KeyWestCheap

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.  

Finnegan's Wake veggie menu

Key West Cheap Chic suggests Finnegan's Wake veggie menu on 1/2 price veggie Wednesdays.  EVERY Wednesday, all day.  10am till closing, usually midnight or later.

Cheap Chic Enlightenment

Check out the Khan Academy, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) with the mission of providing a world class education to anyone, anywhere.  This is a truly amazing site to learn Math, Science, Humanities, History, Finance, SAT Test prep, etc.  The Khan Academy is 100% free to use and partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

This section is called enlightenment, because sometimes while on vacation you may want to explore things you might not come across at home.  We have a cool community college on Stock Island, just 5 miles from Duval St., that offers courses throughout the year, some for only a day or two that might fit into your holiday schedule and satisfy an aching need to learn something about a subject you've been curious about.  Check out the Florida Keys Community College continuing education course schedule for ideas on personal enrichment, they might include photography, pottery, diving, etc.

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.

Cheap Chic at Finnegans Wake Irish Pub

Every Wednesday is "Half Price Veggie Day" that features their entire Vegetarian
Menu at a 50% discount. All day from 10am to midnight (or later). Regular prices
range from the savory Mic's Mac'n Cheese $10 ($5) ...Three cheeses ssyce served over seashell pasta with broccoli and cauliflower ...to the Cheesy Pleasing $14 ($7)...calzone filled with spinach ricotta, mozzarella, black olives, & roasted peppers, served with a petite Caesar salad. The portions are massive. Also consider The Rose Garden I Promised...
$10 ($5) mixed field greens topped with rose water dressing, white Stilton cheese, pecans and dried cranberries.
Finnegans has a diverse menu at all times for a pub, much more than simple bar food. You can generally find several specials entrees and desserts that change monthly. But for a great deal on a Wednesday you can't beat half price Wednesday veggie menu and if you go during happy hour, 4p to 7p or 12a to 2a,
you can drink Key West cheap chic as well!

Cheap Chic lunch at Lobos Mixed Grill

Lobos Mixed Grill is a wonderful little cafe located in the courtyard of Key Lime Square, near the corner of Duval and Southard Sts.  The owner, Kristin, is a very kind soul that that can make any day better. Lobos specializes in wrap sandwiches and they have over 30 to select from. Everything is priced from $7.95 (Monster Veggie) to $10.25 (Grouper Roll). Lobos also offers tasty quesadillas and hamburgers. To wet your whistle there is a ubiquitous selection of soft drinks and a generous selection of bottled beer and wine. The wrap portions are large,  so come hungry or plan to share... Two can easily eat here for under $20 and stay awhile to enjoy the gentle ambiance of a colorful tropical courtyard replete with hens, roosters, looney locals and the most charming hostess in Key West.  So let Kristin and chef Carlos roll one for you! Check out their website at LobosKeyWest.com

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.

Cheap Chic lunch by the sea...

Enjoyed this tasty fish burrito from Garbo's Grill, a wonderful little food cart on Greene St. across from the Sports Page and a block toward the Bight from Sloppy Joe's. This is the best $8 bucks you can spend in Key West. Many seem to also think so, as Garbo's Grill is currently rated #1 on TripAdvisor.
Admission to Ft. Zachary Taylor is $2.50 per person and I bought a lemon-lime Sierra Mist from the vending machine at the parks' entrance for $1.50. (it also gave change and included other options, including water). The bench is at the far end of the sunset parking lot. About 1 mile from Garbo's Grill, but a world away from where ever you're likely reading this.  One of the best lunches I've had in awhile!