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Post by 950nancy on Jan 22, 2024 21:45:33 GMT
We are headed to Key West in March and Yellowstone in May. I've been to both places, but I wanted to know what you'd recommend in either spot. Love having a group of people with such wide opinions. Last time we were in KW it was 2021 and we were there two days. We did a dolphin cruise and rented a golf cart the other day and hit some of the big tourist traps. This time we're flying straight into the airport and will be staying on the beach about a mile away.
Any favorite viewing spots (or otherwise) in Yellowstone? I know we'll see bison and elk everywhere in the park. Probably more excited about the grizzlies and wolves if they are out.
TIA.
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Post by volunteergirl on Jan 22, 2024 21:55:50 GMT
Yellowstone is going to be tough in May. Only a limited number of roads and facilities are open at the beginning of May. A few more open in mid-month, and more open at the end of the month. So my advice would really depend on when in May you are going.
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Post by kristi521 on Jan 22, 2024 21:59:52 GMT
For Key West - I love walking Duval Street, lots of fun shops (and an overwhelming amount of t-shirt shops), Mallory Square at sunset, Sloppy Joes is a lot of fun, the Lighthouse, Hemingway House, Dry Tortugas is a long day and pricey, but so worth it in my opinion.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 22, 2024 22:14:07 GMT
One of my favorite things at Yellowstone was sitting in the evening at Old Faithful Inn listening to the live cello player, enjoying a glass of wine and going out on the covered deck to watch Old Faithful go off.
I also loved hiking around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
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Post by stormsts on Jan 22, 2024 22:29:01 GMT
In Key West I like to watch the sunset from the Hyatt Centric. We always start our evening at Schooners Wharf. Dancing at Sloppy Joes. Eat one night at Pepe's.
I have been to Dry Tortugas twice. Well worth the trip.
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Post by chedanemi on Jan 23, 2024 1:16:17 GMT
Our daughter lives in Wyoming, so we have been to Yellowstone many times on our way to her house. The Yellowstone West Entrance normally opens for vehicle travel and visitors the third Friday of April. The East Entrance normally opens two weeks later and the South Entrance three weeks after the West Entrance. Amenities (lodging, restaurants, etc.) probably won't be open that early. That being said, a snowstorm would obviously delay these dates. We have been there in May several times and have been lucky weather-wise.
Assuming the entrances are open, May is a great time to see grizzlies. We saw nine of them last May while driving through. There are very few people in the park in May, so parking is never a problem either. I highly advise downloading the Guide-Along app. It's GPS based, so not reliant on a cell signal (which you likely won't have in the park). The narrator is somewhat amusing and gives loads of information while you're driving through Yellowstone. He tells you what's coming up and whether or not it's worthwhile to stop. Another good planning tool is the itinerary on the Dirt in My Shoes website. Ash is a former park ranger, and her itineraries are excellent resources for planning a trip in the national parks.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,866
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 23, 2024 1:46:22 GMT
I agree with the others about Yellowstone possibly not being completely open by May.
Also, allow more time there than you think you’ll need.stuff to see is everywhere but the main things can be an hour drive from each other.
Always go in with a full tank of gas, water and food.
Once in the park, amenities are scarce to non-existent.
Speaking of non-existent, there are ZERO cell signals too.
We packed a lunch each day and found little picnic areas. It was AMAZING!
We were there almost a week and saw less than half of the “major” things.
Stay on the boardwalks/paths or you could die. Seriously
There are places you can walk right up to the edge of a canyon a plummet down.
We didn’t wander to the woods. We stayed very close to the main roads. Wildlife is everywhere. Be ready to pull over at any moments without notice to see something beautiful and majestic or just sit in traffic for hours with the lookie-loos. LOL
Always have a camera ready. A zoom lens is a must so you can photograph animals and geographic features safely from a distance.
Stupid people are also everywhere. Lots of rude and inconsiderate people too.
That being said, is still the most awesome and beautiful place I’ve ever been and I’d love to go again.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,920 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Jan 23, 2024 2:05:39 GMT
We were at Yellowstone and the Tetons this last fall--mid-October. We came in from the East, so we took Cheif Joseph byway, and it was stunning. For us, it was the only substantial snow we saw. We stayed in Jackson, so I feel like I have more to say about the Tetons.
We did see a TON of wildlife. We did not see wolves, but we saw just about everything else...a lot of bear and moose. I highly recommend October, but I have read that May is good too. Although some things are closed---most of the stores and lodges were closed in Yellowstone--but I really enjoyed the lack of crowds.
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 3:02:41 GMT
Yellowstone is going to be tough in May. Only a limited number of roads and facilities are open at the beginning of May. A few more open in mid-month, and more open at the end of the month. So my advice would really depend on when in May you are going. End of May. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 3:03:30 GMT
For Key West - I love walking Duval Street, lots of fun shops (and an overwhelming amount of t-shirt shops), Mallory Square at sunset, Sloppy Joes is a lot of fun, the Lighthouse, Hemingway House, Dry Tortugas is a long day and pricey, but so worth it in my opinion. I remember reading about that before we went last time. Thanks for reminding me! |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 3:07:41 GMT
I agree with the others about Yellowstone possibly not being completely open by May. Also, allow more time there than you think you’ll need.stuff to see is everywhere but the main things can be an hour drive from each other. Always go in with a full tank of gas, water and food. Once in the park, amenities are scarce to non-existent. Speaking of non-existent, there are ZERO cell signals too. We packed a lunch each day and found little picnic areas. It was AMAZING! We were there almost a week and saw less than half of the “major” things. Stay on the boardwalks/paths or you could die. Seriously There are places you can walk right up to the edge of a canyon a plummet down. We didn’t wander to the woods. We stayed very close to the main roads. Wildlife is everywhere. Be ready to pull over at any moments without notice to see something beautiful and majestic or just sit in traffic for hours with the lookie-loos. LOL Always have a camera ready. A zoom lens is a must so you can photograph animals and geographic features safely from a distance. Stupid people are also everywhere. Lots of rude and inconsiderate people too. That being said, is still the most awesome and beautiful place I’ve ever been and I’d love to go again. We'll be there five days. I think we'll have to stop somewhere before we get in the park and get groceries. Both my son and I have 800mm lenses, so I am sure we will be getting some great shots. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 3:09:00 GMT
We were at Yellowstone and the Tetons this last fall--mid-October. We came in from the East, so we took Cheif Joseph byway, and it was stunning. For us, it was the only substantial snow we saw. We stayed in Jackson, so I feel like I have more to say about the Tetons. We did see a TON of wildlife. We did not see wolves, but we saw just about everything else...a lot of bear and moose. I highly recommend October, but I have read that May is good too. Although some things are closed---most of the stores and lodges were closed in Yellowstone--but I really enjoyed the lack of crowds. We're headed to the Tetons too. Any advice is great! |
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by tracylynn on Jan 23, 2024 4:16:13 GMT
Yellowstone is going to be tough in May. Only a limited number of roads and facilities are open at the beginning of May. A few more open in mid-month, and more open at the end of the month. So my advice would really depend on when in May you are going. This! I went in 2017 in late May and we got pushed out of the park due to a snow storm. It cut our trip short which was a bummer. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 4:25:19 GMT
Yellowstone is going to be tough in May. Only a limited number of roads and facilities are open at the beginning of May. A few more open in mid-month, and more open at the end of the month. So my advice would really depend on when in May you are going. This! I went in 2017 in late May and we got pushed out of the park due to a snow storm. It cut our trip short which was a bummer. We've had two May 20th snowstorms where we live, so we know it could happen. We're driving and can reschedule if we need to. |
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Post by Zee on Jan 23, 2024 4:43:31 GMT
I don't know what is a "can't miss" in Key West, but watch out for that 3rd set of stairs at The Bull and The Whistle. I got a bit of a shock when I ventured upstairs to check out the rooftop bar. Boobies, peen, everything on display and not a bit of warning. It was like a night at work for me. 🤭 I made my way back down to the balcony on the second floor and enjoyed a beer and the foot traffic on Duval Street. Cannot recommend Duval on a Saturday. Drunk people everywhere walking all in front of, up on, and into you. I enjoyed the glass bottom boat and the food at Onlywood Trattoria was great. We enjoyed drinks and Irish trad music at Irish Kevin's. Liked the drinks and burgers at Fogartys/The Flying Monkey, Burger was great. We walked the beach at Fort Zachary State Park, enjoyed the sponge and coral and things that had washed up with the tides. I was feeling cat-deprived so we really enjoyed the Hemingway House. I could live there, I loved it! But it does smell like cats live there. I think the floors and baseboards might need a good sanding and refinishing. They have a cat sanctuary with 61 cats that are free to wander inside and out, and they have shelters and are lovingly cared for. Most are super chill and don't mind being petted at all. We rented a car to drive up the keys and have a grand time stopping wherever we felt like it. We did a bit of snorkeling on a secluded tiny beach, didn't see much but it wasn't the best spot. I just wanted DH to give it a try as it was his 55th bday and I thought it was nice to have a new experience. We made it up to Key Largo and headed back that evening. I collected so many sponges that had washed up ashore that I had to mail them back to myself, in ziplocs of salt so they wouldn't be stinky. I do that with all my beach treasures.  |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 23, 2024 22:17:33 GMT
I don't know what is a "can't miss" in Key West, but watch out for that 3rd set of stairs at The Bull and The Whistle. I got a bit of a shock when I ventured upstairs to check out the rooftop bar. Boobies, peen, everything on display and not a bit of warning. It was like a night at work for me. 🤭 I made my way back down to the balcony on the second floor and enjoyed a beer and the foot traffic on Duval Street. Cannot recommend Duval on a Saturday. Drunk people everywhere walking all in front of, up on, and into you. I enjoyed the glass bottom boat and the food at Onlywood Trattoria was great. We enjoyed drinks and Irish trad music at Irish Kevin's. Liked the drinks and burgers at Fogartys/The Flying Monkey, Burger was great. We walked the beach at Fort Zachary State Park, enjoyed the sponge and coral and things that had washed up with the tides. I was feeling cat-deprived so we really enjoyed the Hemingway House. I could live there, I loved it! But it does smell like cats live there. I think the floors and baseboards might need a good sanding and refinishing. They have a cat sanctuary with 61 cats that are free to wander inside and out, and they have shelters and are lovingly cared for. Most are super chill and don't mind being petted at all. We rented a car to drive up the keys and have a grand time stopping wherever we felt like it. We did a bit of snorkeling on a secluded tiny beach, didn't see much but it wasn't the best spot. I just wanted DH to give it a try as it was his 55th bday and I thought it was nice to have a new experience. We made it up to Key Largo and headed back that evening. I collected so many sponges that had washed up ashore that I had to mail them back to myself, in ziplocs of salt so they wouldn't be stinky. I do that with all my beach treasures.  Well now we need to go to the Bull and Whistle. For sure. We fly in on Saturday, so that will be fun. I don't think I arrive until after 4, so maybe we'll just hang out at the hotel that night. time we were there, we stayed on Marathon and it was in the middle of the Keys. Not sure we'll head out of the town this time. My husband does want to fish, so maybe a tour or two. |
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Post by stormsts on Jan 24, 2024 1:38:59 GMT
The top floor of the Bull and Whistle is called the Garden of Eden. It can be quite interesting…
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MissChris
Full Member
Posts: 370
Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Jan 24, 2024 4:14:14 GMT
Definitely rent scooters and go see things that you can't walk to. Go to East Martello Museum and visit Robert the doll. Go on ghost tours in the evening--even if you don't believe a word of what they tell you, you still get an interesting history of the area. It's the ghost tours where you'll learn all about Robert the doll. Treat yourself to a hogfish sandwich! I'm not a fish fan, but hogfish was better than I could ever have imagined. If you like cemeteries, there's a cemetery within walking distance from Duval street. In addition to Hemingway's house, there's a Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. We spent a full week there several years ago, walked everywhere (other than the day we rented scooters) and had an absolute fantastic time! So, so fun.....enjoy your time!
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Post by manomo on Jan 24, 2024 4:24:42 GMT
We visited Key West last summer. I loved our trip to the Dry Tortugas but national parks are my jam. We also went to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum because I'm fascinated by the idea of treasure hunting. I thought it was expensive for what you get to see. That said, there is an absolutely beautiful emerald and gold cross on display from the wreck of the Atocha. I also loved the Key Lime pie on a stick at Kermit's Key Lime Shop.
We've been to Yellowstone a number of times and my favorite memories are of the Lamar Valley because of all the wildlife we've seen there. However, it is the longest drive in the park and the roads may not be totally open when you are there. It's the only place we've seen wolves. Bears were abundant there during our visits. Watch for cars pulled over to the side of the road, that is usually a clue that someone has spotted something of interest. We call it the Yellowstone effect wherever we go. I don't know if they'll be active when you are there but there's a group called geyser geeks who have studied the eruption cycles and communicate with each other by walkie talkies. It was fun to shadow them and run to the next eruption. The park is huge and spread out so there's more than you can possibly see in one visit. Count on wanting to come back again, it's number one on my national park list.
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Post by kristalina on Jan 24, 2024 21:25:45 GMT
Just get the Key lime pie everywhere you go!! I don't know if it's still there, but we loved "The Raw Bar" - it's an oyster bar, not a bar-bar. The food was great.
We just liked walking around and looking at all the Victorians and going to the pier (I think) or maybe just the area down around the Southernmost point) i forget - to watch the sunset - where everyone claps when the sun goes down. There were always cool street preformers. BUT it's been literally decades since I've been there.
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 25, 2024 1:51:15 GMT
Definitely rent scooters and go see things that you can't walk to. Go to East Martello Museum and visit Robert the doll. Go on ghost tours in the evening--even if you don't believe a word of what they tell you, you still get an interesting history of the area. It's the ghost tours where you'll learn all about Robert the doll. Treat yourself to a hogfish sandwich! I'm not a fish fan, but hogfish was better than I could ever have imagined. If you like cemeteries, there's a cemetery within walking distance from Duval street. In addition to Hemingway's house, there's a Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. We spent a full week there several years ago, walked everywhere (other than the day we rented scooters) and had an absolute fantastic time! So, so fun.....enjoy your time! Scooters sound fun! We've done the golf cart and Segways (in another town). Are they in several places or do you remember where you rented them? Can't remember seeing them. And Robert the doll? Sounds creepy. I hate dolls!  ETA: Just Googled the doll. It sounds like what I think every doll is capable of! |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 25, 2024 1:54:07 GMT
Just get the Key lime pie everywhere you go!! I don't know if it's still there, but we loved "The Raw Bar" - it's an oyster bar, not a bar-bar. The food was great. We just liked walking around and looking at all the Victorians and going to the pier (I think) or maybe just the area down around the Southernmost point) i forget - to watch the sunset - where everyone claps when the sun goes down. There were always cool street preformers. BUT it's been literally decades since I've been there. I introduced Key lime pie to the family when we were last there. It was a staple every time we went to the grocery store. I think we're a quick walk to the Southernmost Point buoy thingee. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 25, 2024 1:58:23 GMT
We visited Key West last summer. I loved our trip to the Dry Tortugas but national parks are my jam. We also went to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum because I'm fascinated by the idea of treasure hunting. I thought it was expensive for what you get to see. That said, there is an absolutely beautiful emerald and gold cross on display from the wreck of the Atocha. I also loved the Key Lime pie on a stick at Kermit's Key Lime Shop. We've been to Yellowstone a number of times and my favorite memories are of the Lamar Valley because of all the wildlife we've seen there. However, it is the longest drive in the park and the roads may not be totally open when you are there. It's the only place we've seen wolves. Bears were abundant there during our visits. Watch for cars pulled over to the side of the road, that is usually a clue that someone has spotted something of interest. We call it the Yellowstone effect wherever we go. I don't know if they'll be active when you are there but there's a group called geyser geeks who have studied the eruption cycles and communicate with each other by walkie talkies. It was fun to shadow them and run to the next eruption. The park is huge and spread out so there's more than you can possibly see in one visit. Count on wanting to come back again, it's number one on my national park list. We love the national parks. We drive to Estes or Grand Lake several times each summer just to see the RMNP. We've seen everything there minus grizzly bears and wolves. Both my son and I carry big enough lenses that people often stop and talk to us about our cameras/photos and we always get such good information. |
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MissChris
Full Member
Posts: 370
Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Jan 31, 2024 2:09:05 GMT
Definitely rent scooters and go see things that you can't walk to. Go to East Martello Museum and visit Robert the doll. Go on ghost tours in the evening--even if you don't believe a word of what they tell you, you still get an interesting history of the area. It's the ghost tours where you'll learn all about Robert the doll. Treat yourself to a hogfish sandwich! I'm not a fish fan, but hogfish was better than I could ever have imagined. If you like cemeteries, there's a cemetery within walking distance from Duval street. In addition to Hemingway's house, there's a Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. We spent a full week there several years ago, walked everywhere (other than the day we rented scooters) and had an absolute fantastic time! So, so fun.....enjoy your time! Scooters sound fun! We've done the golf cart and Segways (in another town). Are they in several places or do you remember where you rented them? Can't remember seeing them. And Robert the doll? Sounds creepy. I hate dolls! ETA: Just Googled the doll. It sounds like what I think every doll is capable of! I can't remember exactly where we rented them, but there are rental places all over the place. And you have to visit Robert! The entire museum is neat and Robert is just an added plus! |
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