For something a little different, we drove down to Key West this Christmas with Munson. We had many breaks on the way down, stopping with family, but also to charge our electric car. Driving to the southern most tip of the USA in an electric car was full of highlights both good and bad. You can read about them on our Tesla blog if you like.

Our first stop was Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada

Robbies Tarpon Feeding

Robbies Tarpon Feeding

Shortly after, we arrived at the Gates Hotel. We originally had booked a room using Flip Key and got totally screwed when they cancelled our fully paid room less than a month prior to our dates. Given that we were traveling on the busiest week of the season and with a 50+ pound dog our options were limited. We rebooked at a dumpy, way-overpriced Holiday Inn Express for way too much money. However, on Cyber Monday I found a flash sale for the Gates Hotel. It looked gorgeous and was not more expensive so we cancelled the Holiday in and upgraded to the Gates. We arrived at noon and they let us check in early. We were not disappointed. Not only did the rooms and décor live up to expectations, they had Tesla chargers! Gotta love a forward thinking hotel. Munson was very pleased as well, since they provided a dogie welcome kit!

We wasted no time and followed the recommendation of my friend to check out Captains Tony’s Saloon where Ernest Hemingway used to chill. They have many strange traditions from hanging bras to leaving dollar bills and license plates. Munson was happy to be inside out of the heat.

Captain Tony’s Saloon

Next, we drove over to the Southernmost Beach Resort, a sister hotel of the Gates, to take a in the sunset and get a blue light shot from the dock. We didn’t get the prefect sky, but we met a wonderful Canadian family that was happy to ham it up for our photo. Munson didn’t mind hanging either.

Southernmost Beach Resort

Our final photo shoot for the day, yes count them, four, was the Rum Row bar in the Gates Hotel. After a hard day’s work Munson saddled up to the prohibition themed bar for a cocktail made by her favorite bartender Jennifer.

Gates Hotel Bar