How about a car-free and plane-free trip to Key West? Try this blog post.
The writer occasionally posts here as transitguru, and can also be found on Twitter as @TransitGuru.
2011-02-24 22:02:58
7
NYC mini-tour
I am between jobs so I have time, for the moment, to go anywhere.
For this Spring, I'm planning to take the bus or train up to the Big Apple itself and just do my own 5Boro tour. This is open-ended somewhat, limited finances notwithstanding, so I am in deep research mode (I'm also looking at Florida Keys as an alternative but the distance does complicate things).
Simple sketched details:
1. The visit will be 3-4 days; 2. rent a decent bike if transport becomes too expensive/difficult; 3. stay in a hostel (unless I find a sweet deal on a hotel or my GF comes along); & 4. it can happen almost anytime in the next two months except the Easter holiday.
If anyone here has done a similar trip, your experience might help me plan this better. Thanks.
2011-02-24 20:10:03
I am the author of the blog that StuInMcCandless had referred to. After you read the post on my trip, feel free to ask questions. I strongly recommend the Everglades Hostel in Homestead/Florida City as it is one of the best hostels around. They also rent bikes at $15 per day. I rode to the Everglades and really enjoyed the ride. I recommend getting up early to fully enjoy your ride before sunset, as it sets fast at lower latitudes!
After Florida City, you can take transit to Key West if you want. Take Miami-Dade route 301 Dade Monroe Express (it will say American Coach on the bus) to Marathon. Six of the over a dozen trips go to Marathon so make sure to confirm the destination of the bus. At Marathon, transfer to the Lower Keys Shuttle (Pages 5-7). Other pages show bus routes within Key West. I highly recommend trying to get off at other keys, especially Big Pine Key where there are nature preserves and little deer that are the size of dogs when they are full grown.
I have created a quick "combo" timetable as well to show connections from Florida City to Key West. It is shown on my blog entry and linked here.
2011-02-25 04:32:01
if you're ever in homestead, fl, you absolutely must go to el toro taco.
2011-02-25 14:30:57
Man, I'm going to have to look into this. I was in Key West once all too briefly and I loved it.
2011-02-25 14:38:04
It looks like a weekend visit to NYC is not the popular choice. But, as it turns out, I will be heading up there next weekend, probably using the Megabus & renting a bike.
That said, I'm impressed by the Florida stuff I've been reading, I may have to do two trips. But it would have to be a solid week since 2+ days would be just for traveling there & back.
2011-02-25 18:44:54
FWIW, TransitGuru and I and a couple others from Pgh are going to be on the Mar 4@16:45 Megabus, returning Sunday night. I know saltm513 is heading there on the Mar 3 Megabus. Different events! I don't know if I'm going to have much time to bike anywhere, but I won't pass up the opportunity if it presents itself.
2011-02-25 19:28:54