Free overnight near the keys

[DHDW_2dogs]

We are going to Key West in October and need a place to overnight on the 31st. We usually stay in Flying J's but there are none close to the Keys.

Is the Walmart in Homestead safe? or is there a better option? What about the rest areas on the Turnpike, can one stay overnight in them? are they safe?

[Luke_Porter]

My winter home is just a few miles down the road in Big Pine. I go over to Bahia Honda about every day to keep an eye on the beachs and go up on the old bridge.

[GoPackGo]

If you are driving down the Keys on a Friday or Saturday, you might want to add some additional time.

[DHDW_2dogs]

So, what do you think you are going to do?

I'll stay at the Flying J in Fort Pierce and drive to Sunshine Key resort the next day. Seems to be about a 5 hour drive.

[Luke_Porter]

So, what do you think you are going to do?

[DHDW_2dogs]

If you can afford to go stay at the keys, why do you need a free spot? I don't feel that I can afford a place like the keys but I always pay for a camp site no matter where we go. The exception to that is if I can't find any place open in winter, in that case, we did stay at a flying J twice 10 years ago because no place else was open.

I'm going to the Keys because I found a special promotion for $400.00 for the month, otherwise I could not afford the keys. I do not stay at campgrounds when we travel because they are usually far from the interstate, tight sites that are difficult to get into and too expensive for simply pulling in at the end of the day and leaving by 7:00 am the next morning. I much rather stay at a Flying J

[olfarmer]

If you can afford to go stay at the keys, why do you need a free spot? I don't feel that I can afford a place like the keys but I always pay for a camp site no matter where we go. The exception to that is if I can't find any place open in winter, in that case, we did stay at a flying J twice 10 years ago because no place else was open.

[JohnDoe]

Your right about Wal Mart in Florida city being a zoo, and I believe your right about no over night parking there< and I know I would never feel safe there,I have wintered 19 years in Miami at Larry Penny Campground. was in that Wal mart when a Guy shot a Cashier a few years ago, that got the attention of ever one to hear shots being fired in Wal Mart felt like I was back in Vietnam

[GoPackGo]

Here's why - Publix is rated one of FORTUNE'S Top 100 companies to work for.

"LAKELAND, Fla., Jan. 16, 2014—For the 17th consecutive year, Publix has been honored as one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Publix was ranked No. 75 on this year’s list — up from No. 77 last year — and was one of only 13 companies to have made the list every year since its inception in 1998."



Tim.

[Dog_Folks]

GoPackGo wrote:
Of course you are right about W-Mart being cheaper then Publix. Always have been. But Publix is flourishing in Florida for a reason.

It's more then just comparing the price of a can of peas. Lots better selection and a real good deli. And they make the best store bought key lime pies in the state of Florida IMHO.

Also, there will usually be a clerk around if you need to ask a question.

I would have to be in the right frame of mind (strongly medicated !) to shop the Walmart in Homestead but I actually enjoy going into a Publix.

Like most things, you get what you pay for.

Also never talked with a Publix employee off duty, that was unhappy. Every one of them loved working there. Publix must treat their people properly. Happy staff excel.

[GoPackGo]

Of course you are right about W-Mart being cheaper then Publix. Always have been. But Publix is flourishing in Florida for a reason.

It's more then just comparing the price of a can of peas. Lots better selection and a real good deli and bakery (they make great birthday cakes). And they make the best store bought key lime pies in the state of Florida IMHO.

Also, there will usually be a clerk around if you need to ask a question.

I would have to be in the right frame of mind (strongly medicated !) to shop the Walmart in Homestead but I actually enjoy going into a Publix.

Like most things, you get what you pay for.

[dcason]

You will find Walmart on the mainland much cheaper than publix IMHO. Walmarts are conveniently located just off route 95...hit one before you stay at Casino. OR if you really want to save some money find and Aldi's (not a one stop shop for sure). However, if you are staying in Key West probably price doesn't matter and just do Publix.

Our Allstays Camp & RV ap for our Ipad does a great job in locating Walmarts, flying J's etc.

[GoPackGo]

X2 regarding using Publix. You go right by one in Marathon.

My favorite place to eat in the Keys - Keys Fisheries in Marathon.

The words 'Free' and 'The Keys' should not be used in the same sentence.

[Luke_Porter]

It's 2 hours from Homestead to Sunshine.

And it's easier to grocery shop in the Keys at Publix and Winn Dixie. The prices aren't any higher than 'mainland". The Florida City WalMart is complete zoo, I avoid that. The stress level drops at lot just south of there.

[dcason]

Walmart in Homestead no longer allows overnight parking and even with security guards it was kind of dicey. We only stayed once.

We do, however, stay regularly at the Miccosukkee Casino (at the corner of 41 and 997. We always take the slow route down and avoid 95/Miami area as it is just too busy for our liking...cutting inland at Hobe Sound (76, 98, 27, 997). Just our preference.

We also check gas prices along the way with gasbuddy. Last year we found that gas pricing in the upper keys (at one station) was cheaper than along 997 (which was not typical).

Enjoy your trip.
Flying J's can be quite noisy so we have yet to stay at one of them. Rest areas along 95 would be our choice...many walmarts along that route are saying no to overnights (argh).

enjoy your trip