KeyWestCheap

Southwest Airlines shareholders approve merger

Potential good news for those looking for cheap flights to Key West today when Southwest Airlines shareholders voted to approve the proposed merger with Air Tran which currently serves Key West with flights from Atlanta and Orlando.  The Southwest merger means a potential bonanza for Key West as the Southwest route system of discounted seats is the largest in America.  This greatly expands the number of discounted air line seats  to Key West.  In another bit of good news this week, BahamasAir announced flights from the middle Keys airport in Marathon to Nassau via Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.   Great news also because flights tend to mean fewer cars on our narrow, slow roads.  Less noise, fumes and more paradise.  Keep the good travel news coming!

Key West event calendars

Key West is a small town of about 23,000 souls with a lot going on.  There are a host of fun events every week and a challenge to take them all in.  I've compiled a list of various event calendars.  Review them all and find things of interest to you.  For those looking for fun ways to interact with locals, consider attending a local fundraiser.  These are held at numerous locations around town and help organizations like the SPCA, Cancer Foundation, Volunteers for Literacy and many more.  Frequently they offer raffles and prizes.  A great opportunity to shop for gifts, souvenirs and do good at the same time.  You're also sure to meet friendly locals more than willing to suggest their favorite places and maybe you'll make new friends?

Key West Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar  Includes many events, especially those hosted by members of the Key West Chamber.

Silver Palms Inn Events Calendar  A well designed community calendar covering all of Key West.  The Silver Palms Inn is also a great choice if you're looking for a Key West value hotel at a great price.

Nurse Ginger's Key West Event Calendar  This one tends to include many of the island's fundraisers.

Key West SPCA  The local "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" needs funds to build a hurricane resistant shelter and frequently hosts and partners with local events to raise funds.

 

 

Cheap Chic Birthdays

Celebrating your birthday anywhere in Florida (actually anywhere in the U.S.A., just select your state on the drop down menu) and review the places that offer specific discounts and free things to people celebrating their birthdays.

"What can you get free for your birthday? Find local businesses and restaurants offering birthday freebies or birthday discounts to adults, kids and pets! No membership required to browse birthday deals! "  

In Key West, Denny's (there are 2) offer Free Grand Slams.  

The FREE BIRTHDAY TREATS website is something you much check on your birthday and live it up.  Freebies and Discounts are available for meals, travel, shopping and more...

Cheap Chic Key West Hotel deal

Several Key West hotels and B&B's participate in the Keys Kash promotion, click the Keys Kash link which will take you directly to the printable coupon page.  There are several Key West hotel deals that require just a 2 night stay for a 10% to 15% discount.  As with all "deals" you will want to read or ask about any special rules and there may be other deals that beat these.  But if you've checked and didn't ask about the Keys Kash deal you might be missing out.  Be sure to check it out for a cheap Key West hotel "chic" deal.  

There is much to love, just strolling around Key West

A Key West chicken guards her young!

Cheap Chic suggests renting a bike!

Let's face it.  Many people go on vacation and gain weight, because they "enjoyed" vacation a bit too much.  Here is a suggestion that will peel off the pounds and improve your vacation.  Key West is a relatively "flat" place, our highest point on the island is only 13 feet above sea level.  The only real "hill" isn't even a hill, it's the Palm Ave. bridge which connects Old Town to New Town and is built over charter boat row at Garrison Bight.  

Another fun thing about cycling around town is that you will see much more of Key West.  You can peddle through the neighborhoods and make wonderful little discoveries.  If you cycle completely around the island you'll travel 12 miles, it will take you 1 hour at 12 mph, which is a relatively moderate pace.  Go slower and take your time, it's your vacation...what the heck.  Renting a bike is cheaper than taxi, scooter rental and traveling by car (and the parking hassles).  

Here is a link to calculate calories burned while cycling.  While your burning calories you can stop at local cafes and create you're own "culinary tour".  Enjoy an appetizer at Azur, enjoy a chocolate, walnut brownie at Old Town Bakery, a cuban coffee at the Cuban Coffee Queen, then a delicious fish burrito at Heidi Garbo's "Garbo's Grill" .  You get the idea.  Move around, see the wonderful neighborhoods of Key West and take it easy.  If you get lost, no worries.  The island is only 1.5 miles by 4 miles and we're surrounded by water...you won't be lost for long.  You might not make headway losing weight, but with this plan you'll likely feel better and enjoy a varied diet and burn off the delicious calories you consumed.  Bike Rentals in Key West are available at the following locations, please let them know you were referred by the Conch Concierge and "Key West Cheap Chic":

The Bike Shop  My favorite because they don't have advertising on their bikes. They are also the oldest bike shop in Key West and all rentals include lights, locks, baskets, wide soft seats and kind, friendly service.

Eaton Bikes

Re-Cycle

Island Bicycles

Key West bike rental prices generally are $10-$35 per day, with many options from beach cruisers, mountain bikes, tandems and trikes.  You can add baby carriers and other accessories.  Don't forget to ask for a lock and lights (a must) if you plan to ride at night.  Discounts are available for multi-day or weekly rentals.

For more "Key West Cheap Chic" ideas like this and to help plan your Key West vacation call Conch Concierge at 305.292.2292.

Key West Cheap "Chic" Free Historic Tour

The tour hosted by Historic Markers, Inc. (I love their slogan...powered by Key West History since 1513) is incredible for both it's thoroughness and simplicity.  You simply go to their website, note the marker numbers and call 305.507.0300.  By entering the marker # you get a brief 90 second recorded message detailing the history of that location.  As of February 2011 there were 23 markers listed, which is plenty to keep you busy for a few hours of walking or cycling through Key West learning about our history.  And the beauty is that it's free...thanks Key West Historic Mark Tour!

My suggestion for a true treat is to hire a pedicab and enjoy a leisurely ride in the open air, sit back and relax.  Pedicabs generally charge about $1.50 per minute, but may arrange a special price for you based on a certain length of time.  Negotiate! The driver will no doubt add a little bit of color to the tour.  But first ask if he/she is familiar with the tour or has conducted similar trips so you do find yourself wandering through Old Town...which could also be fun.

Key West Cheap "Chic" Movie History

Learning the history of a place can be entertaining and very informative. Especially a storied place like Key West.  Mark your calendars for February 15 and 22, 2011 as Mel Fisher Museum is offering 2 free showings of films made in Key West. Each showing is at 7pm and is free to the public. The Mel Fisher Museum is located downtown Key West across from the Westin Resort at 200 Greene St.  Read more about the showings from the article in today's Key West Citizen.  You can also learn more about the various films produced in Key West at: MoviesMadeinKeyWest.com.

So don't forget, for a good, KeyWestCheap "chic" time check out these 2 treasures from the Key West movie archives at the Mel Fisher Museum.

"Carib Gold"  7 p.m. Feb. 15 

"Escape from Hell Island" 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

Location:  Courtyard of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St., Key West.

Bring chairs and popcorn!  This will be fun.  Parking is limited, but available for a fee at the Westin Parking Garage and on the street for .25 per 10 minutes.  Each film runs approximately 80-90 minutes.

Key West Cemetery

Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour is a great "totally free" way to learn about the island's history.

The historic Key West Cemetery entrance gate is located at the corner of Poorhouse Lane and Margaret St. in Old Town Key West. Just inside the gate is a box loaded with free tour maps of the cemetery provided by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. The cemetery was created in 1847 following a devastating hurricane in 1846 which destroyed the previous cemetery and left those interred
strewn about the island in a horrific mess.