Florida Key's flying?

[74657]

I'd like to take a trip this coming week to Key West while we are staying in Marco Island.  Does anyone have any experience flying to KEYW from central Florida?  Looking to take my brother-in-law to Stock Island for $100.00 hogfish sandwiches.....

Thanks!

[Parker_Woodruff]

2 ways -

- Over water

- Follow US 1

[GeorgePerry]

Lots of VFR traffic below 10k.  I'd follow US 1 IFR above 10k.  Other than that, this time of year the wx is usually nice.  enjoy.

[flyboy0681]

This is my usual lunch run. Since I fly the shoreline along the east coast then along the Keys, it's a different trip than you would take from Marco.

If flying directly over water from Marco you need to be very careful to stay within the ADIZ. If you venture outside of it then you may find yourself making an unscheduled trip to customs when you arrive, so if you inadvertently venture outside of it and find yourself without your passports because you didn't think you were leaving the country, be forewarned. I said "may" because I've spoken to several people that got away with it and some that didn't.

As far as traffic is concerned, I always use flight following and rarely hear other traffic. My usual altitude is 3500, which is the minimum for Miami Center when handed over from Homestead.

My suggestion from Marco would be to follow the coastline then make a beeline for Marathon and hang a right. This will minimize your time over water.

When in Marco, try to have lunch at Snook Inn. It's right on the water and is as tranquil as it gets.

[Piloto]

Sloppy Joe is my favorite place for lunch at Key West. There is no line attendant at KEYW, you park on any free spot available. Ground transportation is quickly available.

 

José

[DaV8or]

I love Key West. My wife and I just stopped off there again as we returned from the British Virgin Islands last week. We always like to finish up our Carribean vacations in Key West. It is a goal of mine to fly my Mooney there one day. Rode our scooters out to the airport and had breakfast at the Conch Flyer restaurant on the field. Not a bad place and a good fly in spot I would guess. My favorite breakfast has to be at Blue Heaven in town though. Highly recommend it. For dinner I recommend Louie's Backyard. Awesome! Have fun for me!

[flyboy0681]

Quote: JimR

That's funny, Dave.  Of all of the great restaurants in Key West, Blue Heaven is one of our favorites, too.

[74657]

I think we will do the coastline to Marathon then 1 down the rest of the way.  I've been to KW a bunch of times via commercial flights and drove down 1 but this will be my first time flying myself.  Hogfish on Stock Island is a great local hangout.  Its right next to the shrimp docks / Fishbusters and is a 5 minute drive from the airport.  I will fly back a few lbs. of Key West pinks for boiling Old Bay style for dinner.....

Thanks for the tips.

[gregwatts]

Its a beautiful flight no matter which way you go. Visit El Siboney on Catherine St for the best Cuban food around.

[flyboy0681]

My favorite dinner spot is Cafe Sole on Southard Street. It's a small, intimate place with an outstanding continental menu. I've been going there for years as well.

[DaV8or]

Quote: JimR

That's funny, Dave.  Of all of the great restaurants in Key West, Blue Heaven is one of our favorites, too.  They serve a mean Bloody Mary.  Did this guy pay you a visit?

And, agreed, the Keys are a great fly-in destination.

Jim

[74657]

 Got to log some actual today on the trip down to MKY from ISM.  Looks like we will try to do some fishing later this week Tuesday/Wednesday.  We will go to EYW one of the other days.  If anyone has time and avgas to burn let me know!  I logged 3 full days @ Disney so my vacation can begin......