Two Pina Coladas.. Or maybe more. Key West Bachelorette
When my friends asked me what I wanted to do for my bachelorette, I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate with my best girlfriends than the keys. I had been going to Islamorada and Key West with my family my whole life. Every summer we would pack up our station wagon and drive down to the keys for mini lobster season. Our family memories of swimming, snorkeling, suntan lines, fishing, tiki bars, and crystal clear aqua marine water were something that I will never forget about my childhood. What better way to officially say goodbye to my childhood and celebrate the next chapter in my life in the place that I held so close to my heart. Boy did my girlfriends deliver! My friend Dakota grew up in Key Largo and knew of a local spot that I would enjoy. It was the cutest, most charming parisian style cafe called Cafe Moka. It was the perfect stop to grab a delicious peach tea, coffee, almond croissant and macaroons, for the rest of our drive south to Key West, but not before we take a quick picture on the beautiful patio. Their menu was mouth watering and included homemade quiche, smoked salmon sandwich, and one of the best caramel macchiatos I’ve ever had, which I was able to order with almond milk that knocked the Starbucks version out of the park!
We finally made it to our hotel, (The Crown Plaza La Concha) were my hubby had a surprise waiting for us to kick off our weekend. Chocolate covered strawberries and champagne? Yes please! He knows how to put a smile on my face. It was a very stylish and chic hotel with an old hollywood feel, making it even more evident how well my friends knew me, to find such a great place to stay.
After a kick off toast with some bubbly, it was off to Fogarty’s, on Duval Street for some of the best traditional Key West style cuisine and cocktails. It was one of our favorite places that we always stop at to get our vacation started. They have a large selection of delicious frozen cocktails to help cool you off from the blazing south Florida heat. I always get the coconut shrimp which never disappoints.
My friends really went all out to make me feel special and loved. For being known as the “dancer” in the group, we had a tutu night fitted with the traditional Bachelorette sash and oversized cocktail tube! I absolutely LOVED the Feyonce shirt they got me, knowing of the joke between me and my hubby: instead of calling me his fiancé, he would call me his Beyonce.
Our first night out, we went to the famous Mallory Square at sunset to get these beautiful pictures. Mallory Square is somewhere I also remember going as a kid. There are numerous street performers, food stands, and Key West style souvenir shops. It is a great family place to visit!
Then it was enough of the family friendly places and on to our favorite bars on Duval street. Duval street has a long stretch of delicious restaurants, bars and shops, making it a great place to go during the day and at night. Our first stop that night… Irish Kevins were we met another bachelorette party who we would end up running into throughout our weekend. When you go to Irish Kevins, you are walking into a traditional pub style atmosphere, with live music, green shamrocks, and Jameson shots galore. Some of the performers you will see there can get a little raunchy, but it’s all in good fun. More often than not, you will end up singing along with the entire bar to “Sweet Caroline” or “Friends in Low Places.”
We also LOVE going to Sloppy Joes! It really is the best place to go dancing and to see some great bands play. There is a large dance floor and two bars that make for a night to remember! We always end up there at least once a night when we are in Key West.
During the day we went to the college spring break style, outdoor, pool side bar called Dantes. It really feels like you are at the MTV spring break parties we used to watch when we were in high school. There is a DJ playing, beer pong in the pool, solo cups, shots, and a large supply of drunken party friends. We are a pretty tame group, but it was extremely amusing watching the rest of the “party goers” living it up poolside with a delicious mudslide.
Another “must go” is right outside of Dantes, to pick up a little pick me up from the best Cuban Coffee Queen. We dream about this place, and are always trying to find an equivalent to the delicious cuban coffee that they serve. Perhaps its not just how good the coffee tastes, but also the atmosphere in which we get to enjoy it in.
The last night we all wore flower crowns! There was a Claire’s around the corner from our hotel were we all bought our headpieces. This was my favorite night for many reasons! Being the good friends that they are, and knowing what a health nut I am, my friends found a deliciously charming vegan place called The Cafe! We sipped specialty cocktails from mason jars, and shared a “let’s order 10 things and share because everything looks so good” dinner. They also had asked my honey a few questions before hand, in which I had to drink every time I got one wrong. Thankfully I only got two wrong, and was able to enjoy my watermelon, cucumber and lime cocktail with pride!
Then it was off to the best drag show ever! Thanks again to my friends planning, we were seated smack dab in the center front row, where all the action happens. These queens put on one hell of a show! They were so entertaining, leaving our sides and cheeks burning from laughing so much! It is definitely a “must see” the next time you find yourself in Key West, but plan ahead or you may end up standing room only, as the place gets pretty crowded once the show starts.
On our drive back, we stopped at one of the best Restaurants in Key Largo, Snappers. If you are looking for delicious Keys style good home cooking look no further. The beautiful waterfront restaurant is worth the stop! We were all so sad our trip had to end, and we of course had to take one last picture!
Some more places to visit in the keys are: Lorelei Cabana Bar and Restaurant in Key Largo, Holiday Isle Tiki bar in Islamorada, Caroline’s Cafe in Key West, and Robbie’s Tarpon in Islamorada.
