| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JackWebbster |
Posted - 12/22/2005 : 6:26:45 PM
What's the status of Atlantic Shores in Key West?
We heard it was supposed to be torn down the end of October of this year (2005). Condos were supposed to be built in its place.
Does anyone know what's the latest news?
Thanks for any substantive updates!
Jack W. |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| John Bristol |
Posted - 12/07/2009 : 07:34:50 AM
There is some recent talk of making a clothing optional beach to help tourism. Nudecouple got it right I think. There are about a third of the residents that are old money a third tourists on Duval street and a third homeless or boat bums. For all those groups to co exist is a good thing. In fairness I think the reputation is the problem. If everyone who wanted no rules came there most of us would not want to be there. We all set standards for our lifestyle and are quick to say no to swinging etc in Social Nudism if that is our preference so creating a zone around Duval street or Bourbon St in Memphis or New Orleans etc helps keep everyone happy. Things can get out of hand as the old saying goes. Haulover is a great example of how it can work. Wish there were more such places. Wish I did not have to put on clothes to go to the mailbox. If wishes were horses all men would ride. Meanwhile being on a boat is the best in the mooring field off Fleming key on the north side. One winter there I only put on clothes to go to town, to Adam and Eve for a beer. Say hi to Malinda for me next time you are there. John |
| NudeCouple |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 10:19:22 AM
Well having lived in Key West for many years and just moved away from there 4 weeks ago I feel we can speak a bit about this subject. Unfortunately KW is a pretty conservative place, with the exception of Garden of Eden clothing optional bar, there is no place to get nude unless you take your own boat out to the sandbar. The idea that the Keys are a "free spirit" is a myth. Fantasy Festival gives people the impression it's wild and free down here... it isn't. (although the Houston area that we live in now is much worse, nothing but a bunch of bible thumpers here) As we left they were trying to designate a part of one of the beaches for nudist use... but it doesn't look good and I don't see that happening anytime soon. You can get topless if you do it carefully at Smathers, White or Higgs beach... Smathers is by far the best beach on the island. Been to Ft Zach many times also but don't enjoy the tons of kids running around or the gravel on the beach. Also when I went topless there one time a sourpuss old man came running up and told me to cover up. Enjoy Key West, it's truly beautiful there, just don't expect anymore freedom then you would any place else in the conservative USA. |
| jimvt |
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 05:16:14 AM
The beaches old hippie is talking about are Smathers, Whites beach and Higgs beach. The city of Key West trucks sand in for them and the beach itself is quite nice. Unfortunately the sewage treatment plant is near them and there is almost always a water quality warning. Key West doesn't publish this widely (don't scare the touristas)but the water and the bottom of the shallow areas is actually quite filthy at times. These beaches also attract a lot of college kids, vendors blaring music, etc. The beach at Fort Zack is by far the best for swimming, has shade available, and is quiet and peacefull, at least by Key West standards. There is some sand here and if you get there before 1 pm you can usually find some. Peace Jimvt
Jimvt |
| JackWebbster |
Posted - 02/17/2009 : 11:33:50 AM
Thank you all for your comments about Key West.
Yes, we agree with all of you that you would think it would have more of "free spirit" than the Miami area. What a sad current situation.
Besides Haulover Beach, is there any other hotel or place to visit around the Miami area that does have the "free spirit" environment?
Thanks for any additional ideas and comments.
Jack Webbster
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| sailawaybob |
Posted - 02/15/2009 : 11:42:56 AM
you would think that the keys would be more laid back that miami. |
| old hippie |
Posted - 02/15/2009 : 10:58:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by jimvt
Unfortunately..... As for the beaches, in key west we prefer Fort Zack and have learned to wear g-strings or thongs. It seems absurd that wearing this tiny piece of fabric makes it legal, but that's the way it goes. topless is not legal but is tolerated if done discreetly. The beach at Bahia Honda is gorgeous but technically even thongs are illegal there. ..... peace Jimvt
Jimvt
While I can't speak to the topless tolerance, we found the gravelly beach itself at Fort Zachary to be less appealing than the more sandy ones around to the more southeastern shores of Key West [I forget the names]. The concession we made at all of them was the use of comfortable thongs from TheBikini.com, which didn't even seem to raise an eyebrow. There were a few other suits at those beaches which were more nominal than functional coverings. In each case, a mere sop to the legal requirement - with least possible obstruction to sunlight.
It was disappointing to discover that the Keys reputation of free spirit living was not extended to the acceptance of being at the beach without a suit to bother the experience. Still, on balance, it was a very enjoyable experience. We do plan to return.
Dum vivimus, vivamus! |
| jimvt |
Posted - 02/15/2009 : 06:12:55 AM
Unfortunately there are very few if any, good opportunities for naturism in the Keys. Olive and I have been going there for years to visit friends. Atlantic Shores was the best option for nude sunbathing, we miss it and who could forget the fabulous "Tea dances" on Sun nites! As for the beaches, in key west we prefer Fort Zack and have learned to wear g-strings or thongs. It seems absurd that wearing this tiny piece of fabric makes it legal, but that's the way it goes. topless is not legal but is tolerated if done discreetly. The beach at Bahia Honda is gorgeous but technically even thongs are illegal there. Olive and I have both worn them on the north end of the beach but we have heard of others having been warned by the Environmental police. If you want a relaxed, naked vacation, you probably should look somewhere other than the Keys. Olive and I love it there and are willing to compromise when we visit. peace Jimvt
Jimvt |
| old hippie |
Posted - 01/12/2009 : 11:09:44 AM
....Just back from a week in Florida, including a few days in Key West. The B&B where we stayed was described on another forum as having c/o pool, but this was not the case when we arrived. Only a slight disappointment, as the weather was not too warm anyhow.
You might want to try The Pilot House ( http://www.pilothousekeywest.com/index.html ) which lists on their own website that the pool and hot tub are c/o. I plan to try them on the next trip. But the best plan, for sure, is to call the inn before you go and verify their policy.
..We still had a great time in Key West; a very quirky place and worthy of a return trip.
Dum vivimus, vivamus! |
| dave00 |
Posted - 12/30/2008 : 6:36:43 PM
While I don't know anything about the place, having never visited there, Marrero's Guest Mansion (http://www.marreros.com/) in Key West claims to have a clothing optional pool area.
quote:
Originally posted by JackWebbster
Thank you all for your suggestions, bobski96 & OldBaldGuy.
We will try that Garden of Eden, again, on our next visit.
We still miss Atlantic Shores & Deja Vu. Wish someone would pick up the slack somewhere in south Florida from the Miami area on down to the Keys.
Fantasy Fest is a long way off from this time of the year.
Any other ideas?
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| JackWebbster |
Posted - 12/30/2008 : 10:52:32 AM
Thank you all for your suggestions, bobski96 & OldBaldGuy.
We will try that Garden of Eden, again, on our next visit.
We still miss Atlantic Shores & Deja Vu. Wish someone would pick up the slack somewhere in south Florida from the Miami area on down to the Keys.
Fantasy Fest is a long way off from this time of the year.
Any other ideas?
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| OldBaldGuy |
Posted - 12/14/2008 : 7:04:48 PM
just go to fantasy fest in oct. lots of nude/body paint there then...
OBG |
| bobski96 |
Posted - 12/14/2008 : 10:34:10 AM
If you go to Key West and want to go nude go to the Garden of Eden bar on duval street. The last time I was there it was packed with a mix of male and females. Not all nude but the majorty of the people were. Have a great time if you go.
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| JackWebbster |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 12:59:31 PM
Atlantic Shores in Key West is now closed. Another hotel is in its place. No hotel has taken its place as clothing optional, unfortunately.
If anyone ever hears of another clothing optional place opening in the Keys, then please let us All know.
An update for you on 12/08.
Jack Webbster
North Tampa Bay area, Florida
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| JackWebbster |
Posted - 03/21/2006 : 6:43:39 PM
Atlantic Shores told me they will Remain open for the rest of this year (2006).
Has anyone been there, recently?
Jack Webbster |
