our arrival, we quickly caught a taxi to The Pilot House, our home for the next 5 days. This was our second time staying at the Pilot House, this time in the main house as opposed to the pool cabana. Both are nice, but we prefer the poolside rooms.

Most days found us up early and off to breakfast (on foot), then returning to spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon lounging around the pool and/or soaking in the hot tub. We got to know several other couples staying there as well.

New Year’s Eve was a lot of fun. We decided to join the crowd at Sloppy Joe’s for the dropping of the conch shell. Lots of people, but it was a very orderly, happy crowd. Earlier in the evening we visited Rick’s upstairs where there are a number of different bars. Midnight found us on the street level.

In no particular order our breakfasts included Blue Heaven (heavenly), Kelly’s Carribbean Grill, Le Petit Paris (very fresh and a nice, European feel), and pastries from the local bakery just around the corner.

Lunches included a stop at Pepe’s, Caroline’s, Charlie Mac’s ,and JDL’s Big Ten Pub and a pizza from the corner restaurant which we enjoyed poolside.

Dinners were at Fogarty’s, Jack Flatts, and McConnell’s Irish Pub which has excellent food!

We made numerous visits to the local bars and pubs, including (but not limited to): Sloppy Joes, Irish Kevin’s, Schooner Wharf, Hog’s Breath Saloon, Rick’s, Captain Tony’s, Green Parrot, 2 Cents and Smokin’ Tuna and the Bull.

One day we rented an electric cart and drove around the island a bit. We stopped at the East Martello Museum and took the tour to meet Robert the Doll. If you are a fan of the supernatural you really need to look him up! We also spent one morning touring Ernest Hemingway’s home. Very interesting tour – we learned a lot of things we didn’t know about him. We spent one evening at the LaConcha Hotel for sunset. The rooftop patio is an excellent place to watch the sunset, and provides a great view of all of Key West. If you plan on being in KW anytime soon, try it. We heard they are planning to close the rooftop area and turn it into a spa!

On one of our visits to Irish Kevin’s (and there were many), the entertainer actually convinced one of the patrons to buy a round of drinks for the bar. So, thanks, Drew from Ireland! That’s the second time we have experienced this at IK.

All in all we had a great time, and are considering returning next year.

MJ & Frank

Thanks for the trip report. We are looking forward to our trip to Key West. We are also booked at Pilot House. I have read other reports saying there is not much sun poolside at PH. Did you find that to be the case?
Thanks,

If you're going to be stranded by the airlines for a few days, then one could do worse than Key West! Those eateries are a nice eclectic selection, especially Sloppy Joe's (naturally) and McConnell's Irish Pub. Kelly's Caribbean Grill- and it's been awhile since we dined there- seemed to us to be a somewhat of a tourist trap relying on a former celebrity's name.

Your choice of a northeast Ohio airport is especially noteworthy. In many cases Akron-Canton does have much lower airfares than its larger neighbor a few miles north, Cleveland Hopkins. Thanks to the minimal CLE hub of United Airlines, Hopkins has one of the highest fares in the entire U.S. However with Akron-Canton, the flight selection is greatly reduced when there is a weather-related flight cancellation.

How were you finally routed home on Delta and were you forced to pay anything additional?

No, there was not a lot of sun around the pool, at least not in December/January. But, it was still warm. Maybe a little different as the season changes.

Enjoy your stay.

Kelly's was a nice spot for breakfast. Close by and not at all crowded. Food was good. It is a beautiful setting, and I remember going there on a previous visit for cocktails/appetizers.

CAK is our choice as often as possible, especially since we live only about 10 minutes away! Also love ease of parking, short lines and overall smallness of it compared to other major cities.

Hi Mary Jane,

Glad you had a fun time. I, also, have stayed at Pilot House. We were in the main building, the first room on the left as you walk up the stairs from the street. Noise from the street was negligible. I did notice that only half the pool received sun and that side was populated by about a dozen folks enjoying the sun. We didn't spend much time at the pool, anyway. With Fausto's Market being so close we were able to enjoy snacks in the room. Having a kitchen was nice but we never really cooked. People might think that Pilot House isn't central, being on a back/side street, but gosh, the middle of Duval is only three blocks away!,as you know. I really enjoy Schooner Wharf but you didn't say if you had breakfast there. That is my favorite. I don't mind walking there from wherever I am to have a leisurely breakfast and cocktail during the morning 'happy hour' while watching the boats and water. I do believe that the New Year's Eve thing would be a bit too 'busy' for me. Getting too old, am I? My last two trips I was at LaTeDa so I wasn't exactly central but I don't mind walking. Glad you had a great time and I know that you will return. Last month was my sixth trip. I will always remember the fun we had on that boat trip to St. Barth's. Take care, my friend. Stay warm. It is now 2º in Manchester, NH. Ciao.

Wayne <><

Hi, Wayne.

It's a chilly 1 degree here. BRRRR. . . .

Yes, I'm sure we'll return to Key West, quite possibly for next new year's. Just as we keep returning to SXM! BTW, that next adventure is coming up in April. Haven't been in a couple years, and we will be travelling with some newbies this time. Will be interesting to see how they like it. Trying to make it a fun-filled, but relaxing week for them.

Take care, and I hope our paths cross again soon.

MJ