Capnd - 5/17/2014 5:09 PM
I just returned from the keys . i have been there many times . this was the first time i flew into key west . I decided to leave early ,the wind was bad and there was small craft advisories all week , I have seen and done everything outside of diving that i have interest in there so i opted to return home rather than to run expenses up . if you fly to key west its all good unless you need to leave early and then getting a flight out is very expensive . so i drove miami and got a flight out instead ,always a scenic drive .if you go to key west you should eat at a locals place called the hogfish bar and grill, people and food are great . key west has many options but rememember it is a tourist trap . there is the mel fisher museum among all the shops and eateries .I have dove the vandenburg a couple of years back and it was very cool . i have dove with a shop called dive key west on roosevelt street . they were pretty good . there was another shop called seaduction i have dove with but i found out they are now closed .theres an evening event at mallory square where people gather to watch the sun set and street shows. there is much to see and do in key west . if you travel north up U.S 1 across the 7 mile bridge to marathon , there is a really cool shop called captain hooks marina and dive center . Ask for Denise and Dave , They are the greatest , very helpful and the friendliest people you could want to meet . I went on a trip to marathon 6 years ago and dove with captain hooks and have been returning every since . i have taken my friends and my son there and every one came home with great things to say about them .I stayed at holiday inn there in marathon this time but just a few miles north is hawks cay resort ,That place looked awesome with plenty to do ,and the price was close to holiday inn this time of year . I would recommend some night dives and if you go to marathon check out the thunderbolt site . Also if you do get to marathon ,the island fish company is right across the street from holiday inn. great food ,a little pricey . also the dockside bar and grill is really good , they have live music (eric stone band they are great ) . there are many sites to see and fun things to do . i could go on and on . keep an eye on the weather ,now go dive !!!