[BDavis932]

Well, looks like my sister and I have talked our Mom and Dad into going back to Florida with us on our March 2004 trip. They are kicking around the idea of while we are at WDW, they will head South and see what they've been missing.

Here's the stitch: They will be riding with us. We will leave Texas on Saturday A.M and arrive at Old Key West Sunday afternoon. They will stay the night with us Sunday night and leave bright and early Monday morning for South Florida. They seem quite interested in Key Largo, and possibly Key West. Per Mapquest, Key Largo looks like about a 5+ hour trip from WDW. So by 2:00, they should be there. Which would give them Monday afternoon and evening, Tuesday all day, and they would head back to Old Key West Resort on Wednesday afternoon to hit one park for one day on Thursday. Then we will all head back home on Friday morning.

What are some suggestions that would allow them the best trip on such little time. They really prefer to steer clear of theme parks, and from what I've seen on Miami, it doesn't look like their cup of tea. Any suggestions on things for them to do or go see after leaving Orlando??? They are not the type to lay on the beach all day. They do like to take walks on the beach. Go to museums, go on a scenic drives, like live music, and good seafood.

Thanks to all of you that can help! Any suggestions for anywhere South of Orlando would be appreciated!! They are not "long term planners" and have no plan set at this point, so we really are open to any suggestions that you guys have!

[jeannej]

You really have to like the water to enjoy the Keys. John Pennkamp (sp) State Park has a tour boat ride. PLus they have snorkelling. Going done to Islalmorada ther is this place called Ron's were for 2.00 you can feed the tarpon. The best groups fishing boat in the Keys is Marathon Lady, Bud and Mary's is ok as well. There is a tour boat going to Lignuvita State Park.
The Dolphin Research Center is there as well.

Not sure what else to tell you. You all are going to late in the year to suggest a side trip to Everglades National Park. Too many misquitos.

jeannej

[tiggerlover1971]

Bdavis they probably dont want to go to key west because thats like an 8 hr drive from orlando and I really couldnt tell you anything about the other keys I have only been to Key west

[tinkerbell]

BDavis, I aint a south floridian ..but what about the space center?
I know Dixie's inlaws loved going there last year .. and well lets face it .. Texas has always had Houston ..but now we have another part in that part of american History. you said they like museums, DH (remember use to be a trucker and florida was his regular route) said its about 100 miles from orlando. it aint really south either.



http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/visit/visitor.htm

[BDavis932]

Originally posted by tiggerlover1971
Bdavis they probably dont want to go to key west because thats like an 8 hr drive from orlando and I really couldnt tell you anything about the other keys I have only been to Key west

I was beginning wonder if there WAS anything South of Disney World!!! lol!!! Thanks for the info guys!!

Tiggerlover1971....yes, they are very interested in Key West. I know they want to visit Hemmingway's place, but what else can they do/see to fill the rest of the day there? They will be spending 3 nights in Key Largo, and just going to Key West for the day. They will get up early and arrive there around 10-11 am.


jeannej....they were planning on a trip to the Everglades one day...so you think that's a bad idea for March??? My Mom is a misquito magnet (one of the traits I inherited from her....:( ) Do you think "OFF" would work for the day? I've check out some web sites down there that offer a "safari", lunch, and an airboat ride for something like $20/person. Sounded fun...but don't want to become a snack for the little blood suckers:bandit ....


tinkerbell....They are really only going to have one full day in Central Florida, which they are planning on spending at Cypress Gardens (which I thought was closed down...but apparently they are reopening---or already have reopened thanks to Gov. Jeb Bush!!) I guess they will have to save NASA for the next trip. Thanks for the link though...I will make sure I include it in the info I'm getting together for them (I just LOVE :love: planning vacations.....don't you!!)

[jeannej]

No Off won't work. Cutter or Everglades 2000 might. Unless we get a cool front while the down the misquitos will be really bad. The rangers there call tourists blood sponges. Now if there is a cool front or it is wind, the Royal Palm trail is ideal for tourists, and there are many tours from Flamingo at the parks end. The Everglades is beautiful.

Too bad they have thought about the west coast of Florida. Sanibel Island is amazing. There so many things to do in Florida other than WDW. :D

jeannej

[tiggerlover1971]

Originally posted by BDavis932


Tiggerlover1971....yes, they are very interested in Key West. I know they want to visit Hemmingway's place, but what else can they do/see to fill the rest of the day there? They will be spending 3 nights in Key Largo, and just going to Key West for the day. They will get up early and arrive there around 10-11 am.


[/b]

Bdavis if they are going to key west for the day ( I havent been for a while but they used to have when you first arrived on the Island a tour on a trolly that would take you on a tour of the Island past all the famous peoples houses ( not just Hemingways house ) they would also drop you off in old town to shop and to do the hemingway house.) there is also an aquarium there that was cool and of course there is a shopping district ( and if its still there a outside market place that was pretty cool also before sunset they have a square thats the best place to see the sunset and they have jugglers and people that sell their arts and crafts there ( plus its romantic to see the sunset there )
also they have a big marker for the southernmost point that most people get their pic taken at so you can say you are at the most southern point of the U.S. There is also if its still there a Ripleys believe it or Not Museum . that they can go into ( I havent been for a lonnnnnnnnnnnng time so I am not sure if its still there.

The one place that I would suggest but its kinda loud since its a bar but ( hemingway ate there ) is sloppy joes thats where they all started . They also have a Margaritaville there and just ask locals where is it good to eat without it being touristy where they would eat and they will direct you

hope this helps