We drove down to Key West on the Thursday before the Mystery Fest Key West conference began. Once you hit the Keys beyond Miami and Homestead, you pass interesting little towns on each island along with scenic ocean vistas on either side of the highway. On Ramrod Key, we stopped for lunch at Boondocks. Their creamy New England clam chowder was one of the best. I liked the crabmeat salad and cole slaw that accompanied the soup. A half portion of salad was more than enough.
After arriving in Key West, we checked in at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort and then took the hotel shuttle into town. Here we meandered around until our friends Alyssa Maxwell and her husband joined us for dinner. We dined at Conch Republic Seafood Company. Richard and I shared stuffed mushrooms and grilled mahi mahi. We were as stuffed as the mushrooms when we’d finished.
 
Friday morning, we were free, so we visited the East Martello Museum, a Civil War era fort. Exhibits tell about how the fort was used during the war as well as a bit of Key West lore including ghost stories and the creepy Robert the Doll tale. Doll houses, a treasure chest, and a cannon were among the relics displayed. Then we went outside toward the tower where a spiral staircase takes you to the top. Here are some scenic views.
 
 
 
 
 
Hungry from our exertions, we drove into town and lunched at Pinchers Crab Shack on Duval Street. Then it was back to the hotel for the start of the conference.
 What’s your favorite place in Key West?
We used to take a high-speed catamaran from Fort Myers to Key West, spend the day and then leave around sunset. I still remember leaving one evening just as the sun was setting. It was huge! We were amazed! Love Key West. Glad you had such a great trip and conference.
That would be an easier way to go than our five-hour drive.
I have taken the ferry from Ft Myers and that’s the only way to go for me living on the west coast.
Did you ask Robert’s permission to take his picture? I did the ghost tour that includes the fort. That is a spooky place at night. We had to stand in line and ask Robert’s permission before taking his picture lest some tragedy would befall us. Enjoy Mystery Florida. I hope to make it to that one sometime
Yes, I did ask Robert’s permission to take his photo and post it online. I hope I have his agreement.