Quote:
Originally Posted by pulsarad
We want to go; can some of the veterans shed light on what is the best time to make reservations and what are some good places to stay (inexpensively if possible) and what to expect and what to take?
A small how-to guide would be amazing  |
Assuming you are going as a couple (we rent a house with other couples), you want a hotel close to the party zone but NOT right on Duval St. Those hotels are either outrageously expensive or downright ratty. A few blocks from Duval is good, between Front St and Angela St (as far as Truman Ave is OK if you don't mind a long walk. I can recommend the Hyatt on Front St.
Do NOT stay out by the airport - the shuttle buses stop too early, and if you rent a car, there will be no place to park it.
If you want to rent a house in Truman Annex, (inconvenient, but I know many people who stay there) look up
http://www.susieskeywestestatesales.net/ . She is very helpful. Renting a house lets you have as many meals at home, saving restaurant bills, if that helps.
You should have made reservations already. Good luck.
Bring your digital cameras with extra batteries.
Casual clothing, with some layers and some rain gear. Comfortable footwear.
Costumes? You are newbies, so maybe best to maybe take a toga type thing so you have something, or skip costuming till you see what other people are doing (which can range from only body paint to elaborate costumes that show no skin at all (and are too hot, I think.))
The action builds up from the Sunday through Saturday night's parade. Fri and Sat nite, Duval St is so crowded it becomes a problem to just move around. Sunday is go-home day and hard to get flights or the drive up to Miami or Ft Laud takes all day. We go home Mon.
For the best place to view the parade, either pay $80-$100 for a good viewing position along Duval, or head into Truman Annex (where it starts) and is much less crowded. You might also enjoy the "family friendly" parade Sat afternoon. Check the FF web site for the route.
Best bar is Capt. Tony's on Greene St. Avoid Fat Tuesdays - too full of drunk college kids who start fights.
Lots of good restaurants. Mangoes, SaraBeth's...
Hope you make it. It's the best party in the world.
DR