We flew to Miami and drove to Key West, stopping for lunch in Key Largo and for several days in Islamorada.  We were surprised to find the original African Queen (used in the film) docked at the in Key Largo.

Islamorada and the Chesapeake Resort

We spent several days at the Chesapeake Resort and liked it so much we stayed several more on our way back.   We had reserved a deluxe room, but it was off season and when they offered us a large discount on a lovely suite with a full kitchen, we were happy to take it.   We loved lying on the beach watching the friendly pelicans, but we wish it hadn't been quite so windy.   Stone crabs had just come into season, and we enjoyed picking some up at a store down the street and taking them back to our suite for lunch or dinner.

Key West

So we wandered around and were lucky enough to stumble onto the Gardens Hotel.   It used to be the Peggy Mills Garden, begun in 1930, and sprawls over a quarter of a city block.   It had just been converted into a hotel the year we were there (1994), and perhaps for that reason, or maybe because it was off season, we had the place to ourselves!  It was wonderful.  Note: They serve a continental breakfast, but don't have a restaurant.  The day we lounged around the pool, we picked up carryout for lunch.

	Our room was on the top floor of this building.

Here's what we did in Key West:

• Visited the and particularly enjoyed seeing some of the many cats that live there.
• Did a walking tour of historic Key West Homes including and ,
• Took a half-day deep sea fishing trip aboard a boat called the Hot Rods.  We didn't catch much, which was fine with Candice who decided that it was too gory for her.
• Ate a delicious dinner at ,