Having done nothing ON my birthday in quite a few years made me jump at the chance this year to take a long weekend in Key West. We took Friday and Monday off for the drive days since it’s about 8 hours from Daytona. It wasn’t bad, though, since Barb lent us the Miata for the trip! It was a gorgeous sunny day for the entire trip down, and nothing beats a little two-seater convertible for the long two lane from Miami to Key West. When we got there around 6pm, we “checked in” to a pretty sweet spot next to a canal on Stock Island that I found through AirBnB (thanks Josh).

From there, we went directly to Hogfish, a hidden local hangout on a fishing marina.

We proceeded to have the freshest fish and best evening… There was a local bluegrass-blues fusion band that just killed it, there was dogfish 60 on tap, friendly people, and a wonderful view.

It was one of the best birthday dinners I’ve had! Then, we ended up just staying there, meeting a local fisherman, and chilling on his boat for a few before calling it a night.
Over the next few days, we checked out the sights on the fabled Duval St.

There, we found the Speakeasy Inn for Island drinks and the butterfly museum

A killer French bistro called Banana Cafe, where I had crepe wrapped ratatouille…

… something I’ve wanted since watching History of the World Part 1 …
Did lots of walking and riding bikes on the beach.

and in true Key West fashion, even found time for a nap in the shade of a palm tree

Lots of great food and drinks at spots like Louie’s Backyard, Schooner Wharf, BO’s Fish Wagon, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, and The Stuck Pig on the way out of town.  We were even able to get out on the open ocean in a tandem kayak that Jack, our host, had just laying around…. That was great!
It all was capped by a sunset sail

on the “Western Union“, a double masted schooner that was built on key west and has has been there since 1937.

Fantastic!

All and all, it was a great weekend. Thanks to Jack for the great room, Billy for a hilarious evening, crazy tighty-whitey man for adding to that hilarity, Hogfish for being a consistent evening magnet, the crew of the Western Union for being totally cool, Barb for loaning her sweet ride, Angela for the great food recommendations, and Bre for being an awesome navigator.

Key West – two thumbs way up with a big old smile