Until you have visited
this island, the end of the fabled Florida Keys, 90 miles
due north of Cuba and a tropical paradise still within the
continental United States, you haven’t experienced the
combination of Mardi Gras and Caribbean living that adds up
to Key West. Historic Duval Street, a quick 10 minute ride from your
vacation home, brings you the mystique of Ernest Hemmingway
and Tennessee Williams, the Harry Truman Little White House,
restaurants ranging from the elegance and superb cuisine of
Bagatelle and Mangoes to the wild Hogs Breath Saloon, Fat
Tuesdays, Sloppy Joe’s and Hard Rock Café.
No sunset is complete
without visiting Mallory Square with its mimes and jugglers,
artists and jewelers. Join
the camera throng or simply watch the constantly changing
hues of the sun dipping into the Gulf of Mexico while
sipping tropical pina coladas or local brews.
Music is the sound of
Key West, from rock to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, from
the soft to the karaoke of choice, every half block
strolling down Duval Street bringing another band’s
outpouring to your ears.
And if people watching is your thing, there is no
better place than sitting at an open-air sidewalk table
eating the delicious foods of the island and enjoying the
passing scene of funky frivolous fun that is Key West.
And of course, you’re
in the tropics and that means there are beaches to explore,
snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing available as well as
sea going tours on old schooners, jet skiing and
parasailing, and land tours on trolleys through the historic
sections of Key West. Wander
the waterfront of the old town, the aquarium, the Harry
Truman White House, the Lighthouse and other museums.
A full day’s outing will take you to the wonderful
island of Dry Tortugas with its Civil War era fort and
unspoiled snorkeling. Stop
for a drink at any of the quiet or not so quiet restaurants
and watering holes. Savor
and take in Key West.
