Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys: The Conch Republic

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys. While I don't consider myself an expert, my husband, Ray and I have been visiting the Keys every year (sometimes more than once a year) for over 20 years. My intention is to tell you of my experiences in the places we've lodged, eaten, boated, endulged in libation, or simply relaxed. You can make up your own mind whether or not to heed my suggestions.

I'll try to provide as much information as I can in regard to contact info, what the bathrooms are like (ladies you know it's important to you), parking, and customer service. So read on all you Conchs and Parrotheads and please leave comments about whether or not one of my posts was helpful or if you have any suggestions.

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Conch Republic

The Conch Republic is located in the historic seaport district in Key West, overlooking the KW Harbor and Marina. It is a large 80 ft. bar and resteraunt known for their many varieties of rum (quantity-80) - the biggest between Cuba and Miami. Their food is pretty good overall and that's why they're always busy. You might have to wait for a table, but there are usually seats at the bar. They have some outside seating that are high-top tables with large market-style umbrellas overhead. While the expansive garage-style doors are always left open, they are air conditioned. Their happy hour runs from 4:00-6:00 (I think) and it's two-for-one wine, rail drinks and beer, (may not include wine). When we order food it's usually a hamburger or a salad with blackened fish on top so I can't really comment knowledgeably on their food except to say that whatever we've ordered there has been tasty. I can vouch for their Conch Chowder though - it's good! They offer an eccletic Carribean inspired menu. Every afternoon they feature live island-type music. The Conch Republic Seafood Company also boasts an impressive Raw Bar with Oysters, Clams, Stone Crab, chilled Key West Pink Shrimp and succulent Royal Red Shrimp. Of course, they also have certified Black Angus steaks, tender pork chops, mouthwatering chicken entrees, succulent ribs, tempting pasta dishes, and an exciting variety of surf and turf options. We find the adjacent metered parking lot a great place to park because it's central to much of the Key West that we like to visit. If that lot is full, there is parking next door in the dirt lot for an-all-day parking fee.

Conch Republic Seafood Company®
631 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305.294.4403
info@conchrepublicseafood.com

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Facts and Advice

1. Key Deer are endangered. It is illegal to feed them. They weigh only 75 lbs. when fully grown & stand only 32 inches high.
2. Speeding is a big no-no in the Keys. My advice - don't do it. Passing someone is not only stupid, it's dangerous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Adding 10 minutes more to your trip isn't that big a deal.
3. The local newspaper is called The Citizen. Inside the front page is a column called Citizens' Voice. It's hysterical. Also check out the paper to find out when cruise ships are in port. You may want to avoid KW on those days.
4. Manatees "sleep." They appear dead b/c they often lay lifeless, drifting in the current. They love lettuce & will suck on a fresh water hose like a baby. While its recommended that you do neither of those things, they sure are cute to watch. Adults on the average are 10 ft. long & weigh about 1,000 pounds. They feed on seagrass & aquatic plants, consuming up to 100 lbs/day. They can hold their breath for 20 minutes. They are on the Florida endangered species list.

5. There are 5 kinds of sea turtles that live in the Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean - Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley & Leatherback. They are found in shallow saltwater & among coral reefs. They dig over 4,000 nests on Florida beaches every year. They live to be 40-60 years old. All species are on the endangered or threatened list. Lights on beaches by boaters & revelers often disorient sea turtles, causing them harm.

6. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. and is closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami.

7. There are 42 bridges that connect the islands of the Keys. The longest bridge is the 7-mile bridge.

8. The small green mile marker signs along US 1, start with 126 just south of Florida City & end with MM 0 in Key West.

9.There are over 800 Keys. Key Largo is the longest at 33 miles.

10. The word "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo" which means "little island."

11. Key West is known as the Conch Republic.

12. US 1 is also called the Overseas Highway.

Welcome

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Conch Republic

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