July 1, 2004: The drive from Clermont, Florida to Key West was uneventful and extremely straight forward.  272 miles on the Florida Turnpike which links to Rt 1 (the highway through the Keys ), then it's another 150 miles (3 1/2 hours) to Key West.  The trip took about 7 1/2 hours, door to door, with one food stop (Marathon Key) and two gas stops.  Driving through the Keys is a bit slow, but very interesting.  Average speed is about 50 mph whereas on the Turnpike we averaged 68 mph.

 

Upon arriving at the Eden House (1015 Fleming St.) the first impression is, "did we make the right choice?"  It is very laid back and unsophisticated.  It's definitely set in a different era.  There was construction in the pool area (some replacement of decking at the jacuzzi) but it was completed the next day.  Mike's next project is the pool decking.  http://www.edenhouse.com

 

Our room (303) was in a rear building on the 2nd floor.  It was very private.  The room was, well, interesting. Its one weakness was the bathroom area (tub/shower/sink/toilet) which did not have a door, only a curtain.  If privacy is a major issue for you, consider a different room. With that exception, Ruthie and I thought the room was fantastic.  It had an old rustic cabin feel,  It was very clean and not musty like you might imagine.  It was listed as an apartment so it included a sink, range, microwave, pots&pans, dishes&silverware, cookware, blender, toaster, mini-fridge and, of course, TV and A/C.  They have wireless DSL Wi-Fi for those of you, like us, who want to stay connected.  After some minor tweaking our laptop worked well even though we were the farthest room from the access point. The veranda (entrance deck) contained a table and two chairs.  We didn't use them but we did use the table and chairs on the balcony each morning.  The view from the balcony is lush and calming.

 

Our first meal was at Cafe Med which is next door to the Eden House (actually it's on the EH property).  The pictures on the EH web site do not do justice to this fine restaurant,  The food is excellent and the service is very friendly and efficient.  I strongly recommend you have at least one meal at Cafe Med.

 

We decided to go for a walk downtown (EH is about 5-6 blocks north of Duval St).  Although I had a rough idea of how to get there I decided to ask Carlos at the front desk (yeah, I know it's not the manly thing to do).  Not only did Carlos give us directions, he drew a walking route on a map, and showed us to how to get to the waterfront and shops quickly.  I am glad we asked.  The Eden House staff go out of their way to ensure you have a good stay.   We walked at least 4-5 miles everyday.  Next time I think we'll rent a bike or two. For those who don't know, Duval St. is a collection of restaurants, bars and clothing  and trinket shops (mostly).  It's where the action is (mostly).  Mallory Square is at the base of Duval at  the waterfront.  Be sure to be there for the sunsets.

 

 

July 2, 2004: We slept in Friday morning. The EH doesn't have clocks in the rooms but if you want a wake up call they will provide one (why would you want one here).  Ruthie and I, leisurely, had some yogurt on the balcony to start the day.  Once dressed ,off we went past Cafe Med, Finnegan's Wake (Irish Pub-duh!) and over to the waterfront. The temperatue was rising at a fast rate so what else is there to do but get some ice cream (Ben & Jerry's this time - Cherry Garcia).  We decided to go throught he Mel Fisher museum.  I should have taken some pics of the Museum for reference (next time).  For those who don't know, Mel was a deep sea diver who recovered lots of Spanish treasures (that's an over simplification).  It was a very interesting tour but I think $10 a person was a bit steep.  Truth is, it was blistering hot at the time and we needed to get to a cool place.  The museum is located one block form Mallory Square. If your a history buff you will thoroughly enjoy this.

 

Today we walked up Duval St. and saw some pretty interesting sights (people). We had an early dinner 4:00 p.m. at the Seafood Buffet.  All you can eat for $21.95 including stone crab legs.  It wasn't bad - but not great.  One trip was enough for me but I think Ruthie might want to revisit. 

 

We walked back to the EH and joined happy hour in progress.  Afterward we lay at the pool for a while then retired to our room, watched some TV, surfed the net then called it a day.  Ruthie was asleep by 10pm

I forgot to mention that during happy hour we met a nice couple (Steve and Leslie) from Yorkshire, UK.  This was their 4th or 5th stay at Eden House.  They said it's the best place in the Keys.

 

 July 3, 2004: We were awakened by rain about 6 a.m. mainly because the rain falling on a small metal vent sounded like hail pelting the roof.  However, it didn't last long and we both slept until almost 9 o'clock.  By then the sun was out and you could hardly tell it had rained. Ruthie grabbed some coffee from the lobby (she said it was weak as dishwater - sorry Mike).  I played it safe and had some green tea which was fine.  We took a brief stroll to the waterfront.  Mostly near the hotels on the waterfront.   Primarily we walked around the Hilton and the Ocean Key hotels.  We drooled over some gorgeous yachts.  I found out later they were in the $3 million range.  We need to win a lotto jackpot - soon. 

 

We stopped for lunch at the outdoor Hilton Bistro 245.  The sandwiches were excellent.  We were expecting usual fare but this was a cut above. After lunch we headed back to the pool before 2 p.m. in order to beat the crowds.  In the summer there's no place to sit after 3 p.m.  Mike (the owner - at least we think it was Mike) gave Ruthie a Green Apple cooler that just hit the spot. 

 

We stayed through happy hour (daily 4p to 5p), showered, changed and went in town for dinner.  About 7 p.m.we sat at an outside table (near the street) at Thai Cuisine   This place was a pleasant surprise.  The food was excellent.  Second only to the Cafe Med.  We walked off dinner by going to Mallory Square, watching the street performers, artists, half dressed people and the sunset.

 

We finished the evening taking in the sites on Duval St.  I topped that off with a Hagen-Daz cone of Mint Chip (a double no less).  Ruthie was good and passed on the ice cream.  However, on the way back to the room we bought two coffee rolls from Dunkin Donuts, for the morning.  By the time we crawled in to bed we were exhausted (and gaining serious weight).

 

July 4, 2004:  Our last day before the long ride.  It seems like we just got here.   Again ,we were awakened by a gentle rain on the roof.  Again ,we went back to sleep and slept until almost 10 o'clock.  By the time we got our act together it was noon. We headed over to Front Street and the waterfront because Ruthie wanted to try parasailing.  I went along for the boat ride.  I think she had a smoother time in the air than I did on the boat. It was still fun for me and Ruthie said the view was awesome.  I think I'll go up with her next time.

 

After this adventure Ruthie was hungry (so was I) so we went to the infamous Hogs Breath Saloon and had a burger.  This is one of those places you have to visit (a tradition of sorts).  The burger wasn't that good but at least we can say we went to the Hogs Breath Saloon.  We walked some more on Duval St. and did some shopping.

 

One last trip to Hagen-Daz (Ruthie joined in this time) and two coffee rolls for the ride tomorrow and we walked back to the EH to freshen up.  Out again to the mall over-looking Marty's Raw bar where I took the shot of the sunset that is on the Home page.  Marty's is a unique place.  It's a restaurant and swimming pool combined.  The tables are around the curving lines of the pool.  General attire is -- a bathing suit.  It's usually a packed house.

 

Our last meal was pizza and onion rings at Finnegans wake.  It wasn't bad but not great.  Not a wise combination, either.  You could say the food was average at best.

 

We watched the fireworks while standing in the street and trundled off to our room to collapse.

 

What a phenomenal three days.  We can't wait to go back.  As great as the Eden House is, be advised it is not for everone.  It's old, quaint and laid back. It is very relaxing but not luxurious by any means.  Having said all that, and having experienced the Eden House lifestyle, I can't imagine wanting to stay any place else.  We plan to go back this September.  After a crash diet.

 

Hope you enjoyed the commentary.  Responses are welcomed.

 

Ted & Ruth Manno

Clermont, Florida