The Crab Trap

Coming to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach in a couple of weeks. Is it worth driving over to eat at this restuarant? Thanks for any other suggestions.

The Crab Trap

not my favorite place- we love doc%26#39;s on Canal Road and the Point. we also really liked Live Bait at the Wharf- cosmo%26#39;s has good reviews- it%26#39;s on canal Rd near doc%26#39;s

The Crab Trap

We stay a half mile from the Crab trap and didn%26#39;t think it was worth driving back to. It%26#39;s OK but overpriced.

The Crabtrap is a very expensive and crowded place. Not very good for young children or people looking for quiet conversation...

I don%26#39;t know why I see the Crap Trap getting a bad wrap so often. It is on the beach and has a playground for kids, so I don%26#39;t know why you would say it is not good for kids. I thought the food was good and the prices seemed about the same as all the other seafood places in the area. (Just don%26#39;t get crablegs or something because they are expensive there.) I plan on going there again this year...

Weather in Naples in May/June

Going out to stay at Edgewater Beach in May 2009, I have been told that is the start of the rains/hurricanes, is that the case, will we be in the middle of horrendous weather, staying there 30th May for a week.

Weather in Naples in May/June

Hi Suzie,

June does start hurricane season but that doesn%26#39;t mean there will be one. It%26#39;s usually around 85-90 degrees and humid so with that you will usually get an afternoon (3-4 pm) thundershower which lasts about 30 minutes or so then it%26#39;s nice again.

Hope this eases your mind!

Weather in Naples in May/June

Statistically, there is very little chance of a hurricane in May or June. It will be hot and very humid, and the water temperature of the gulf will be in the mid-80%26#39;s, so the only real relief is shade and/or air conditioning. I always find the evenings comfortable and the closer you are to the gulf the better your chances of an evening breeze.

cryptoapi vs capicom

Best Family friendly/variety eating options at a Resort???

I will be traveling with a large family group (my parents, my sister, me, hubby, 4 yr.boy, brother and sis in law, 15 yr. girl, 13 yr. girl).

We were either are thinking about staying at the POP resort or Coronado Springs Disney properties.

However, my thinking is that the POP would have more eating options and a variety and open at better times for us. Correct??? I am assuming that it will be a cheaper menu and option? Am I correct in saying so??

I know some of the people in our group would love a sit down restaurant(I am sure POP doesn%26#39;t have that sort of thing).

POP or the Coronado would buss us to Downtown Disney correct???? In case we did want a more fancy meal???

Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Best Family friendly/variety eating options at a Resort???

The Value Resorts only have a food court and they don%26#39;t tend to have a lot of variety. Coronado Springs offers a few more options. All Disney Resorts will bus you to Downtown Disney;you can also eat at another resorts restaurants if you want a nicer table service meal such as the California Grill which you can walk to from the MK.

Best Family friendly/variety eating options at a Resort???

Check this website for all Disneyworld restaurants and menus, including prices:

http://www.allears.net/menu/menus.htm

bebo

Advice on charter boats

Hello all.

My first post but I%26#39;ve been reading a lot of your comments and such and you have already given me ideas on where to go to eat and such. So I thought I%26#39;d ask away and get some advice. First trip to the Keys. Staying at Continental Inn (also largely in part to TA posts). Just myself and girlfriend coming down June 19-28th and can%26#39;t wait. Two things that we want to do but haven%26#39;t seen much discussion.

Snorkeling. Looking to do a day trip and want a fun time. Go in the morning or afternoon? Best boats? Would it be worth it to bring/buy some gear to use on Cont Inn%26#39;s beach?

Fishing. Best captains? Best prices? I know ';best'; is tricky when fishing is involved. Don%26#39;t care what I catch so species isn%26#39;t a limitation and I%26#39;ll be happy to hear everybody%26#39;s version of best.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Dan

Advice on charter boats

The two charters I like in the Marathon area are - in no particular order:

Reel Time with Captain Nick. www.reeltimefishingcharters.com (305) 942-2171

or

Main Attraction out of Key Colony Beach. (305) 289-0071 Captain Marty.

I%26#39;ve caught fish on both boats.

I was just on another boat this weekend, but it is out of Geiger Key Marina I caught a 20 pound Mahi as the biggest, and we had another 11 smaller dolphin as well. I fished with Captain Greg and Captain Craig. Call Greg at (305) 296-9641.

Tell him I told you to watch your fingers when fishing with them.

You%26#39;ll like staying at the Continental. Nice area. have a dinner at Sparky%26#39;s - you wont%26#39; be sorry. Tell Barb the bartender hi, and watch out for Ally. She tried to kill me with Coronas one night.

Advice on charter boats

The Buffetguy has recommended two great Charter Captains. If you go with Main Attraction, fish with Capt Marty and his mate Jamie! They have a couple of boats, but I think he is the best!

For snorkeling, I would recommend The Spirit http://www.spiritsnorkeling.net/

or Tilden%26#39;s http://www.tildensscubacenter.com/

I don%26#39;t think you will need any gear for in front of the Contental Inn, it is a nice beach, but not really for snorkeling.

Come on down, you are going to have a great time!

AND - another vote for Main Attraction and Capt Marty - he%26#39;s on Main Attraction 1. There are several Main Attractions, that%26#39;s the boat the other two are talking about.

Also right there in KCB is Deep Blue Dive, snorkeling and diving. You can rent gear from them if you feel you need it for the beach in front of Cont inn, but like the above poster said - there isn%26#39;t much to see there. Morning or afternoon? Depends on the weather that day - talk with whoever you choose to go out with for advise on the day.

Come on down!!

Thanks for the advice. Only two more weeks.

Main Attraction is an excellent choice - either Capt. Marty or Capt. Shelby. Also recommend SeaSquared Charters (www.seasquaredcharters.com) in the same marina. Be sure to stop in to Sparky%26#39;s Landing for fish %26#39;n cocktails - also in the Key Colony Beach Marina. A Deep Blue Dive (again, same marina) is top choice for snorkeling. Have a blast!

I highly recommend Captain Buddy LaPointe for inshore fishing. He%26#39;s patient and he%26#39;ll put you on fish. He works with beginners and experienced fishermen. I’d call him ASAP as he is usually booked well in advance. His website is www.fishin-buddy.com. I’ve fished with him for over 10 years and he’s always been terrific.

did anyone who fished those two charter companies go for swordfish. want to do a day trip later this month.

thanks

did anyone who fished those two charter companies go for swordfish. want to do a day trip later this month.

thanks

Both Main Attraction and SeaSquared go for swordfish with success.

http://www.mainattraction.org/

http://seasquaredcharters.com/

Both are good. Swordfishing can be very boring. Deep, deep drop and wait. And wait. And wait. Both of those Charter Captains can put you on all different types of fish!

Labor Day trip to the Keys-first time

Hi all

My hubby and I are virgins to the Keys and have 7 days to explore. Haven%26#39;t had a beach vaction in 5 years so we are due!

We%26#39;re looking for snokeling fun first and foremost, then listening to waves at night with a good drink in hand, good food and just down and out relaxation.

Hubby want%26#39;s national parks(which there are 3 to choose from..) We%26#39;re young empty nesters from Colorado so we love our nature and it%26#39;s just us for the trip.

How do I plan the itinerary? Budget is medium so I need lodging hints as well. We%26#39;ll fly in from Denver to Miami, pick up the car and run with the wind. We know we have 2 days each way of travel which gives us 7 days of fun.

Love your ideas for our much needed beach ';Keys'; vacation.

Shopgrl39

Labor Day trip to the Keys-first time

You should do some research here on TA on the Islamorada %26amp; Marathon forums. There are tons of posts on places to stay %26amp; things to do. Islamorada %26amp; Marathon are central in the keys and make a great base for exploring the rest of the keys. Also contact the chamber of commerce for one of the keys %26amp; they will send you an info packet which has maps %26amp; is helpful in seeing how the keys are in relation to what you want to do. I wouldn%26#39;t over plan. Pick a few of the main things %26amp; then just let the rest happen. You will have a better vacation then if you try to plan every minute. Enjoy!

Labor Day trip to the Keys-first time

First of all - when are you coming? I agree that staying in the Middle Keys (Isla/Marathon/Key Colony Beach) gives you the most flexibility. As for your lodging budget you may consider renting a condo or home rather than staying at a resort or even hotel/motel. There are many available for as little as $800/week up to $3000/week and more. Check out premierkeys.com. If you find one in the low to mid price range this will leave you some $$ to spend a night (or even 2) at one of the inns in Key West. Necessary for your Duval Crawl. Key Colony Beach Marina offers you diving/snorkeling as well as charter fishing, boat rental and great happy hour/dining. One stop shopping. There is tons to do. Visit the Marathon Chamber website floridakeysmarathon.com for just a start and, as earlier recommended, visit the Marathon and Key Colony Beach forums here for ideas and recommendations. Most important - have a great time! Oh - as for listening to the waves - we don%26#39;t really have waves down here, but we do have crystal clear water that%26#39;s perfect for swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

Sorry - I now see you%26#39;re coming for Labor Day! Also check out the Keys Kash coupons on fla-keys.com.

Thanks for all the help here! I%26#39;ll check into all the advice and look at renting too. So, it sounds like the middle keys is the answer for lodging and just weave our way up and down in the car?

Can%26#39;t wait to visit :)

Shopgrl

You might want to read my trip report; just search kathyva. I%26#39;m sure it will be too hot and buggy for the Everglades, but look into the Dry Tortugas National Park. Sorry we didn%26#39;t make it there on our first trip in April. Snorkel trips are available all the way down the keys, from John Pennenkamp National Park (Key Largo) to Coffin%26#39;s Patch (Key Colony Beach), Sombrero Reef (Marathon), Looe Key Reef (Big Pine Key), and half and full day trips out of Key West. We enjoyed staying in the lower keys way better than Key Largo. Bahia Honda State Park has a beautiful beach. We may have a lot in common...we are empty nesters and lived in Denver way back in the 70%26#39;s. Happy snorkeling!

Thanks for all the snokeling tips Kathy. I%26#39;ll check out your trip report. Since we want to ck out a couple of the national parks, would you recommend a few days in Key Largo before heading to the middle, and lower keys? I just booked our flight and we got a great fare by going a couple of days earlier so we will actually have 9 full days of fun :)

Thanks to all for the great help and advice!!

Shopgrl39

No, I wouldn%26#39;t stay in Key Largo again. It%26#39;s easy enough to travel from the middle keys to John Pennenkamp National Park to snorkel once there. As you travel further west in the keys, the scenery just gets better and better. My husband and I loved Big Pine Key for the unbuilt,open quality of this key. It is nicely located both to Key West and Bahia Honda State Park as well as to Marathon. Remember that staying in Key West is FUN too! There%26#39;s a wealth of info on this forum but feel welcome to keep asking questions.

I agree I wouldn%26#39;t stay in Key Largo either. It%26#39;s not that far to drive there. We usually do a day trip to Key Largo. Also wanted to let you know traffic can be really heavy on Labor Day. It seems the actual day of any holiday in the keys has very hectic traffic. I would make that a non-driving day.

When booking your place to stay keep in mind the gulf side if you want to watch the sunsets and Atlantic side if you want to watch the sunrises. It%26#39;s great you have the extra days. I know every time we go there we always want to ';call in sick'; and stay extra days.

Ditto what BORN said about the holiday traffic. We got caught in horrendous traffic on Memorial Day trying to get from Marathon to Tavernier to go to the movies. Took us 2 hours just to get to Worldwide Angler - gave up - had a couple of cocktails and turned around. This, of course, was north-bound traffic. I have heard south-bound traffic can be thick on Fridays lately. I guess we%26#39;re getting lots of weekenders. Traveleing EARLY on Fridays would be a good tactic and avoid the O/S on any actual holidays, esp Monday holidays.

Thanks again for all your help. We found a rental villa in Long Key so any advice on Long Key would be great. We want to enjoy nature but still enjoy drinks and dinner out so I want to make sure Long Key isn%26#39;t too remote. It%26#39;s on the Altantic side so we can walk over the gulf side for the sunsets. It%26#39;s right next to Long Key State Park which is nice and the rental includes kayak%26#39;s too :) Bonus!

Bus system

Hey, what is Destin%26#39;s bus system like? I cannot seem to find a web site with it. Can anyone tell me it? How late do they run?

Bus system

Go to the Okaloosa County Transit website at rideoct.org

I%26#39;ve seen it going around quite a bit this week.

Bus system

Destin does not have a bus system.

Bus system? No, that%26#39;s just Semco in a big van picking up TA regulars.

Virgin's 'V' Room

Hi has anyone used virgin%26#39;s V Room at Gatwick? Am considering booking it ans was wondering if it was worth while.

Virgin's 'V' Room

Have a quick look on www.dibb there is a few posts on there

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